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[Updated January 5, 2023]
For too long, Hendersonville NC looked like Jan BradyAsheville's Marcia, which never received all the awards and attention it deserved.
But in recent years, Asheville's immense popularity has proven to be a double-edged sword.
Thanks to national media attention, Asheville's population has grown nearly 12% since the 2010 censusperle“hotspots become crowded, causing tensions among some local residents.
Hendersonville, on the other hand, remains relatively smallBlue Ridge-bjergby, with a population of just 14,351 people in 2020 (compared to Asheville's 93,000+).
And whileDowntown Ashevilleseems to be teetering on the edge of oversaturation, but the city, just 23 miles south, is beginning to blossom in beautiful ways.
Hendersonville has many of the same attractions: an eclectic downtown,excellent restaurants, NiceBlue Ridge-bergnature and abundant outdoor activities – but on a much smaller scale. And the rural areas outside the city offer just as many activities as the pleasant center.
Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Hendersonville NC in 2023, from historic sites, museums, andrestaurantsto wineries, national forests andwaterfall.
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Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC Guide
- Explore downtown Hendersonville
- Visit the Henderson County Heritage Museum
- Eat at restaurants in Hendersonville
- Play at the Appalachian Pinball Museum
- Meet cool animals at the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab
- Hike to waterfalls in DuPont State Forest
- Enjoy a tasting at Bold Rock Mills River Cidery
- Explore the historic Johnson Farm
- Picking apples at grandpa's apples
- Carl Sandburg Home Nationale Historische Site
- Familieplezier in Justus Orchard
- Try Hendersonville Wineries on the Cheers Trail
- Rijd over de Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Visit the Sierra Nevada Brewery
- Slide down and slide over rock waterfalls
- Visit the cradle of forestry in America
- Admire the Looking Glass chosen
- Take a day trip to Asheville
- Take a ride at Stepps Hillcrest Orchard
- Watch the sunset at Jump Off Rock
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1. Explore downtown Hendersonville
Start your journey atHendersonville Visitor Center, located at 201 Main St. There you can pick up a map of Downtown Hendersonville, centered on a seven-block stretch running from W Allen St north to 7th Ave.
Some of the buildings in this center date back to the 19th century, with the Henderson County Courthouse completed in 1905 and completely renovated in 2008. Historic Downtown Hendersonville was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Today, much of the 19th and early 20th century architecture is decorated with vibrant colors that perfectly match the manyflowersIntreesthe Hoofdstraat line.
Shady benches and sunny restaurant terraces offer options for those who want to enjoy nature for a while, or you can take a look at the many antique shops, clothing stores,museumsand galleries.
But to really get a feeling for ittownsatmosphere, we recommend starting at the museum, located in the historic Henderson County Courthouse, just two blocks from the Visitor Center.
READ MORE:The Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in NC
2. Visit the Henderson County Heritage Museum
Located in the old courthouse, theHenderson County Heritage Museumis impressively comprehensive for a small-town history museum. In 2021 it was significantly expanded with new exhibitions.
The tour begins with The Coming of the Railroad exhibit, which celebrates the nation's steepest standard gauge main linerailway, which launched the area's golden age.
There is also a small exhibition in the areaCherokee Indianpopulation, a larger oneAmerican military history, and a 'Life along the Ridge' exhibition about the history of the areabergcommunities.
These and other exhibitions fill the entire first floor of the historic building.
The third floor (for which visitors must be accompanied by amuseumteacher) is home to a quilting exhibit and "The Courthouse Room," a scale model of the original 1905 courthouse.
READ MORE: Top 10 Things to Do in Winston Salem NC
3. Eat at restaurants in Hendersonville
With pleasureBlue Ridge GAInClayton GE, Hendersonville is blessed with more than its fair share of great restaurants, with a level of culinary diversity you might not expect from a small mountain town.
On the Hoofdstraat,Never blueoffers exquisite culinary fusions with Asian, Caribbean, Italian and Middle Eastern influences.To shineserves upscale American cuisine in a delightful setting with craft co*cktails, an extensive beer and wine menu, and one of the best brunches in the city.
Further down the street you will find Dandelion, passed bySafety lightcharity that provides victims of workplace violence with training in a relaxed café environment. There is alsoUmiSushi and Japanese, the highest rated of all dining options in Hendersonville.
Other localrestaurantswe loved it includedPi squared, featuring delicious Detroit-style pan pizza;Chicken Dough Chicken & Donuts, whose Donut Breakfast Sandwich was one of the most decadent things we've ever eaten; and the extraordinary BBQ fromHubba Hubba Rokerijin nearby Flat Rock NC.
READ MORE:The best Hendersonville NC restaurants for foodies
4. Play at the Appalachian Pinball Museum
As an avid 80s/90s video game junkie, I was hooked on this excellent Hendersonville attraction (from the same guys behind the Asheville Pinball Museum) from the moment we walked in.
OfAppalachian flipperkastmuseumhas an extensive collection of more than 50 vintage pinball machines and video games that you can play for a fixed price ($12 games all day).
Some of the machines here date back to the 60s and 70s, but the majority are from the golden age of gaming I grew up in.
You will find Star Wars, KISS, Twilight Zone, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Elvira pinball machines, but also classic video games such as Pac-Man, Galaga, Dig Dug, etc.
You can play as many games as you want and for as long as you want. They also offer adult beverages such as beer (including some oflocal breweries), hard seltzer, a BlackJack Cola co*cktail and more!
READ MORE:The best Christmas lights in North Carolina
5. Meet cool animals at the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab
You don't expect to see an aquarium in the heart of an aquariummountain town. But we decided to visitTeam ECCO Aquarium & Shark Labone of the best things to do in downtown Hendersonville.
The attraction is the passion project of former teacher Brenda J. Ramer, who founded the nonprofit marine science organization in her kitchen in 2001. It started with a simple idea: "Experience is the best teacher, and a positive learning experience can change a life."
The first indoor aquarium arrived todaystate of North Carolinais home to nearly 300 fish, invertebrates, reptiles and salamanders. Many of their residents were former animal rescuers, including an African spurred tortoise, leopard gecko, barracuda andstrange animalssuch as Guitar Fish and Axolotl.
Ramer, who has a Masters in Education, uses nearly 25 exhibits (including a 5,000-gallon shark study tank) to teach school groups about marine life and the importance of conservation.
She also works with interns at colleges and universities, teaching them essential skills in marine science, animal husbandry and ecosystem management.
It is certainly an inspiring place. But watching an intern feed geckos, or one of Ramer's dogs trying to coax one of the world's largest turtles to play, is also great fun!
READ MORE:The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit
6. Hike to waterfalls in DuPont State Forest
Located 14 miles from downtown Hendersonville, the 12,000-acre wilderness ofDuPont State recreatiebosoffers a chance to explore the extraordinary natural beautyThe mountains of North Carolina.
One of our favoritesNC State ParkingThe forest's more than 80 miles of multi-use trails are used by hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers alike. They include severalMarine, picnic shelters and fantastic scenic views seen in films such asThe Last of the MohicansInThe hunger Games.
But the most popular attractions in the DuPont Forest are many beautiful oneswaterfallthere, which contains some of the bestWestern North Carolina Fallsto walk.
Hooker Falls is an easy 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot. The three-story waterfalls of Triple Falls are a moderate one-mile hike, and the majestic High Falls is just 0.6 miles away. Bridal Veil Falls is just over 3 miles away, while Wintergreen Falls and Grassy Creek Falls are two smaller waterfalls nearby.
We did the 2.7 mile Hooker/Triple/High Falls hike on a morning trip. But if you have time, you can easily spend a few days exploring the DuPont State Forest!
READ MORE: The 50 Best Waterfalls in North Carolina to Visit
7. Enjoy a tasting at Bold Rock Mills River Cidery
The town of Mills River is located eight miles from Hendersonville, in Henderson County, but is also part ofAshevilleMetropolitan Statistical Area.
Both cities would therefore like to lay claim to Mills River's acclaimed collectionbreweriesand cider as their own.
Fed hard cideris the #2 cider distributor in the US and visiting their Cidery is the second most popular thing to do in Mills River NC after Sierra Nevada Brewery.
It's easy to see why: the sprawling, family-friendly attraction offers almost every hard cider flavor imaginable, a hearty onerestaurant, indoor and outdoor seating and specialeventssuch as weekly trivia nights.
They also offer two different flavor flights to choose from, the Flagship Flight and the Premium Flight. Each offers a balanced sampling of four different ciders from Bold Rock's line.
Ours ranged from dry varieties that evoked the taste of champagne or IPA beer, to the smooth, sweet Carolina Draft, to the tart Carolina Apple, to seasonal flavors like Blackberry and Watermelon.
READ MORE:Discover the 12 best Asheville NC breweries
8. Explore the historic Johnson Farm
Anyone interested in the history of the 19th and early 20th centuriesBlue Ridge Mountainswill enjoy a visit to Historic Johnson Farm, which was listed on the National Register of HistoricPlacesi 1987.
Now managed byHenderson County Education FoundationThe farm dates back to 1874, when wealthy tobacco farmer Oliver Moss hired Riley Barnett to build the first brick house in the county. Use of clay outFrench Broad RiverThe bricks were fired on site, then coated to hide defects and drawn in with white lines.
After the tobacco market collapsed, Moss sold the house and 310 acres to Robert Leverett, whose daughter Sallie Johnson (a widow with two young sons) inheritedcourtyardand turned it into a tourist haven in 1913.
Today, visitors can tour the former boarding house and explore the many outbuildings built by Johnson's sons, Vernon and Leander. The brothers remained on the property after their mother's death in 1958, eventually leaving it to the Henderson County Board of Education to create a heritage center for children.
You can take a self-guided audio tour of the property. But the tour offered at 10:30am Monday to Friday provides excellent insight into the antiques in the house, many of which were handmade by Vernon Johnson himself!
READ MORE:The 15 Best Treehouses in the North Carolina Mountains
9. Picking apples from grandfather's apples
One of the most family friendlyfarmsin Hendersonville NC we found,Grandpa's appleshas been a family business since its founding in 1994.
Owner Pat Lancaster's family has beencultivation of applesfor almost a century now. His wife Leslie managesfrom the farmmarket, where daughters Kaylin and Kayce often help.
Their season typically lasts from early summer to late Novemberappelchooseavailable on select weekends. They have a huge selection to choose from, including some we haven't seen anywhere else!
In addition to apples, they also sell peaches,pumpkin, apple cider, as well as locally produced jam, honey, soap, candles and home furnishings.
Other activities on the 120-hectare estate include an apple cannon,majslabyrint, playground, and taste delicious sweets from the bakery.
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10. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Widely regarded as “The Voice of America,” Carl Sandburg was an iconic poet, author and folk musician. He won three Pulitzer Prizes, including two for poetry and one for a biography of Abraham Lincoln.
He was also the first white man ever to be honored with the Silver Plaque Award from the NAACP, which called him a "great civil rights prophet of our time" for his work as a journalist covering race riots.
Located near the small village of Flat Rock NCCarl Sandburg Home Nationale Historische Sitepreserves Connemara, the 270-hectare estate where he lived and worked for the last 22 years of his life.
Free tours (which must be reserved in advance online) last 30 to 40 minutes and take guests through 11 rooms on the top two floors of the house. The interior is exactly as it was when he died in 1967, with period antiques.
There is also a shed (possiblygoatsdescended from the children raised by Mrs. Sandburg), visitor center/park store, and othershiking trailsto discover.
READ MORE:40 facts about the history of the banjo (from Africa to Appalachia)
11. Familieplezier in Justus Orchard
One of the oldestapple orchardsI Hendersonville,Justus' orchardwas founded by the great-grandfather of the current owner Don Justus. They have offeredpicking applesfor both locals and visitors for 55+ years!
The 5th generation family farm covers 75 hectares of land, with over 25 different varieties of apples grown on the property.
Open every day from July to November from 9am to 5pm, the orchard is family friendlyactivities. There are apple cannons, an animal barn (with donkeys, goats, pigs and peaco*cks), cowstrain traveland a huge playground.
They also have a grillrestaurantand an on-site bakery with apple cider, apple cider donuts and the best baked apple pies we've ever had.
Check out their website for special events, including severalfestivalsand live music from local artists.
READ MORE:The 25 Best Pumpkin Spots in the NC Mountains
12. Try Hendersonville Wineries on the Cheers Trail
Home for the 77-year-oldAppelfestival in North Carolinaevery Labor Day weekend, Hendersonville has long been known for its prolific apple orchards.
But over the past decade, Henderson County has also become home to an excellent range of...vineyards, breweries and cideries. So they created 25 stopsCheers trailas a way for visitors to explore them all, four of which we visited during our time in Hendersonville.
We started atBurntshirt Vineyards, which has been the North Carolina Winery of the Year 5 of the past 6 years. The award-winning Reserve Grüner Veltliner is their best-selling breed. But we loved the Reserve and Harvest Moon Chardonnays, the cherry and plum notes of the Bat Cave Blend and the powerful Finale dessert wine.
Point Lookout Vineyardsoffers beautiful mountain views that extend up to 80 km on clear days. They also feature award-winning wines and meads: our favorites included the sweetappelnotes of Sugarloaf 2019, the coffee and berry flavors of Javine 2018 and Calm (chamomile lavender) and Beguile (raspberry) mead.
Stone Ashe Vineyardsis a new winery that opened in the summer of 2020. We tried two wines grown on their beautiful estate: a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from 2019. The first was dry, with notes of apple and pear, but not the oaky flavor you might expect. The latter was fresh and tart with hints of citrus and melon.
READ MORE:The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit
13. Rijd over de Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
Although it is closer to Brevard than Hendersonville (17 miles), it isForest Heritage National Scenic Bywayis truly a must-see for anyone wanting to explore NC'sPisgah National Forest.
This scenic 75-mile route follows three highways: 276, 215, and 64.
But the 15-mile stretch from Brevard toBlue Ridge Parkwayis without a doubt one of the most beautiful stretches of road we have ever traveled, following the Davidson River into the heart of the forest.
The area is home to some of the best Pisgah National Forest hiking trails, including the Art Loeb Trail, the Looking Glass Rock Trail, the John Rock Trail, and the Pink Beds Trail (which has many hiking trails).wildflowers spring and summer).
There are also tons of incredible oneswaterfallalong the way with hikes to Twin Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, Cove Creek Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Log Hollow Falls and more, all in a glorious 9-mile stretch.
READ MORE:The 20 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails in the NorthCarolina
14. Visit the Sierra Nevada Brewery
One of the largest breweries in Western North Carolina,Sierra Nevada Breweryis located in Mills River NC, almost equidistant from Asheville and Hendersonville.
So perhaps it's no surprise that boththe mountain placetry to claim this key player in the craft beer rise as their own.
The Platinum LEED-certified brewery opened in 2015 and features a beautiful taproom/restaurant, outdoor concert space, garden, nature trail and more.
They offer a rangebrewery toursonly by reservation. These range from a free 45-minute tour where guests get an inside look at the facility's beer-making process to a 3-hour 'Beer Geek Tour'. There are more tooemerald, which range from $12 to $30 and up.
She lostrestaurant is a great place to sample year-round, seasonal and specialty beers from a wide variety of beers.
It also offers food items, including items made with beer (Pale Ale jack cheese, Porter mustard vinaigrette) and made to pair well with beer (Danish Smørrebrød, Duck Fat Fries, etc.).
READ MORE:The 10 Best Distilleries in North Carolina to Visit
15. Sliding down sliding rock waterfalls
Located along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, just a few miles awayBlue Ridge ParkwaySliding Rock Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the areaBrevard NC.
Not only because of its stunning natural beauty, but also because it is a centuries-old tradition for local families to descend the 20-meter high natural rock water slide before splashing in the deep pool below.
Open daily insummer(from Memorial Day to Labor Day), and on Labor Day weekend through the end of October, Sliding Rock has lifeguards and bathrooms provided byAdventure Pisgah.
Long-term residents still grumble about the fact that Adventure Pisgah charges a nominal $4 usage fee for the days their services are provided.
But Sliding Rock is open to visitors 365 days a year, for those willing to risk injury, or just extremely cold mountain water!
READ MORE: Top 10 Waterfalls near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)
16. Visit the birthplace of forestry in America
Originally known as Biltmore Forest SchoolThe cradle of forestrywas founded in 1898 byCarl A. Schenck, who was hired by George W. Vanderbilt to manage more than 100,000 acres of forest surrounding the Biltmore Estate.
The original school was founded to teach local men in the timber industry responsible forestry and existed for only 15 years.
Now it has become a popular historic attraction in the Pisgah National Forest, with a heritage museum featuring several original buildings, rail cars, self-guided hiking trails andspecial events.
It's a great place to learn all about the history and future of forest conservation and environmental management, as well as simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area known as "the pink beds" because of its abundantwildflowerslate spring and early summer.
If you come during the week, don't be surprised if several school groups in traditional costumes visit the attraction."living history'actors leading.
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17. Admire the Looking Glass chosen
Although the area suffered some damage from severe storms in August 2021, Looking Glass Falls remains one of the largestpopular waterfallsin western North Carolina.
This is partly due to its sheer beauty and partly due to its accessibility: the falls are visible from the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, and just a few miles fromBlue Ridge Parkway.
Looking Glass Falls has everything you would expect from a large waterfall likeCrabtree Falls, including height, water volume and solid rock walls. The difference is that this roadside waterfall doesn't need onewalking toursabsolutely!
That's the advantage. The downside is that the waterfall can be very busy on weekends and weekendspeak season for leaf-peeping. So if you want to visit during that time, our advice is to go early.
Anyway, the 60-footerwaterfallIt is truly impressive as it plunges into the creek and makes a great stop before or after a visit to the Cradle of Forestry or DuPont State Forest.
READ MORE:The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina
18. Take a day trip to Asheville
With its historic art deco buildings, hip indie sensibilities and thriving food andLive musicscenes, Asheville is a progressive hotbed in a traditionally red state.
But what makes the fast-growing metropolis truly extraordinary is the fact that it is surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty, which becomes even more spectacular asautumn coloursare starting to reach their peak.
The city is located just 30 miles north of Hendersonville and makes a great day trip, whether you are exploring the numeroushiking trails near Ashevilleor take a walk through the smart city center.
When you visit, be sure to check out some of Asheville's excellent downtown areasrestaurants, including favorites such as the award-winning Curaté (tapas), Posana (farm to table), Bouchon (provincial French), Plant (vegan/vegetarian) and 12 Bones Smokehouse (BBQ).
We also recommend a visitRiver Arts District, which offers an incredible array of galleries, shops, and restaurants in 23 former industrial buildings along a 1-mile stretch of the French Broad River.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
19. Hayrides and Apple Cannons at Stepps Hillcrest Orchard
The late J.H. Stepp was a pioneer in the NC apple industry, and his orchard (which began offering u-pick apples in the 1960s) is one of the oldest in Hendersonville.
Today, the 105-acre family farm is run by his son Mike Stepp, with the help of Mike's wife Rita, their daughter Danielle and her husband. Even Mike's grandchildren are learning the ropes, making this a three-generation farm.
It is surrounded by the fantasticAppalacherne, with more than twenty varieties of apples, a pumpkin field and pick-your-own grapes, sunflowers, tulips and zinnias.
The weekend is a good time for families to visitStepps Hillcrest Boomgaard. Guests can take a wagon ride through the 40-acre orchard, trying to navigate through a 5-acre orchard.majslabyrint, or try some target practice with their apple cannons.
The plantation also has a covered picnic area, a bakery that offers delicious apple cider andpumpkin donuts and various jams, jellies and souvenirs.
READ MORE: Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 10 Best NC Apple Orchards to Visit
20. Watch the sunset at Jump Off Rock
Hendersonville doesn't have as many scenic views as the NC townsGreat Smoky Mountains, asBryson city,Cherokee, InWaynesville.
The therecharming citiesis surrounded by mountains in the range of 5,000 to 6,000 feet. But Hendersonville sits at an elevation of 2,100 feet, and the nearest 5,000-foot peak, Little Pisgah Mountain, is a 50-minute drive away.
But if it's fantasticbeautiful viewsis what you're looking for, Jump Off Rock is less than five miles from Hendersonville. You can drive there and it offers beautiful views of Pisgah andBlue Ridge-bergintervals.
The park is free to visit, open daily from sunrise to sunset and has 3hiking trails. The easy blue route takes about 8 minutes, the intermediate yellow route takes 15 minutes, while the red route is longer and more challenging.
Our advice is to be there at least 15 minutes before sunset, as this is a very popular spot. And be sure to stick around for the spectacular afterglow when the colors are at their richest!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Hotels and Cabins in Hendersonville NC
Brightwaters pension
Built in 1938 by Samuel J. Childs, the historicBrightwaters pensionwas originally an 8 BR and 6 BA guest house in the Brightwaters Estates resort.
The resort also featured 25 log cabin-style cabins (many of which can still be seen as homes) covering approximately 400 acres, and became popular with visitors from Florida seeking a cooler summer climate.
Today, the house is split into two levels: We lived in the 2 BR, 2 BA Verandah, which encompassed the entire top floor of this beautifully restored stone building.
It offers plenty of lavishly designed interior space, a full kitchen and all the modern conveniences you would expect (including WiFi, cable TV and 5 different climate controls for different parts of the apartment).
But our favorite feature was the porch itself. The screened windows provided cool crosswinds in the afternoon, and the cozy rockers and couches created a comfortable place to work and relax.
READ MORE:The 10 Best Tree Houses Near Asheville, NC
Henderson Inn, restaurant a bar
It is among the highest rated hotels in the city,Henderson Inn, restaurant a baris located in the heart of downtown Hendersonville, just steps from Main St at 3rd Ave.
Built as oneHotelin 1919-1921, the property was certified as a National Historic Building in 1989 and then extensively renovated in 2006.
Current owners Michael and Jeanne have kept the building's historic charm intact, but also added their own quirky sensibilities by adding plenty of Hollywood memorabilia from the early and mid-20th century.
But the real draw here is Harvey's Restaurant, where Michael – an award-winning chef whose CV includes the Michelin-starred Ritz Carltonrestaurants, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines – create a delicious selection of dishes for breakfast and dinner.
Even if you don't stay there, it's worth visiting just to dine at one of the bestrestaurants i Downtown Hendersonville!–by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted
