The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville strikes an unusual balance. It’s big enough to offer year-round activities, yet small enough to feel warm, welcoming and personable.
It’s mountainous enough to provide sweeping views, but easily accessible via an interstate drive. Hendersonville’s elevation is lofty enough for less-humid summers and winter snowfalls, yet temperate enough to accommodate visitors across all four seasons.
Located just south of Asheville, Hendersonville lies two hours west of Charlotte and approximately three hours from the Triad.
Downtown’s curvilinear Main Street encourages pedestrians. Meander an eight-block stretch of sidewalk dotted with trees and flowering planters. Window shop as you pass boutiques and galleries. Lose yourself for an hour or more across two floors of merchandise in Mast General Store. Enjoy sidewalk dining at one of 25 independently owned restaurants. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone as you admire the Bearfootin’ Bears, each painted by a local artist.
Only 15 minutes from downtown, Jump Off Rock provides panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. On a clear day, peer into four states — North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. The sunset view is one of the best in Western North Carolina.
With more than 10,000 acres of old-growth forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest provides a seemingly endless playground for hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding. The gems of the forest are its numerous waterfalls. Park at Hooker Falls Access Area and hike to as many as three stunning falls along a single trail.
Holmes Educational State Forest has a mission to teach visitors about the trees, wildflowers and critters around them. Families enjoy an easy walk along the Talking Trees Trail where different species of trees tell of their characteristics and uses.
For a multisensory delight, Bullington Gardens has 12 acres of trails, maintained gardens and greenhouses. In the native garden, flowering plants attract butterflies, bees and birds, while savory and sweet fragrances mingle in the herb garden.
Lodging options range from secluded cabins and vacation homes to romantic bed-and-breakfast inns to pet-friendly properties, as well as a variety of hotels.
