🎃 We’re carving out some time for fall festival fun
Presented by a CLTtoday Partner
Spend the weekend surrounded by fall foliage while soaking in the sights and sounds of Cashiers Valley. | Photos provided by Discover Jackson, NC
Windows down, seat heater on, PSL in hand, and autumn leaves in view — it’s time to leave the city behind and hit the road.
Consider switching things up this season by planning a fall road trip to the mountains of Cashiers, NC for fall festival fun. Just a three-hour drive from downtown, the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival runs from Friday, Oct. 11 through Sunday, Oct. 13 at The Village Green.
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the beautiful tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows that blanket the Cashiers mountains each fall.
There’s something unique for everyone at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.
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Photo provided by Discover Jackson, NC
With 90+ talented artisans showcasing their handcrafted works of art, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping. Think: Custom wood creations, glass ornaments, pottery, jewelry, and more. Bring the kids, enjoy live music, and grab a bite from food trucks to fuel the fun.
Parking is available at the entrance at the crossroads in Cashiers near the Gazebo, off of Highway 64 East. Two parking lots are also available at The Village Commons.
Where to stay
High Hampton | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this recently renovated resort provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to connect with nature while indulging in modern luxury.
Hotel Cashiers | Pet-friendly boutique mountain inn right in the heart of Cashiers.
Hampton Inn & Suites | This hotel is near mountains, scenic trails, and unforgettable waterfalls.
The Wells Hotel | This boutique hotel features an on-site brewery and is within walking distance of downtown Cashiers.
Pro tip: The festival will go on rain or shine — so if the weather’s calling for a little rain, pack an umbrella just in case.
16th Annual Family Trust Charity Golf Tournament | Monday, Sept. 30 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Rock Hill Country Club | $175+ | Enjoy a day on the green with proceeds benefiting Pathways Community Center and No Sad Story Ministry.
CATS Hosts Public Meetings - Red Line Commuter Rail | Monday, Sept. 30 | Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas | Free | Go in-depth to learn about the Red Line project that will connect north Mecklenburg County to Uptown.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Davidson’s National Night Out | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 5-7 p.m. | Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson | Free | Create community through the annual event building police-resident partnerships.
A Night for Paws | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 6-10 p.m. | Lake Norman Humane, Mooresville | $500+ | Experience an evening of cocktails, food, live auctions, and raffles to support Lake Norman Humane.
Girl from the North Country | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $30-$104+ | Feel “Forever Young” while enjoying the Tony-winning musical set to songs by Bob Dylan.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Corporate Volunteer Council Lunch and Learn | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 11 a.m. | 8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd. | $45 | Share Charlotte hosts a luncheon for professionals to share best practices around volunteerism.
STIR x Woodford Reserve Distillery Dinner | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | STIR | $110 | Savor a five-course dinner paired with unique bourbons and cocktails.
Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire FC | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $20+ | Cheer for The Crown as they face Chi-town on the pitch.
Cleanup continues for much of the Charlotte area following Hurricane Helene. The Queen City’s surrounding area saw devastating flooding, power outages, and widespread damage. (WCNC)
Regional
President Joe Biden approved the emergency declaration for North Carolina due to Helene. The decision frees up resources for disaster relief for those impacted by the storm. (WCNC)
Number
$3 million. That’s how much the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation are donating to Helene relief efforts across the Carolinas. The funds will support immediate and long-term recovery efforts in North and South Carolina.
Cause
Organizations across the Queen City are collecting donations and supplies for North Carolinians impacted by Helene. See how you can help. The Blood Connection is also hosting emergency blood drives in Rock Hill. Appointments are encouraged. (WCNC)
Announced
Gooooooooooooal. Bank of America Stadium was selected as one of 12 venues to host the FIFA Club World Cup next year. Clubs from around the world including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and more will play in the inaugural tournament starting in June 2025. Sign up for more information on tickets.
Coming Soon
The People’s Market shared before and after pictures from their new Myers Park location at 2820 Selwyn Ave. The popular cafe will serve menu favorites like the Tommy Pickles Pizza + new additions. An exact opening date remains TBA.
Opening
Hungry for more? A New-York style bagel shop is opening in Blakeny Town Center in November. Jeff’s Bagel Run will open in the former SAS Cupcakes space. We’ll keep you updated on an opening date. (The Charlotte Observer)
Drink
Mooresville-based King Canary Brewing Co. will open its Davidson taproom on Friday, Oct. 4. The brewery at 121 Depot St. will serve beer and wine + a raw bar, salads, and flatbreads.
Try This
Rock out during “Go Gold at Goldie’s” — an event in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and benefiting the Isabella Santos Foundation. The celebration kicks off tonight at 6 p.m. at Goldie’s Live Music Bar & Restaurant + will feature live music, cocktails, and bar bites and brews. (WCNC)
Sports
The Panthers played a competitive game, falling against the Benglas 34-24. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Civic
Election season is here — be sure to check your sample ballot, polling place, and voter registration. Vote early from Oct. 21 to Nov. 2, or on Election Day (aka, Nov. 5). Prep for the polls.*
Listen
Ready to silence the chaos and hear what matters? These next-gen hearing aids are here to crush the noise and put you back in control. With razor-sharp sound and a stealthy design, they’re your little secret. Hear the difference.*
Finance
Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*
Development
🎥 Get creative
Construction begins on Creative Lab Uptown
The Creative Lab Uptown will feature a digital creative studio with access to state-of-the-art equipment for teens to use at no cost. | Rendering by Gresham Smith
There’s a new space coming to Uptown to foster creativity and entrepreneurship, thanks to Do Greater Charlotte, a Charlotte-area nonprofit.
The Creative Lab Uptown (500 N. Tryon St.) will be housed in the former office of architectural firm Gantt Huberman, of which former Charlotte Mayor Harvey B. Gantt was a partner. The 20,000-sqft, three-story space will be reimagined to become a state-of-the-art facility where students and young professionals (ages 16-24) can access technology to cultivate their business ventures.
“This lab will be a beacon for Charlotte’s next generation of creators and entrepreneurs, offering them a place to connect, collaborate, and shape the future,” said William McNeely, founder and CEO of Do Greater Charlotte.
Fast-dissolving melatonin mints that support sleep hygiene. They’re sugar-free and formulated with a natural blend of lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower, and elderberry — all ingredients that help regulate your sleep cycle and promote relaxation.
Friday, we asked “What are your favorite Billy Joel and Sting songs?”
Billy Joel and Sting are both Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recipients with250 million albums combined sold.
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Photos via Wikimedia Commons
There’s alot of excitement surrounding the return of Billy Joel and Sting to the Queen City. ICYMI, the iconic musicians will be performing for one-night-only in May at Bank of America Stadium.
In asking about your favorite songs, the majority of you said “Piano Man” and “Roxanne” were your favorites.
Honorable mentions go to “Only the Good Die Young,” “Uptown Girl,” “Fields of Gold,” and “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You.”
As more images and updates come out of western North Carolina, I know I’ll continue to look for ways to help our neighbors in the High Country and around Asheville. I hope you’ll join me in any way you can.
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