North Carolina seasonal guides for autumn activities and Zone 7 gardening

North Carolina offers various seasonal activities and gardening options for residents and visitors. During the autumn season, which runs from September 22 to December 20, the state experiences peak fall foliage. In Western North Carolina, peak colors typically occur between October 1 and October 14, while Central North Carolina sees peak colors through October 28. Popular ways to view the foliage include hiking and driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For gardeners in Zone 7, such as those in the Raleigh area, maintaining a tropical aesthetic requires selecting hardy plants capable of surviving temperatures between 0°F and 10°F. Recommended plants include evergreen options like windmill palms and southern magnolias, as well as species that die back to the roots and regrow in spring, such as hardy bananas, elephant ears, and canna lilies.