Historic Hendersonville, NC

Historic Hendersonville, North Carolina, will provide top-tapping fun for visitors during the summer. Come lie down on a quilt or bring a lawn chair and enjoy Music on Main. The weekly concert is held every Friday evening from June through mid-August. The location is the Visitor Center stage (located at Main Street and Barnwell Street).

If you are not visiting on a weekend, don’t despair. Hendersonville also programs a Monday Night Live concert on a bi-weekly schedule in June and July. These concerts feature different musical styles.

Moreover, you certainly don’t want to miss Hendersonville Street Dances. This proud town tradition dates back to 1918 when World War I soldiers returned to the Tar Hall State.

“Today they are recognized as the oldest street dances in the United States.”

VisitHendersonville.org

The Street Dances include clogging teams. There is bluegrass and country music.

Western North Carolina

Nestled in western North Carolina near Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Hendersonville bills itself as the “apple of North Carolina’s eye.” I’ve noticed that these little North Carolina hamlets like a catchy phrase to show what makes them unique. (For example, Black Mountain is known as the “Little Town that Rocks” since it provides rocking chairs throughout the commercial district.)

Hendersonville is also near Chimney Rock, Tryon, Columbus, Flat Rock, and Arden.

I stepped back into rural America when Parker and I strolled Main Sreet in historic Hendersonville. A retro Coca-Cola billboard was painted on a brick wall reminding pedestrians that it is “Delicious and refreshing”. And in a nod to the caffeine in Coca-Cola’s formula, the sign also advertised it “relieves fatigue & exhaustion.”

Old Time Dining

Moving along Main Street, I stopped in front of Mike’s on Main Restaurant. A white carousel horse painted with red and yellow ribbons awaited any child with two quarters in her pocket. A “Giant Ride” costs 50 cents. The diner proudly advertises that the old “Justus Pharmacy” was established in 1882 in historic Hendersonville.

I learned from Mike’s on Main website that Coca-Cola sent a painter down from Charlotte to repaint the mural.

“It is the most photographed restaurant in Hendersonville, NC and perhaps the most photographed building in Hendersonville, NC.

Mike’s on Main Street

If the diner allowed dogs, Parker and I would have stayed for breakfast. I love French toast. But I also would have been tempted by an omelet with a flaky biscuit and “the best potatoes around.” I was reminded of a 50s-style diner from the TV show Happy Days. I kept expecting to see “the Fonz.” Wear your “poodle skirt” and bobby socks with a poodle applique to make your pooch happy.

If you don’t have time for sit-down dining in historic Hendersonville, grab a pastry at McFarlan Old Fashioned Bakery (opened in 1930). The bakery prides itself on using the same recipes “the old timers used at the Bakery 30 to 65 years ago.” McFarlan ranks #1 of 7 bakeries in Hendersonville.

Historic Preservation Signs

Next, I meandered down the street toward an Underground plaque. The Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission finances these historic markers. I learned that in 1926 the First Bank and Trust Co. eliminated the sidewalks (and about 12 feet of dirt) to add commercial space. Glass blocks replaced the asphalt to allow sunshine. Stairs allowed shoppers to enter three stores and a lobby below. Early businesses included Tom’s Barber Shop, Blue Bonnet Beauty Shoppe, and the Teen Canteen.

Continuing our walk, I passed a plaque about the town’s McClintock Clock. Hendersonville’s Citizens Bank installed the bronze clock in 1927. The clock featured art glass dial faces. The town saved the clock after many components were beyond repair.

The Preservation Commission also places plaques outside historic buildings to describe past businesses. For instance, the past tenants at 344 N. Main (circa 1920) included Florida Fruit Market, J. C. Penney, Efird’s Department Store, and Jack Schulman’s “Can Do – Will Do.”

Outdoor Sculpture

Hendersonville also commissions outdoor artwork. “Mountain Memory,” crafted by sculptor Berry Bate, was my favorite.

She designed the peaks (Mt. Pisgah, Pinnacle, and Sugarloaf Mountains) in copper. She used stone and water to depict the region’s rivers—French Broad, Mills, Green, and Big Hungry.

Bear Ambassadors

Paws down, Parker’s favorite artwork was the bear sculptures along Main Street. He made us stop at each bear to sniff. Local artists painted the “Bearfootin’ Art Walk” sculptures. You will find the bears taking up residence along Main Street through the middle of October. Then the Visitors Center auctions them off for charity.

I think Parker dragged me to meet every bear in Hendersonville, including the “Black Bear” who stands outside a local museum for kiddos.

Children’s Museum

The Hands On! Children’s Museum is located at 318 N. Main Street. You can’t miss the building if you are strolling down Main Street. It features an oversized mural above its sign. The vibrant colors would attract any child’s attention. The artist incorporated the region’s natural attributes, such as waterfalls, alpine trees, and deer.

“Programs are our specialty at Hands On! From Weekly Programs like Mad Science Labs and Critter Crafts to Special Events like MakerSpace and Blue Ridge Humane Day, Hands On! has fun around every corner,” according to the museum’s website.

Pet Shopping

No visit to a mountain town is complete without visiting the local pet boutique. In Hendersonville, you don’t want to miss Wag! The storefront features a large paw print on the wall. The store places discounted items outside (if weather permits).

Launched 11 years ago, this store is a favorite for owners to bring their pets. “There’s a lot to Wag! (and purr) about at Hendersonville’s first and favorite pet boutique,” according to Wag!

Hendersonville Top 10 Bucket List

Contact the Hendersonville Visitor Center or download the digital visitor brochure. You also might want to schedule all 10 activities on the Hendersonville Bucket List below:

1. Visit Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
2. Watch the sunset at Jump Off Rock
3. Tour the Carl Sandburg Home
4. See the waterfalls at DuPont State Recreational Forest
5. Attend Flat Rock Playhouse
6. Attend Henderson Theater
7. Take a photo with a Main Street Bear
8. Participate in Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend
9. Check out model trains at Historic Train Depot
10. Visit Point Lookout Vineyards

Henderson Map

Here is a map of all the locations discussed in this article. It is a great way to plan your visit before your boots hit the ground in Hendersonville. The map is provided by Wanderlog, a travel planner.

<iframe title=”Embedded map” src=”https://wanderlog.com/mapEmbed/uacjsoqvkw?alwaysShowRouteLines=true&amp;omitExternalLinks=false&amp;omitWebsitePhone=false&amp;version=2″ style=”height:480px;width:100%;border:0″ frameBorder=”0″></iframe><div style=”font-size:smaller”>Map created with <a href=”https://wanderlog.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Wanderlog</a>, a travel planner on <a href=”https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wanderlog/id1476732439″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>iOS</a> and <a href=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wanderlog.android” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Android</a></div>

Dining With Your Dogs

NOTE: If you are visiting Hendersonville, the Visitor Center reports that “most restaurants in Hendersonville have outdoor dining sections that welcome well-behaved dogs (weather permitting). There are a variety of breweries, wineries, and cideries that are dog-friendly both indoors and out!”

Tsilugi Yon

Parker and I ended our walk at the end of Main Street near the Hendersonville Visitor Center. We saw a sculpture titled Tsilugi Yon. Translated, this means “Welcome Bears” in Cherokee. The Henderson County Travel & Tourism sponsored the artwork by artist Melody Heltman.

I might add “Welcome Everyone!” This historic North Carolina town just makes you want to hug a local bear (sculpture).

This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or to create a self-guided walking tour of the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Hendersonville.

FAQs

1: What is Hendersonville, NC best known for?

Hendersonville is best known for its charming Main Street, annual North Carolina Apple Festival, Bearfootin’ public art bear sculptures, and nearby wineries and apple orchards. The walkable downtown is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings, making it one of the most popular small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

2: Is Hendersonville worth visiting?

Yes. Hendersonville is an excellent destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Visitors can browse unique boutiques, sample local restaurants, tour wineries, pick apples in season, and enjoy nearby hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite stop between Asheville and Chimney Rock.

3: How much time do you need in Hendersonville?

One full day is enough to explore downtown Hendersonville, visit the Bearfootin’ Art Walk, browse the shops, and enjoy a leisurely meal. If you’d like to visit nearby wineries, apple orchards, or Dupont State Recreational Forest, consider staying two or three days.

4: What is the best time to visit Hendersonville?

Fall is the most popular season thanks to colorful foliage, apple harvests, and the North Carolina Apple Festival over Labor Day weekend. Spring offers blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures, while summer features outdoor dining, festivals, and farmers’ markets. Winter is quieter but still offers a festive downtown decorated for the holidays.

5: Is Hendersonville dog-friendly?

Yes. Hendersonville is very dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome on the sidewalks of historic downtown, many restaurants offer pet-friendly outdoor seating, and several local shops cater to four-legged visitors. Nearby hiking trails and parks also make Hendersonville a great destination for travelers exploring with their dogs.

Explore More in Western North Carolina

If you have extra time, these nearby destinations make excellent day trips or weekend getaways in western North Carolina.

Biltmore Estate

Tour America’s largest privately owned home, stroll its magnificent gardens, and sample wines at Antler Hill Village.

➡️ Read: Your Biltmore Estate guide & Biltmore House Interiors Tour

Biltmore Gardens

Explore Frederick Law Olmsted’s spectacular gardens, which are beautiful in every season.

➡️ Read: Guide to Biltmore Gardens

Biltmore Village

Browse historic cottages, boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries in this charming neighborhood just outside the estate.

➡️ Read: Guide to Biltmore Village

Black Mountain

Discover one of North Carolina’s most welcoming mountain towns, known for its art galleries, local shops, and scenic hiking.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Black Mountain

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Learn about the legendary experimental college that influenced generations of artists, architects, writers, and musicians through fascinating exhibits and programs.

➡️ Read: Guide to Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive one of America’s most scenic roads, stopping at overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic mountain vistas along the way.

➡️ Read: Blue Ridge Parkway Guide

Chimney Rock State Park

Climb to spectacular overlooks, hike scenic trails, and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in western North Carolina.

➡️ Read: Chimney Rock: Stairway to Bliss

Hendersonville

Walk a vibrant Main Street filled with public art, historic architecture, and locally owned restaurants and boutiques.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Hendersonville

Montford

Walk the historic town and admire the Victorian, Queen Anne, and Arts & Crafts homes.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Montford

Saluda

Visit one of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ oldest railroad towns, where you’ll find charming shops, hiking trails, and a beautifully preserved historic downtown.

➡️ Read: Best Things to Do in Saluda

Final Thoughts

Hendersonville may not be as famous as nearby Asheville, but that’s part of its appeal. From strolling the charming Main Street and discovering whimsical Bearfootin’ sculptures to sampling local cider, browsing unique boutiques, and enjoying the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, this welcoming town offers plenty to fill a relaxing day or weekend.

Whether you’re visiting during the colorful fall apple harvest, stopping on a western North Carolina road trip, or looking for a quieter mountain getaway, Hendersonville is a destination you’ll want to return to again and again. I hope this guide helps you discover some of the best things to do in one of North Carolina’s most charming small towns.