A Letter
Re: Autumn in Orange County, North Carolina
Dear Autumn,
We miss you. We miss the cool breezes, the sun so soft on our skin, and the watercolor extravaganza that is a tree. As the temps dip and the days get shorter, what was once a carpet of the deepest green becomes a backdrop to every other color there is. Reds, oranges, yellows, hints of lavender, of azure. Autumn is a gift to our eyes. We miss that and so look forward to it returning.
Oaks, sugar maples, the hickory, there is no shortage of trees in Orange County. Dogwoods, their leaves so delicate, transitioning from green to a vivid red; sweetgum trees and their star-shaped leaves as colorful as any artist’s palette. And the poplars, its leaves so yellow you’d think it invented the color.
Oh, autumn. We love our summers, we do. But when we pull out that Tar Heel sweatshirt for the first time since February, we feel warm the way a hug makes us feel warm. Games are afoot. Students are settling in. Stars are brighter here, the sun friendlier, and the sky matches our outfits.
And look at all there is to do outdoors:
Walk, hike, ride. Orange County has trails for feet or wheels, fast or slow. Carolina North Forest for one. Here are some others. Eno River State Park guarantees a wonderful escape into nature. We love all of Eno River State Park’s trails, but our favorite trails include Buckquarter Creek, Cole Mill, and Cox Mountain. The latter features a cable suspension bridge that crosses the Eno.
Taste the Local Harvest. There are three farmers markets: Carrboro Farmers' Market, Chapel Hill Farmers' Market and Eno River (Hillsborough) Farmers' Market. It's a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning.
Riverwalk Hillsborough. If you are looking for an easy walk you will enjoy this 3.1-mile loop along the Eno River. It offers wide paved paths, boardwalks, and bridges (with a few natural trails) and is open from 8:00 am until a half hour after sunset. It's also part of the North Carolina Mountain-to-Sea Trail. Easy and free parking near Weaver's Market. Trails are well marked and well-maintained.
Festifall. Chapel Hill’s beloved arts festival returns with two events this October. Each market will take place at 140 West Franklin Street and will feature a distinct theme and eclectic mix of experiences. Saturday, October 26 is Carolina Day & November 2 is Dia del los Muertos Both events are from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Carolina Inn, at 211 Pittsboro Street, on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, hosts Fridays on the Front Porch, a free outdoor concert series, every Friday through October 25, 2024, from 5 pm - 8 pm. It’s free to attend. Food trucks will be on site.
Hog Day, Hillsborough, September 13-14. Hog Day has been a community and family tradition for over 40 years. The free festival has been running since 1983 and raises funds for youth programs and services throughout the county.
Moorefields' Bluegrass. The outdoor Bluegrass Festival at Historic Moorefields is Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Beer and wine and service from several food trucks. Bring your chairs and blankets. Slippery Hill, GrassStreet, Nixon Blevins and Gage, Vintage Blue and The Carolina Kritters are among those who will be picking and grinning.
8th Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out: September 27 - October 4, 2024, Exhibition Dates: October 4 - November 30, 2024. The 8th Annual Paint It Orange Plein Air Paint-Out and Wet Paint Sale will take place September 27 - October 4, 2024. Over 70 artists from around the southeast will visit Orange County to paint the sites and scenery of the communities of Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Carrboro, and rural Orange County. The Wet Paint Sale will open Friday, October 4, during First Fridays at the Mill and will feature over 150 original works of fine art, at affordable prices, just in time for the holidays! Join us from 6-9pm at the Eno Arts Mill and enjoy live music with Jesse Fox, food trucks, free kids’ activities, and more!
Carrboro Music Festival. On Sunday, September 29, downtown Carrboro will be rocking and rolling. Heaven for music lovers, there is something for everyone, and it’s free of charge.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes. Visit nearby farms like McKee Cornfield Maze, Union Grove Farms or New Hope Valley Farm for some traditional fall fun. Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking, and navigating through corn mazes.
Botanist & Barrel. Sunday, November 3, 1:00 pm. Pumpkin Smashing Party with a live band, The Drowning Lovers. Botanist & Barrel is the South’s only natural cidery. Ciders are crafted with local, sustainable, and organic fruits, including blueberries, traditional Southern heirloom cider apples, and more, from their organic estate farm.
We will see you soon, Autumn. And believe us: we can’t wait.
(Top image courtesy UNC-Chapel Hill)
