Fall Mountain Honeymoons in North Carolina
There is something about autumn weather that just says “mountains”. From the crisp air, the warmer days with chilly nights perfect for snuggling by a fireplace, and of course, the beautiful autumnal colors of the trees, the mountains of North Carolina are a fantastic designation for a fall honeymoon. Best of all, they are a very reasonable drive for Triangle area couples – just four hours or less from here to Asheville. These are some ideas for romantic and unforgettable fall honeymoons in the mountains of North Carolina.
Certainly, Asheville is one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of a scenic mountain getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is hard to decide what is more exciting about Asheville, the breathtaking natural scenery, the vibrant art scene, or the magnificent historic architecture. Of course, no honeymoon to Asheville would be complete without a visit to the legendary Biltmore Estate, but that is far from the only attraction. Visit ExploreAsheville.com to learn about “romance packages” geared especially towards honeymooners at many of the area inns and hotels. A particular highlight of early autumn in Asheville is the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival on September 5th, which is an annual end-of-summer celebration.
Outdoor lovers from the Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill area can enjoy hiking in the early fall splendor of North Carolina’s section of the Appalachian Trail. There are trails for everyone from the casual enthusiast to the seriously sporty newlyweds. Mid-May through October is considered the prime season for hiking the “A.T.” in the North Carolina mountains, so it would be a perfect active fall honeymoon. September 28 – November 6 is the peak fall foliage season, according to AppalachianTrail.org. The higher elevations will experience the earliest change in season. Check out their guidebooks for more information on the best trails for every experience level, what to bring, what to see, and where to stay.
If your idea of a perfect mountain honeymoon is more about being nestled in front of a cozy fire than tackling a challenging hiking trail, consider renting a log cabin in the Smoky Mountains. There are numerous cabins in the Fontana Lake region, which is nestled in a National Park. Close to the Tennessee border, it is about a five and half hour drive from Raleigh. The lake itself offers boating, excellent fishing, and some of the most pristine shoreline around. Many of the log cabins in the region are perfect for a romantic honeymoon; they come fully furnished with all the amenities and many feature those special extras like fireplaces and hot tubs, perfect for spending some alone time.
The Blowing Rock and Boone region of Western North Carolina is another wonderful honeymoon idea for newlyweds from the Triangle. At a little under three and a half hours from Raleigh, it is a quick and easy getaway with many attractions. It would be a great choice for a mini-moon over a long weekend. There is the quaint charm of the Tweetsie Railway (open weekends in the fall), the Hayes Performing Art Center, and scenic walks at nearby Grandfather Mountain. There are also other fun things to do in the area, such as visiting wineries or taking in one of the Oktoberfest festivals.
Perhaps the best part about a honeymoon in the North Carolina mountains is that it is both close to home, yet a world apart. Whether you like hiking, the arts, history, luxurious resorts, or log cabins, the mountains will have what you are looking for in less than a six hour drive from Raleigh. With so many romantic possibilities, a fall honeymoon in the mountains of western North Carolina might just prove to be irresistible!
Engagement Photo Ideas for Triangle Brides
Engagement photos are a wonderful way to capture that special time right before your wedding. They have become very popular in the last few years, but the trend is away from formal studio portraits. These days, the most unique photo sessions are being taken in great locations which capture the personalities or interests of the couple. Take a look at some great ideas for locations around the Triangle to have engagement photographs shot.
Many of the brides and grooms in the Triangle met and fell in love on campus. If this is true of your romance, then a scenic spot at your university is an ideal place to take engagement photos. Not only will they be beautiful, but the pictures will help to tell the story of how you met. Carolina brides and grooms can take advantage of many lovely locations on the Chapel Hill campus, but there is none more iconic than the Old Well. By the same token, the bride and groom who fell in love while attending Duke could consider having their engagement photo session in one of the beautiful gardens or on the steps of the spectacular Duke Chapel.
Engagement photos can also be done at a place which highlights a special interest of the bride and groom. There are an infinite number of possibilities around the Triangle. For instance, a pair of art lovers could have their pictures taken at the unique Museum Park at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. Imagine the breathtaking scenes available within the 164 acres of lush fields and woodlands. What truly sets Museum Park apart from other lovely scenic locations is of course, the art. Where else can you have your engagement portraits created in a gorgeous outdoor setting among magnificent sculptures and other works of art? The portfolio of photographs is sure to be truly original.
Jordan Lake is another wonderful outdoor location for engagement pictures in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. The large lake and wooded shore offer countless panoramas for the engaged couple’s background. The pavilions and other structures can also be used to introduce some architectural elements to the natural setting. Consider Jordan Lake for engagement photos at any time of year. As beautiful as it is when at its peak of lushness and greenery in the summertime, the lake is also hauntingly lovely in the autumn when the leaves turn, and even in the winter, when the trees are bare. You could get some very striking black and white shots in the winter months, which would make for artful and interesting engagement photographs.
Indoor sites can also be an excellent choice for engagement photo shoots. How gorgeous would it be to have a session done inside the butterfly house at the Life and Science Museum in Durham? The foliage is impossibly lush, and all of the colorful butterflies in the background would make for absolutely exquisite photographs. The bride to be should wear something soft and feminine to play up the romantic nature of the butterflies. A pretty floral dress and pearl earrings would suit the butterfly house beautifully. Think about what fun it would be to have your engagement photos taken in the butterfly house for a wedding with a butterfly theme! It would be a marvelous way to set the stage for the main event.
One final idea for engagement photos in the Triangle is to choose an urban or more industrial location. This is a very strong trend in engagement pictures all around the country. The juxtaposition of the attractive young couple in love with a gritty scene (often shot in black and white) is very powerful. For inspiration, consider train tracks, city sidewalks, or interesting doorways. Whether you live in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, you probably pass a location that would be ideal for totally hip and unique engagement photos every day.
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