Fall into a Stokes County State of Mind this October on the trails at Hanging Rock or along gently winding rural roads, leading to stunning views, and landscapes painted in the beautiful colors of autumn. Fly through the trees by zipline, experience local bluegrass and flat foot dancing heritage, view distant constellations in the night sky on sandy beaches of Hanging Rock lake, theatre shows on the trails, Chili Cook Off and more.
A preferred meal each fall, when gathering with friends, is a traditional Chicken Stew and depending upon who you ask, no one stew is the same. Each black pot chef and stew master has a secret recipe, ingredient, seasoning, or blends for this cooler weather favorite. John Brown’s Country Store in King, NC will fire up the stew pot, throw in shredded chicken, seasonings, and mix in gallons of milk to form one option of a flavorful and hearty recipe. Stepping into this charming general store, on 2×4 wood floors with shelves stocked of snacks, rubs, sauces, and old tyme favorites, takes you back in time.
Enjoy a little good ole mountain Bluegrass from the back lawn of Priddy’s General Store during Pickin’ at Priddy’s in Danbury. Each Saturday this month at 3pm, bring your dancing shoes and show off those flat foot dance steps or watch closely as locals show you how it’s done, then join right in, it’s easy y’all.
Leaf peeping couldn’t be better than zipping amongst colorful foliage at Carolina Ziplines in Westfield. Experience each of the eleven ziplines, now featuring five longer spans and platforms in the trees. Covered picnic shelter with meadows and large creek are perfect for a picnic, or to put up hammocks and relax, enjoy bonfires and cider when the weather gets cool. This Canopy Tour is family friendly for ages 3 to 103.
Stokes Arts and Shared Radiance Theatre take you on a journey at Hanging Rock State Park you won’t soon forget! Experience Shakespeare’s “A beach themed Twelfth Night” while following actors on a stroll through woods, trails and other surprising spaces. This show featuring Beach music from the California, Florida and Carolina coasts, perfectly blended with Shakespeare’s classic comedy.
On Saturday, October 12th enjoy an evening under the stars as WFDD Public Radio presents “Look Up and Listen” on the beach at Hanging Rock State Park Lake. Attendees will listen to family-friendly but spooky episodes of Radiolab and The Hidden Brain; while you’re listening, the Forsyth Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up for viewing night-sky objects. There will be a couple of fire pits, s’mores supplies, candy for trick-or-treaters in costume. So all you have to worry about is the healthy part of dinner – dessert is on us.
The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. www.hangingrock.com
