What to Do in Hendersonville, North Carolina

If we're talking things to do and places to go in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of North Carolina, chances are good you’ve heard about Asheville — but have you heard of Asheville's little sister to the south, Hendersonville? This charming town receives less traveler attention, but is still worth your consideration if you're exploring the area. With its bustling downtown filled with more than a hundred shops, restaurants and galleries, plus lots of outdoor adventures in the nearby mountains, you’ll find plenty in Hendersonville to enjoy and experience. Here are just a few of your options.

1. Brush up on your Hendersonville history.

If you're itching to learn what makes this small town so special, you have a few museums to visit. The Henderson County Heritage Museum is a good place to start, with exhibits focusing on topics like the Civil War and Hendersonville’s rail history. Historic Johnson Farm is also a good pick, with its nearly a dozen historic structures, including the oldest brick home in the county. The property also features a 1920s boarding house and 15 acres of fields and forests.

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/HistoricJohnsonFarm/photo...

2. Get outdoors.

Of course, you can't visit the Blue Ridge Mountains without enjoying the region’s great outdoors. A few top spots to do so, in and around Hendersonville, include at Chimney Rock State Park, where the state park's namesake is a 535 million-year-old monolith. Climb to the top to view rivers, mountains and forests as far as 75 miles away. If you'd rather go chasing waterfalls than climbing monoliths, you can do so at DuPont Recreational State Forest, where you’ll find a handful of accessible falls.

Photo courtesy of https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/view_trail/chimney...

3. Visit an apple farm (or two!).

Did you know that North Carolina is home to its fair share of apple farms? When you're in Hendersonville, stop by Coston Farm & Apple House, a fourth-generation, family-owned farm and apple orchard where you can pick your own apples and enjoy a fresh-baked treat from the gift shop. Then, go to the Apple House and Owenby Orchards, where they also plant and sell watermelon, corn, tomatoes and other yummy North Carolina produce.

Photo courtesy of https://owenbysapplehouse.com/

4. Explore historic downtown Hendersonville.

Don't forget to take your time exploring downtown Hendersonville during your stay. The seven-block historic area dates back to the 1800s in some spots, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. From antique shops to art galleries, independent boutiques to eateries, you'll find a little bit of it all here.

Need More?

Need more ideas for what to do, where to go, where to stay, where to eat and more while in Hendersonville? Check out the full Hendersonville, North Carolina, Discovery Map guide, which provides recommendations for hotels, restaurants and where to find helpful services while traveling. Download a virtual map online or order a printed map for use during your journeys, no WiFi needed.