October 2026

The Church of the Good Shepherd’s annual Blessing of the Animals returns to The Village Green at 10:00 A.M. October 3 for a beloved community tradition celebrating pets and their people.

As autumn settles in, orb-weaver spiders spin spectacular webs across local forests and gardens.

The loggerhead shrike, known as the “butcher bird,” stores prey on thorns and barbed wire for later meals. Its population has declined, but habitat protection could help the species recover.

Buck Creek is a favorite fall and winter hike, offering scenic stream views, waterfalls, and plenty of room for dogs to explore.

Goblins on the Green returns to The Village Green on October 30 with trick-or-treating and family-friendly Halloween fun.

On October 8, Highlands Rotary Bingo will raise funds for Wreaths Across America, supporting the December placement of wreaths honoring local veterans.

Highlands and Cashiers libraries offer a month of crafts, author visits, games, and family-friendly activities. Special events and weekly gatherings provide plenty of reasons to stop by and join the fun.

Appalachian traditions are alive and well at the Highlands and Cashiers farmers markets, where artisans like Rebecca Queen join local growers
for the season’s final markets.