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Today’s Weather

82º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:18 a.m. | Sunset 7:07 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

 

Culture

🎃 We’re carving out some time for fall festival fun

Presented by a CLTtoday Partner
A GIF of tents, visitors, and vendors at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.
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.

An image of handcrafted bowls at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.

There’s something unique for everyone at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival.

|

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.

Ready to spend a weekend in the mountains? Here’s what to know before you go:

Festival hours

  • Friday, Oct. 11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 13 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where to park

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.
Details you autumn know
Asked

What are you most looking forward to at the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival?


A. Fall foliage
B. Handcrafted works of art
C. Live music
D. Local eats (think: mouthwatering barbecue)
E. Other
Let us know
 
Events
Monday, Sept. 30
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
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Weather
  • 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 Panthers with 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

    A rendering of an open room with people sitting at tables and layered seating.
    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.

    The new hub was part of a 2023 competition led by Charlotte Center City Partners to revamp and reuse vintage office buildings in Uptown Charlotte.

    The Creative Lab Uptown is expected to open in 2025.
    See what's planned
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    More worth The Buy
    Answered

    Friday, we asked “What are your favorite Billy Joel and Sting songs?”


    A split screen image of Billy Joel and Sting performing on stage.

    Billy Joel and Sting are both Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recipients with 250 million albums combined sold.

    |

    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.”
    6AM City In-house
     
    The Wrap
     
    Headshot of CLTtoday author Maria Delgado

    Today’s edition by:
    Maria

    From the editor
    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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