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If an apple a day retains the physician away, then Hendersonville, North Carolina, must be one of many healthiest locations in the USA. It is often called the apple capital of North Carolina as a result of Henderson County grows greater than 80 p.c of the state’s apples, plus it is one of many prime 20 apple-producing counties within the nation. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city embraces agritourism with native farms internet hosting corn mazes, wagon rides, apple cannons, cider doughnuts, and apple slushies. Past the orchards lies an outdoorsy traveler’s paradise of mountain trails, waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and a thriving arts neighborhood.

“It’s the pure magnificence that actually retains me right here,” says Mary Jo Padgett, a resident for greater than 40 years and proprietor of Hendersonville Historical past Walks. Padgett leads guided historical past walks by means of the city whose unofficial nickname is the Metropolis of 4 Seasons. “We’ve got 4 seasons, however not one of the seasons are too lengthy or too laborious,” she provides. It was that idyllic climate that first attracted guests from Charleston and Florida, to summer time camps and second properties — and it nonetheless attracts guests in the present day.

“It’s a small city, nevertheless it’s far more refined than many others,” Padgett says in regards to the space that boasts each the Flat Rock Playhouse — the state theater of North Carolina — and The Hendersonville Symphony, along with a number of murals and mosaics on the town. It’s additionally residence to the “Look Homeward, Angel” statue, from Thomas Wolfe’s novel of the identical identify, positioned in Oakdale Cemetery.

Finest Resorts & Resorts 

1898 Waverly Inn

This totally restored bed-and-breakfast on North Important Avenue is understood for its first and second ground porches lined with rocking chairs, making it an ideal place to have a cup of espresso.

Echo Mountain Inn

The Bonnema household from Minnesota felt referred to as to buy this 1896 property in 2019. It started as a personal residence, and was as soon as a camp referred to as “Happiness.” At practically 3,000 ft in elevation, it is now recognized for its spacious visitor rooms and long-range views.

Mattress & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill

This fashionable inn is a part of the Southern Residing Lodge Assortment. Recognized for its gourmand ”breakfast at Tiffany’s” served every day, the property is tailor-made for company looking for a classy, luxurious keep.

Kanuga Inn & Lodging

Like summer time camp for households, Kanuga gives out of doors actions on practically 1,400 acres. Company can keep within the restored inn overlooking the lake or in classic cabins, with meals served cafeteria-style within the eating corridor.

The Horse Shoe Farm

“The Horse Shoe Farm is grand in each method,” Padgett says. “I keep in mind after they used to race horses there.” Company can keep in property properties, suites, or multi-room non-public pond cottages on 85 acres, in addition to take pleasure in farm-to-table eating and an on-site luxurious spa.

Glamping Dome

Supreme for {couples}, this glamping dome from Airbnb comes with a personal sizzling tub and a fireplace pit.

Finest Issues to Do

Go to Apple Alley.

Take a brief drive east on U.S. Freeway 64 to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, operated by a fourth-generation farmer. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard has an apple cannon for company to shoot at a goal, and in close by Flat Rock, Sky High Orchard lets guests mine for gems. In the meantime, Jeter Mountain Farm has an occasion constructing and market.

Observe the paths.

In addition to the Hendersonville County Orchard Path, there are many causes to go for a drive. The Cheers! Path has stops for beer, cider, whiskey, and mead; the Crest of the Blue Ridge claims seven wineries; and the Ice Cream Path is a child favourite.

Stroll alongside Important Avenue.

The 100-foot-wide road, lined with retailers and eating places, permits for out of doors eating and artwork installations. Stops just like the Arms On! Youngsters’s Museum and Appalachian Pinball Museum are sometimes a welcome shock for guests, too.

Discover the humanities.

Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theater of North Carolina, has been internet hosting Broadway-style exhibits for greater than 70 years. Take the time to observe the Blue Ridge Craft Trails that meander by means of Hendersonville highlighting native artists and galleries.

Be adventurous.

Discover DuPont State Leisure Forest’s six waterfalls, 5 lakes, and 82 miles of trails and roads that guests could acknowledge from fashionable movies. Go horseback driving, mountain biking, or take a guided paddle journey. On a transparent day, you possibly can see 4 states from the scenic overlook at Soar Off Rock.

Finest Purchasing

Mast Normal Retailer

One in every of a number of Western North Carolina areas, this iconic retailer started as a small nation retailer. Right this moment, customers will discover out of doors gear, clothes, residence decor, and barrels of sweet. “They all the time have no matter you need after which some,” Padgett says.

Candy Magnolia Gallery

Melinda Lawton of Candy Magnolia Gallery makes lovely jewellery that she sells within the store and past, together with in reward shops at Grand Bohemian Resorts. She received her break when Carrie Underwood wore her jewellery the night time she gained American Idol. One other massive identify who not too long ago bought her jewellery is Stevie Nicks.

Artwork MoB Studios & Market

Situated simply off Important Avenue, Artwork MoB carries the works of 80-plus native and regional nice artists and crafters. “We’re broadly recognized for our artists right here, in all types of strategies — woodworkers, painters, and glassworkers,” Padgett says. Guests may even work together with resident artists at work of their on-site studios.

A Day within the Nation

“Folks simply find it irresistible,” Padgett says. The retailer, constructed within the type of a rustic home, sells residence items, presents, clothes, soaps, lotions, candles, and extra, and it even has a restaurant on the veranda. “It’s a lunch place, with hen salad and chips. I’ve by no means been dissatisfied.”

Finest Eating places 

Postero

Postero is understood for its open kitchen housed in a former financial institution constructing. Chef Jason Reasoner is a Hendersonville native who places his personal spin on conventional Southern Appalachian recipes. “It’s very seasonal, and all the pieces I’ve ever had right here was fairly good,” Padgett says.

McFarlan Bakery

Open since 1930, McFarlan makes all the pieces from scratch, together with doughnuts, pastries, cookies, and bread. It is recognized for its customized truffles, like purple velvet, carrot, and the old school eight-layer cake.

Campfire Grill

Campfire Grill embraces the city’s standing as a Southern summer-camp retreat, with a eating corridor and camp images. Southern consolation meals is the cornerstone of the menu, with fashionable favorites together with the Counselor Burger.

Harvey’s at The Henderson

Harvey’s at The Henderson, a restaurant and lounge positioned inside The Henderson Inn, is understood for regionally sourced elements and regional favorites like pan-seared North Carolina mountain trout and buffalo deviled eggs, a spin on the normal dish.

The Silo Cookhouse at Horse Shoe Farm

The Silo Cookhouse at The Horse Shoe Farm is positioned on the 85-acre property, however you don’t have to remain there to dine. The James Beard-quality delicacies is served communal-style, a contemporary tackle the farm-to-table eating expertise. “Their restaurant is excellent,” Padgett says.

Shine

Shine is located on Important Avenue in a property fully restored by homeowners Bobby and Layla Rogers. The dinner menu options conventional Southern favorites like fried hen, however appetizers akin to duck fats fries and lobster puppies present a twist. The seasonal rooftop bar serves handcrafted cocktails alongside a panoramic view of town.

Finest Time to Go to

The very best time to go to Hendersonville is late summer time by means of fall due to the apple harvest and fall foliage.

Throughout Labor Day weekend, the NC Apple Competition attracts in about 250,000 individuals, with a road truthful that includes contemporary apples from native orchards, an apple recipe contest, and fried apple pies. Reside music and a kiddie carnival present leisure, and the occasion concludes with the King Apple Parade.

Every April, the apple blossom season is widely known through the Cider, Wine, & Dine Weekend, which incorporates dwell music, dinners, and tastings.

The Backyard Jubilee, one of many largest gardening exhibits within the state with greater than 200,000 in attendance, is held every Memorial Day weekend.

Winter brings fewer crowds to city, however those that enterprise out mid-November by means of New Yr’s can expertise Dwelling for the Holidays. Count on Christmas occasions embrace a tree lighting, markets, carriage rides on Important Avenue, and a go to from Santa.

Get There

Hendersonville is about two hours from each Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. Simply over 50 p.c of the U.S. inhabitants is inside a 12-hour or much less drive. For many who selected to fly, although, the Asheville Regional Airport is roughly 10 miles north, and the bigger, Greenville-Spartanburg Worldwide Airport is round 40 miles south.

Areas to Go to 

Important Avenue

Curvilinear Important Avenue, with its extra-wide sidewalks and park-like sitting areas, is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Restored ghost indicators full the nostalgic scene that has been featured in a number of motion pictures. “I actually love our road dances,” Padgett says. “It’s a enjoyable night and attracts individuals of all ages.”

Seventh Avenue

“The prepare had a big impact in town,” notes Padgett. The final passenger prepare got here by means of in 1968, however the Apple Valley Mannequin Railroad Membership now has recreated the road for guests to see contained in the historic depot. A part of the observe is being transformed to a Rails to Path path with a greenway for out of doors recreation. 

Get Round

Downtown Hendersonville is definitely walkable, however you may want a automotive to achieve the apple farms and different points of interest exterior of this space. Rental automobiles can be found by means of the native Enterprise workplace. Uber and Lyft are additionally choices, although with restricted drivers and repair.