23+ Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC (2024) (2024)

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville NC is a hidden gem full of charm, adventure and lots of Southern hospitality. During our recent long weekend visit to Hendersonville, we discovered some of the best things to do in Hendersonville NC and included them in this guide.

From its historic downtown filled with quaint shops and delectable local eateries to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, Hendersonville is more than just a stopover: it's a destination full of unforgettable vacation experiences.

Hendersonville is known as “Apple Country� With more than 200 apple growers, it is home to llargest apple producing county in North Carolina. There's nothing like the taste of a fresh, crisp apple straight from the orchard, especially during the annual North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville!

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for breathtaking trails and views or a foodie looking for that next delicious meal, Hendersonville NC has what you're looking for.

Join us as we explore the best things to do in Hendersonville NC. Trust us, once you experience Hendersonville NC you will understand why we consider it one of our activitiesFavorite NC Mountain Towns.

Revelation:We were invited byVisit Hendersonvilleand our stay, meals and activities were free;however, all opinions, information and images are our own and we have not been asked to influence our thoughts, comments or the content of this article in any way. All opinions are our own. We believe that our readers come first.

Hendersonville is a charming, historic mountain town in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hendersonville, located betweenAshevilleand Brevard, offer beautiful views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Hendersonville NC is located about 30 minutes south of Asheville on Highway 26, and just a few minutes from the South Carolina border.

With its vibrant downtown filled with galleries, shops, restaurants, museums and entertainment, it's no wonder Hendersonville is so popular with visitors.

Hendersonville also has a thriving community that offers plenty of activities for residents and visitors alike. From exciting festivals and outdoor recreation to unique shopping finds, Hendersonville is a great destination no matter what you're looking for.

Whether your interest lies in dining, shopping or simply exploring the surrounding mountains, you will find something special in and around Hendersonville NC.

The Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC

We visited Hendersonville NC for a long weekend, right at the start of peak apple season. We explored the very best things to do, the best restaurants, and stayed in a great place just outside of Hendersonville.

Everything highlighted in this guide and the paragraphs below are things we experienced and thoroughly enjoyed during our visit to Hendersonville. We knew Hendersonville was a great and fun mountain town in North Carolina, but we now consider it one of our most beautifulfavorite mountain towns in north carolina!

Let's dive into all the wonderful and exciting things to do in Hendersonville NC, based on our latest adventure!

Go apple picking

The small mountain town of Hendersonville isApple Capital of NC. There are many apple orchards and farms within a 20-30 minute drive of downtown Hendersonville where you can pick your own apples, enjoy delicious local fruits, and even purchase homemade pies, jams, jellies and more!

These apple orchards often have even more things to do when they visit, including rides, a petting zoo, apple cannons, corn mazes, and pick-your-own pumpkins, grapes, and berries. Not to mention all the great apple products you can eat and drink, including cider, hard cider, apple donuts, apple pies and more!

We visited two of the best apple orchards in Hendersonville NC and had so much fun. Both farms are beautiful, family friendly and offer so much to do including apple picking.

Stepps Hillcrest Boomgaard

Stepps Hillcrest Boomgaardis a great family-friendly farm just 10 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville and is one of our top picks forbest apple orchards in hendersonville nc.

The orchard has many varieties of apples, plus grapes for you to pick. They also have a very popular annual corn maze, rides that take you through their orchards, and apple cannons where you can shoot small apples at targets with air-powered cannons.

Do you like flowers? They also offer u-pick for wildflowers and sunflowers.

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard also offers homemade jams, jellies, salsas, pastries, cider and more at their store and bakery.

Jeter mountain farm

Jeter mountain farmis a great place to buy and pick apples, berries, grapes and other fruits. They also offer many varieties of apples and pumpkins. In addition to apples, they also offer u-pick for blackberries, elderberries, grapes, wildflowers and sunflowers.

Jeter Mountain Farm is a large farm and a tractor ride is the only way to reach the orchards and fields.

They have a large store selling apple butter, apple cider, hard cider and many other items including wearables.

Be sure to visit the taproom where you can sample their award-winning hard cider, and a dedicated bakery area for their hot and fresh apple donuts.

Hungry? Enjoy some of the area's best barbecue at their 1813 Smokehouse while listening to live bluegrass music.

Want to get the kids to burn off some energy? There is a large indoor playground especially for them! Make sure to grab an apple butter latte from the coffee shop so you can enjoy it while the kids play.

Jeter Mountain Farm is literally a day of apple and farm fun!

Find peace and relaxation in Kanuga - the perfect place to stay

For a relaxing vacation in Hendersonville NC andBlue Ridge Mountains,Kanugahas more than 2,000 hectares surrounded by lush forests and rivers. Enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, campsites and plenty of wildlife.

Enjoy a buffet meal in the dining room overlooking the beautiful mountain views or spend an afternoon paddling on Kanuga Lake. Enjoy incredible lake and mountain views at Fleming's Lakeside, with snacks, beer, wine and co*cktails.

Take some time to stay and relax at the inn or in a cozy wooded cabin. Located on the lake, the inn offers beautiful rooms, modern amenities, and outdoor patios for select rooms.

Feel refreshed after a stay atKanugaand discover the many other activities and attractions that make the Blue Ridge Mountains so special!

Check prices for Kanugaon Booking.com

Do you love ice cream? We certainly do that, and thatHendersonville-ijspadwith an emphasis on the very best ice cream that Hendersonville and Henderson County have to offer. Along the route you will discover ice cream parlors and bars offering classic favorites and unique shopping specials.

So “scoop up” the family and travel the ice trail. Not only will you enjoy ice cream, you will discover new and unexplored areas of Hendersonville and also meet some excellent entrepreneurs and workers.

We explored three different shops along the way and loved all three:

McConnell Farms

McConnell Farmswas our favorite, offering handmade ice cream made largely from their own farm ingredients. McConnell Farms has been making ice cream for more than 20 years. They started with just strawberries and now offer many flavors, including seasonal favorites.

They make ice cream varieties with produce grown on their farm, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, figs, cherries, apples, honey, ginger, peaches and more.

You'll find unique flavors like 'burnt honey', rum raisin, lemon blueberry, lavender and more! They even have corn ice cream, which may surprise you, but it is delicious.

We tried a sampler of 6 different flavors including strawberry, burnt honey, fig liqueur, cream style corn, ginger lavender and blueberry crumble - they were all absolutely delicious! My favorites were strawberry and fig liqueur, Jenn's was ginger lavender and burnt honey.

Their number one seller is Strawberry and it is one of the very best strawberry ice creams we have ever had. The fact that it is made with strawberries straight from the farm makes all the difference.

You'll definitely want to visit McConnell Farms for their amazing ice cream, and while you're there you can pick up some fresh produce from the store and explore the farm as well. It is a beautiful family farm.

Celtic Creamery

When we visited we tried their coffee and chocolate cake ice cream but couldn't resist trying their strawberry ice cream. All three were amazing and one of the creamiest ice creams we've ever had.

In addition to the ice cream, Celtic Creamery has several other snacks and drinks such as milkshakes, floats, sundaes, waffle cones and more.

So if you're in the Hendersonville area, be sure to visit Celtic Creamery for a great ice cream experience.

Piggy's isbar

Piggy's ice creamis a true Hendersonville institution that opened in 1979. Since then, Piggy's has been serving ice cream, thick shakes and banana splits. Harry and Sallie (aka Piggy) opened it with the help of their son's Todd, Michael and Jeff.

Today, Harry, Sallie and Todd have moved away, but Michael and Jeff continue to serve ice cream at Piggy's. In 1993 they added a restaurant and named it Harry's in honor of their father. The restaurant and ice cream parlor together are Harry & Piggy's.

What makes the restaurant completely unique is its interior design. See, Piggy was a collector and the ice cream shop and restaurant are full of memorabilia, from plates to toys, armor, statues, superheroes and more. Name it and you will find it. The collectibles really add to the character and history of this family business.

We didn't try a banana split, but we did get some ice cream and really enjoyed it while admiring all the different items on display in the restaurant. The food in the restaurant smelled good too.

Be sure to stop at Piggy and Harry's as you travel the ice trail. See what unique things you can find while enjoying a delicious ice cream.

Check out the incredible view at Jump Off Rock

A visit toJump off the rockhas been on our bucket list for a while and we finally made it.

Jump Off Rock is a rock that overlooks the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and is also one of the most popular places for tourists to take photos in Hendersonville NC.

The view from Jump Off Rock is simply amazing. You can see for miles in almost any direction.

The viewpoint at Jump off Rock is very easy to get to and is literally just a few hundred meters from the main car park and a largely flat walk. This makes Jump off Rock easily accessible to many, offering an amazing view with breathtaking views and incredible sunsets.

This is definitely a place you'll want to drive to when you visit Hendersonville. The views are amazing and it's a great place to take some photos during your visit.

Enjoy good food at a Hendersonville Restaurant

After a long day exploring Hendersonville NC, enjoy delicious food at one of the local restaurants in Hendersonville.

There are plenty of delicious options for dining out to suit everyone's taste. Whether you're looking for an upscale dining experience, a cozy Italian bistro, or a trendy sushi spot, there are plenty of delicious meals to be had in Hendersonville.

We had the pleasure of trying some of the very best restaurants in Hendersonville NC. Here are just a few we recommend:

• The next time- Exclusive restaurant located in an old bank building in the city center. They serve classic American food with a "touch of modern flavor." Our first choice and one of the best restaurants we have ever eaten at.
• To shine- Also in downtown Hendersonville and another of our top picks. Shine serves a variety of products, from Italian to American. They have a seasonal menu, even a rooftop bar which we really enjoyed.
• the half Moon- Also in downtown Hendersonville, Mezzaluna specializes in brick-oven pizza and local craft beers. They also offer various Italian dishes. Excellent place for pizza and a beer.
• Flat rockwood room- Definitely the most unique restaurant we ate at in Hendersonville and delicious too. In an old house near the center they offer special sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and BBQ. We're really surprised they aren't more famous, the food is great.

Historic downtown Hendersonville NC is a popular spot for visitors and tourists for good reason. The downtown area is full of nice shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that you can visit. We found ourselves visiting the center a lot and admiring all the sights, shops and bears.

Yes, bears. Look, downtown Hendersonville is full of various bear statues, painted with all kinds of colors and decorations. They are also quite popular as we saw many people posing and taking pictures with them.

In the center you will find many shops such as general stores, clothing stores, boutiques, music stores and even a cigar shop. You will also find many cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.

Downtown Hendersonville is very vibrant and offers plenty to see and do. If you visit, you will definitely want to spend some time there just to experience it.

Important note- Daytime parking on Main Street is now metered only. To avoid having to pay for metered parking, you can park on Church Street or use the newly built parking garage, which is cheaper.

Grab a beer and hang out at Oklawaha Brewing Company

We love discovering hidden gems that offer more than just your average experience. It's such a placeOklawaha Brewery, located in the heart of historic downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina.

When you walk into Oklawaha Brewing Company, you are immediately greeted by an atmosphere that is both welcoming and lively. The décor is a tasteful mix of modern and rustic, with wooden accents and industrial touches that pay tribute to the building's historic roots. The tape room has a relaxed and super chill atmosphere, filled with the sounds of live music, people talking and having fun.

They offer a wide range of beers, from classic lagers and ales to innovative seasonal brews, and food is also available.

Don't miss their live music evenings. The brewery is known as one of the best live music venues in Henderson County. We really enjoyed our beers and listened to the excellent live band playing. It's a great place to just hang out and have a good time.

Go to Gem Mine at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine

Elijah Mountain Gem Minein Hendersonville NC is full of family fun! You can find gemstones, explore their huge store full of stones, crystals and minerals, play in the large outdoor play area and pet the goats and other animals.

On Elijah Mountain you can be a gold prospector for a day. Equipped with a bucket of earth from the mine, you go through the earth in search of gemstones.

But this isn't just any dirt - it's filled with a variety of gemstones like quartz, amethyst, garnet, fossils and more! Whether you are an experienced rock hound or a novice pearl hunter, there is something for everyone. We even found a geode in ours that we tore open!

Once you're done mining, it's fun to explore the shop full of jewelry, minerals, rocks and more. Some of them are huge! We really enjoyed poking around and seeing all the beautiful gemstones and crystals in all different sizes and colors.

Go to the playground and petting zoo and let the children enjoy the animals and play equipment. You will find chickens, goats and even a peaco*ck! There are bridges, balance beams and other equipment for kids to explore.

We have been to severalPerleminer in de Blue Ridge Mountainsover the years and Elijah Mountain is one of our favorites!

OfAppalachian flipperkastmuseumin the heart of downtown Hendersonville is a must-visit for pinball fans, casual gamers, and those who just want a retro gaming experience. This beautiful and unique museum is home to a large collection of vintage pinball machines and arcade video games.

One of the unique features of the museum is the impressive collection of pop culture items that adorn the entire museum.

Visitors can experience more than 80 different vintage games. The games range from old-school pinball machines to classic video arcade games, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for older visitors and a new exciting experience for younger visitors.

They have one of the larger selections of arcade games, including some pretty rare ones like Dragon's Lair, Dig Dug, Qbert and more!

We had fun playing old school pinball and relived our teenage years in the 80's with Galaga, Pacman, Donkey Kong and more.

Whether you're a pinball player or playing for the first time, a visit to this museum promises a great time for everyone and should definitely be on your short list when visiting Hendersonville NC!

Learn more about aquatic animals and sharks with Team ECCO

Located in the vibrant heart of Main Street in Hendersonville NCTeam ECCO Aquarium & Shark Labis a fascinating and enriching experience you don't want to miss.

Team ECCO is the only public aquarium inWestern North Carolinaand provides a fascinating visual and practical learning experience for visitors of all ages.

The aquarium is a grassroots initiative, started by a local teacher in her home kitchen and growing from there.

Today, Team ECCO and the Shark Lab boast more than 20 unique displays featuring a vibrant array of tropical fish, eels, rays, seahorses and turtles. The centerpiece of the aquarium is the 2000 liter shark study tank, which sits in the center of the aquarium and houses small sharks and rays.

With more than 275 marine fish and invertebrates, the aquarium offers an immersive experience of life beneath the waves. This is a super fun and educational experience for the whole family.

One of the highlights of Team ECCO is the interactive touch tank. This hands-on exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with various sea creatures, such as starfish, urchins and more.

Team ECCO's vibrant and interactive exhibits, combined with its educational focus, make it a must-visit destination in Hendersonville NC. We had a great time with the staff, seeing the turtles, fish and of course the rays and sharks.

We left with an even deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean world and the people who work at the museum to help educate others.

Discover the history of western NC aviation at the WNC Air Museum

Located just 2.5 miles from downtown Hendersonville, NCWNC Air Museumstands as a testament to our nation's rich flying heritage. The museum is also the very first air museum in the state of North Carolina, known for its “First in Flight” legacy.

Upon arrival, the museum is housed in an unassuming old white barn, but don't be fooled by the simple exterior and interior. Inside, exhibitions bring the past and present of aviation to life.

The WNC Air Museum is home to an impressive collection of restored vintage aircraft, each with their own unique story. From classic biplanes to iconic warbirds, the museum's exhibits offer a nostalgic journey through aviation memories.

We visited the museum with the museum's curator, Al Denn. Everyone told us all about the history of the museum and the story behind each of the aircraft you can see during your visit. The stories were as interesting as the planes themselves.

What sets the WNC Air Museum apart is its commitment to making history accessible to everyone. Admission and parking are free and group tours are welcome, making it a wonderful destination for families and day trips. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore and even climb into historic aircraft, providing a truly immersive experience.

Whether you're a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the WNC Air Museum is a fun, educational, and lesser-known attraction in Hendersonville NC.

Enjoy fantastic views and excellent wine at Stone Ashe Vineyards

Just a short drive from downtown Hendersonville NC,Stone Ashe Vineyardsis a mountaintop vineyard that offers exceptional wine and incredible views.

As we drove up the steep driveway to the main winery building, we were impressed by the location and the nearly 360 degree views of both the vineyards and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

We were greeted by rows of carefully cultivated vines cloned from Bordeaux, a testament to the winery's dedication to delivering an authentic taste of this world-famous wine region.

The beautiful, state-of-the-art tasting room is sure to catch your attention and sits atop a mountain at an elevation of 2,700 feet.

However, the heart and soul of Stone Ashe Vineyards lies in the beautiful selection of wines grown on the estate. The emphasis is on flavor and whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine enthusiast, the winery's knowledgeable staff will guide you through their diverse selection of wines on offer.

The tasting room building offers indoor and outdoor seating, both with beautiful views of the mountains in the distance. We sat down with Heath Little, son of owners Craig and Tina Little.

Heath's passion for creating excellent wines with lineages dating back to France was clearly evident. We did tastings of both their white and red wines and they were incredible.

Heath spent a lot of time with us explaining the history of their wines and how they were all developed and why. After our wine tasting we were able to explore the winery and get an up close look at the winery on the hill.

If you love excellent wine and are looking for the perfect onego awayStone Ashe Vineyards is a perfect place that combines the charm of good wines with the charm of mountain life.

Go for a walk

If you enjoy hiking like us, the Hendersonville area has plenty of great options for you, from short and easy to strenuous. Walks are available to historic areas, incredible scenic views and beautifulwaterfall.

Here are just some of the best hiking trails near Hendersonville NC:

Jump off rock hiking trails

In addition to the incredibly beautiful Jump Off Rock, there are also three hiking trails you can explore, all very short but with varying degrees of difficulty:

1. Blue path-.1 mile and easy
2. Yellow track- 0.25 miles and moderate
3. Rode route- 0.25 miles and moderate

The trails are shaded and offer plenty of rocks to explore and climb over. The yellow and red routes have some very steep short sections. All three trails can be hiked and explored in less than an hour.

Dupont State Forest Hiking Trails

Dupont Staatsbosbeheeris a large state park just outside of Brevard NC, and near Hendersonville NC. The park has several hiking trails and some excellent waterfalls. Triple Falls was featured in the movie The Hunger Games.

The most popular routes areDupont State Forest-waterfalls-sti, which takes you to 4 different waterfalls, and along a beautiful lake.

Chimney Rock State Park Hiking Trails

One of our most favorite places in the Blue Ridge Mountains isChimney Rock State Park. Jenn and I visitedChimney cliffsince the early 1990s before we got married.

The park offers incredible scenic views, fantastic hiking trails, and access to one of the tallest waterfalls on the East Coast.

Bearwallow Mountain Road

For a short hike (2 miles round trip), Bearwallow Mountain offers beautiful scenery! At 4,000 feet above sea level, with a grassy bare summit, the mountain offers nearly 360° views, including Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Pisgah.

The breathtaking view offers panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville, and the South Carolina highlands. A historic fire lookout tower stands at the summit, as do grazing cattle that call the mountaintop home.

The trail to the top is about a mile long. You can also follow a dirt road back to the parking lot for a circular walk.

Bearwallow is a great place to goa day outand worth the journey and walk for the incredible long-distance views.

The trail is located off Bearwallow Mountain Road, about 30 minutes from downtown Hendersonville.

Experience waterfalls

Hendersonville NC is surrounded by some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Many are just a short drive away and well worth a visit.

Here are just some of the best waterfalls near Hendersonville NC:

• Triple waterfallsis located in the heart of the Dupont State Forest and is named after the triple cascade. This popular spot offers an impressive view with many hiking trails around. The trail to Triple Falls is moderate, making it accessible to most visitors.
• Hooker fallsis also in Dupont State Forest, and there is an easy hike to it that leads to this wide waterfall that flows into a large pool. The pool is popularswimming holeduring the summer. It is a great place to have a picnic or enjoy the silence of nature.
• Looking glass falls(pictured above) is easily accessible and stunningly beautiful. This is a must-visit waterfall that is literally along the road and requires no hiking. However, there is a staircase that leads to the bottom of the waterfall if you want to take a closer look.
• Sliding rockis a very popular waterfall and natural water slide. It's a great place to cool off on a hot day! There is a small entrance fee and lifeguards are on duty.

Where to Stay in Hendersonville NC

There are many options for lodging in Hendersonville NC. Whether you're looking for a cozy bed-and-breakfast, a luxury hotel or RV park, or a cozy cabin, you'll find something to suit your needs.

Our top pick: Kanuga

On our most recent visit we stayed inKanuga, which was traditionally a retreat of the Episcopal Church, but has been opened to the public in recent years.

Kanuga not only offers a really cozy inn to stay in, but also offers a free breakfast buffet and rooms with a balcony. Located on Lake Kanuaga, the inn offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

But Kanuga is much more than just an inn. They have over 1,400 hectares that offer those who stay with them:

• Mountain bike
• Hiking
• Kayaking and canoeing
• a sandy beach with lifeguards
• Tennis and basketball courts
• Playground
• Fleming's Lakeside, offering drinks and snacks
• Gift shop and store
• Special events
• and much more!

What we liked about Kanuga was how quiet it was. Kanuga is a peaceful mountain retreat aimed at those who want to get away from it all and enjoy nature. A spiritual retreat, whatever that means for you personally.

Check prices for Kanugaon Booking.com

The grounds are simply beautiful and very well maintained, with many walking paths, places to sit and relax, rocking chairs, lake views and more.

For us it meant relaxing, walking the trails, sitting by the lake in the morning as the sun rose and listening to nature.

Kanugais a beautiful place and we are so glad we discovered it. We look forward to staying with them again.

Check prices for Kanugaon Booking.com

View more lodging options in Hendersonville

Final thoughts on things to do in Hendersonville NC

Hendersonville NC is full of so many things to see and do, we've covered just a few. The downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants and galleries to explore. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby, including fishing, hiking, boating and camping. And let's not forget the local flavors! Whether you enjoy a glass of award-winning wine at Stone Ashe Vineyards or indulge in farm-to-table delicacies at one of the local eateries, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Hendersonville is more than just a sanctuary. A visit to Hendersonville NC is a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy nature, eat delicious food and explore all that this small mountain town has to offer.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, add Hendersonville NC to your travel bucket list. We really enjoyed our visit to what is now one of our favorite mountain towns and we're sure you'll have a great time too!