The largest downtown in western North Carolina outside of Asheville is filled with historic buildings and updated streetscapes with flowers and art. Find many spots for outdoor dining and a big variety of quality shops and galleries along a six-…

Offering an ideal space for outdoor weddings, this picturesque venue sets the stage with scenic views, gardens, a barn, and a stunning reception site. They can accommodate elopements, ceremonies, receptions, business events, parties, and any…

Learn pottery skills from this husband and wife team in their quaint, professional pottery studio! In a two-hour lesson, guests will make four pieces, including a turn on the wheel. Choose from eight finishing colors and have your pieces shipped…

Explore Asheville’s urban art and city landscapes on this fun walking tour learning the best photo spots and how to capture them. Each tour is 1 hour and you’ll receive professionally edited photos of your tour. They’re perfect for family…

Find some of our favorite ways and places to enjoy the river, beginning at the source of the French Broad River (near Rosman, NC), and following the river downstream to the Tennessee state line (about a 70-mile section!)

Head to Grovewood Gallery for various unique holiday gifts, including ceramic tableware, wooden bowls and utensils, blown glass, fine jewelry, handwoven scarves, letterpress greeting cards, and much more. Wine and non-alcoholic cider will be…

Enjoy mining fun year-round no matter the weather at this indoor facility featuring rubies, sapphires, emeralds, Aquamarine, topaz, and other precious or semi-precious gems and fossils. You can even have your treasure made into a piece of jewelry…

Downtown Hendersonville’s most iconic building, the historic 1905 courthouse, is now home to the county museum. Learn how Hendersonville was founded and has evolved over the decades with interactive exhibits that depict what life was like for…

Appalachian Pinball Museum : Everyone is a kid again at Appalachian Pinball Museum, where $12 allows you to play all day. The museum features more than 70 games, including pinball classics as well arcade and video games. The oldest pinball…

Enjoy a scoop of ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone or a caramel apple made with fruit from Henderson County orchards. (506 N Main St)

Since 1930, this old-school bakery has delighted customers with its long, glass case filled with baked goods — apple fritters, doughnuts, assorted cookies, cakes, pies, and more. (309 N Main St)

This brewery around the corner from Main Street takes pride in being kid-friendly with board games, coloring supplies, chalk, and nonalcoholic options. (147 1st Ave E)

The Bearfootin’ Bears public art project unveils 20 new bears along Hendersonville’s Main Street May-October. The bears are decorated by local artists, and each one benefits a local charity when they’re auctioned off in the fall. 

A bee mural now covers two sides of the building housing Hands On! Children’s Museum. The mural, which is designed to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, depicts honeybees, butterflies, and native flowers. Plants in the…

This beloved WNC toy store is not only a place to shop but also a place for kids and adults to play. From classic toys to the newest, hottest items on the market, you’ll find them here. (418 N Main St)

A local Girl Scout troop created the Apple Quest scavenger hunt. A dozen clues lead participants on a search for bronze apples located at downtown landmarks. Free brochures are available at the Visitor Center. (201 S Main St)

Within 15 minutes of downtown Hendersonville, Jump Off Rock is one of the most easily accessible overlooks in WNC. On a clear day, peer into four states and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. 

Hike to the top of Glassy Mountain via a five-plus-mile trail system located on the grounds of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock.