Fayetteville's Gnomevember

Get ready, because something magical is happening in Fayetteville this November. The town is about to be overrun by gnomes! From November 1st to 30th, Fayetteville transforms into a whimsical wonderland as gnomes of all shapes and sizes take up residence all over town. It’s time to grab your gnome hunting gear and set out on a Gnomevember Scavenger Hunt—a month-long adventure that’s fun for all ages!

How It Works:

Stop by the Fayetteville Visitor Center to pick up your official gnome tracking sheet, then head out into town to see how many gnomes you can find. These mischievous little creatures will be hiding in shops, restaurants, and all-around town, just waiting for you to discover them. Keep your eyes sharp—some gnomes come with special surprises! Bonus gnomes will appear throughout the month, offering extra prizes and treats for lucky gnome hunters.

At the end of your gnome-tracking adventure, return your completed sheet to the Visitor Center for a small prize. If you’re hunting after hours, no worries! You can drop off your sheet in our special after-hours box, and we’ll mail your prize. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for clues to special gnome locations and updates throughout the month.

Enchanted Roots:

You might be wondering, why gnomes? Why Fayetteville? Well, believe it or not, Fayetteville has an unusually high population of gnomes. These little magical beings have found their home nestled in our town’s woodsy landscapes, charming gardens, and creative community. Whether it’s the quiet forests that surround us or the quirky spirit of our residents, Fayetteville has become a haven for gnomes over the years.

But it’s not just the natural beauty that draws them in. Fayetteville is home to several resident gnome makers, talented artisans who craft unique art. These gnome makers bring their own magical touch to our town.

Gnomevember was born out of our town’s love of embracing the weird and woodsy. We’re a place where the extraordinary and whimsical are celebrated, where creativity flows as freely as the New River. In Fayetteville, we love leaning into the quirky side of life. Hosting a gnome scavenger hunt is a natural fit—a fun, family-friendly event that brings together our sense of community, love for the outdoors, and appreciation for all things magical. Not to mention, Fayetteville is surrounded by lush forests and hidden nooks, the perfect playground for gnomes to hide out and for visitors to explore.

While gnomes are often associated with European mythology, their playful, nature-loving spirits have found a perfect home in the rich folklore of Appalachia. Much like the forest-dwelling, mischievous beings of local Appalachian legend of fair folk—gnomes are said to be protectors of the land, keepers of hidden treasures, and guardians of the woods. In fact, there’s long been talk among the locals of Fayetteville about secretive, magical creatures that roam our Appalachian hills, and perhaps some of those creatures have taken the form of gnomes over time.

Gnomevember celebrates this blend of folklore, tradition, and whimsy, bringing together the age-old Appalachian reverence for nature with the modern love of all things quirky and magical. The gnomes have settled here because, much like the people of Appalachia, they value community, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. So, when you’re hunting for Fayetteville’s gnomes, remember that you’re not just chasing after cute figurines—you’re tapping into centuries of folklore, where the natural world is alive with unseen magic and adventure.

Gnomevember’s Grand Finale:

The excitement builds as we approach the end of the month. On November 30th, we’ll hide a special gnome that comes with instructions to claim the Gnomevember Grand Prize! Will you be the one to find it? Stay tuned for details and clues!

Help Us Grow Our Gnome Family:

Sadly every year, some of our beloved gnomes go missing, and we need your help to rebuild our gnome stockpile! Gnomes also just tend to wander.  If you have any extra gnomes at home that you’d like to donate, we’d love to add them to our scavenger hunt. You can drop off your gnomes at the Fayetteville Visitor Center from now through November 1st. Every gnome is appreciated!

Stay in the Gnome:

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, follow us on Facebook and stay tuned for updates. We’ll be posting clues, bonus gnome locations, and special instructions to help you find hidden prizes throughout the month. And remember, November 30th marks the grand finale with a special gnome that holds the key to Gnomevember’s biggest prize yet!

Gnome Making Contest

To celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of our community, we’re hosting a Gnome-Making Contest for local businesses and residents! We invite everyone to craft their own handcrafted gnome, whether big or small, quirky or traditional. The best handcrafted gnome will win a $100 prize, so don’t miss the chance to showcase your creativity and be part of the Gnomevember magic. Entries will be displayed around town, adding even more charm and whimsy to Fayetteville’s gnome takeover. To enter email us a photo of your gnome with its location to info@visitFayettevillewv.com. Winners will receive $100.