Why We Love Fall in Mooresville

Everyone in our office loves fall. The crisp air (low humidity!) and the promise of cooler days to come motivates us to get out and enjoy the great activities and events that Mooresville has to offer. From apple cider doughnuts to brisk hikes to work them off, fall is the perfect time to get out and refresh your soul!

1. A Fall Display

Experience autumn hues in all their splendor at the Fall Display on Main Street. Sponsored by the Mooresville Downtown Commission and produced by Brawley Garden Center (a Mooresville staple since 1946!), this floral installation is the perfect spot for portraits or selfies. Stroll the path amid pumpkins, gourds, mums, and other fall flowers. The garden display is located at the corner of Main Street and E. Center Avenue, across from Epic Chophouse.

2. Pumpkin Patch Picking

It wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins, and luckily we have some fun places for you to pick that perfect gourd. Carrigan Farms pumpkin season runs through the month of October, and is a true pumpkin patch where you can wander around the field in search of the perfect pumpkin. They also offer hayrides to and from the fields. Don’t miss the apple cider doughnut truck!

The Triple Diamond Farms Pumpkin Patch runs every Saturday and Sunday in October. In addition to bringing home a pumpkin, you can enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, games, pony rides and more. Josh’s Farmers Market has pumpkins galore, as well as a huge selection of mums and other seasonal decor. While you’re there, pick up some of the freshest produce around!

There are also a few seasonal vendors that set up around Mooresville offering pumpkins and fall plants and decor. Keep an eye out for them while you’re out and about.

3. Outdoor Eats & Drinks

While summer patio dining certainly has its advantages, to us it’s even better in the fall, when you don’t have to time your meal to avoid the heat of the day. Most days in the fall you can hit the decks any time of the day or night and be comfortable. We have some great outdoor dining experiences in Mooresville, including some that are waterfront for awesome lake views.

Havana 33 and Eddies on Lake Norman share the same parking lot and the same waterfront view of Lake Norman. Havana 33 serves modern Cuban cuisine and tasty variations on the margarita, while Eddies specializes in casual seafood, Italian and American classics. The lakeside deck bar at Eddies is popular with locals and visitors alike, and you can even arrive by boat or other watercraft, as they have a sandy beach where you can dock your boat.

The Blue Parrot Grill is quite the bustling scene on summer weekends, and while they are seasonal and close in the colder months, the warm days of fall are perfect for drinks and lunch or dinner on their waterfront deck. Bartenders serve up cold drinks from the tiki bar, and the giant beach chair is a popular spot for taking photos. Their sister restaurant, Toucan’s, is right next door, with a seafood centric menu and a large deck for lakeside dining.

For true outdoor dining, grab a meal from a food truck at one of our local breweries. Our newest brewery, Hoptown Brewing, has a large patio with a louvered roof that can be opened or closed depending on weather. You can order food for delivery from one of the nearby restaurants. King Canary Brewing has a large and welcoming patio area with umbrellas and picnic tables. They usually have a food truck parked on site, or you can grab light snacks at the bar while you sip your craft beer, cider, or wine. Beer Lab has an outdoor covered patio with picnic tables for enjoying their experimental beers, which change weekly and sometimes daily, and food and snacks available from their kitchen.  Ghostface Brewing is popular with the lunch and dinner crowd as they partner with Davidson Pizza Company, located in the same space, to serve specialty pizzas and the most amazing wings. Dogs are welcome on the patios at all of the breweries!

4. Water Sports

While you wouldn’t traditionally think of water sports as activities to enjoy in the fall, thanks to our mild climate, we can have warm days all through the fall, often up until Thanksgiving! It’s a great time to enjoy Lake Norman, as there are fewer boats on the water and the days are warm but not too hot. One of our favorite lake activities is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). You can be as active as you want, with a fast paced paddle or yoga workout, or simply hang out on the board and soak up some rays. If you want to cruise a larger area of the lake, you may want to rent a boat or jet ski.

Check out our list of places to rent boats, jet skis, SUPs and more.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you may want to try wakeboarding or wakesurfing. For the best experience, go with a lesson from one of the experienced coaches on Lake Norman. You’ll not only get expert instruction, you’ll also have access to the nicest boards, gear, and boats. STP Wake and Ride LKN will have you up and behind the boat in no time!

5. Hiking or Biking at LKN State Park

While everyone loves summer, I think most people find the break in the heat refreshing on fall days. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some recreation, like hiking or biking at Lake Norman State Park. One of the most visited attractions in our area, the park offers a wide range of activities for all members of the family. Take advantage of scenic hiking trails, from easy out and back trails along the waterfront to more moderate terrain on longer loops. If you are a biker, the mountain bike trails at LKNSP offer more than 30 miles of adventures!