Chicago encouraged to experience North Carolina in new campaign

(Courtesy Luquire)

As the crisp autumn air envelops the city of Chicago and New York, and the leaves don their vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to celebrate the breathtaking beauty of the fall season. While Chicago is renowned for its stunning skyline and neon lights, another kind of beauty awaits those who venture to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

Visit North Carolina, in collaboration with its creative AOR Luquire, has unveiled a new campaign aimed at inspiring Chicagoans to immerse themselves in the real fall colors of North Carolina.

The “For Real Fall Colors” Campaign Comes to Chicago

Visit North Carolina’s “For Real Fall Colors” campaign captures the essence of autumn and seeks to encourage Chicago residents to embark on a journey to experience authentic fall foliage. The campaign’s unique approach involves the use of transparent leaf-shaped magnets and stickers, placed strategically throughout the city, offering a glimpse of the stunning natural beauty of North Carolina. Chicago’s man-made colors provide the perfect canvas against which to showcase the organic hues of the Tar Heel State.

Wit Tuttell, Executive Director at Visit North Carolina, emphasized that the fall season in North Carolina offers much more than just favorable weather. The state provides an all-encompassing experience, blending the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season. Whether you’re looking to explore the mountains, soak in the coastal beauty, indulge in arts and entertainment, or embark on a romantic getaway, North Carolina offers deeply authentic experiences for travelers in search of a unique fall adventure.

“Fall in North Carolina is about much more than the weather. Our state incorporates every one of the sights, sounds and tastes the season brings to the table,” said Tuttell. “From the mountains to the beach, arts and entertainment, and romantic trips, these deeply authentic experiences are perfect for travelers seeking a unique Fall getaway.

A captivating 60-second video accompanies this out-of-home (OOH) campaign. It portrays the reactions of residents and visitors to the installations, which provide a striking contrast between the cityscape’s urban elements, such as brick buildings, taxi cabs, sidewalks, and street signs, and the genuine fall colors of North Carolina. Watch below:

Glen Hilzinger, Chief Creative Officer at Luquire, who is new to North Carolina, attests to the exceptional beauty of the fall colors in the state. As part of their broader “For Real, Visit NC” campaign, the decision was made to “literally reframe the manufactured colors New Yorkers are used to seeing” to inspire them to explore and appreciate the authentic colors of North Carolina.

Spreading the Magic of North Carolina’s Fall Colors

The campaign also features video and photo assets capturing the heartfelt reactions of people encountering these installations throughout Chicago. The video and photo content will be shared across various social media platforms, engaging and inviting more Chicagoans to participate in the autumn festivities.

Fall foliage in North Carolina extends from the mountains to the coast, ensuring that travelers have a plethora of scenic options to choose from. Luquire will continue to provide captivating vistas and promote travel options well into November, ensuring that Chicagoans have ample time to plan their trip to North Carolina. In 2024, the agency plans to reutilize these assets, alongside fresh footage, for a more extensive campaign set to launch in late summer.

As fall arrives in Chicago, the “For Real Fall Colors” campaign by Visit North Carolina and Luquire serves as a heartwarming reminder of the incredible beauty and vibrancy of the autumn season. It encourages Chicago residents to embark on an unforgettable journey to North Carolina and experience the rich, natural colors of fall that the Tar Heel State has to offer.

From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina promises a unique and authentic fall getaway, encompassing the full essence of the season. Embrace the real fall colors and create cherished memories in the breathtaking landscapes of North Carolina.


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