Taylorsville, NC – Alexander County offers a wide variety of things to enjoy this fall, so check out these amazing opportunities for you and your family to explore and enjoy!

1. Enjoy the great outdoors while visiting Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Hiddenite! The popular 318-acre park offers six miles of nature trails, in addition to 60 rock climbing routes, an adventure playground, and more. In addition, the park provides an ideal habitat for two rare and significant species of butterflies, the Cofaqui giant skipper and Giant Swallowtail, as well as a nice variety of plants in this unique ecosystem. Primitive backpack camping sites are also available by reservation. https://rockyfacepark.com

2. For a more virtual experience, enjoy the Omniverse VR Arena at CyberBuzz Entertainment in Hiddenite. A high-energy e-sports attraction, the Omni Arena is one of the most advanced virtual reality platforms in North Carolina. CyberBuzz offers fun for all ages with laser tag, axe throwing, and VR escape rooms. Birthday parties or corporate events may be scheduled in advance. https://www.cyberbuzzentertainment.com/omni-arena-virtual-reality-hiddenite-nc/

3. If you have the skills and like challenging single-track trails that will test your riding abilities, Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park has more than 100 miles of them. All trails are heavily wooded and offer challenges for all levels of rider expertise. There’s also a youth trail. Campsites may be reserved in advance. https://bmmspark.com/

4. For a more cultural experience, visit the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center’s Lucas Mansion in Hiddenite. The three-story Edwardian/Victorian home of James Paul “Diamond Jim” Lucas is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours featuring rooms restored to reflect the turn-of-20th-century life offer a unique opportunity to experience local history and folklore. https://hiddenitearts.org/the-lucas-mansion

5. Visit one of North America’s most unique geological locations right here in Hiddenite – the Emerald Hollow Mine! It’s the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting with more than 60 different types of naturally-occurring gems and minerals. Each year, thousands of rock hounds, tourists, and educational field trip participants flock to this popular attraction. A trip to Emerald Hollow Mine guarantees a fun and exciting adventure for people of all ages. https://www.emeraldhollowmine.com

6. Fall brings more than colorful leaves to the Brushy Mountains — it’s apple season! As you head north on NC Hwy. 16, you’ll see several orchards and apple houses that are open to the public, including Deal Orchard, Sugar Loaf Orchard, and Perry Lowe Orchard. Perry Lowe Orchard has more than 100 acres of apples featuring 30+ varieties and offers a “U-Pick” experience on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October (reservations required). https://www.perryloweorchards.com/u-pick/

For more exciting adventures and upcoming events in Alexander County, visit https://visitalexandernc.com/.

Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area