If you’re looking at a vacation in the mountains of Western North Carolina, but want something quieter than Asheville, Hendersonville is the perfect little town! Hendersonville is only about 30 minutes south of Asheville and has a small-town feel with plenty to do for a relaxing, weekend getaway. 

Where to Stay? 

There are lots of hotels, Air BnBs and boutique hotels in the area. However, here are some cute places to check out while you’re booking a place (in no particular order):

The Charleston Inn – The Charleston Inn is nearly 150 years old. The owners have worked to restore and maintain as many of its original features as possible, and the result is a stunning little bed and breakfast right in downtown Hendersonville. The Inn has only 16 bedrooms, so consider booking further in advance if you’re hoping to stay here.

1898 Waverly Inn – The Waverly Inn is right next door to the Charleston Inn, and is the oldest hotel in Hendersonville (it was built in 1898). Their website boasts the fact that they have had electricity since 1903, and like the Charleston, the building holds much of its historic charm. 

Echo Mountain Inn – Echo Mountain Inn is another historic Inn located in Laurel Park, near Jump Off Rock – a popular (and accessible) lookout with a beautiful view of the mountains. The Inn was originally built in the 1890s as a vacation home but now lives on as a charming bed and breakfast. 

*I will note that I have not personally stayed at any of these places, as I live just a few minutes from each. Recommendations are based on reviews, aesthetics, proximity to downtown, and historic significance.

What to Do? 

Chances are if you’re choosing to the mountains to vacation, you will enjoy the more nature-focused activities the area has to offer. 

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Dupont has gained a tremendous amount of popularity in the past few years, in part because it was a shooting location for The Hunger Games. Dupont has four large waterfalls (High Falls, Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls) and nearly 83 miles of trails. You will encounter hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders commonly on many of the trails, and the park also maintains several gravel access roads for park rangers which are perfect for a more leisurely hike or for individuals who have difficulty traversing uneven terrain. The waterfalls are all relatively easy to access, and you do not need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy your time here! Though there are several different parking lots, parking is limited and I would suggest planning your visit for earlier in the day, or on a weekday, if possible to avoid the busiest times.

Carl Sandburg Home – Carl Sandburg was an American writer and poet. His house in Flat Rock, NC is now open to the public. While tours of the house are $10 (for adults), the grounds and hiking trails are free to enjoy.

Sandburg’s wife, Lilian, was an internationally renowned goat breeder and the Flat Rock farm was used for this purpose. Today, the Carl Sandburg Home still operates an active goat farm, and visitors are allowed to pet and interact with the goats. In the spring, they may even have baby goats! This is a great activity if you have children.

Flat Rock Playhouse – This historic playhouse offers year-round shows including Broadway Musicals, comedies, and dramas. They also offer classes and workshops for children and adults who are interested in the performing arts. Check out their upcoming shows and you may find something you can’t resist going to see! 

Downtown Hendersonville – Spend a leisurely afternoon walking around historic downtown Hendersonville. There are many local shops, restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, and breweries many of which feature local artists and artisans. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the many bear sculptures throughout downtown. The brightly colored bears are sponsored by local businesses, painted by local artists, and each year are auctioned off to support local nonprofits and Hendersonville’s Downtown.  

Apple Orchards – August through October, Hendersonville is all about apples! Henderson County is one of the top apple-producing counties in the country, and you’d be missing out if you visited in the fall and didn’t stop by a local apple orchard to pick your own apples, enjoy an apple cider donut and, of course, an apple cider slushie. 

If you visit over Labor Day Weekend – Downtown is transformed for the annual North Carolina Apple Festival. Main Street is closed off and local farmers and artists set up booths to sell apples, delicious food, and locally made goods. 

Visit a Winery – There are seven different wineries in the county, and who doesn’t want to spend an afternoon sipping wine with beautiful mountain views? My two favorites are Burnt Shirt Vineyards, and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards. 

Drive (and hike) Along The Blue Ridge Parkway – The Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway boast hundreds of hiking trails and beautiful views. If you’re all hiked-out, driving on the parkway at sunset (or sunrise if you enjoy early mornings) will give you some of the most stunning views in the area.

Where to Eat?  

Hendersonville has some phenomenal local restaurants. Those in this list are all personal favorites of mine. 

Arabella – is right in downtown Hendersonville, and features American Latin breakfast and lunch. It has lots of vegetarian options available, and their specialty latte menu is amazing! 

McFarlan Bake Shop – This bakery is also on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville and has been in operation since 1930. Be prepared to wait in line, and they don’t have indoor seating so it’s best to grab a donut for the road! 

HenDough Chicken and Donuts – All you could ask for in southern breakfast and comfort food. 

Sharewell Coffee – For coffee, you can’t beat this small coffee shop (located right across the street from the Carl Sandburg Home). If you’re a coffee nerd like me, be sure to check their website to see if they have any upcoming coffee-tasting workshops. 

Shine – Shine is located in downtown and is an upscale casual dining environment with a rooftop bar and a rotating seasonal menu. The rooftop bar is only open on the weekends, and reservations are encouraged.

Postero – Modern American cuisine and high-quality ingredients, Postero is a culinary treat in downtown Hendersonville! Make sure to snag a reservation, as this restaurant stays busy. 

West First Wood Fired –  If you’re craving wood-fired pizza or pasta, look no further! West First has a great pizza menu as well as pasta, salads, and seasonal menu items. 

Brooks Tavern – This tiny pub just off of Main Street has some of the best burgers in town, and a great atmosphere! 

Where to Drink? 

The Poe House – Located in Downtown, The Poe House is an Edgar Allen Poe-themed cocktail bar. It is right below West First Wood Fired so if you’re waiting on a table, or want to keep the party going, this moody bar is a great stop.  

Dry Falls Brewing – an auto-body shop turned brewery has a great selection of beer.

Blue Ridge Beer Garden – Another local brewery with a great outdoor space, and a rotating food truck to satisfy any craving! 

The Buzz – this is a new dry bar located in Downtown. Operated by local nonprofit, The Hope Coalition, whose mission is to prevent substance abuse, The Buzz is a completely alcohol-free zone that offers coffee, nonalcoholic beers, craft mocktails, and light eats. The Buzz also has a workforce development training program to support individuals in recovery to learn job skills. 

Oklawaha Brewing – Another downtown favorite with lots of seating and a great atmosphere often filled with live music. 

If you visit Hendersonville and try any of these suggestions, I would love to hear about your experience! There are so many things to do, eat, and drink in this area that it was hard to narrow down the list, and I may have to do 2nd post in the future. Hendersonville truly is a charming little town in the mountains. If you found a favorite not on this list, what was it?