30-minute drive from either Brevard or Asheville,
Considering its population size, Hendersonville has a very lively downtown. Main Street has 10 blocks of probably over 100 interesting shops and restaurants. The county seat of Henderson county, known as the state's Apple Capital.
From late August through October, you might want to pick or buy apples here:
Justus Orchard - 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville; 828-685-8033
Skytop Orchard - Pinnacle Mountain Road, Flat Rock; 828-692-7930 - Try one of their apple cider donuts.
Local Sights
Bullington Gardens - a 12-acre preserve once owned by retired NY police officer Bob Bullington, now run by the Henderson County Educational Foundation. Native woodland garden, dahlia garden, perennials. Open 8-4:30 M-F at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail. bullingtongardens.org
Jump Off Rock - panoramic views and a few short hikes are available just west of downtown. Take Fifth Ave west, it becomes Laurel Park Hwy, and ends at Jump Off Rock.
Thomas Wolfe's Angel - In Oakdale Cemetery, small signs point you to the most famous resident, a marble angel that Thomas Wolfe described in "Look Homeward, Angel". At the intersection of US 64 and Valley Street, west of town.
Western NC Air Museum - Founded in 1989 by three local flyers, the museum has replicas of the Wright Brothers flyer, and more than a dozen other restored aircraft. No admission, but donations accepted. 1340 Gilbert St. westernnorthcarolinaairmuseum.com
Restaurants
- Mountain Deli - Sandwiches, bagels, salads, beer/wine. Hot-carved roast beef Tuesdays and Fridays, roast turkey breast Mondays and Thursdays, smoked ham Wednesdays and Saturdays. Closed Sunday. 343 N Main St. mtndeli.com
- McFarlan Bakery - massive selection of cakes, pies, cookies, bread, in business since the 1930s. Open T-Sat 7-5:30. 309 N Main St. mcfarlanbakery.com
- Postero - "new American cuisine" in a 1922 bank building. 401 N Main St. postero-hvl.com
Bonus: Flat Rock – just south of Hendersonville, along Business US25 is perhaps the oldest resort town in North Carolina – the village of Flat Rock. Not much there, except a lot of expensive homes that are difficult to see from the road. The “village” consists of basically a handful of stores and a bakery. But perhaps worth a look are:
Carl Sandburg home (follow signs from the village, daily 9-5, $5 house tours, grounds free).
St John in the Wilderness (1905 Greenville Hwy [US25], one of the oldest churches in Western NC, tour schedule here).
Wineries
East of town along US 64 East are two wineries:
