40+ Fun Things to Do in Hendersonville NC | Apples & More
Looking for Things to do in Hendersonville NC?
Hendersonville is a mountain town gem in North Carolina, just south of Asheville. Hendersonville could be compared to Asheville as its “mini-twin” because they have a similar energy, a lively downtown, and beautiful activities. However, Hendersonville is on a much smaller scale than Asheville.
Over the years, Hendersonville has slowly grown in size while holding onto the charming, small mountain town vibe. Many fantastic retail shops, restaurants, and other attractions have trickled down from Asheville. There are also several fascinating historical sites, outdoor activities, and apple orchards. Known as “Apple Alley,” Hendersonville is most known for its abundance of apple orchards outside the downtown area.
Hendersonville has always been a desirable town because of its beautiful location. Now that it is flourishing with activities, it makes for the perfect vacation destination or a quick day trip out of Asheville or over from Charlotte.
Where is Hendersonville NC?
Hendersonville is located in the center of Henderson County, just 22 miles south of Asheville and about 105 miles west of Charlotte. Hendersonville is considered to be in the Appalachian Mountains, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway is only 15 miles north.
[display-map id=’4060′]Things to do in Hendersonville NC & Nearby
Whether you are looking to take a day trip or you want to spend the weekend exploring someplace new, Hendersonville will keep you delightfully busy! Take this list along with you to help you find all the best spots in town.
1. Explore Downtown Hendersonville
✅ Appalachian Pinball Museum
Address: 538 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Talk about nostalgia! Enter the world of pinball heaven, where you can play over 80 antique pinball machines and video arcade games. For only twelve dollars, you can play all day long, first come, first serve. To top off the fun, they serve beers and hard seltzers to enjoy while you play, along with soft drinks and simple snacks.
✅ Art Mob Studios & Marketplace
Address: 124 4th Ave, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Art Mob Studios is an exciting art gallery in downtown Hendersonville that represents over 85 local artists. In this historic building, you can enjoy five studios with different styles of art, as well as watching resident artists at work.
✅ Mast General Store
Address: 527 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
The historic Mast General Store is basically your one-stop shop for outdoor gear, old-fashioned candies, kitchen supplies, toys and games, clothing, local goods, and so much more! This large, enchanting store will have you entertained for hours.
✅ Bear Falls Wine Company
Address: 432 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Bear Falls Wine Company is a family-owned and operated store that sells a spectacular rotating selection of locally sourced wines, beers, and ciders.
✅ Aquarium & Shark Lab
Address: 511 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Aquarium & Shark Lab was the first inland aquarium in North Carolina. They are focused on the education and exploration of the underwater world and have over 275 fish and a shark study tank. Aquarium & Shark Lab is a perfect activity for the whole family, including young kids!
✅ Mineral & Lapidary Museum
Address: 400 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Opened in 1997, the Mineral and Lapidary Museum is the best place in town for kids to learn about Earth science. At the Mineral & Lapidary Museum, there are many hands-on exhibits, including a T-Rex exhibit (with a real T-Rex fossil skull!), geodes, meteorites, and more.
✅ Hands On! Children’s Museum
Address: 318 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Hands On! is probably one of the best children’s museums you’ll ever visit. There is endless fun for children ages 0-8, including hands-on science labs, water tables, arts and crafts, and much more.
✅ O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store
Address: 418 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
O.P Taylor’s Toy Store is the South’s premier toy store. It is a small store but stuffed to the brim with all the new favorite toys and some nostalgic relics as well. O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store is conveniently located in downtown Hendersonville, making it a great stop while you visit other stores and restaurants.
✅ Main Street Coffee
Address: 425 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Located inside D9 Brewing, Main Street Coffee is a local favorite coffee shop with delicious handcrafted lattes, espresso drinks, teas, baked goods, and pastries.
✅ Dandelion
Address: 127 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Dandelion is a local eatery and job training program designed to help survivors and people at risk by getting them involved in helping the community. They serve excellent food, cater events, and hold community-building events.
✅ McFarlan Bake Shop
Address: 309 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
McFarlan Bake Shop is an authentic “made from scratch” bakery that uses only good old-fashioned recipes and methods to their baking. They have mouthwatering homemade bread, pastries, cookies, pies, cakes, and lots more.
✅ Shine
Address: 202 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Shine is a casual place to grab a delicious bite and a drink. They have a grand handcrafted cocktail list, along with locally brewed beers and wines. Shine also has one of the best rooftop bars/seating areas in town.
✅ Mezzaluna
Address: 226 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
If you are in search of authentic wood-fired pizza, Mezzaluna is where you’ll want to be. The pizzas are spectacular, and they also serve a variety of other Italian dishes and drinks. It’s casual yet contemporary and the perfect place for a family dinner.
✅ Never Blue
Address: 119 S Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Never Blue is one of the most unique restaurants in Hendersonville, as they serve a variety of different cuisines from all over the world! Their sensational dishes are constantly changing, always delicious, and always cooked fresh with local ingredients. Never Blue has a quirky, fun, artistic atmosphere that is sure to delight.
✅ Brandy’s on Main
Address: 111 S Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Brandy’s on Main is a casual, classic American-style restaurant especially known for their steaks, seafood and great drinks. They also host many live music events, themed dinners, and holiday parties.
✅ Mike’s on Main Street
Address: 303 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Mike’s on Main has been an important staple to Hendersonville for many years. It is a classic 1950s soda shoppe with old-timey decor and friendly service. It is a great place for a sweet treat like ice cream or a milkshake, and they also serve fantastic breakfasts and lunches.
✅ West First Wood-Fired
Address: 101B 1st Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28792
West First Wood-Fired makes beautiful thin-crust pizzas and breads that are all organic and made with fresh, local ingredients. The environment is casual but very nice, with lots of seating options indoors and out.
✅ Postero
Address: 401 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Postero is an upscale culinary experience in downtown Hendersonville. Their food is mainly traditional American style with splashes of modern fine-dining techniques and flavors. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and every dish is cooked to perfection. It is a wonderful place for a romantic evening.
✅ Umi Sushi
Address: 633 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Umi Sushi is a fine-dining Japanese restaurant that brings the highest quality Japanese cuisine and sushi to western North Carolina. Umi Sushi has been voted the best restaurant in Hendersonville for 12 years in a row, and it does not disappoint! They have an extensive lunch and dinner menu, including a fresh sushi bar.
✅ Arabella
Address: 536 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Arabella is a local favorite lunch spot that serves American/Latin dishes, cocktails, and espresso drinks. All meals are homemade and made fresh with the finest ingredients and unique flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. It has a cozy environment that is a perfect way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon bite.
✅ Hannah Flanagan’s Pub & Eatery
Address: 300 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Hannah Flanagan’s is the best Irish pub in Hendersonville. They serve lots of delicious comfort foods and soups, and of course, they have a huge and ever-changing beer list. Hannah Flanagan’s is a classic place where you can’t go wrong.
✅ Brooks Tavern
Address: 142 3rd Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Brooks Tavern is located in an old Hendersonville historic building with large portions and a fantastic weekend brunch. It doesn’t get more small-town, local tavern than this, and it is well worth checking out.
✅ Blue Ridge Beer Garden
Address: 402 S Church St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Located in an old 1950s service station, Blue Ridge Beer Garden is one of the newest beer gardens in Hendersonville. They have 25 beers and ciders on tap and a variety of hard seltzers, wines, and non-alcoholic options.
Blue Ridge Beer Garden has a large open grassy lawn area with picnic tables and plenty of space to enjoy. Check online for their live events and food truck days.
✅ HenDough Chicken & Donuts
Address: 532 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Serving America’s favorite, fried chicken and donuts, HenDough is all the talk of the town. They have a number of delicious flavors of donuts for breakfast, along with fried chicken and biscuits. Later, you can come back for lunch for a fantastic fried chicken sandwich.
✅ Hot Dog World
Address: 226 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Hot Dog World has been serving the freshest and most quality hot dogs to customers since 1986. It is your quintessential hot dog shop that also serves delicious fries, burgers, salads, and shakes. Tasty for the whole family!
✅ White Duck Taco Shop
Address: 500 7th Ave E, Hendersonville, NC 28792
White Duck Taco Shop is the perfect place for a quick bite or a delicious dinner. They have exciting new flavors of tacos that are always changing and seem more and more creative with each visit. There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating as well.
✅ Gateaux Cakes and Pastries
Address: 315 S Church St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Gateaux Cakes and Pastries is a Fresh-inspired bakery that offers all your favorite classic pastry desserts, along with some new and unique flavors. Gateaux’s is the community’s favorite cake and pastry shop.
2. Waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest
Address: Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
There are six major waterfalls in the Dupont Recreational Forest, so this is a great place to come to try and see as many waterfalls as you can! Many of the waterfalls are easily accessible by hiking trails. A hike called the “Three Waterfalls Hike” will take you to Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, and High Falls in 4.5 miles.
3. Watch the Sunset at Jump Off Rock
Address: 4501 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739
Jump Off Rock is a very famous attraction that is only 15 minutes outside of Hendersonville. It is one of the most popular and most visited outdoor attractions around.
A drive up the curvy mountain road will lead you to an amazing panoramic view of the mountain skyline. Jump Off Rock is well known for having some of the best sunrise and sunset sights around.
4. Bearwallow Mountain
Address: 4854 Co Rd 1594, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Bearwallow Mountain is the highest peak in the Bearwallow Heights range in Henderson County. The hiking trail is a moderately challenging two-mile loop that takes about an hour and a half to complete. Alternatively, you can also drive your car up the two miles to the peak of the mountain. The view is worth it.
5. Apple Valley Model Railroad Club
Address: 650 Maple St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is one of the top tourist destinations in western North Carolina. Located in the Historic 1902 Hendersonville Railroad Depot, visitors have the chance to see tons of model train layouts throughout the building. Admission is free.
6. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Address: 1800 Little River Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Carl Sandburg was a famous poet, journalist, and writer, and he gave a voice to many people during the 19th century. His home is located on 270 acres, where guests can explore the land, meet the goats, walk the trails, and visit the historic home.
7. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine And Crystal Store
Address: 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Crystal Store has been voted the best gem mine and best gem mining experience in North Carolina for years.
They have indoor and outdoor covered mining areas, a goat farm, a peacock habitat, an obstacle course, and picnic areas to rest and have a snack. This is an excellent family adventure.
8. Henderson County Heritage Museum
Address: 1 Historic Courthouse Square #4, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Take a self-guided history tour through Henderson County’s Heritage Museum. The museum is located in a historic 3-story brick dome Classic Revival style courthouse that was built in 1904. If you’re interested in learning about the area or just curious, this is the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
9. Western North Carolina Air Museum
Address: 1340 E Gilbert St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
The Western North Carolina Air Museum is a great spot to visit to learn about aviation history. They have a unique collection of planes (both original and replica), including from World War 2 and much more. The whole family will love a visit to this museum.
10. Jackson Park
Address: 801 4th Ave E, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Jackson Park is the largest municipal park in western North Carolina, with over 220 acres.
There are many miles of walking paths, bike paths, dog parks, basketball courts, disc golf, skills parks, playgrounds, and more.
11. Historic Johnson Farm
Address: 3346 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
Historic Johnson Farm is a preserved heritage tobacco farm on 15 acres of land. They are open year-round for guided tours and history tours of what life was like in the 19th century.
12. Rhododendron Lake Nature Park
Address: 321 Primrose Lane, Laurel Park, NC 28739
Rhododendron Lake Nature Park is a ten-acre park just six minutes outside of Hendersonville. There are over a mile of walking trails, fitness stations, a fishing pond, and beautiful nature sightseeing.
13. Bullington Gardens
Address: 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Bullington Gardens is a public botanical garden located on 12 acres. Their mission is to connect adults and children with nature and teach people about the importance of plants. It is free to visit, but donations are highly welcomed.
14. Timber Axe Throwing
Address: 218 Duncan Hill Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Axe throwing has become all the rage, and Timber Axe Throwing is Hendersonville’s premier axe-throwing facility. They have a selection of wine, beer, hard cider, and non-alcoholic drinks. Consider Timber Axe Throwing for a fun adult night out or even a unique date possibility! Keep in mind no one under 13 is allowed in.
15. The Park at Flat Rock
Address: 55 Highland Golf Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731
The Park at Flat Rock is a very well-maintained 66-acre park just under 10 minutes away from downtown Hendersonville.
The park has walking trails, lawn spaces, picnic shelters, and an amazing playground.
16. Chimney Rock State Park
Address: Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Chimney Rock State Park is an exciting 8,000-acre park with tons of waterfalls, hiking trails, camping opportunities, panoramic mountain views, and the famous Chimney Rock. It is an outdoor lovers’ paradise.
Wineries in Hendersonville NC
✅ Stone Ashe Vineyards
Address: 736 Green Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Stone Ashe Vineyards is a beautiful venue that specializes in grape varietals with origins in Bordeaux. They have acres of rolling hills covered in grapevines and a gorgeous modern-mountain-style tasting room.
✅ Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Address: 588 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a working farm and orchard. They have award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits that you can try in their beautiful, dog-friendly winery. They hold many live events, including live music, and if you are looking for the perfect place to spend your vacation, consider checking out their Airbnb.
✅ Point Lookout Vineyards
Address: 408 Appelola Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
This vineyard can be found on the southeast slope of Point Lookout Mountain. From the winery, guests have 30-mile panoramic views of the mountains and beyond. Here, they hold live events, weddings, and more.
✅ Sawyer Springs Vineyard & Winery
Address: 124 Sandy Hill Ln, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Sawyer Springs Vineyards and Winery is family-owned and operated. The family has been producing crops in the North Carolina mountains for six generations. They have put lots of love and hard work into making these delicious, award-winning wines.
✅ Marked Tree Vineyard
Address: 623 Deep Gap Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Located on the Eastern Continental Divide between Mt. Pisgah and Tryon Peak at Flat Rock, Marked Tree Vineyards has been serving elegant tasting wines since 2015. Guests can enjoy a walking tour of the property or bring the kids and family dog to sit on the lawn.
✅ Burntshirt Vineyards
Address: 2695 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 & 438 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Burntshirt Vineyards has two locations; the Chimney Rock location can be found on the western edge of Lake Lure and is just minutes away from the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park. Not only do they make and serve amazing wines, but they are also a bistro with locally grown, seasonal dishes.
They now have a state-of-the-art restaurant and wine bar known as The Vintner’s Table at the Hendersonville location. The establishment boasts one of Hendersonville’s most spacious kitchens, providing ample room for culinary creativity. Burntshirt Vineyards is elegant yet casual and always a relaxing visit. They hold live music events and host private dinners.
✅ Souther Williams Vineyard
Address: 655 Hoopers Creek Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732
The 35 acres of Souther Williams Vineyard have a long history dating back to the 1800s. They provide world-class wines in an approachable and classy way. They offer tastings, host tours, allow picnics in the vineyards, and have live music on summer weekends.
Breweries & Cideries in Hendersonville NC
✅ Oklawaha Brewing
Address: 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Oklawaha Brewing is located in the heart of downtown Hendersonville and has won the “Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Hendersonville” multiple times. They have IPAs, lagers, and locally-fruited sours to sip on while you enjoy live local music and good vibes.
✅ Southern Appalachian Brewery
Address: 822 Locust St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Southern Appalachian Brewery is a simple but exemplary brewery based in Hendersonville. You can enjoy your beers right where they are brewed and with live local music playing almost every day of the week at their dog-friendly, kid-friendly facility. Rotating food trucks visit Southern Appalachian Brewery every Thursday and on weekends.
✅ Guidon Brewing
Address: 415 8th E, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Guidon Brewing is a fun brewery with the goal of creating the coziest, most relaxing experience possible. The atmosphere screams joy and happiness from the second you walk through the doors.
Not only do they serve a variety of alcoholic beverages, but they also have a wonderful revolving seasonal food menu with all food made fresh in their kitchen. Guidon Brewing is a great place to grab a relaxing dinner and enjoy company.
✅ D9 Brewing Company
Address: 425 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
D9 Brewing Company started small and now has two locations, one in Lake Norman and the other in Hendersonville. Main Street Coffee (mentioned above) shares space in this awesome downtown location. D9 serves up some fantastic beers, and they also have trivia nights and live music regularly.
✅ Dry Falls Brewing
Address: 425 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Dry Falls Brewing is a father-and-son business that renovated an old body shop building in Hendersonville to create their dream. The atmosphere is casual and very friendly, and they have a large selection of handcrafted beers. Live music events and food trucks visit almost every day of the week.
✅ Sideways Farm & Brewery
Address: 62 Eade Rd, Etowah, NC 28729
Sideways Farm & Brewery is more than your average brewery. In fact, they are a fully operational farm that grows its own hops, flowers, animals, and other farm essentials.
Upon your visit, you can take tours of the hop fields and get personal looks at how their beer is created. Visitors are also welcome to wander through the U-Pick Flower Field, see the animals, or visit for a live music or food event.
✅ Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery
Address: 731 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Using the “Cider as Wine” approach, Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cidery produces truly unique and tasty ciders that will blow you away. This company is an offshoot of Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards and Farm.
Their taproom is located in an old renovated barn that has incredible character and features plenty of seating. A coffee/espresso bar downstairs serves Sharewell Coffee. Check online to see their events calendar.
✅ Flat Rock Cider Company
Address: 925 Upward Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Flat Rock Cider Company is a true “Orchard to Glass” business that proudly supports local orchards. North Carolina natives put together this company to provide the area with fresh, local-tasting flavors and unique cider experiences. You cannot visit their location, but you will find their ciders for purchase around the area.
✅ Bold Rock Hard Cider
Address: 72 School House Rd, Mills River, NC 28759
Bold Rock Hard Cider Company has grown substantially over the years, and you can now find their cans in most states east of the Mississippi River. However, they never forget their roots right here in Mills River, NC.
Every drink is made with locally crushed apples from orchards in the area, providing great flavors. They have a huge cidery with a large outdoor area and their Bold Bites food truck serves yummy eats daily. They are dog and kid-friendly.
Apple Picking | Orchards in Hendersonville NC
We mentioned briefly that Hendersonville is the apple orchard capital of North Carolina. There is no place better to get into the fall spirit than Hendersonville! Here are just some of the wonderful apple orchards in Henderson County.
✅ Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
Address: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard has been a staple orchard in Hendersonville for over 50 years. They have 70 acres of farmland, including U-Pick apples and pumpkins, tulip picking in the spring, a corn maze, apple canon, wagon rides, apple cider donuts, and so much more!
✅ Mountain Fresh Orchard (open late August-November)
Address: 2887 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Mountain Fresh Orchard is a small family-run business. They grow 18 varieties of apples, along with many other delicious vegetables. Everything is picked fresh and put on sale at their market/bakery. They also have train rides, pumpkins, homemade apple butter, and jams.
✅ Justus Orchard (open July-November)
Address: 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Justus Orchard is a fifth-generation family farm. They have large U-Pick apple, blackberry, and pumpkin orchards and offer tours of their facility, where you can see the pond and all the farm animals. Stop by the Apple House for a freshly baked pie, donut, bread, or jam and jelly.
✅ Grandad’s Apples (open July)
Address: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Grandad’s Apples is a family farm that has been open since 1994. They have over 100 acres of lush green land with acres of apple orchards and pumpkin fields. During the season, guests can enjoy the corn maze, apple cannon, or cow train, then stop by Grandad’s Barn and Country store for freshly baked goods, merchandise, and more.
✅ Sky Top Orchard (open July)
Address: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731
What started as a father & son duo in 1967 has grown into a beautiful family farm. Not only do they have U-Pick apple orchards, but they have lots of other fun attractions like a playground, an animal barn, an apple cannon, a gem mine, a bee train, a hayride, and a bamboo forest. The fruit stand has lots of freshly picked fruits, baked goods, kettle corn, fudge, and lots of other goodies.
✅ Coston Farm and Apple House
Address: 3748 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Coston Farm and Apple House has all your favorite apple varieties and more. You can pick your own or purchase them at the Apple House, where they also sell homemade pies, cookies, bread, jams, and more. Be sure to stop by the playground with the kids and enjoy your treats at the picnic area.
✅ Freeman Orchards (open August-late October)
Address: 3016 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
For over 85 years, Freeman Orchards has been supplying Henderson County with delicious heirloom apples, apple cider, and hard cider. They grow over 50 varieties of apples and a few varieties of peaches.
✅ Jeter Mountain Farm (open mid-July-November)
Address: 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Jeter Mountain Farm is one of the larger farms in Hendersonville, sitting on nearly 400 acres of land. They have many acres of U-Pick apples, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins, grapes, and flowers.
While the family picks the fruit, the adults can relax in the cider barn and try their hand-pressed hard ciders. They also have a market with freshly baked goods, a playground, a smokehouse, a coffee house, and live bluegrass music every weekend during the season.
✅ Twisted Apple Orchard (open late August-mid November)
Address: 4039 US-64, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Twisted Apple Orchard is Hendersonville’s only organic apple farm open to the public. They offer dozens of varieties of apples to purchase, organic freshly baked goods with gluten-free options, jellies, merchandise, and more.
More Restaurants in
Hendersonville NC
✅ Kosta’s Fireside Restaurant & Pancake Inn
Address: 295 Sugarloaf Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Kosta’s has been Hendersonville’s favorite pancake house since 1997. They have all your favorite breakfast foods at great prices and large portions. The service is fantastic, and the atmosphere is wholesome and inviting. They have a large breakfast and lunch menu with enough food to please everyone in the family.
✅ Pita Express
Address: 1034 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792
It isn’t often that you come across amazing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in western North Carolina. At Pita Express, you can get all the best Middle Eastern foods, including falafel, different salads, Turkish and Greek lunches, and lots more.
✅ Van’s Chocolates Inc
Address: 202 Chadwick Ave, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Van’s Chocolates Inc. is a chocolate lovers’ paradise. They began in 1968 as a family tradition and have since grown into a beloved Hendersonville store. They are well-stocked with high-end, handmade chocolates, truffles, toffees, and any other chocolate goodie you can imagine.
✅ The Dixie Diner
Address: 1724 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
As locals like to say, “Dixie’s Diner, Nothing Could Be Finer!” It is a classic American diner with the best homemade breakfast and lunch. Everyone who works there will make you feel right at home and like you’re part of the family.
✅ Piggy’s Ice Cream & Harry’s Grille
Address: 102 Duncan Hill Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Serving up NC-style Barbeque, along with burgers, sandwiches, and more, this no-frills diner is a place you literally can’t miss by virtue of all the old signs displayed on the property. The interior walls are also filled with old signs and memorabilia from bygone eras. The ice cream shop dishes up a huge variety of flavors. This is a place that’s fun for all ages.
✅ Flat Rock Wood Room
Address: 1501 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792
As you may know, North Carolinians pride themselves on their barbeque. In Hendersonville, Flat Rock Wood Room is the premier BBQ restaurant. It is an eccentric smokehouse serving pit-cooked BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and lots more. There are lots of seating options in the casual dining area.
✅ Dread Life Kitchen | DLK
Address: 3591 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Dread Life Kitchen is an outstanding little restaurant that serves up the absolute best wings around. The Bob Marley/Caribbean decor is also represented in some of their flavors that also draw inspiration from classic soul food along with all your standard wing sauces.
You can also get burgers, sandwiches, and more, along with some mouthwatering southern sides. DLK also has a breakfast menu, and they are open from 7 am to 3 pm from Tuesday through Saturday. This is one spot you won’t want to miss!
Annual Events in Hendersonville NC
Hendersonville always has something fun taking place for everyone to enjoy. These are some of Hendersonville’s most popular annual events.
✅ Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend (May 2-4, 2025)
This weekend in April, several local wineries and cideries partner together to celebrate ciders, wines, and food. More than a dozen venues participate in this event, and each place showcases new flavors, picnics, pairing dinners, orchard hikes, yoga, and so much more!
✅ Garden Jubilee (May 24 & 25, 2025)
Address: 201 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
The Garden Jubilee is one of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina. More than 200 plant and craft vendors will line the streets of downtown Hendersonville, and there will be thousands of species of plants, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. There will be live music, workshops, and food trucks.
✅ Apple Festival (August 30-September 2, 2024)
Every year on Labor Day Weekend, over 14 local growers and apple orchards come together to celebrate the apple season. This is a large street fair with hundreds of vendors, children’s activities, rides, games, live music, food trucks, baked goods, and all the apples you can get your hands on. You don’t want to miss this event!
✅ Farm City Day (October 5, 2024)
Address: 100 Park Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Farm City Day is a day focusing on agricultural awareness and teaching kids and adults the importance of farming. There will be antique and modern displays of farm equipment, petting zoos, a fishing pond, children’s games, live entertainment, and food trucks.
Where To Stay in Hendersonville NC
📍Echo Mountain Inn – If you are looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly option, consider Echo Mountain Inn. This inn is located just outside downtown Hendersonville and under a mile from some of Hendersonville’s best parks. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, and each stay comes with accommodations such as access to the outdoor swimming pool, continental breakfast, free toiletries, and more.
📍The Anderson House – This gorgeous historic house is perfect for your family vacation to Hendersonville. Located just under a mile from downtown Hendersonville, it has the perfect location to make your getaway something special. The house is large, with four bedrooms, and sleeps up to eight guests. While the house’s bones are old, most of the inside of the house was renovated, giving it a comfortable modern feel mixed with Victorian vibes. You and the family will love the wrap-around porch, fenced-in yard, and all the space. The Anderson House is well worth the splurge.
Hendersonville NC: FAQs
📌 Is Hendersonville, NC, worth visiting?
Hendersonville is absolutely worth the visit. There is no lack of entertainment, great food, and outdoor activities; it’s fun for the whole family. Hendersonville has a unique mountain town flare that you just can’t get anywhere else.
📌 What is Hendersonville, NC, known for?
Hendersonville is widely known for its vast number of apple orchards. It is also known for its small-town, mountain vibe that is very pedestrian/dog friendly.
📌 How far is Hendersonville, NC, from the Biltmore Estate?
The Biltmore Estate is a very popular destination in Asheville. It is 28 minutes from Hendersonville or a little over 24 miles.
📌 Is Hendersonville, NC, in the Smoky Mountains?
No, Hendersonville is in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
📌 Is Hendersonville, NC, close to Asheville, NC?
Yes. Hendersonville is only 15 miles south of Asheville, making it the perfect day trip.
Final Thoughts
Hendersonville is not a town to miss out on. There is so much to do and see. Anyone could easily spend a weekend exploring the sights. If you are looking to learn some history of the area, try new restaurants or breweries, visit wineries, or stop by the amazing apple orchards, Hendersonville is everything you are looking for!
