Hendersonville is a beautiful city in North Carolina, located 22 miles south of Ashville. The city is known for its charming landscape that combines natural beauty and culture. It has a welcoming community and is often known for its small-town vibes.
The city is famous for hosting the North Carolina Apple Festival welcoming millions of visitors every year. Beyond apples, the city also houses multiple attractions offering various activities for visitors.
As a cultural and natural hub, the city has a lot to offer. So, we have prepared a list of 20 unique things to do in Hendersonville, North Carolina on your next trip.
1. Visit The Appalachian Pinball Museum
The Appalachian Pinball Museum in Hendersonville is a unique and exciting destination. Mostly popular among game lovers, the museum combines fun with learning. It features a fantastic collection of over 80 pinball machines and classic video games.
Each one of these games is accessible to visitors after paying a certain amount at the entrance. You can play as many games as you want throughout the day to have a fun time.
The machines lined up inside the museum are a living example of gaming history offering you a unique experience. The museum is perfect for families and friends looking for some nostalgic fun.
2. Explore Downtown Hendersonville
Exploring downtown Hendersonville is a beautiful experience with a charming, vibrant, and welcoming atmosphere. The streets are filled with unique shops, cafes and restaurants. Most of the area is covered with historic architecture, adding to the town's appeal.
This particular experience gives you a sense of stepping back in time. The shops offer a wide range of products like gifts, antique items, and many more to choose from. The sidewalks are the major highlights and are always bustling with visitors from all around the globe.
Starting from unique shops to restaurants and art galleries, downtown Hendersonville has something for everyone, standing as one of the prominent Hendersonville, NC attractions.
3. Learn About Local History At Henderson County Heritage Museum
Located in the Henderson County Courthouse, the Henderson County Heritage Museum takes you on a journey through time. The place offers you the best opportunities to learn about the history of the city and surrounding area.
With multiple exhibits featuring historic artifacts throughout the year, it has become a place to explore stories of the past. You'll find displays on native Cherokee people and the initial industries of the city.
While in the museum, you can also access the special section dedicated to the apple industry which has remained an important part of the local economy for generations.
4. Visit The Historic Johnson Farm
As the name suggests, the Johnson Farm is a historic place, that has been preserved as a gem of the past. The farm was once a dairy operation later converted into a museum and educational center. It offers you a glimpse into rural life of the early 20th and farmhouses dating back to the 19th century.
All these farmhouses are filled with old-school furnishing and artifacts that tell the story of the Johnson Family and their way of living. The area also houses several outbuildings like a barn and a blacksmith shop.
Walking around the compound, you will come across gardens and fields, that were once a cultivation area for the family. Nowadays, the farm hosts various events and programs year-round attracting visitors to the historic site.
5. Hike The Triple Falls Trail
Hiking the Triple Falls Trail is an adventure filled with stunning natural beauty and moderate physical work. Located in the DuPont State Recreational forest, the trail is about three miles round trip. The trail leads to three different waterfalls situated in the beautiful landscape of the region.
Starting from a well-marked path, the hike passes through lush forests, with a taste of the area's natural charm. After hiking a few miles, you come across the first waterfall with breathtaking views.
As you hike along the trail you'll find the second and the third ones, completing the moderately challenging route. Despite some physical work, the end view of the waterfalls makes it a worthwhile trail.
6. Enjoy A Performance At The Flat Rock Playhouse
The Flat Rock Playhouse, known as the State Theatre of North Carolina is a gem in Hendersonville. As a part of a rich history dating back to the 1950s, this renowned theater offers a wide variety of shows. You can choose from classic dramas, comedic shows, musicals, or contemporary works.
No matter what you choose, the playhouse promises a top-notch experience with an impressive big stage and professional productions. During the entire show, talented performers put in every bit of their talent to keep you engaged throughout the show.
With its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality productions, the Flat Rock Playhouse provides an unforgettable night of entertainment in Hendersonville.
7. Shop For Antique Items At Needful Things Antique Mall
The Needful Things Antique Mall is a paradise for anyone interested in collecting antique items. It is a well-organized mall featuring a variety of treasures waiting to be discovered. The mall contains everything from vintage furniture and jewelry to rare books.
Each shop inside the mall offers a diverse selection of items suitable for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned antique hunter or just looking for a souvenir, the mall has everything.
As you walk along, the beauty of items in every shop will keep you engaged for multiple hours. Shopping at Needful Things Antique Mall is not just about buying things but also about the joy you experience throughout.
8. Explore The Mineral And Lapidary Museum Of Henderson County
The Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County is located in downtown Henderson. It is a place dedicated to the study and display of minerals, gems, and fossils. As you enter, you will be greeted by colorful minerals and gemstones from around the world.
The museum also hosts exhibits that are both educational and visually stunning. You can attend these exhibits to learn more about the geological treasures in a fun way. The collection of fossils including dinosaur bones and ancient marine life is one of the major highlights of the museum.
Offering a journey of exploration focused on minerals and the earth's past, the museum is a great place for family visits, school tours, or a solo journey.
9. Search For Gemstones At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
For treasure hunters, the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is a fun place with exciting experiences. The entire area of the mine offers you a chance to search for gemstones and fossils. Throughout the exploration, you can discover your first gem performing dirt string and washing like a real miner.
However, the hard work might not be everyone's cup of tea but the joy of finding your first-ever gem surely is amazing. For someone who fails to find a gem, the mine also features a gift shop to purchase jewelry, fossils, and other treasures.
Despite the rarity of finding gems, the mine is suitable for performing a hands-on activity with an educational experience. A visit to the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is another one on the list of fun things to do in Hendersonville.
10. Try Local Wines At Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a delightful place nested in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. It is one of the favorite destinations among wine lovers. Owned by a family, the vineyard is perfect for exploring and learning about grape growing and wine production process.
While in the yard, you are invited to a cozy tasting room with ample space to sample a variety of locally produced wines. Each wine has its own unique flavor, reflecting the rich soil and climate of the region.
The yards have multiple wine options to choose from including red, white, or rose that you can enjoy along with the beautiful landscape surrounding the area.
11. Spend A Day At Hands On Children's Museum
Hands On Children's Museum, located a few miles away from downtown Henderson is a great place for families with young children. The museum is mostly recognized for its hands-on exhibits and activities. All these activities are mostly designed to spark curiosity and creativity in kids in a fun way.
The museum houses a variety of themed areas where kids can explore and learn along with their families. One of the major highlights of the area is a miniature grocery store suitable for kids to shop around.
The museum also features exhibits, a construction zone, and a play area for your little ones. Adding fun to learning, the Hands On Children's Museum is one of the major Hendersonville, NC attractions.
12. See A Model Train Exhibit At The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club
The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is a must-visit place, located in the historic train depot. The club features an impressive model railroad exhibit that has attracted worldwide visitors to the place. The area is mostly filled with miniature trains, buildings, and scenes from the early days of railroading.
The entire exhibition is a piece of art showcasing the skill and dedication of the club members who built and maintained it. The perfect detailing includes tiny figures, cars, and even animals offering a sense of realness.
Seeing this model train exhibit is a delightful experience that brings artistic design to life as a result of hard-working individuals.
13. Visit The Oakdale Cemetery
The Oakdale Cemetery is a peaceful place established in the 1800s. It is a historic cemetery and the final resting place of many of the area's early settlers and notable personalities. The entire area spans over 100 acres of well-maintained grounds covered with beautiful trees and monuments.
One of the most famous features of the cemetery is the Angel of Death Statue, which has become a symbol of Oakdale. The cemetery is not only a place of remembrance but also a beautiful spot to stroll around in nature.
The history of Oakdale Cemetery make it a meaningful destination for visitors interested in local history and genealogy.
14. Take A Scenic Drive On The Blue Ridge Parkway
Taking a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-do when visiting Hendersonville. The famous roadway is also known as America's Favorite Drive. It winds through the breathtaking landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains treating visitors with stunning views.
Every season offers a unique experience filled with a peaceful and relaxing environment. Along the way, you'll find numerous stops with picnic areas, and hiking trails. the Blue Ridge Parkway also offers access to several visitors center and historic site along the journey.
Filled with adventure, the parkway is a highlight of the entire trip to Hendersonville.
15. Explore The Beautiful Bullington Gardens
Spanning over 12 acres, the Bullington Gardens is a public garden dedicated to horticultural education. It is a perfect escape into nature with a beautiful setting for visitors to explore. The garden is covered with a variety of themed areas like butterfly gardens, herb gardens, and native plant displays.
The entire park area is perfectly maintained and offers a peaceful place to enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers. The garden also houses walking trails that wind through wooden areas, suitable for a short run.
The Bullington Gardens is also a learning hub offering workshops and programs on gardening and environmental management.
16. Swim In The Pool At Sliding Rock
Swimming in the pool at Sliding Rock is a fun and refreshing experience. The rock is located in the Pisgah National Forest and is a natural formation with a smooth, sloppy surface suitable for sliding. The rock became smoother due to the continuous water flow and has turned into a slide for the pool at the bottom.
This natural waterslide is perfect for those seeking adventure and a unique way to enjoy the outdoors. The pool at the sliding rock is surrounded by a beautiful forest and a serene backdrop.
It is a safe place to spend fun family time, as you stay under the supervision of the lifeguards keeping an eye out for emergencies. The pool area also has a few picnic spots and restrooms for visitors' convenience.
17. Swim And Relax At Lake Lure
Another great place to spend a refreshing summer day is Lake Lure. It is a beautiful man-made lake surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The entire lake is filled with clear, calm water and a sandy beach perfect for swimming and soaking in the sun.
The area also features a special swimming area for kids with shallow and gentle waters. In addition to swimming, Lake Lure offers various water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating.
The surrounding has a few picnic spots, walking trails, and scenic views to spend a perfect fun day in nature.
18. Try Whitewater Rafting On The French Broad River
The French Broad River is a popular place among adventurers interested in whitewater rafting. The river has some of the best rapids perfect for both beginners and experienced rafters. It promises an exciting adventure along with beautiful scenery throughout the raft.
When you start your rafting trip, a guide will stay around to ensure your safety. Throughout the way, the guide shares insights into the area and puts in efforts to make the experience more thrilling.
This particular journey offers a unique way to connect with nature and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty along with friends and family.
19. Learn About The History Of Photography At The Carlton Gallery
The Carlton Gallery is a perfect destination to learn about the history of photography. This unique gallery is dedicated to showcasing photographic works and educating visitors about its evolution. Inside the gallery, you'll find a variety of exhibits from different time periods.
All these works highlight different styles of photography from early ones to modern ones. The gallery features the work of both local and international photographers. Apart from exhibits, the gallery hosts workshops and lectures that dive into different aspects of photography.
If you're a photographer in the learning phase, the Carlton Gallery surely is a perfect way to gain some knowledge to speed up your learning.
20. Go For A Bike Ride On The Hendersonville Rail Trail
A bike ride on the Hendersonville Rail Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy nature and explore the beauty of the area. This beautiful trail follows the path of a historic railway. The trail is mostly flat and offers a smooth ride making it suitable for everyone.
As you pedal along the trail, you'll have plenty of opportunities to rest around and take the views. The trail features markers that provide information about the history of the railway.
With a well-maintained path, the Hendersonville Rail Trail is a perfect place to socialize with other bikers and plan a friendly biking competition with friends.
