Falling for the state fairs

By Kim Ware

For the AJC


Nothing says fall like a fair. From agriculture exhibits to Ferris wheels, from funnel cakes to tractor pulls, the wide variety of entertainment, all in one place and at a reasonable price, is what brings us back year after year.

Here are three of the Southeast’s best, along with some information to help plan your trip. So load up the minivan and get ready for a taste of fair season that you won’t soon forget.

Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile

A highlight of any fair is the musical entertainment, but the Greater Gulf State Fair has the distinction of having played host to The King, Elvis Presley, during its first year of existence in 1955. Elvis’ appearance set the bar high for this fair, which has since gone on to showcase a variety of local, regional and sometimes national acts. The fair also offers livestock and agricultural exhibits; contests in digital photography, scrap booking, jewelry making and yard art and, of course, a midway full of rides, games and fair food. Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. $4 children, $6 adults in advance; $6 and $8 at the gate. 1035 Cody Road N., Mobile. 251-344-4573, www.mobilefair.com

Stay: Drury Inn. Easily accessible off I-65; convenient to the Mobile Bay beaches. $85-$95. 824 W. I-65 Service Road S., Mobile. 251-344-7700, wwws.druryhotels.com

Courtyard by Marriott. Near Airport Boulevard off I-65, around the corner from the Springdale Mall and Colonial Mall. $90-$190. 1000 W. I-65 Service Road S., Mobile. 251-344-5200, www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobcy-courtyard-mobile

Eat: Look for Gulf Coast specialties including jambalaya, shrimp bayou, boudin, and red beans and rice; and fair standards such as hot dogs and roasted corn-on-the-cob.

Info: Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1 S. Water St., Mobile. 251-208-2000, www.mobile.org

North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh

North Carolina’s state fair has a rich history dating to the early 1850s and has long served as the premier showcase for the state’s vast agricultural offerings. Along with typical fair fare, the North Carolina State Fair is also home to the J.S. Dorton Arena, which was built as a livestock pavilion in 1952. One of the state’s greatest examples of innovative, modern architecture, the arena is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Attractions include rides, exhibits, competitions, a tractor pull and demolition derby, fireworks, lots of food (don’t miss the N.C. State University Creamery’s ice cream), and entertainment from regional and national recording artists. Oct. 15 to 25. $1 children, $5 adults in advance; $2 and $7 at the gate. Children under 5 and senior citizens are free. 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. 919-733-2145, www.ncstatefair.org

Stay: Candlewood Suites, Crabtree, a couple of exits up from the fair on I-440, across the street from Crabtree Mall and near a variety of restaurants. $84-$130. 4433 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh. 888-299-2208, www.ichotelsgroup.com

Ramada Raleigh-Blue Ridge. A half-mile from the fairgrounds. $78-$210. 1520 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh. 919-832-4100, www.ramada.com

Eat: Fair food, N.C. style. Plenty of barbecue, country ham biscuits, fried okra, corn-on-the-cob, fried candy bars.

Info: Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, 421 Fayetteville St. No. 1505, Raleigh, N.C. 919-834-5900, www.visitraleigh.com

Warren County A&L Fair, McMinnville, Tenn.

Lots of competitions, including a baby show, crosscut saw competition, dog show, karaoke and youth bicycle rodeo make the Warren County A&L (agriculture and livestock) Fair a must-do for residents and visitors to this small town in central Tennessee. Midway rides, food vendors and entertainment round out the list. Make a weekend of it and check out the caves, hiking and fishing in picturesque McMinnville, known as the “nursery capital of the world.” Sept. 11 to 19. Free. 194 Fairgrounds Road, McMinnville. 931-668-4500, www.
warrencountyalfair.com

Stay: America’s Best Value Inn. A mile from the fairgrounds, near fast-food restaurants, a bowling alley and movie theater. $49-$55. 508 Sunnyside Heights, McMinnville. 931-474-2570, www.americasbestvalueinn.com

Best Western Tree City Inn. Close to Cumberland Caverns. Indoor pool, spa, fitness center. $78-$89. 809 Sparta St., McMinnville. 931-473-2159, www.best
 westerntennessee.com

Eat: Standard fair food, funnel cakes, fries.

Info: McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, 110 S. Court Square, McMinnville. 931-473-6611, www.warrentn.com

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