North Carolina is possibly the best place to call home, at least in my opinion. Where I'm located, it is just a 45-minute drive to the mountains and to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. But its also only a couple hours to the coast, which is pretty fantastic. This time of year, it's hard to ignore the beauty that is NC. So without further adieu, here are (in my opinion) the Ten Greatest Parts of Fall in NC.

1. The Temperature!

In North Carolina, the weather is a toss up. Typically, you never need more than a light jacket. And you can leave your windows open almost permanently. It's wonderful! There's no need for A/C, but there's also no need for heat. Being in the south, our autumn leaves could fall anywhere from Sepember to November. But it is without a doubt, it is so cool to be able to wear a light tee while watching the leaves change.

2. Leaves changing!

Speaking of leaves changing colors... HELLO! Have you ever seen such beautiful leaves than in NC?? If you haven't, you should. Driving down the Parkway, headed to the Old Mill, and the trees almost look like they are on fire. It's probably the most beautiful sight!

3. Going to the Old Mill!

It sounds really dumb, but as a kid (or an easily excitable 20-something), it is tradition to go to the Mill in the fall. We would always go with my grandparents to a day trip, or the weekend, and get fresh apples from the general store. It is so pretty, the weather is always 10 degrees cooler, the air is always fresh, and the people are the sweetest you've ever met!

4. Bonfires!

In the south, bonfires are parties. They are an every weekend, and sometimes a weekday, occurrence. With that being said, the bigger the better. Sure, you can have a small bonfire in cinder block pit, but if you're burning a whole brush pile, that's the kind of bonfire that will draw in a crowd!

You invite almost everyone you know to the bonfire, and you truthfully have no idea how many will show up. Nine times out of ten, there will be at least one firefighter there. That firefighter, however, will be the one who pours gasoline all over it.

5. Stews!

This one is relatively new to me, but it is one of the greatest parts of fall. There is typically a weekend that a family will pick, and every year on that weekend, they will sit out in the yard with a HUGE stew pot over a fire. The entire family will show up at some point, sometimes bringing other food, but definitely bringing containers to take stew home.

It is possibly the best stew you have EVER had too. Some families will make an all-day event of it, some cook all day and have family over in the evening to eat and get their take homes. The stew I go to is an all day fun day, including hay rides, football games between cousins, and all the food you could imagine.

6. Haunted Houses!

Though there are haunted houses everywhere, NC has some of the very best! We have the Kersey Valley Spooky Woods, the Woods of Terror on Church Street, the Hollywood Horror Show at Snow Camp, and Carowinds Amusement Part transforms into Scarowinds. If haunted houses are your kind of Saturday night fun, NC is your place to be!

7. Fall Festivals!

If haunted houses aren't your favorite pass time, or if you have small children, we have tons of fall festivals! Almost every church, school, or even downtown communities, will host a fall festival before the season is up!

Honestly, there is always at least one fall festival in your area every weekend! They also come complete with carnival rides, games, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoos, costume contests, pumpkin carving contests, bake sales, and more! It sounds crazy, but it is just like those Hallmark movies.

8. Pumpkin Spice Everything!

Yes, I know, this one is not state specific. But its still probably the best part of fall... Mainly because I'm basic. Pumpkin spice lattes, candles, pies, ice cream, cheesecakes, car fresheners. EVERYTHING can be pumpkin spice! Indulging in that warm, sweet, pumpkin-goodness is good for the soul!