Five Things We Love About Fall in Mooresville

In our office, everyone gets excited when fall is in the air. There is something about the crisper air and the promise of cooler days to come that motivates us to get out and enjoy the great activities and events that Mooresville has to offer. Here, we’ve picked five of our favorite things that we love about fall. Let us know if you agree, and as always, tag us in your photos when you are out and about experiencing the fall season!

1. Fall Festivals

Nothing says put on your plaid and grab a craft beer like a fall festival! And luckily, we have a few to choose from around Mooresville. The Carolina BalloonFest is one of the most popular and anticipated events in our area. The second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country, Carolina BalloonFest features more than 50 balloons, live music acts, an artisan marketplace, food, craft beer and wine vendors, as well as special events and entertainment. The 3-day festival attracts upwards of 40,000 attendees every year. This year’s festival is October 18, 19 & 20. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event, and children under 12 are admitted for free.

One of our favorite fall traditions here is the Mooresville Weiner Race, where weiner dogs (also known as Dachshunds) race it out for the title of champion. Entries compete in different divisions, which include “Cutest” and “Best Dressed.”  The free October 12 event is a great photo opportunity, fun for the entire family, and helps raise awareness and funds for local animal rescue groups.

If you’re in to art and wine, or just something really fun to do on a Friday night, head to downtown Mooresville on October 4th for Uncorked & Artsy. Stroll down Main and Broad Streets for wine and beer tastings while taking in the artwork of local and regional artists. Live music and light appetizers are part of the entry fee, as well as a souvenir Downtown Uncorked & Artsy glass. Tickets are available online here. 

Our two animals parks, Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic, also hold Fall Festivals. The cooler weather is perfect for interacting with the animals, and special fall activities keep the kiddos (and you!) entertained. Zootastic holds its festival on October 26 & 27, while the Fall Festival at Lazy 5 Ranch runs October 5 – 27.

2. Pumpkin Patch Picking

It wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins, and luckily we have some fun places for you to pick that perfect gourd. Carrigan Farms pumpkin season runs through the month of October, and is a true pumpkin patch where you can wander around the field in search of the perfect pumpkin. They also offer hayrides to and from the fields.

The Triple Diamond Farms Pumpkin Patch runs every Saturday and Sunday in October. In addition to bringing home a pumpkin, you can enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, games, pony rides and more. Josh’s Farmers Market has pumpkins galore, as well as a huge selection of mums and other seasonal decor. While you’re there, pick up some of the freshest produce around!

There are also a few seasonal vendors that set up around Mooresville offering pumpkins and fall plants and decor. Keep an eye out for them while you’re out and about.

3. Outdoor Eats & Drinks

While summer patio dining certainly has its advantages, to us it’s even better in the fall, when you don’t have to time your meal to avoid the heat of the day. Most days in the fall you can hit the decks any time of the day or night and be comfortable. We have some great outdoor dining experiences in Mooresville, including some that are waterfront for awesome lake views.

Prickly Pear and Eddies on Lake Norman share the same parking lot and the same peaceful view of Lake Norman. Prickly Pear serves upscale modern Mexican cuisine and tasty variations on the margarita, while Eddies specializes in casual seafood, Italian and American classics. The lakeside deck bar at Eddies is popular with locals and visitors alike, and you can even arrive by boat or other watercraft, as they have a sandy beach where you can dock your boat.

The Blue Parrot Grill is quite the bustling scene on summer weekends, and while they are seasonal and close in the colder months, the warm days of fall are perfect for drinks and lunch or dinner on their waterfront deck. Bartenders serve up cold drinks from the tiki bar, and the giant beach chair is a popular spot for taking photos. They also welcome dogs on the patio!

For true outdoor dining, grab a meal from a food truck at one of our local breweries. King Canary Brewing has a large and welcoming patio area with umbrellas and picnic tables. They usually have a food truck parked on site, or you can grab light snacks at the bar while you sip your craft beer, cider, or wine. Beer Lab has an outdoor patio with picnic tables for enjoying their experimental beers, which change weekly and sometimes daily. They do not serve food, but you can grab some awesome barbeque from Smokey J’s, located next door. Ghostface Brewing is popular with the lunch and dinner crowd as they partner with Davidson Pizza Company, located in the same space, to serve specialty pizzas and the most amazing wings. Dogs are welcome on the patios at all of the breweries!

4. Water Sports

While you wouldn’t traditionally think of water sports as activities to enjoy in the fall, thanks to our mild climate, we can have warm days all through the fall, often up until Thanksgiving! It’s a great time to enjoy Lake Norman, as there are fewer boats on the water and the days are warm but not too hot. One of our favorite lake activities is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). You can be as active as you want, with a fast paced paddle or yoga workout, or simply hang out on the board and soak up some rays. If you want to cruise a larger area of the lake, you may want to rent a boat or jet ski.

Check out our list of places to rent boats, jet skis, SUPs and more.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you may want to try wakeboarding or wakesurfing. For the best experience, go with a lesson from one of the experienced coaches on Lake Norman. You’ll not only get expert instruction, you’ll also have access to the nicest boards, gear, and boats. STP Wake and Ride LKN will have you up and behind the boat in no time!

5. Hiking or Biking at LKN State Park

While everyone loves summer, I think most people find the break in the heat refreshing on fall days. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some recreation, like hiking or biking at Lake Norman State Park. One of the most visited attractions in our area, the park offers a wide range of activities for all members of the family. Take advantage of scenic hiking trails, from easy out and back trails along the waterfront to more moderate terrain on longer loops. If you are a biker, the mountain bike trails at LKNSP offer more than 30 miles of adventures!