Kathryn & Max

October 17, 2026 • Newland, NC

182 Days To Go!

Kathryn & Max

October 17, 2026 • Newland, NC

182 Days To Go!

Things to Do

We have both fallen in love in and with these mountains and are excited for you to get to experience a place so near and dear to our hearts! From gorgeous hikes and scenic viewpoints to apple picking, pumpkin patching, wine tasting and everything in between, Western North Carolina has something to offer for everyone! Please reach out to us if you would like specific hiking or activity recommendations beyond what can be found on this page! We have many favorite spots we would love to share with you!

Grandfather Mountain State Park

9872 Highway 105 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA

(828) 963-9522

Grandfather Mountain has amazing trails for hikers of all ages and abilities, an iconic swinging bridge, wildlife park, the Forest Gump curve, restaurant, and guided educational opportunities. Please note that a reservation is required in advance to enter and tickets book up quickly during peak foliage season. The State Park is 15 minutes from our wedding venue.

Website

Linville Falls - Trail and Waterfall

Newland, NC 28657, USA

One of our favorite hikes about 20-25 minutes from our venue, just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 2+ miles and there is a lovely Visitor Center with facilities.

Website

Harvest Farm LLC

3287 NC-194, Valle Crucis, NC 28691, USA

Dare to conquer a corn maze, pick your own pumpkin (or Rangers favorite, a warty gourd) or flowers, or just want to enjoy endless fall treats? Harvest Farm is a charming locally owned farm that embodies the spirit of Fall in the mountains! If you would like a guide in your corn maze exploration, reach out and see if Ranger is available to show you the ropes! Harvest Farm is 35 minutes from our venue.

Website

The Orchard at Altapass

1025 Orchard Road, Blue Rdg Pkwy mm 328.3, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, USA

(828) 765-9531

Apple picking, hayrides, live music, and delicious homemade treats oh my! Come visit our favorite Orchard and stay awhile to enjoy swing dancing with the locals! The Orchard at Altapass is about 45 minutes from our venue, so buckle up and enjoy the scenic drive!

Website

Beacon Heights Overlook Trail

Beacon Heights Trail, Linville, NC 28646, USA

Beacon heights is by far the BEST sunrise or sunset hike in the area, just about 10 minutes from the venue! Pack a headlamp or flashlight and enjoy the quick 0.3 mile ascent to the overlook! Sit back, relax, and watch as the sun peeks over the mountains. It is an experience you wont want to miss!
Fun fact: this was Rangers first hike at 5 months old!

Rough Ridge Lookout - Grandfather Mountain, NC.

3218 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Linville, NC 28646, USA

Rough Ridge is one of our favorite scenic hikes near the venue! There are both 1.2 and 3.7 mile options so you can choose your adventure. We recommend using the AllTrails app for updated trail information.

The Tin Trout

176 Maple St, Newland, NC 28657, USA

(828) 742-1314

Enjoy dinner in an eclectic and charming creek-side mountain restaurant with a beautiful fully enclosed porch perfect for a crisp fall evening! Sample southern classics like fried okra and fried green tomatoes and indulge in delicious trout sourced locally from the surrounding mountains that is both Max and Kathryn approved! Plus, their extensive dessert menu is not to be missed- order a few for the table to sample, you won't regret it!

Linville Falls Winery

9557 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657, USA

(828) 765-1400

Enjoy the beautiful mountain and vineyard views while you sip wine and enjoy live music. No reservations are necessary unless you plan to go with a large group and hours are 12-5pm daily. Linville Falls Winery is 20 minutes from our venue.

Website

Woolly Worm Festival

185 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Join North Carolina Locals for the 49th Annual Woolly Worm Festival featuring woolly worm races, craft and food vendors, and live entertainment. Admission for adults is $10, children 6-12 is $5 and children 5 and under are free.

Website

Elk Mountain Riding Company

161 Johnson Rd, Newland, NC 28657, USA

Enjoy the fall foliage on horseback during a guided trail ride through the blue ridge mountains. Please note that reservations are required, and children must be at least 8 years old to participate in the trail riding. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary.

Website