The weather was not kind to the festival Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. Winds and rain…read moreyesterday grounded balloons, and wind this morning kept balloons from flying high. Risk was too great to go up. But last night the balloonists fired up their rigs in a ring & it was a sight to see! They could control the rigs on the ground even though they couldn't control the weather. This morning volunteers dried tables and chairs that were soaked by Saturday night rains. Vendors and food trucks prepared for the public opening at noon. The portable bathrooms were cleaned and stocked for use today. The sun is shining, and if Mother Nature cooperates, balloons should rise at dusk. We could not stay for the entertainment, but at least four acts were scheduled Sunday afternoon. A static antique tractor display was by the food trucks. If you want to eat good food and are looking for something fun for the whole family to do on a Sunday afternoon, this is the place to be!

We went last year and it was amazing! So many different kinds and shapes of the balloons! They have…read moretethered rides or unteatherd rides with the latter being more expensive than the tethered one was $20 last year! I have walking problems and they have golf carts for older people and they came right to our truck and when we got ready to leave they brought us back to our vehicle! There was a wide array of different food trucks and vendors selling crafts and wares! We loved it and are planning on going back this year! The "Glow" is a beautiful sight to see at dusk!

We arrived at the 2024 Festival on Saturday around noon and there was plenty of parking lots and it…read moreseemed like they were prepared for the crowds. We stopped at HenDough (which was only a few minutes from the actual festival) to grab doughnuts before getting started. Since the Apple festival was the main reason for our trip to Hendersonville we were prepared to try all types of Apple products. There were farm stands selling fresh apples, Apple Cider and a few stands with Apple Slushies; BUT HONESTLY THIS COULD'VE JUST BEEN CALLED [The Hendersonville Festival]. On one end there was festival type foods (corndogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs) and a few carnival rides for kids age 7-12. Not really for toddlers. The other end is plenty of arts & crafts, t-shirts and other vendors to spend money on. The Apple product stands were far few in between: one stand selling fried apple pies/baked apple frittata but they only accepted cash. Overall, this was a good way to spend time as a family but I expected way more apples goodness.

2024 NC Apple Festival is awesome. New this year a petting zoo with zebra and lots of other…read moreanimals. Plenty of games and rides, as well as good food. Great for kids of all ages . https://youtu.be/CQh_fvq5RKs?si=COs1P85C-hmhwqct

we had been making our rounds through the area mountains staying in a nice holiday inn in a central…read morelocation and proximity to the mountain state fair so we decided to book hotel again and take a weekend fair trip it was pretty cool i bought some nice pottery pieces and enjoyed the vendors but the food prices were out of this world like one turkey leg and one corn on the cob was $26 like whattt but any way the fair rides looked pretty cool but we dont do rides so arts and crafts and animals was nice too so i may go back next year with grands will see

Overall, my experience was amazing. The food was overwhelming fried but absolutely delicious, and…read morethere were plenty of things to do other than just riding rides. I had first arrived with my younger brother and my older sister around when the fair had just opened. We first hit the caterpillar kiddy-coaster, and it was absolutely thrilling and ran much smoother than the model they had at the Youth Fair in Miami-Dade. We then went on this odd barn ride that would elevate and slowly swirl you around. We then waited in line to go on the absolute fair classic; the bumper cars. I was a bit dissapointed, as the steering wheels on several of the cars did not work. They would steer in random directions, and it was pretty difficult. Next me and my older sister went on the Cyclops ride. If you enjoy that type of ride, good for you! I do NOT, so I was pretty scared, but it eventually ended. After that we explored the little sponsor stands they had and it was pretty cool. The rest of the day was amazing, if you plan on going, I recommend going on the Surfer and Auto Bahn (if you have the stomach)!

Great festival in a pretty venue at the perfect time of year. Almost reminiscent of Mayberry NC…read more Good music, food, crafts and vendors a plenty. A great way to spend a day with family and friends. Try to go every year.

Pumpkintown, located in upcountry South Carolina just a hoot and a holler from Pickens, Table Rock…read moreState Park and Caesars Head State Park, is home to the world-famous (in South Carolina) Pumpkin Festival on the 2nd Saturday in October. The 2nd Saturday each October, the pumpkins are in the patch, and it is time to celebrate. Spend the day browsing the arts and craft booths, listening to music, and enjoying the day. Don't miss the parade. Bring a chair or blanket Plenty of port a potties, plus the Mennonites had bunches of tables of deserts! Wow! Also over 100 venders and some of the best bluegrass music ever. I encourage everyone to go the the upstate and enjoy! Parking is in a big field about a mile from the festival, and big wagons pulled by a tractor pick you up and drop you off at the festival. Thousands of folks were there. If you have never experienced the hills of the upcountry this should be the first festival on your fall list.

THE TOCCOA HARVEST FESTIVAL!…read more The Toccoa Harvest Festival takes place in downtown Toccoa in Stephens County during the last week of October. It is now in its 40th year. We decided to visit for the first time this year. We headed out before dawn and as the sun came up, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and change of colors. As per usual, we had planned to get there at least an hour before the start of the actual event which was scheduled to start at 10 am. We actually arrived around 8:30 am and was surprised to see several vendors already set up as well as volunteers providing directions. These small town people don't play! After eating breakfast we set out to view the vendors' wares and to see what was "poppin". My first stop was at the classic car show where I met Kent and his classic blue Chevy truck, (see the photo). `I absolutely love classic vehicles, (especially trucks), so I always have to get the "back story". This truck was purchased approximately four years ago when it was seen on someone's property. Kent had asked about the truck but the man had said that his son was planning on purchasing it. Approximately one month later, Kent saw the truck and stopped by again. At that time he was told that someone else was interested in the car and had stopped by earlier in the day. Kent offered the man cash on the spot and sealed the deal. He then spent the next four years stripping the truck and rebuilding it. All of the work was done in his garage or yard, including the paint. I was blown away to know that he had completed all of the work, (except the welding) himself. He did a phenomenal job because he showed me his book that documented the process. Collectors always have a book to document their restoration process so just ask if you are curious. I really enjoyed talking to this guy! We met another guy who had this sick 1935 International "flower wagon" that was once used to transport flowers to funerals. It too had been totally stripped and restored with a beautiful red interior and custom additions. Incredible! I could have spent hours here but I needed to explore more. There were a variety of vendors selling a variety of items such as candles, holiday décor, homemade soaps, jewelry, toys, hair accessories, art leather goods and more. I ran into my favorite jewelry vendor who I tend to purchase sets from exclusively. She didn't have anything that I don't already own so I ordered a custom piece that I will pick up at the next festival, because we just tend to run in the same circles. I must confess that I am getting a great deal because I am a repeat customer and she wants a pound cake! She is one of the few vendors who actually uses sterling silver and genuine stones while the others will just tell you that those materials are too expensive. I also like her because she does the larger adjustable statements pieces with matching earrings. Enough about my favorites! They had a Christian choir singing in the square, an activity area for children, full service restrooms that didn't include a porta-potty, great food options including Lobster, Mongolian Beef and Thai, carriage rides, baked goods, and probably some things that I just did not get to see. It was a beautiful day for the festival and it all started with a beautiful drive up from Alpharetta and ended with a visit to see the falls. When you visit the festivals, take time to see the landmarks visit the local vendors and spend time in the community. Your visit is always appreciated! By the way, if you like the frequent sound of trains running through a small town, Toccoa is your kind of town!

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE FESTIVAL…read more This is a small annual festival that takes place on Labor Day weekend in Blairsville, GA. Blairsville is approximately 1.5 hours from Alpharetta on Highway 400/19. The artisans and vendors out today were selling jewelry, colorful gourds, wind chimes, clothing, jams/jellies, beautiful handcrafted wood items and more. There were many items that are perfect for enhancing your fall and Christmas decor and for giving as holiday gifts. The most popular items today were foods in jars. Although I am familiar with certain fruits and vegetables being prepared and stored, I was surprised to see, greens, zucchini, beans and other unusual items pickled and packed in jars. This must be a mountain tradition because I have not seen it in other places although I attend various festivals and was raised in the south. For me, the highlight of the festival was seeming the historical Mock house which was built in 1906 and restored in 2006 and the John Payne cabin built in 1861. The John Payne house was actually moved from it's original location and actually placed next to the Mock house. The Mock house was a small two bedroom home decorated in the style of the day with all antique furnishings and appliances. There was a quilting demonstration going on in one of the bedrooms. It is interesting how small the bedrooms were and I think the largest bed they had is what is known today as a "full size" bed but would only be appropriate for one person. Also, I love that the only fabric used at this time was just natural cotton which was used for EVERYTHING! That old GE refrigerator actually worked and had food in it! Wow! The rear of the home had a nice porch and an old well right next to it. The well was covered and no longer in use. The Payne cabin is located just a few feet from the Mock house and is the home of one of the area's prominent citizens. John Payne and his wife raised seven children in this one room cabin that also included a loft. I quickly realized just how blessed I am to live in this time, under current circumstances. Ms. Wanda was on hand churning butter from raw milk, it took her two hours and she mentioned that she had not done so in 60 years. She explained the process of extracting the butter from the milk and preparing it to be used at the dinner table. One of the other tour guides, provided a history of the home and its occupants and was actually making Brunswick stew in the fireplace using a cast iron pot. She was also planning to make cornbread as well but we did not get to see this part of the demo. This was such a great experience and a really important lesson for teaching children appreciation and what hard work really entails. DO NOT EXPECT IT TO BE COOL UP THERE AS IT WAS HOTTER THAN THE SUN AND THERE WAS NO DETECTABLE BREEZE! SURPRISE!

This festival was a blast! If you love Bluegrass you must…read moreattend this next year. The festival runs from a Friday to sunday. Friday evening you check in at the main stage tent. For 5.00 you get a bidding paddle for live and silent auction. All the food you can eat, this year provided by Bourbon Street. Shimp, cornbread, deserts. Fab! All the wine you can drink. Yes you read that correctly! Plus you can purchase your Bear on the square tshirt! Bid on wonderful items! Listen to live music. I got to meet Ugly Cousin! Definitely go to the festival on Sunday. This is when the gospel music is until around 1pm Then, this year headlining the event was Becky Buller. Amazing song writer, singer and fiddle player. I got to meet her also and she signed all my stuff! Food, food, and more food. Everything you want. I got a gyro. It was awesome. A bit pricy but it's a festival. Basically if you enjoy Bluegrass go to this festival. You will get to meet some amazing artist that are very willing to speak with you and appreciate that you are a fan. Definitely going back next year.

WHERE IS THAT BEAR?…read more This is the twentieth year for the "Bear on the Square" Festival and I thought that it would be interesting because of the emphasis on Appalachian music and culture. We love all genres of music and enjoy being able to hear something different and speak with the various artists. Storytelling, workshops and demonstrations were also featured. This festival is a huge favorite of the locals and the highlight on a Sunday morning is the gospel jam which is held in a tent overflowing with attendees. This jam should have been held in the local park because of its size and the interest that it generates. During the Gold Rush Festival, the Sunday service is held in the park and it is wonderful and accessible to all. As a rule, we always attend the festivals on opening day (Saturday), because it has a fuller and more varied schedule. On this day, many of the acts were not scheduled to perform until later in the day around 1pm but since we were there at 9 am, we would love to have seen musical acts performing at that hour. The cool aspect of this festival was being able to talk to artists such as the resident weaver who were working this very sophisticated weaving machine that was making cotton wash cloths. She had been weaving since the age of seven and had definitely discovered her passion. I also enjoyed talking to the dulcimer artist who carefully constructed custom dulcimers one or two at a time. The craftsmanship was impeccable and it usually takes a minimum of three months to create one from beginning to end. You get to totally customize your own design and whatever you want, he will make an effort to execute it. There were plenty of vendors who were showcasing personal wares such as jewelry, pottery, leather, wood products, instruments, clothing, food items and more. This was just a beautiful day to walk around, explore and mingle with vendors and visitors. It was also a great way to cap off the weekend after spending all of Saturday working in the yard. Next year we will be sure to arrive on Saturday so that we can take advantage of the full schedule.