Experience Apple Season in Hendersonville: A Complete Itinerary for Apple Festival Weekend

Check-in & Stay: Stay at one of Hendersonville’s beautiful B&Bs, just steps from Main Street, such as 1898 Waverly Inn, The Henderson, Elizabeth Leigh, or Charleston Inn. Bringing the family and want something bigger? Hendersonville also offers a wide selection of vacation rentals, some just steps away from scenic u-pick orchards, perfect for enjoying apple country in comfort.

After settling in, be sure to make reservations for the Apple Festival Brunch at Season’s at Highland Lake Inn on Sunday morning. This seasonal brunch features locally inspired dishes and is a popular spot, so booking ahead ensures a relaxed start to your festival day.

Dinner: Enjoy a farm-to-table experience at Campfire Grill, featuring hearty, locally inspired dishes. Expect a mix of grilled meats, fresh seasonal vegetables, pasta, and comforting sides, with desserts highlighting local flavors.

Evening Stroll: Stroll along Main Street, browse charming shops and art galleries, and soak in the crisp autumn ambiance as the weekend kicks off. Enjoy live music at the Courthouse Stage leading up to the Headliner, which takes the stage at 6:30 PM. The street fair wraps up at 9:30 PM, but don’t worry—you’ll have the entire weekend to explore everything Hendersonville has to offer.

Breakfast: Start the morning with breakfast at Mike’s on Main, a charming, family-friendly spot right on Main Street. With its cozy, old-fashioned diner feel, it’s the perfect place to enjoy hearty, made-from-scratch dishes before a full day at the Apple Festival.

Morning to Afternoon – Hendersonville Apple Festival:

• • Explore craft vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.
  • Taste fresh apple cider, pies, donuts, and other seasonal treats.
  • Stop by the educational booths hosted by local apple growers and beekeepers.

Lunch: Grab a festival bite or enjoy a relaxed meal at Boodas Brewing Company, located just off Main Street. Enjoy seasonal beers, a delicious menu with something for everyone, and outdoor seating with a great view of Main Street—perfect for a relaxing midday break during the festival.

Afternoon – Festival or WNC Air Museum: Head back to the Apple Festival to continue browsing all the apple vendors and enjoying the street fair or make a short trip to the WNC Air Museum for their open house, which runs until 5 PM. View aircraft from the 1930s–50s, sit in a real airplane, and browse model displays. Free admission and parking make it an easy, fun stop for all ages.

Dinner: Head to Root & Bone in Horse Shoe, located right on the new Ecusta Trail. Enjoy elevated Southern comfort food, including fried chicken, brisket meatloaf, and seasonal sides, all made with locally sourced ingredients. A cozy, welcoming spot to unwind after a full day at the Apple Festival.

After Dinner: Take a leisurely stroll along the Ecusta Trail and explore nearby shops, or simply cross the street to Packa’a Place to relax, enjoy live music and a drink to cap off the evening.

Breakfast: Start the day with the Apple Festival Brunch at Season’s at Highland Lake Inn. This seasonal brunch features locally inspired dishes, from fresh farm-to-table entrees to apple-themed treats, all served in a scenic, cozy setting overlooking Highland Lake.

Morning – U-Pick Orchards: Spend the morning visiting Hendersonville’s beautiful u-pick orchards. Make the most of your time with the Orchard Trail, a digital itinerary designed to guide you through Apple Country, helping you navigate orchards, plan stops, and discover local farm experiences. Sign up here to get started, and click here to see u-pick options, farm stands, and more for a seamless apple-picking adventure.

Lunch: Many of the orchards offer on-site food trucks, fresh farm produce, or cider and donuts at their farm stores. Grab a bite while soaking in the orchard atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore additional orchards, or head back to Main Street and relax while enjoying live music at the Courthouse Stage. Craving something sweet? Take part in the Ice Cream Trail, and stop by one of Hendersonville’s delicious local spots for a sweet treat, some located right on Main Street.

Dinner: Still exploring orchards? Great! Head to Flat Rock Wood Room, just a short drive from the orchards. Enjoy slow-smoked BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and classic Southern sides.

Dinner (Downtown): You don’t have to walk far to enjoy dinner at Mezzaluna, conveniently located right on Main Street. Savor a menu of fresh Italian-inspired dishes, including house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal specials.

Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast and coffee at Ecusta Market & Café. Enjoy fresh pastries, hearty breakfast options, and locally roasted coffee.

Morning – Ecusta Trail and Last Minute Finds: While on the Ecusta Trail, take a leisurely stroll up to Main Street to browse for last-minute apple finds, stop by local shops, and enjoy a relaxing morning before heading home.

Departure: Leave Hendersonville with bags full of apples, cider, and lasting autumn memories. We can’t wait to see you next time!

Orchard Pass: Streamlines visits to multiple orchards and “check-in” on your digital guide to keep track of your journey.

Parking – There are multiple parking lots throughout downtown Hendersonville, including both free and fee-based options. Many lots are operated by local non-profits, with nominal fees that support their causes. Plan to arrive early on festival days, as downtown fills quickly.

Comfortable Shoes: Essential for walking at orchards and downtown streets.

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!