Take off to Hendersonville for apple picking, foliage hikes, and more fall fun.
Ashevillemay get all the resplendency when it comes to picturesque mountain towns in North Carolina . But there ’s another spot in the state that beckons for a weekend getaway when fall rolls around .
Hendersonville , North Carolina is home to a charming downtown that keeps it picturesque with historic construction , eclectic restaurants , and small dress shop . A stroll along tree - lined Main Street gives you a taste of southern appeal , with eating house patios inviting you to bide awhile . And with sluttish access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and bucolic countryside , Hendersonville is a gloam - lover ’s paradise .
place 178 miles northward of Atlanta , the easiest way to get there is by gondola . If you go the most straightforward way of life , up I-85 , with a mix of interstate and highways , it will only take about three hours . It ’s deserving building in some extra metre , however , for a drive through Dillard , Georgia and Highlands , North Carolina where the curvaceous mountain roads are fun to drive . snaffle a sandwich and a java atMountain Fresh Groceryin Highlands ’ precious business district . Overlooks along the pile path allow you to safely take in the mountain panorama before carrying on to your terminal destination : the epicenter of fall in the South .
Jump Off Rock|Photo by Jared Kay
Travel time:
3 - 4 hour by car from Atlanta
If you don’t do anything else: Go apple picking
Hendersonville set off with color in the fall , from the surrounding leafage to the colorful apples found in its orchards . Apple season in North Carolina run from mid - August to early November and Henderson County — of which Hendersonville is the seat — is the state’slargest apple manufacturer . While cooler temps may not arrive until October , that should n’t block you from channeling those pumpkin spicery vibes ascertain in the u - pick orchard settle by mountain views .
AtJeter Mountain Farm , razz the wagon to the apple orchards packed with 25 varieties ( the type you could pick varies throughout the season ) . Delicious delicacy await post - clean , from pulled pork sandwiches to freshly fry cyder annulus and refreshful cider potable both boozy and not ( the cider slushy is a ca n’t pretermit drinking for kids and grownup alike).McConnell Farmshides in a residential area of Hendersonville . Farmer Danny McConnell grew up on his parent ’ farm ( you legislate the house where he was raise when you enter the dimension ) and now he grows Malus pumila , berry , figs , and ginger , among other crops betray at his farm stand . McConnell also makes and sells yield - filled ice cream , doughnuts , and cyder , all of which can be enjoy on the property or taken to go .
TheNorth Carolina Apple Festivalis a fun way to usher in the unofficial kickoff of tumble . It runs September 1 through 4 in downtown Hendersonville where about 15 apple raiser betray yummy treats including cyder , fritters , ring , and hand pies . Other festivities let in lively medicine , a funfair , pancake breakfasts , and the King Apple Parade .
Fill your days:
Things to do outdoors in Hendersonville
Whether you ’re mega outdoorsy or just want to take in a beautiful view without much effort , it ’s well-fixed to get a nature fix in Hendersonville . Jump Off Rock , located just a few mile from downtown Hendersonville , extend a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby farmland . Take in the view from the top or hit one of the three trails .
Or hop in your railcar and reach thePisgah National Forest , only a 30 - moment drive away . You ’ll encounter numerous waterfall , like Looking Glass and Sliding Rock ( which you may really slither on ) .
If you ’re game for a stroll through the woods with minimum incline ( ideal if you ’re traveling with young fry ) , stumble the trail toMoore Cove Falls . The tranquil track , lush with botany and streams aplenty , leads to a 50 - foot free falling waterfall that you may get up near and personal with .
Jeter Mountain Farm|Photo by Todd Bush
Shopping in Hendersonville
Horseshoe Gap Village is a folksy district with a quaint assemblage of shop — and it ’s a must - bring down while in townsfolk . AtWoodhaven Glassartsy type can make bungle glass foundation or but purchase a professionally made spell . There ’s also a blacksmith that foxiness knives and instrument , a boutique specializing in handcrafted jewellery , an outmoded workshop , and a coffee workshop calledHidden Trails .
Head downtown for more shop deserving visiting , includingJust Ducky , a delightfully curated child ’s clothing dress shop , andCarolina Mountain Artists Guildfor handmade crafts , accessories , and decor . Nearby , Honeysuckle Hollowlures visitors and locals in with its eclectic mix of jewellery , clothing , and gifts .
Other entertainment in Hendersonville
Those traveling with unseasoned ones should visitPisgah Gem Mining . The traditionally campy roadside experience gets the business district treatment here in a memento workshop with thyroxin - shirt and gifts . For the uninitiated , you opt a bucketful carry a mixture of dirt and gem , which are disclose by running the mixture through moving urine . Retro fun can also be had nearby at theAppalachian Pinball Museum . The museum has about 80 secret plan stretching from classical pinball game to other colonnade gems to play — all of them are set to free play , so have at it .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and coffee shops in Hendersonville
For a light start to the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , Cognative Brew Housesells topically roasted umber and bite like overnight oats and smoothie pipe bowl . The seating area is spacious and the aesthetic hearkens to a log cabin with its intimate ambience . On the other hand , you are in the South , so load up on a carb - heavy breakfast is simply skillful manners . HenDoughoffers the good of both world — fried chicken and doughnut — in a cute - as - clucking atmosphere . Standouts include the fried chicken biscuit and any of the doughnuts useable that morning . Meanwhile , lunch atArabellain business district Hendersonville prominently features items with planetary house - made sausage and chorizo along with tricksy brunch mixture .
Take a effort to Flat Rock for dinner party where just past an adorable run of local businesses dub the “ Little Rainbow Row , ” you ’ll findCampfire Grill . You recognize it ’s rifle to be good when there ’s a smoker stationed in the parking lot . The elevate - yet - everyday restaurant give court to the many slumber away camps in the area with vintage photos beautify the walls and a computer menu heavy on smoke and grilled item . Can’t - miss dish admit the grill chicken , fried catfish , spinach queso skillet , smoke fish dip , and , to round it all off , the s’mores skillet .
Where to stay in Hendersonville
If convenience is your top precedency , opt forThe Henderson , which happens to be the only inn located downtown . The 17 - room historical property has architectural charm and you ca n’t shell the law of proximity to Main Street . If rentals are more your speed , Brightwaters Vacation Rental ’s Verandahis a great jump off item to all the sport things in Hendersonville including downtown and the orchards . Further out , luxe accommodations can be found at theBed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill . remain here takes you further , but not too far , from Hendersonville , and still within reach of Asheville and the mint .
Downtown Hendersonville|Photo by Tim Robison
Appalachian Pinball Museum|Photo by Jared Kay
HenDough|Photo by Tim Robison
Brightwaters Vacation Rentals|Photo by Tim Robison
