October at Barkwells is everything. The leaves are turning, the air smells like wood smoke and fallen apples, and somewhere out there a dog is wearing a costume they did not agree to but is somehow pulling off brilliantly. This is the month where the mountains go from beautiful to absolutely breathtaking, and we never quite get used to it no matter how many Octobers we've watched unfold from these hills.
It's also one of the busiest and most festive months of the year in the region — from Barktoberfest in Asheville to the glowing pumpkin trails in Brevard to Halloweenfest in downtown Transylvania County — and we have a little news of our own to share that has us feeling pretty celebratory, too. Keep reading. 🐾
We are so proud to share that Barkwells has been named a 2026 Gold Winner in the Best of Asheville Awards in the Resort category!
The Best of Asheville contest celebrates the local businesses, restaurants, attractions, and services that the Asheville community loves most, and winning Gold means you, our guests, chose us. This one belongs to every person who has stayed with us, told a friend about us, cheered us on, and made Barkwells the place it is. We are deeply grateful, and we don't take it lightly.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and from the bottoms of all four paws! 🐾
Barkwells Brevard Now Open for November!
The Brevard cottages are open for bookings in November and all the way into next year. If you've been waiting and watching those dates, now is your moment! But that's not even the best part.
We are excited to announce that the Brevard property officially has new owners—and they are keeping the cottages right in the Barkwells family. Julia and Robby will be taking over the property, and we are so happy to welcome them into the fold. We are still settling into this new chapter, and we appreciate your patience and grace as we do—but we're incredibly hopeful to see what's ahead. Welcome to the family, Julia and Robby. We're so glad you're here.
Before we look forward, though, we want to take a moment to look back because none of this exists without Michael and Ellen. Their drive, their vision, and their deep belief in what Barkwells could be are the entire reason we all have this place to love. The meadows, the cabins and cottages, the community, the standards we hold ourselves to every single day, are just a few parts of their legacy, and it's one we are committed to honoring and carrying forward. We will miss having them directly involved in Barkwells, but we wish them every happiness in the new chapter ahead.
Thank you, Michael and Ellen, from the bottom of our hearts. 🐾
Raise a stein at Asheville Oktoberfest—a free, public celebration of local beer, live music, and Bavarian-inspired games and food on the South Slope, October 3rd from 1–5pm
Celebrate WNC's agricultural heritage with a petting zoo, wagon rides, craft demos, live music, and local food vendors at the free Farm City Day at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, October 3rd from 10am–4pm
Bring the pups to Barktoberfest — Asheville Parks & Recreation's beloved dog Halloween costume event in Asheville, October 4th
Enjoy glowing carved pumpkins, live music, food trucks, face painting, and a white squirrel scavenger hunt during Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park in Brevard, every Friday & Saturday through October 30th from 6–9pm
Catch live music at sunset with stunning mountain views at Rockin' on the Rock at Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park, October 9th at 5pm
Experience one of the Southeast's most celebrated juried craft events: 100+ makers in wood, clay, fiber, glass, and more at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands — Fall Edition at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville, October 15th–18th
Close out the Rhythm & Brews summer concert series in style with Brennen Leigh and The Dudes at Rhythm & Brews on South Main Street in Hendersonville, October 15th from 5–9pm
Meet artists in their home studios throughout Beaverdam Valley—pottery, textiles, sculpture, photography, and more—on the self-guided Beaverdam Studio Tour in North Asheville, October 24th–25th
Bring the kids (and the dogs) to Halloweenfest in downtown Brevard—Transylvania County's favorite Halloween tradition with costume competitions, bounce houses, trick-or-treating, and a Spooky Stroll through downtown shops, October 24th
End October with Hendersonville's beloved Treat Street Carnival on Historic Main Street—a safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration with games, costumes, and trick-or-treating, October 31st
Losing a dog at home is stressful enough — losing one in an unfamiliar place is a different kind of panic entirely. Our latest blog covers exactly what to do if the unthinkable happens while you're away from home, from the critical first steps in that initial hour to the online tools and local resources that give you the best chance of a quick reunion. We also cover what to do before you ever leave home — because a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to keeping your dog safe on the road.
Whether it's making sure your microchip information is current, knowing how to search without accidentally chasing your dog further away, or understanding why a GPS collar might be worth considering for dogs with a history of bolting — it's the kind of read that hopefully you'll never need, but will be glad you had.
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.
