Last Updated on May 9, 2023
Hendersonville, long known for its historic charms, is blooming into the future. In recent years, it has revitalized its local business scene and advanced its reputation as a place that offers something for just about everyone.
Whether you’re vacationing or stay-cationing, Hendersonville offers residents and visitors alike many opportunities to Live Abundantly in WNC. Here’s a quick itinerary for an eventful weekend in historic Hendersonville, NC.
Friday evening in Hendersonville, NC
Check “inn” at The Henderson
Located just off Main Street in the heart of downtown, The Henderson combines old-time charm with the modern amenities that you need. You’ll love the vintage architectural details throughout the 1920s Classical Revival-style hotel, which is designated as a National Historic Building. But you’ll rave over the quality of the hospitality and the gourmet breakfast served each morning. Their on-site restaurant and lounge, Harvey’s, also serves gourmet small-plate meals with fresh ingredients throughout the day. Ask about their king suite and pet-friendly rooms.
Find your main meal on Main Street
Main Street, Hendersonville offers a unique blend of the past and the present. The street is welcoming to pedestrians, bikers, and cars, all at the same time. And the surrounding downtown area is home to several dozen coffee shops, delis, tap houses, and fine dining restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an old fashioned ice cream parlor or a high-end dining experience, there is something for every palate. Find a meal you’ll love at one of Hendersonville’s many long standing eateries, including Hannah Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Mezzaluna Brick Oven Tap House, and Umi Japanese Fine Dining.
Enjoy a barrel of fun at a local cidery
Did you know that Hendersonville is located in the heart of one of the most fruitful apple-producing regions in the U.S.? In addition to the bevy of apple orchards, products, and pastries available in town, Hendersonville is also home to several cideries. From crisp and dry to mellow and sweet, ciders offer flavor profiles for every taste. Don’t miss Flat Rock Cider Company in nearby Dana and Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River. Bold Rock is the largest craft cidery in the Carolinas.
Experience live local music
Mountain folk are known for a lot of things, but one of the first to come to mind is probably the tradition of live music. From the area’s first settlers to today, Western North Carolina residents have loved to gather and listen to local musicians and storytellers sing local folk songs, pick the banjo, play the fiddle, or (just as likely today) play the electric guitar. In Hendersonville, it’s easy to find live music of nearly every genre every night of the week. In fact, on Friday nights during the summer, the city takes music to the streets with events like Hendersonville’s annual Music on Main.
Saturday in Hendersonville, NC
Belly up to a classic diner
Pop’s Diner is a locally owned and operated classic diner in Hendersonville. Fun fact: they’re also the oldest restaurant in town! They serve breakfast all day, and lunch starts at 11:00AM. Plus, all their food is fresh and prepared to order with the finest ingredients available. Stop in and connect with friends, have a quick bite, or savor their noteworthy confections in a lively setting. If you can’t stay, ask about their takeout options.
Enjoy hands on learning at a specialty museum
Few downtowns in WNC can boast the concentration of attractions, especially museums, as Hendersonville. In fact, half the museums in the county are located within a few blocks’ stretch. The Henderson County Heritage Museum is housed in the historic old courthouse, built in 1905. The Mineral and Lapidary Museum, on Main Street, offers geologic highlights from near and far. Also downtown are Hands On! Children’s Museum, a free educational museum for children, and the Historic Apple Valley Train Depot, home of the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club. The club has a remarkable scale-model railroad with more than 600 feet of track. Choose your favorite or visit them all—they’re in walking distance to each other!
Catch your eye on local art and architecture
WNC’s many local art galleries have created exciting downtown destinations for artists and art lovers alike. But more importantly, art spaces add new life and a sense of identity to our neighborhoods. In particular, the arts have often led the way in the revitalization of main streets and town centers. Hendersonville, and downtown in particular, is home to its own burgeoning art scene. There are at least a dozen galleries devoted to showcasing local and regional artists in a variety of mediums.
Want to learn more about the unique setting of Hendersonville’s art galleries? Join the Arts Council of Hendersonville County for a free art and architecture walking tour of Hendersonville. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hendersonville’s Main Street Historic District encompasses 65 contributing commercial and governmental buildings in the central business district of town. Many of these buildings include notable examples of Classical Revival, Neoclassical, and late Art Moderne architecture.
Quench your thirst with a craft beer
Beer lovers needn’t drive to Asheville to quench their thirst. Henderson County is home to a growing number of breweries, several of which are located in downtown Hendersonville. From classic choices to unique small batch recipes to pints that give back to the community, you’re certain to find a great brew for you. Hop around to Dry Falls Brewing, Sanctuary Brewing Company, and Southern Appalachian Brewery. Or take your pick home with you from the Blue Door Bottleshop, located in the heart of downtown. Craft brew giant Sierra Nevada has their east coast production facility and taphouse nearby in Mills River.
Make a Haus call
What goes better with craft beer than a Bavarian pretzel? For over two decades, Haus Heidelberg has been one of Hendersonville’s favorite restaurants, serving classic and authentic German cuisine. Their popular, down-to-earth dishes from northwestern and southern Germany will fill you up. And the memorable, positive experience will inspire you to come back time and again. Enjoy sandwiches, sausages, and an assortment of signature dishes in a Bavarian setting. And don’t forget your giant pretzel! Prost!
See a show at Flat Rock Playhouse
The Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s state theatre, traces its history back to 1937. Located in the heart of the Historic Village of Flat Rock, the community touchstone stages Broadway-quality musicals, comedies, dramas, and theater for young audiences. The Playhouse has also gained national recognition for its professional performing company and theater training programs. Their season runs year round, with more than 100,000 patrons attending shows each year.
Sunday in Hendersonville, NC
Start your day with the perfect pairing
Is there a better way to start your day than with a fresh-baked pastry and a hot coffee? Local coffee shops abound, and many carry pastries from local bakeries—meaning you can have your cake and coffee, too. Bakeries in Hendersonville make your tastebuds dance with made-from-scratch treats served fresh from the oven. Your cup of coffee tastes even better when you realize that the beans were prepared by independent roasters for maximum flavor. Located in the Historic 7th Avenue District, Independent Bean Roasters offers the perfect start to your day. Their single-origin, craft coffee is roasted right in town and brought to you by the same great minds behind Underground Baking Company down the block.
Discover treasures
If you enjoy the hunt, it’s possible to discover topnotch treasures from the past at local antiques stores. Hendersonville is abundant with antiques stores of all sizes and levels of curation. Find something perfect to sit in a place of prominence in your home. Or get creative and take home a diamond in the rough that becomes your next DIY.
Prefer to boost your mood with a few new pieces for your home? The area is also home to many new home furnishings stores.
Get outdoors to enjoy the season
There’s a good reason Hendersonville is known as the City of Four Seasons. The area offers countless opportunities to get outside any day of the year, from hiking and fishing to camping, zip-lining, and whitewater adventures. One of the most popular nearby attractions is Jump Off Rock. This scenic overlook offers a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest that is perfect for nature lovers and romantic moments alike. Hendersonville is also home to a handful of public and private golf courses, including the exclusive Champion Hills Golf Course. When the season’s right, we also recommend apple picking at one of the many local orchards in the area. It’s fun for the whole family!
Get in touch with your inner child
Speaking of fun for the whole family, Hendersonville is home to many attractions for kids of all ages. We love visiting Laura E. Corn Mini-Golf Course at Boyd Park. The course is ideally located off Main Street and open daily throughout the summer season (except in cases of inclement weather). Best of all, each hole is themed for attractions around WNC! After your game, walk to the nearby Appalachian Pinball Museum for even more family fun. For a flat fee, you can spend all day trying their collection of both vintage and contemporary pinball machines, as well as video games.
Plan your next trip to Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville has more treats than can be experienced in one weekend. Plan your next trip for Labor Day Weekend, when the city throws its annual Apple Festival. The festival honors the local apple industry and culminates in the “King Apple Parade” attended by tens of thousands of spectators.
Spend every weekend in Hendersonville, NC!
Distinguished by an almost perfect climate, beautiful surroundings, great eateries, and recreational variety, Hendersonville, NC is known as the City of Four Seasons. The town’s many tranquil neighborhoods and housing developments all surround a sturdy core. It’s a place where you can be as active or idle as you wish. No wonder Hendersonville has attracted hundreds of residents looking for a sweet life topped with ample recreation and a friendly atmosphere.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Hendersonville now!
