I grew up near Hendersonville. Here are my top 22 things to do (in 2024). (2024)

There are lots of fun things to do in Hendersonville,North Carolina, from popular destinations to hidden gems.

I grew up in the area and even worked at the city's visitor center, so I know all about the top attractions in Hendersonville.

This guide covers outdoor recreation, historic sites, family-friendly activities and more. Keep reading to find out why Hendersonville is one of the bestplaces to visit in north carolina!

Revelation:Travel Lemming is an independent, reader-supported blog. You can support us by making a purchase through the affiliate links on this page, which can earn commissions. See oursAdvertising Policyfor further explanation. Thank you!

22 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville

Historic Downtown Hendersonville

Explore Hendersonville's long and walkable Main Street, lined with shops, restaurants, public art and more.

📍Google Maps|Internet side

Historic downtown Hendersonville is undoubtedly the city's best gem. The main street is long and every block is filled with unique local shops and restaurants. Downtown is highly walkable and the cityscape is filled with public art, landscaping and seating areas.

Many of the best things to do in Hendersonville are located downtown, such as the Mineral & Lapidary Museum, Aquarium & Shark Lab andHenderson County Heritage Museum. Not to mention seasonal festivals like the NC Apple Festival andhave an anniversarytake place here.

Some of my favorite places downtown are the Four Seasons Hospice Home Store for thrift shopping, McFarlan Bake Shop, and Joy of Books.

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine

Look for colorful gems at this family-friendly attraction inspired by Appalachian tradition.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 692-6560 |Internet side| Opening hours: daily 10am - 6pm | Gemstone Mines: from $16.99 - $300 | 👉Buy tickets for the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is one of the bestthings to do in north carolinafor families with small children. The gem mine and crystal shop are located just outside of downtown Hendersonville.

Metentrance ticketsyou and your family can search for stones and gemstones in flowing water troughs. This attraction is a great place to entertain your children and keep them busy with hands-on activities. After you've searched for your treasures, browse the gift shop for more shiny gems.

Jump off the rock

Enjoy scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from this accessible viewpoint.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 693-4840 | Entrance fee

Jump Off Rock is the best view in Hendersonville. From here you have a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On a clear day you might even be able to see three states: North Carolina,South Carolina, InGeorgia.

Jump Off Rock is located just 15 minutes from downtown Hendersonville, past the Laurel Park neighborhood. You'll pass cute half-timbered houses along the winding road to the mountain top. Park your car when you reach the top and walk straight to the scenic overview.

This is a great place for a sunset picnic and mountain photos. Jump Off Rock is also a good choice for the elderly and those with accessibility issues.

Mineral and lapidary museum

View minerals, gemstones and fossils at this small museum in downtown Hendersonville.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 698-1977 |Internet side| Opening hours: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Mon – Fri, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sat, Sun closed | Open access

The Mineral and Lapidary Museum is located in downtown Hendersonville. Although small, this museum is a cool place to visit if you are interested in geology and fossils. The exhibits include rocks and crystals native to North Carolina and the region, as well as fossils and a meteorite.

Geodes are the best part of this museum in my opinion. There are beautiful, live geodes on display, but you can also purchase a geode on site and it will be opened for you by the staff.

Aquarium and shark laboratory

Visit this small downtown aquarium where you can watch feedings and participate in touch tank experiences.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 692-8386 |Internet side| Opening hours: at 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Wed – Fri, 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM Sat, closed Sun – Tue | Admission: $6.50, adults, $5.25, children ages 1-4

The Aquarium & Shark Lab in downtown Hendersonville is a small but unique family-friendly attraction. It's especially great if you have children who are interested in animals and aquatic life.

You can take a tour if you visit between Wednesday and Saturday and see a shark and stingray feeding 1:30 PM There are also turtles, fish and other reptiles in this aquarium.

DuPont State recreatiebos

Hike miles of trails and see waterfalls in this wooded park.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 877-6527 |Internet side| Opening hours: daily 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Open access

Exploring the DuPont State Recreational Forest is one of the best things to do in Hendersonville, especially if you are a nature lover.

This recreational forest covers more than 10,000 hectares of land just outside of Hendersonville. You find infinityhiking trails,waterfalland good picnic spots to enjoy nature. DuPont State Forest is also great for mountain bikers and horseback riders as there are trails for these activities.

Highlights of the DuPont State Forest include the 3 Falls Hike (Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls), Bridal Veil Falls and the Wintergreen Falls Trail. DuPont State Forest is loved by tourists and locals alike, so there's definitely something here for you.

👉 Fun facts:Scenes from the 2012 movieThe hunger Gameswas actually filmed in DuPont! Specifically, the scene where Katniss finds Peeta disguised in the mud takes place in Triple Falls.

picking apples

Go apple picking at local apple orchards and treat yourself to sweet treats in rural Hendersonville.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 974-1232 |Internet side| Opening Hours: Seasonal opening hours vary | Admission: Apple pies vary

Apple picking is one of the best things to do in Hendersonville if you visit North Carolina between August and October. Henderson County is actually the largest apple producing area in the state and there are numerous local apple orchards to choose from.

Justus Orchard (linked above) is one of my favorite apple orchards because it is easy to get to from downtown Hendersonville. However, there are numerous other orchards such as Grandad's Apples and Sky Top Orchard.

All of these orchards offer pick-your-own apples and sweet treats such as apple cider donuts and cider. Visiting an apple orchard is a fun experience and a great way to make memories with friends and family. Visit duringNC Æblefestivalfor more apple fun.

Historically Dorp Flat Rock

Spend some time in a small town outside of Hendersonville, home to some cool, historic sights.

📍Google Maps

Flat Rock is a village just outside of Hendersonville. The main village area is home to local businesses such as Flat Rock Village Bakery, Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, Flat Rock Bistro Cinema and others.

I recommend making a day trip out of Flat Rock by visiting the Carl Sandburg Home, one of the village's most popular attractions. So grab lunch or dinner and watch a showFlatrock playhouse.

Carl Sandburg's house

Visit the home of famous poet Carl Sandburg and explore a goat farm.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 693-4178 | Opening hours: 10am – 4pm Wed-Sun, closed Mon & Tue | House tours: $10, adults, free for ages 15 and under

The Carl Sandburg Home is a designated National Historic Site according to the National Park Service. It is located in the village of Flat Rock and is open for tours.

The Carl Sandburg Home is known as the former home of American poet Carl Sandburg. It was here that Sandburg did more than a third of his work.Bron].

The 30-acre property also includes a goat farm, which Sandburg's wife, Lilian, was passionate about. In fact, the goats on the farm are descendants of Lilian Sandburg's original herd.

Flatrock playhouse

Catch a play or musical performance at this historic theater outside of Hendersonville.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 693-0731 |Internet side| Opening times: showtimes vary | Tickets: $55-$75

The Flat Rock Playhouse is a premier performing arts theater that presents plays and musicals. It's a taste of Broadway in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Seeing a show at the Flat Rock Playhouse is one of the best things to do in Hendersonville. The playhouse is located about 10 minutes from downtown Hendersonville in the village of Flat Rock.

It is a historic theater that opened in 1952. Today it is North Carolina's designated state theater. Here you can attend plays, musical performances and Broadway shows all year round.

Chimney Rock State Park

This state park near Lake Lure is home to a 500-year-old monolith, hiking trails and more.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 625-9611 |Internet side| Opening hours: daily 8:30 am - 5:30 pm | Admission: $17 adults, $8 for children 5 to 15, free for children 4 and under

Chimney Rock State Park is a popular natural attraction just 30 minutes from HendersonvilleMore from Lure. It is often done as one wholeday trip from Asheville, but it's actually closer to Hendersonville.

The whole family can enjoy a day trip to Chimney Rock. The main attraction is Chimney Rock itself: a 500 million year old monolithic rock formation of which you can actually visit the top. From there you are greeted with spectacular sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountain landscape and Lake Lure.

You can also hike trails and visit a nature center at Chimney Rock State Park. Hickory Nut Falls is an especially popular waterfall hike.

📚 Related reading:North Carolina Packing List

Sierra Nevada Brewery

Sample craft beer and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at this impressive brewery in Mills River.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 681-5300 |Internet side| Opening hours: 11am – 9pm Sun – Thurs, 11am – 10pm Fri & Sat

No visit to western North Carolina is complete without enjoying itthe area's craft beer scene, and the Sierra Nevada is a must-visit stop. This huge, state-of-the-art brewery is located outside of Hendersonville in the Mills River area.

I recommend booking a flight and staying for lunch or dinner. The farm-to-table fare here is fantastic. You can also take a brewery tour and enjoy live music on weekends.

Point Lookout Vineyards

Sip local wine while taking in scenic mountain views at this hilltop winery.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 808-8923 |Internet side| Opening hours: 12:00 - 18:00 Sun - Tue, 12:00 - 21:00 Wed & Sat.

Point Lookout Vineyards is one of several vineyards and wineries in Henderson County. It is about half an hour's drive from the city center.

This hilltop winery has a tasting room at the top of the hill, where you can sip a refreshing glass of wine and take in picturesque mountain views. Point Lookout produces a variety of red and white wines, but is best known for its mead, a wine made from honey.

Other popular wineries in Hendersonville include Burntshirt Vineyards and Paul Mountain Vineyards.

Holmes Educational Forestry Commission

Explore this park where families can enjoy learning about the natural environment.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 692-0100 |Internet side| Opening hours: 9am – 5pm Tue – Fri, 11am – 6pm Sat & Sun, closed Mon | Open access

Holmes Educational State Forest is a family-friendly park located on Crab Creek outside of Hendersonville. This is a great place for you and your family to learn more about Western North Carolina's natural environment.

Enjoy picnic tables and stroll one of five main trails. They are all well marked with educational displays and exhibitions along the way. The easy half-mile Talking Tree Trail is one of the most popular trails and features "talking trees."

Appelfestival in North Carolina

This downtown festival takes place over Labor Day Weekend, just in time for apple season.

Phone: (828) 697-4557 |Internet side

The North Carolina Apple Festival is an event that takes place every Labor Day weekend in downtown Hendersonville. Local apple orchards and vendors fill Main Street with lots of fun, kid-friendly activities and tasty apple treats.

The Apple Festival is a hustle and bustle in the city, but it's a great way to grab some fresh, local apples if you can't make it to the orchard.picking apples. In addition to all the apple-themed splendor, there are also musical performances and attractions to enjoy.

have an anniversary

Join this large garden festival with plant and craft vendors, an annual tradition at the end of May.

The Garden Jubilee is another one of Hendersonville's biggest annual events. This festival takes place downtown every year around the end of May, usually coinciding with Memorial Day weekend.

Garden and plant lovers will not want to miss this festival. It is one of the largest and most popular gardens in Western North Carolina. Festival vendors include local and regional nurseries, as well as artisans who create garden-themed items such as birdhouses, ceramics and gardening tools.

Chicken Dough Chicken & Donuts

Dine at this sweet small-town brunch spot with Southern staples and tasty donuts.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 595-2885 |Internet side| Opening hours: daily from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm

HenDough Chicken & Donuts is one of my favorite places to eat in Hendersonville. This cute and charming brunch spot is located just outside the center. Ideal for breakfast, lunch or as a sweet treat to-go.

As the name suggests, HenDough serves fried chicken plates and tasty donuts. Everything on the menu revolves around the South and...North Carolina cuisine.

I always go for the classic chicken tenders with mac n' cheese and kale on the side, plus a crème brûlée donut. But the donut breakfast sandwich and the hot chicken biscuit are also popular.

Henderson County Curb-markt

Visit this market to purchase locally produced food, produce and crafts.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 692-8012 |Internet side| Opening hours: 8am - 2pm Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday, closed on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday

A visit to the Henderson County Curb Market is the perfect way to get your farmer's market fix and a taste of old-fashioned Appalachia. The market offers stalls for numerous local producers. You'll find things like local honey, jams and jellies, eggs, cornmeal, and pickled goods. The market also sells crafts and household items such as blankets, soap and more.

Modelspoorwegmuseum Apple Valley

See model trains on display at this free and fascinating museum.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 270-0858 |Internet side| Opening hours: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday, closed Friday, Sunday – Tuesday | Open access

The Apple Valley Model Railroad Museum is a small, free museum perfect for train enthusiasts and history buffs. It is located in the Seventh Avenue neighborhood of Hendersonville, in the historic railroad depot.

Inside you'll find numerous intricate train exhibits and dioramas showing what the southern railway system used to look like. There is a city replica of Hendersonville and otherscities in western North Carolina.

Henderson County Heritage Museum

Learn the history of Hendersonville at this small heritage museum.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 694-1619 |Internet side| Opening hours: 10am – 5pm Wed – Sat, 1pm – 5pm Sun, closed Mon & Tue | Open access

The Henderson County Heritage Museum is a small historical museum located in the old Henderson County Courthouse. This downtown museum features exhibits and memorabilia from throughout Hendersonville's history.

Exhibits highlight events and eras such as the Civil War, the boom of local railroads between 1911 and 1968, and things like Appalachian summer camps and traditions.

Here's a little-known fact about the Heritage Museum: there's actually a time capsule hidden right outside the door! Ask a local employee about it.

Historic Johnson Farm

Explore this historic farm and former tourist resort from the 19th and 20th centuries.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 891-6585 |Internet side| Opening hours: 8am – 4pm Mon – Fri, closed Sat & Sun | Admission: $10, adults, $8, students

Historic Johnson Farm is a local farm and heritage attraction with a rich history. In the 19th century it was a tobacco farm and in the 20th century a tourist attraction. Today the house and farm are Grade II listed and open to the public.

This is a popular spot for local school trips and a great place to come as a family. You can visit the old farm and take part in local heritage events such as weaving and fiber courses, sheep shearing and learning how to make soap.

Appalachian flipperkastmuseum

Step back in time at this vintage pinball machine in downtown Hendersonville.

📍Google Maps| Phone: (828) 702-9277 |Internet side| Opening hours: varies, closed Wed | Entrance: Access all day for a fixed fee

The Appalachian Pinball Museum is an old-fashioned pinball machine in downtown Hendersonville. You can buy a day pass and play for a day. The pinball machines are cool and vintage and a visit here is a fun way to step back in time. Kids will enjoy the arcade fun and adults will enjoy the nostalgia factor.

Frequently asked questions about what to do in Hendersonville

***

I hope you enjoyed learning about the best things to do in Hendersonville, NC! This city in western North Carolina really has so much to offer. It is a great tourist destination, but also one of the bestplaces to stay in north carolina.