The curated articles discuss fall road trip destinations across North Carolina, highlighting small towns, iconic movie locations and the impact of Hurricane Helene on tourism in Western NC.
These places share a focus on autumn experiences, spanning from leaf peeping in the mountains to visiting towns rebounding from natural disasters.
In one article, small towns like Blowing Rock offer unique community experiences and recovery stories post-Hurricane Helene.
Another piece marks Lake Lure’s timeline for reopening after damage, emphasizing resilience.
Meanwhile, a travel guide highlights logistical updates on road openings for travelers, including access to parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lastly, a feature celebrates Asheville’s comeback, with ‘Good Morning America’ airing to honor regional recovery efforts.
NO. 1: OMNI GROVE PARK INN SETS REOPENING DATE AFTER HELENE’S HIT ON WESTERN NC
Here’s what to know if you want to visit the 111-year-old inn in Asheville, reopening with a reimagined gingerbread house competition. | Published November 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 2: THESE ARE THE BEST SMALL TOWNS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA TO VISIT IN 2025
Looking for a weekend getaway? We asked for your favorite small cities and towns to visit in North Carolina and South Carolina. Here’s what you said. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler and Heidi Finley
NO. 3: 4 NC STATE PARKS NAMED AMONG BEST IN THE US FOR 2025 (2 MADE THE TOP 20)
Four North Carolina state parks have been ranked among America’s Best State Parks for Great-Value Stays, with two landing in the top 20. | Published September 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore
NO. 4: WHEN WILL LAKE LURE BE REFILLED? IT WAS LOWERED AFTER HURRICANE HELENE HIT NC.
To say Lake Lure has seen better summer days would be an understatement, a year after Hurricane Helene damaged the lake known for its “Dirty Dancing” fame. | Published September 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 5: ‘GOOD MORNING AMERICA’ IS LANDING IN ASHEVILLE TO HIGHLIGHT HELENE ANNIVERSARY
“Good Morning America” is returning to North Carolina this week for the second time in less than a month. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 6: THIS APPLE ORCHARD IN NORTH CAROLINA RANKS AMONG THE NATION’S BEST. HERE’S WHY
As autumn gets closer, one North Carolina destination has been named an ideal place for fall fun. | Published September 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Simone Jasper
NO. 7: WESTERN NC FALL TRAVEL GUIDE 2025: WHAT’S OPEN ONE YEAR AFTER HURRICANE HELENE?
One year after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, the resilience of Western North Carolina is as clear as the crisp mountain air. | Published September 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 8: PEAK LEAF SEASON IN NC: WHERE TO SEE THE BEST COLORS + WHICH WNC ROADS ARE OPEN
Peak leaf season is nearly here, which means a vibrant display of fall colors. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.