Are you looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC while you visit? You’re in the right place!
Hendersonville, NC is a quintessential mountain town located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. Situated just 25 miles from Asheville, it’s the perfect spot for a North Carolina mountain getaway. It is also easy to reach by air, located just 10 miles from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).
There are so many fun things to do in this cute mountain town. This article covers Hendersonville attractions ranging from leisurely strolls through Historic Hendersonville, to adrenaline filled outdoor adventures.
This list of things to do in Hendersonville will make your trip unforgettable. And if you haven’t booked a place to stay yet, make sure to check out our list of hotels in Hendersonville. It shares boutique hotels, quaint bed & breakfasts and national hotel chains in the area.
What You’ll Find In This Article
Things To Do in Hendersonville, NC
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Hendersonville and the surrounding area. This list starts with activities in the city, and then dives into nearby outdoor adventures and daytrips from Hendersonville.
Stroll Down Historic Hendersonville’s Main Street
Hendersonville’s historic downtown is one Western North Carolina’s quintessential mountain towns. The pedestrian friendly main street is home to shops, restaurants, coffee shops and even a Children’s Museum!
Hendersonville’s culinary scene is the perfect place to have lunch and spend an afternoon perusing shops along the way.
Enjoy a sandwich at Mountain Deli or go to Mezzaluna for a pizza. When you’re ready for a sweet treat Stop in to Mikes on Main for a malt shake from a classic 1950s soda shop. Finally, finish the day with a drink on the rooftop at Shine.
Visit the Carl Sandburg Home on Connemara Farms
The historic home and farm of author and poet Carl Sandburg is a real gem in Henderson County. Technically in Flat Rock, The Carl Sandburg Home is just minutes away from downtown Hendersonville.
This is one of our favorite free things to do in Hendersonville. The 270 acre historic farm estate is now a National Historic Site and a beautiful park run by the National Park Service.
Guided tours of the home where Carl Sandburg wrote are available Thursdays through Sundays. The interior looks just like it did in the 1950s and 60s.
The park also offers five miles of trails including a hike to the top of Glassy Mountain. Be sure to check out the kid-friendly farm area with goats.
Smell the Flowers at Bullington Gardens
This Hendersonville attraction does not make many lists, but is definitely one of our favorite things to do in town. Bullington Gardens is a 12 acre botanical garden with tons of plants, flowers and garden features. They have a beautiful dahlia garden, herb garden and gardens full of native plants.
It’s also a favorite for kids who love to explore their magical fairy trail. This trail meanders through the forest and is adorned with fairy houses along the way.
Bullington Gardens does not charge admission but they do suggest a donation to keep the beautiful gardens operating.
Pick Apples at an Apple Orchard
Henderson County, where Hendersonville resides, is home to the majority of North Carolina’s apple orchards. There is no shortage of fun to be had picking apples in fall.
All of the orchards have so much more to do than just pick apples, though. At Hendersonville’s apple orchards you’ll find playgrounds for kids, apple cider doughnuts, apple cannons, cute farm shops and bakeries and even hard apple cider flights.
Check out or list of the best Apple Orchards near Hendersonville to find the perfect spot!
Winetasting at a Local Vineyard
While its no Napa Valley, Hendersonville is home to a burgeoning wine scene. Home to seven production vineyards, it is no longer only known as apple country but also a wine growing region.
All located just east of Hendersonville, the vineyards have something to offer everyone. You’ll find mountain views at Point Lookout Vineyards, live music at Stone Ashe Vineyard or tours and wine tastings at Burntshirt Vineyards.
Notable Hendersonville Vineyards:
Kick Back at a Local Brewery
Sticking with the adult beverages theme, having a beer at a local brewery is a great way to enjoy an afternoon in Hendersonville.
Just down the road from Asheville, known as Beer City USA, it is no surprise that there are a handful of local breweries right in Hendersonville.
Enjoy world class beers from Guidon Brewing, Oklawaha Brewing and many more.
There are also a number of beer gardens worth checking out including Blue Ridge Beer Garden and The Blue Door Bottleshop and Beer Hall.
Visit the Hands on Children’s Museum
Right in the heart of downtown, you will find the perfect attraction for kids in Hendersonville. The Hands On! Children’s Museum is full of fun activities and opportunities to explore. It’s also one of the best things to do in Hendersonville on a rainy day!
There are plenty of exhibits including a play grocery store, water table, fire truck and more.
Check out our complete guide to the Hands On! Children’s Museum. Be sure to stop for a coffee at Black Bar Coffee– it’s right at the museum entrance!
Mine for Gems at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is another family friendly attraction in Hendersonville. This is the perfect place for families to spend time together. Grab a bucket of mine dirt and screen for gems in their water flumes. You never know what you might find!
Not only will you have the opportunity to find gems, they also have other fun attractions on site. Walk down to their picnic area by the creek and out their goats, peacocks and pheasants along the way.
And if you haven’t had a chance to check out a brewery, they have a Guidon Brewery outpost with outdoor seating on site!
Outdoor Adventures near Hendersonville, NC
Ziplining in the Green River Gorge
Just 15 minutes from Hendersonville you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to zipline the Green River Gorge.
The Gorge zipline tour spans 1.25 miles across 11 ziplines. As you glide along the ziplines you will feel like you’re flying through the forest canopy.
It’s beautiful in spring and summer and really pops when the fall colors begin to change. They also operate during winter if you’re up for a cold adventure.
Whitewater Kayaking on the Green River
For more adrenaline filled fun, check out the whitewater kayaking available on the Green River. Green River Adventures, offers world class whitewater experiences.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for instruction and Class I and II rapids or if this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re searching for Class III and IV rapids, Green River Adventures has you covered. They offer both guided and self-guided kayak trips.
Snowtubing at Moonshine Mountain
If you’re looking for the perfect thing to do in Hendersonville in winter, don’t miss out on Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park. The park is located just 15 minutes west of Hendersonville.
Moonshine Mountain makes its own snow so there is fun to be had even if it hasn’t snowed.
Moonshine Mountain’s opening day for the 2023-2024 season is on December 20th.
Mountain Biking at Ride Kanuga
Whether you are an experience mountain biker or just getting started, Ride Kanuga Bike Park is a great place to get in some mountain biking. This planned bike park has several laid out trails marked by difficulty level (similar to a ski slope map.)
They offer e-bike rentals which are perfect for the 500 foot elevation climb from the bottom to the top of the trails. The trails are well maintained and staff is knowledgeable to help make your mountain biking experience memorable.
Hike to Waterfalls in Dupont State Forest
Dupont State Forest is a popular hiking destination near Hendersonville. Just a half hour drive toward Brevard, NC, Dupont State Forest is home to some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular waterfalls.
You can park at the main parking lot at the Visitor Center or the Triple Falls Parking Lot.
Both parking lots provide access to easy hiking trails that take you past High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls, each of which are worth a stop. If you’re up for more hiking check out the covered bridge or hike even further to Grassy Creek Falls or Bridal Veil Falls.
Day Trips from Hendersonville, NC
Be sure to check out the surrounding mountain towns around Hendersonville while you visit!
Day trip to Asheville
Only 40 minutes away, Asheville is the perfect place to take a daytrip from Hendersonville.
Known for its foodie scene, Asheville is home to world class restaurants and eateries. Check out these must-dos if it’s your first time visiting Asheville.
There really are so many fun things to do in Asheville that its definitely worth spending the day. We actually think one of the best ways to the city is on the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour of Asheville.
Day trip to Brevard
Brevard is another quaint mountain town in neighboring Transylvania County. It has a large variety of shops and eateries. And a very charming downtown! Check out our list of things to do in Brevard for day trip inspiration.
Not only is the city itself full of activities, but it’s located near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. There are so many great hikes near Brevard, including Devil’s Courthouse. It’s about an hour drive from downtown Hendersonville.
If you plan to hike to the waterfalls in DuPont State Forest, Brevard is about a 20 minute drive further in the same direction.
Day trip to Saluda
Only 20 minutes from Hendersonville, you will find another charming mountain town – Saluda, NC. Saluda is a hidden gem mountain town that is worth visiting.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains it feels like a town right out of a Hallmark movie, with a general store serving ice cream, antique shops and art galleries, and several delicious eateries.
Check out our Day Trip to Saluda, NC itinerary for ideas of things to do!
