Went last September. It was gorgeous. Did 2 nights in Asheville, then drove the Blue Ridge Parkway to a rental cabin outside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park for another 2 nights.
NC mountains are beautiful but if you are in NY (and would need to quarantine on your return) I wouldn‘t necessarily recommend. (I live in N.C. but am originally from NYC.). The areas around highlands, Asheville, Boone/blowing rock are gorgeous and great stretches along blue ridge parkway are wonderful. Lots of good pkway sections in VA.
Should also add that there has been a steady demand for fall rentals in those areas from people in the larger areas of the state—so some of the nicer cabins might be booked. I’m in Raleigh and from what I hear it’s slim pickings (kids are largely doing virtual school) so people are doing fall vacation/change of pace.
If you ever want to plan an NC beach vacation, check out Bald Head Island.
I wouldn’t go right now. especially returning from their high numbers to NY.
OP. I heard of Asheville, but I was thinking of a small town, more of a back to nature vacation.
Went last September. It was gorgeous. Did 2 nights in Asheville, then drove the Blue Ridge Parkway to a rental cabin outside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park for another 2 nights.
Ashville is big, or Wrightsville/ topsail beaches. Moved recently to N.C. from NYC
It’s normally lovely, but it’s COVID numbers aren’t good.
NC mountains are beautiful but if you are in NY (and would need to quarantine on your return) I wouldn‘t necessarily recommend. (I live in N.C. but am originally from NYC.). The areas around highlands, Asheville, Boone/blowing rock are gorgeous and great stretches along blue ridge parkway are wonderful. Lots of good pkway sections in VA.
Asheville