Located just over twenty miles outside of Asheville, the mountain town of Hendersonville is the perfect mix of small-town charm and modern convenience. With a city population of just over 14,000, it’s a town where you’ll feel welcome from the moment you enter it. And although its historic downtown area with meandering streets and small town shops will have you feeling like you’ve gone back in time, you’ll also find lots of contemporary charm here too, from craft breweries and cideries to upscale restaurants and nightlife.
Take a Stroll Down Main Street
When you stroll down the winding Main Street of historic downtown Hendersonville, you’ll find sixteen blocks of quaint shops, boutiques, restaurants and local businesses. You can grab a delicious fresh baked good from McFarlan’s Old Fashioned Bakery, visit the Appalachian Pinball Museum or the Mineral and Lapidary Museum, have lunch at one of the many local restaurants and cafes and then stop in Mast General Store for a unique souvenir to take home.
Sample Some Hard Cider
If you fancy yourself a bit of a hard cider enthusiast (or even if you don’t), you’ll definitely want to check out the cider scene in Hendersonville, which includes major player, Bold Rock Hard Cider. Even though Bold Rock Ciders have now won more than 100 awards and are available in eleven states throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, their operation still feels like family when you visit their facility. From the large, airy tasting room to the outdoor picnic area with live music and food trucks, you’ll feel more like you’re visiting a friend’s house for a barbecue, than going to a mass-production facility. Be sure to take a tour while you’re there so you can see the apples being crushed and processed and then head back into the tasting room to sample the final product.
Have a Beer
If cider isn’t your scene but you enjoy craft beer, you’ll be happy to know that popular brewing company, Sierra Nevada, also calls the Hendersonville area home. Located in nearby Mills River, the Sierra Nevada facility features a grand 200-barrel brewhouse with traditional copper kettles, as well as a taproom and restaurant that features 23 beers on tap and a selection of small plate, farm-to-table dishes with ingredients that were sourced from local suppliers. There’s also live music to enjoy on a regular basis and a massive gift shop that has everything the beer lover could ever want including clothing, bar supplies, gift items and of course, plenty of beer.
Taste Some Wine
Don’t worry wine lovers, Hendersonville has something for you too. In fact, they have several high quality vineyards, including Burntshirt Vineyards, which was voted the 2015 North Carolina Winery of the Year at the NY International Wine Competition. Here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Province of the Appalachian Mountains, while sipping on their award-winning wines that are made with 100% estate grown fruit. Whether you prefer dry or sweet, they have something for every palette, as well as a small selection of food from the Vintner’s Table Food Truck, like cheese plates, salads, sandwiches and skewers.
Enjoy the View From Jump Off Rock
Located about five miles from downtown Hendersonville, in the town of Laurel Park, the scenic overlook that is known as “Jump Off Rock” is a popular spot for both visitors and locals who come to enjoy the panoramic view of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah Mountain ranges. The rock ledge, which was uniquely named after an old legend about an Indian maiden who jumped to her death after learning of her lover’s death in battle, offers far-reaching views of four different states from the top. In addition to being a great spot for photographs, there are also three different hiking trails that allow you to take in more of the scenery, while getting a little exercise.
Watch a Show at the Flat Rock Playhouse
The Flat Rock Playhouse is the State Theatre of North Carolina and in Flat Rock. The professional, non-profit theatre located is beloved for its high-quality productions of popular musicals, comedies, and dramas. A little over a 30-minute drive from Asheville, this designated State Theatre of North Carolina began as a few weeks of summer performances in 1940. It now operates a year-long season of exciting productions.
Have Some Chicken and Donuts
Yes, that’s right… chicken and donuts. You may have heard of the Southern classic, chicken and waffles, but this puts a whole new spin on things. Hendough Chicken & Donuts, a quaint little breakfast and lunch joint located in a restored home, is a local favorite and a must-do stop for visiting guests. With two of America’s favorite comfort foods under one roof, you’ll have trouble deciding what to get! Which is why you should go for both. Like, a donut bacon and sausage sandwich for breakfast, or a fried chicken sandwich for lunch that comes with, what else, but a drink and a donut on the side.
