Blue Ridge Country Sept/Oct 2024 - 38

destinations in the South. "
Local dining: For chef-created beef and
seafood cuisine, reserve a table at Stonewalls
(Banner Elk), serving traditional
and modern dishes since 1985. Artisanal
(Banner Elk), with an atmosphere of " upscale
rustic elegance " (business casual),
offers patrons fresh, organic and seasonal
culinary creations.
Lodging options: The Perry House Bed
& Breakfast (Banner Elk). Enjoy a view
of Grandfather Mountain at this country
inn built in 1901 and custom designed
with modern, comfort amenities. Browse
through Carolina Cabin Rentals for a
wide selection of mountain hideaways,
lodges, cottages and retreats for multiple
price points and all within an easy drive
to Grandfather.
Note: The country's highest suspension
footbridge, Mile High Swinging Bridge is,
you guessed it, one mile above sea level
and is accessible to all who wish to cross
the chasm. grandfather.com/fall-color-ramble
KENTUCKY
WILLIAMSBURG: Old Fashioned Trading
Days (Sept. 5 - 7). This aptly-named
event calls to mind the gatherings of old
around the courthouses and main streets
of many a small town. The 41st year of
this festival brings gospel, bluegrass and
country rock performers, school bands
and choirs, a car show, beauty pageant,
garden show, canning competition and a
corn toss tournament-all entertainment
free to the public. The streets will be lined
with artisans and vendors offering wares
and street foods (funnel cakes and BBQ
included). Some of the best fall leaf viewing
in the area is along S.R. 92 between
Williamsburg and Pineville amongst the
foothills of the mountains.
Local dining: The Brick Oven. Located
in historic downtown, this establishment
serves up brick oven handcrafted pizzas
and calzones. For casual sandwiches, salads
and mouth-watering handmade ice
cream, visit the soda fountain in Moonbow
Mercantile.
Lodging options: Stay rustic at Jewel's
Covered Wagon in Clayton Geneva
Campground, relax on the deck overlooking
the Cumberland River, sleep comfortably
in the queen bed and enjoy camp
cooking in the kitchenette (detached restroom
facilities). Or select the Birdsong
Cabin (same location), located a short
walk to fishing and kayaking on the river.
Both have A/C and are pet friendly.
Note: Take a short, 30-minute drive to
Stearns, Kentucky for a ride through the
autumn landscape on the Big South Fork
Scenic Railway. williamsburgky.com
LAUREL COUNTY: World Chicken
Festival (Sept. 26th - 29th). Four days
of chicken fun await at the home of the
Colonel's first and original 1940s restaurant.
Test your knowledge in chicken
" trickin " trivia. Compete in the whiskers
and beard contest, enter the " rooster tail
mullet " contest and see the best Harland
Sanders look-a-like contestants. Participate
in the hot wing eating contest, try
your skills in the egg drop event and win
prizes with chicken impersonation skills
of cluckin', strutin' and crowin'. Combine
water and fall colors at Laurel River Lake
in the south part of the county or Wood
Creek Lake north of London conveniently
located just off I-75.
Local dining: Eat an original recipe
KFC chicken meal, of course. Or enjoy a
farm-to-table meal at Local Honey (London)
in the renovated downtown for " hip
eclectic comfort foods. "
Lodging options: Book a colorful and
magical-themed cabin (Emerald Forest,
Sapphire Springs, Tangerine Dreams and
more) in the Daniel Boone National Forest
along the Rockcastle River. Ranger's
Retreat. Bring up to six guests to this
single home rental (three
bedrooms,
two baths) in the Levi Wilderness Road
Park-pet friendly, fire pit, WiFi and all
ABOVE: The World
Chicken Festival is a
September highlight
in Laurel County,
Kentucky.
LEFT: Cumberland
Falls is a great fall
attraction near
Williamsburg,
Kentucky.
38 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
LONDON KENTUCKY CHICKEN FESTIVAL
KENTUCKY TOURISM
http://www.williamsburgky.com http://www.grandfather.com/fall-color-ramble http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country Sept/Oct 2024

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