The seasons start to shift when September rolls in. The mornings arrive cooler and quieter, the light turns golden in a way that makes everything look like a painting, and the mountains—already beautiful—start hinting at what's coming next. It's not quite fall yet, but there's something in the air that makes you want to sit on the porch with a sweater and a warm cup of coffee and just take it all in.
Meanwhile, Henderson County is doing what it does best: celebrating the apple harvest in spectacular fashion. The NC Apple Festival has been a Labor Day Weekend tradition in downtown Hendersonville for 80 years, and it is exactly as wonderful as it sounds. Add in the Mountain State Fair, the Brevard Plein Air Festival, and the slow transition towards fall colors, and you've got a month to write home about.
See Shakespeare under the stars for the final weekend of Romeo & Juliet, performed by the beloved Montford Park Players, September 4th–26th (and always free!).
Ride the gondolas, sample WNC fair food, and more at the NC Mountain State Fair at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, September 11th–20th
Spend the weekend immersed in Southern Appalachian heritage with craft demos, mountain music, blacksmithing, broom-making, and so much more during Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center, September 19th–20th
Watch artists capture Brevard's stunning landscapes live, and maybe grab a souvenir to take home during the Brevard Plein Air Festival, September 14th–19th.
Watch hawks ride the thermals above the Blue Ridge and join guided birding hikes at Chimney Rock State Park's Flock to the Rock, the 18th annual raptor migration event, September 19th from 10am-3pm.
Raise a stein at Highland Brewing's Clawtoberfest, September 26th, 12-6pm!
Every season in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings something different. In our latest blog, we break down exactly what you and your dog can expect at Barkwells throughout the year.
Summer means cooler mountain temperatures and long days on the trails. Fall brings what many consider the most magical time of all, with one of the longest foliage seasons in the country stretching from late September through mid-November. Winter offers cozy cabin quiet and a side of the mountains most visitors never get to see. And spring? Wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and trails coming back to life.
Whether you're already thinking ahead to a fall foliage getaway or starting to plan for next year, this guide will help you figure out the perfect time for your crew to come up to the mountains. One thing we can promise, your dog is going to love it no matter when you arrive!
Don't Forget: Share Barkwells, Earn Rewards 🐾
Have a friend who needs a mountain getaway with their pup? When you refer a first-time guest to Barkwells and they mention your name at booking, you'll both receive a $50 gift credit to use in the Barkwells shop. No apps, no sign-ups — just share your name and we'll handle the rest. It's our small way of saying thank you for spreading the Barkwells love.
