Hendersonville, NC was recently named one of the Top Main Streets For Christmas Shopping and it’s easy to see why. With its charming, curvilinear Main Street adorned with twinkling lights and welcoming window displays, this picturesque town evokes a sense of nostalgia that feels like stepping back in time.

This holiday season, add Hendersonville to your must-visit list for a last-minute getaway to find the perfect gifts and soak up the festive spirit. Though small in size, this town is big on holiday cheer! 

Can’t make it in person this year? No worries—many of our local stores offer online shopping, making it easy to grab a thoughtful, last-minute gift that ships right to your doorstep.

A Gift Certificate The Stable Spa at Horse Shoe Farm + Farm Day Pass

Treat your loved one to an unforgettable experience at the Horse Shoe Farm, an 85-acre family-owned boutique resort nestled in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the French Broad River. The property is home to the luxe Stable Spa, which offers a serene escape with an array of luxurious services designed to rejuvenate body and soul.

To make the gift even more special, include a Farm Day Pass. This addition grants your recipient full access to the farm’s stunning 85-acre property for an entire day. They can enjoy the pool, sauna, cold plunge tub, game room, nature trails, gardens, farm animals, and so much more. It’s the perfect combination of relaxation and exploration—a truly extraordinary holiday gift!

Discover the Perfect Gift at Art MOB

Located in the heart of downtown Hendersonville, Art MOB is a vibrant art gallery showcasing the works of over 80 local fine artists and crafters. From paintings and pottery to jewelry and handmade cards, the gallery offers a wide variety of unique, one-of-a-kind treasures, making it the perfect destination for finding a gift that will delight the art lover in your life.

Art MOB is also home to five working art studios, where you might catch a glimpse of talented local artists bringing their creations to life. With so many incredible pieces to choose from, the only challenge will be narrowing it down to just one!

A Gift Certificate to Postero

Delight the foodie in your life with a gift certificate to Postero, a gem in downtown Hendersonville known for its exceptional New American cuisine. This acclaimed restaurant is a melting pot of flavors and culinary techniques, offering modern twists on classic recipes made with high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients.

With its warm and inviting atmosphere, every meal at Postero feels like a celebration. Give the gift of a dining experience that’s as special as the restaurant itself—perfect for creating cherished memories over delicious food!

Treat Them to a Vineyard Tour & Tasting

Give the wine lover in your life an experience they’ll savor long after the glass is empty. A guided wine tasting or vineyard tour at one of Hendersonville’s beautiful wineries offers a chance to explore local varietals, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy mountain views that make every sip feel special.

Whether it’s sampling award-winning wines, strolling through picturesque vines, or relaxing in a cozy tasting room, this experience is the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. It’s a thoughtful, memorable gift that pairs perfectly with good company and great wine.

Donate to a Hendersonville Organization in Their Name

This holiday season, give a gift that truly makes a difference—perfect for the philanthropic person on your list. In September 2024, Western North Carolina, including Hendersonville, faced the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, the largest natural disaster in the region’s history. While Hendersonville was fortunate to experience less damage than some areas, many homes and businesses are still in the process of rebuilding. The loss of tourism has further impacted this small, tourism-reliant community.

By donating to a Hendersonville organization in your recipient’s name, you’re not just giving a thoughtful gift—you’re supporting the recovery and resilience of this beloved town and the surrounding region. It’s a meaningful way to honor their generous spirit while helping Hendersonville and Western NC rebuild and thrive once more.

Paddle with Lazy Otter Outfitters or Fly Fish with WNC Fish Hunter

Give the gift of adventure on the scenic French Broad River! With Lazy Otter Outfitters your recipient can explore a peaceful stretch of this ancient river by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. They can choose from trips ranging between 4 to 7 miles, making for a memorable day on the water. Gift cards are available for the 2025 season, perfect for planning a future outdoor getaway.

For the fishing enthusiast on your list, book a guided fishing trip with WNC Fish Hunter. Led by a local expert, this experience offers the chance to enjoy backcountry wild trout fishing or hunt for musky in the French Broad River. It’s an unforgettable gift for anyone who loves the thrill of casting a line in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Bottles of Wine from Hendersonville’s eight Wineries

Surprise the wine lover in your life with a bottle—or a few—from one of Hendersonville’s eight wineries, all located in the prestigious Crest of the Blue Ridge American Viticultural Area (AVA). This certified wine region is celebrated for its exceptional soil and growing conditions, producing award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

With accolades piling up year after year, these wines are sure to impress and offer your recipient a true taste of the Blue Ridge. It’s a thoughtful and delicious way to share the charm of Hendersonville this holiday season!

Cozy Accessories from Downtown Hendersonville

For the homebody on your list, nothing says winter like snuggling up with cozy accessories! Downtown Hendersonville‘s festive, twinkling streets are the perfect place to find thoughtful, warm gifts. Here are a few ideas to wrap up the season:

• Black Bear Paw slippers from The LazyOne of Hendersonville — quirky and comfy, these are perfect for lounging.
• A special robe from Homestead Fine Linens — luxuriously soft and stylish, it’s the ultimate indulgence for chilly mornings.
• And a North Carolina sweatshirt blanket from Mast General Store — soft, oversized, and perfect for curling up by the fire.

Take a stroll through downtown, and you’ll find everything you need to create the coziest gift package this holiday season!

A Hand-Woven Treasure from the Heritage Weavers or A Creative Class at The Art Place

For the person in your life who exudes creative energy, give a gift that inspires!

• The Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists at Historic Johnson Farm offer beautifully hand-woven scarves, blankets, sweaters, accessories, and more. Each piece is a unique, handmade work of art, perfect for someone who appreciates craftsmanship and tradition.
• For a more hands-on experience, gift a class at The Art Place, the home of the local Art League. With offerings in painting, collaging, clay, vision boards, art therapy, and more, there’s something for every artistic interest.

Whether they unwrap a handwoven creation or dive into a creative class, this gift is sure to spark joy and imagination.

A Hendersonville Mug & Locally Roasted Beans

For the highly caffeinated, the perfect gift is a simple choice.

Start with locally roasted coffee beans from Sharewell Coffee Co, who established their commitment to a good cup of joe in 2016, and since then, have trained coffee shops and restaurants around town in how to serve the best possible coffee. They now own their own 2 coffeeshops where you can pick up a variety of different roasts.

Pair this with a special Hendersonville coffee mug, painted by a local artist and sold exclusively at Black Bear Coffee Co. This mug not only keeps their coffee warm but also adds a local touch to their morning routine. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves the taste of Hendersonville!

Gift Certificate for iDaph for a Triathlon, 5k or Half Marathon

Give the gift of a thrilling and memorable experience with a gift certificate from iDaph Events. This locally organized race company that organizes more than 20 events annually, including triathlons, 5ks, half marathons and more, taking place at locations across the region.

Runners will enjoy courses that wind through downtown streets, along scenic greenways, and even through the lush forests for trail races. iDaph Events is renowned for their expert race planning, ensuring participants stay safe and happy throughout each race. Plus, they always provide top-notch medals, t-shirts, and other swag, making this gift a must for any avid runner!

A Day at the Farm & a White Squirrel for Their Home

Give a meaningful gift experience with a visit to the Hendo Care Farm, a local farm dedicated to healing and wellness through the natural benefits of the great outdoors, plants, and animals. As a “care farm,” they offer equine assisted learning, farm yoga, horticultural therapy, and customized farm tours, providing a day full of relaxation, mental health support, and physical activity. Your gift recipient is sure to enjoy this unique and memorable experience!

To complete the gift, give a ceramic white squirrel from All Nations Trading. Known for its adorable and quirky charm, this handcrafted piece will bring a touch of the region’s famous white squirrels into their home, serving as a reminder of their time in Hendersonville.

As the holiday season sparkles into full swing, Hendersonville’s charming bakeries and confectionaries are whipping up some of the sweetest ways to celebrate. From buttery, fruity Christmas stollen bread, dusted with powdered sugar, to dreamy peppermint fudge and festive Christmas cookie ice cream, everyone will find something to bring holiday cheer to their tables this season. Whether you’re hunting for a decadent gift basket or a treat to savor with a cozy cup of cocoa, these eight local bakeries have all the magic to make your holiday merry (and delicious), and they are only available this time of year! Grab your Santa hat—it’s time for a sweet adventure!

Special Seasonal Treat: Christmas Cookies Ice Cream

Description: Your favorite holiday cookies – chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and sugar – combined in a tasty sugar cookie ice cream with red sprinkles and a green icing swirl throughout. A very merry flavor!

Available: November – December

What else you need to know: Dairi-O is a small North Carolina-based chain, and other locations may have other seasonal flavors. Go try them all!

Special Seasonal Treats: Peppermint bark, Peppermint fudge, Christmas and Hanukkah treats, and gift baskets

Description: Find all of your holiday favorites for gifting to friends (or yourself!)

Available: November & December

What else you need to know: Kilwins is a small, franchised chain of confectionaries that sells candy, ice cream and other sweet treats. They are known for their high-quality chocolates, fudge and ice cream, so while these holiday specialties are great this time of year, you will find lots of other year-round treats here too!  

Special Seasonal Treat: Many different Holiday Jam Flavors, Raven’s Nest Mulling Spices, Ye Olde English Fruit & Nut Cake, Provisioners Christmas Cider, Cheerwine Milk Chocolate Bar, Appalachian Campfire S’mores Chocolate Bar, and more!

Description: Jams include Santa Jam, Sugarplum Jam, Elf Jam, Bah Humbug Jam and more; Raven’s Nest Mulling Spices are perfect for adding to your hot cider; Ye Olde English Fruit & Nut Cake is a traditional fruitcake with a rich batter; Provisioners Christmas Cider is a sweet, spiced non-alcoholic bottled cider; the Cheerwine Milk Chocolate Bar combines creamy milk chocolate, punchy cherry flavor, and fizzy, popping candy; and the Appalachian Campfire S’mores Chocolate Bar is is filled with graham crackers and marshmallows.

Available: November & December, while supplies last

What else you need to know: Mast General Store may not be the first place you think of for holiday treats, but they offer such a wonderful selection of nostalgic and North Carolina-based items, that you won’t want to skip a stop here! There are plenty more options besides what was listed above, and many of these items make wonderful stocking stuffers.

Special Seasonal Treat: Peppermint Mocha Cake, Gingerbread Men, Cranberry Orange Cake, Pumpkin Pie & Pumpkin Squares, Holiday Iced Sugar Cookies, and much more!

Description: The Peppermint Mocha Cake is a chocolate cake enveloped in luxurious peppermint buttercream with chocolate drizzle on top and festive peppermint pillows. The Gingerbread Men are a Bakery staple available year round, but at the holidays, these spicy ginger cookies are decorated in festive holiday cheer. The Cranberry Orange Cake layers cranberry orange cake with orange buttercream and cranberry filling. It is delightfully topped with dried orange slices. Pumpkin Pie is a holiday must-have, and McFarlan’s Pies & Squares are light and creamy with a flaky crust. The Holiday Iced Sugar cookies are offered in a delightful array of holiday designs.

Available: November – December 

What else you need to know: McFarlan Bakery has been a Hendersonville institution since 1930 and still uses its original recipes, meaning every bite tastes like it always has and will bring you right back to your childhood. In addition to the items listed here, McFarlan’s has tons of other seasonal and non-seasonal options.

Special Seasonal Treat: Specialty cookies, cakes, pies and gift baskets

Description: As a local bakery that makes everything to perfection in small batches, Mini Batch Bakery pours their heart and soul into each confection. Each of their baked items sings tidings of good cheer, and each gift basket, filled with a combination of baked goods and items from their farm, Raspberry Fields, are the perfect gift item.

Available: November & December

What else you need to know: Mini Batch Bakery started as a stand at a local farmers market, but their popularity (and a bakery opening mere steps from their spot at the Hendersonville Farmer’s Market) prompted them to move in permanently. They offer sweet treats and boxed lunches year-round, but the holidays always offer something a little extra special! 

Special Seasonal Treats: Pumpkin bread with chai glaze and cinnamon coffee cake, quiches, and holiday syrups.

Description: The flavored holiday syrups that can be added to your coffee include spiced maple, peppermint mocha, gingerbread and regular peppermint. The seasonal quiche flavors will be a rotating selection of savory options.

Available: late November – December at both the Flat Rock & Horse Shoe Gap Village locations

What else you need to know: ShareWell Coffee Co. is a locally owned coffee shop and coffee roaster on a mission to serve some seriously tasty coffee! They also offer baked goods and gift items at their two locations.

Special Seasonal Treat: Christmas Stollen

Description: Underground Baking’s unique version of a sweet bread, this holiday favorite is loaded with seven different dried fruits and soaked overnight in Jamaican rum.

Available: Daily starting December 4th

What else you need to know: Underground Baking Co. was founded with a passion for traditional baking techniques and a commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The bakery is a must-visit for travelers and locals alike. It offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and showcases the creativity and passion that make Hendersonville’s culinary scene so vibrant.

Special Seasonal Treat: Eggnog Shake & Peppermint Shake

Description: The Eggnog Shake blends Whit’s creamy vanilla custard with eggnog rather than milk and is topped with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg! The Peppermint Shake combines creamy vanilla custard with crushed peppermint, and is topped with whipped cream and more peppermint flakes. Add a bit of hot fudge for an extra special treat.

Available: All December long

What else you need to know: Check out their Facebook page to see their daily rotating flavors, many of which are seasonal favorites

While the list above highlights seasonal sweet treats that are only available this magical time of year, there are many more places that offer sweet treats in Hendersonville throughout the year. To get your sugar fix, check out the full list at the link below!

Not everyone travels the same way, and one of the wonderful things about Hendersonville is that there are so many different kinds of places to stay, so you are sure to find the perfect place to lay your head after a long day — be that a day of hiking or biking, shopping for unique treasures, tasting your way through wine country, learning about the things that make this place special, or exploring an apple orchard with the family.  Hendersonville offers traditional hotels, affordable motels, quaint bed & breakfasts, all different kinds of whole home or condo vacation rentals, and even camping. See the full list of places to stay or scroll below to find your match. 

If you seek thrills and excitement when you travel and love to explore things that are off-the-beaten-path, you should check out Cold Spring Basecamp, where you can sleep in their open-air, 3-sided cabins. The charming cabins give you the feel of tent camping, but with a cozy bed, solid roof and without having to bring all the necessities along with you, since each cabin is stocked with kitchen amenities, including a propane stove, French press, tea pot, pots and pans; has a campfire ring; offers fresh mountain-fed water; a solar device charging station; and more. The camp itself is set on 38 wooded acres, and includes hiking and biking trails, a waterfall, creek access, a cold plunge tub and more, located close to town and the area’s hot outdoor recreation spots, like DuPont State Forest, Ride Rock Creek, the Green River Gamelands, and more.

For those looking for a relaxed, comforting experience in a cozy inn with a cup of cocoa in front of a stone fireplace, you will love the slower pace of the Echo Mountain Inn. Built in the 1890s, the Echo Mountain Inn is perched on the side of a mountain, meaning it offers cooler temperatures, epic views, and some of the freshest air around. But what you will really love are the communal areas, like the giant, 2-sided stone fireplace, the care they take in decorating for Christmas, the manicured gardens, and the splash of green, since the entire common area is filled with houseplants. Owned and operated by by a multi-generational family, you are sure to feel at home, as you settle into the plush sofas or dig into an epic complementary breakfast.

If you like to travel with the extended family, heed to call of the mountains of North Carolina! Grandparents, parents and kids of all ages will enjoy all that Hendersonville has to offer. But what’s the best home base for your larger group between your visits to family-friendly attractions, easy hikes, and both kid and parent-friendly dining? You have got to look into Carolina Wildwood! This spacious home, which can sleep up to 12 people, is located in a neighborhood in Fletcher, very close to the airport, the high way and only about 20 minutes from Downtown Hendersonville. But what really sets this property apart from many of its competitors is that it was designed for groups, specifically for families. The home has an upstairs living room and dining room, as well as an entire downstairs that is perfect for kids: another living room, a smaller dining area with a small drink fridge, an air hockey table, a foosball table and kids games. Plus, the property is set up with a tankless water heater, meaning EVERYONE can have a hot shower after playing in North Carolina’s great outdoors.

If you love to explore local cuisine, wineries & breweries, you simply MUST stay at one of the area’s wineries, many of which have vacation rentals on property or nearby. We recommend Burntshirt Vineyard’s Vintner’s Cottage, a stone house that captures all the charm of a home built in the 1930s. It is situated right next to the winery’s restaurant, tasting room, patio and vineyards, in a bucolic area, nestled among apple orchards and rolling hills.

Burntshirt Vineyards is one of the area’s first wineries, and their award-winning wines helped to pave the way for the area to receive its accreditation as an American Viticulture Area, or AVA. They opened a restaurant on the property, the Vintner’s Table, a locally-sourced farm-to-table restaurant.

For those interested in museums, historic landmarks, unique architecture, cultural experiences or who love learning the history of an area they visit, you simply must stay in the Village of Flat Rock, where one of the most unique homes is Five Oaks at Flat Rock. 

The entire village of Flat Rock is on the National Registar of Historic Places! The area itself was beloved by wealthy Charlestonians who in the 1820s, wanted to escape the oppresive heat and disease that was rampant in the low country in summertime. Many came to the first town they reached in the mountains and stopped, bought land, and built their summer estates right here in Flat Rock. The area had so many Charlestonians there each summer, it became known as the Little Charleston of the Mountains.

Five Oaks at Flat Rock was built in 1888 as the summer estate of one of the sons of a high-ranking Confederate officer from Charleston, who also had a summer estate in Flat Rock. The home itself, which has 4 bedrooms, offers a wrap-around porch with multiple French doors opening into it, high ceilings, and so much charm and history. The property owners live on-site, and share a love for architecture and history, so they would love to tell you more about the history of the home and the area.

Slightly different from the Adventure-Seeker, you crave a quiet getaway, tucked deep in the woods, where the only sounds you will hear are the birds chirping in the morning, the breeze through the trees in the afternoon, and the katydids in the evening. If this sounds like you, then Tuxedo Falls is the spot for you. With their upscale boutique lodging nestled among hiking trails, creeks and waterfalls on 50 acres of old growth forest, you won’t be able to help yourself but quote John Muir the whole trip. (Please note: Tuxedo Falls opens Spring 2025.)

If you and your partner are looking for an escape where you can reconnect and relax, you have to check out the Horse Shoe Farm. This vast property, set on a former horse farm, offers rolling pastures with access to lakes, a pool, the French Broad River, high-end dining, an on-site spa, sauna and cold plunge tub, private yoga and wellness sessions, farm animals, and one of the best sunsets in the area.

For those traveling on their own, there are a few things you really want: a safe, welcoming accommodation that is located in a walkable area, where you can make new friends. Downtown Hendersonville is the ideal spot because you can walk to many downtown restaurants, pull up a stool to the bar, and make some friends or chat up the bartender to see what they think you can’t miss. There are plenty of options in downtown Hendersonville, but one of the best for those going it alone is The Henderson. Located just one block of Main Street, this historic inn offers a cozy place to stay, includes a gourmet breakfast made by their award winning chef, and friendly inn owners who will help you figure out how to map out your stay.

Hendersonville can be a very affordable vacation destination because there really is quite a bit that you can do for free: hiking, fishing, window shopping, touring museums and attractions, listening to live music at a local brewery or winery, or taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. To compliment your budget-friendly getaway, you’ll also want an accommodation that doesn’t break the bank, and The Mountain Inn & Suites is a great option. Highly rated on Booking.com, it is found by many reviews to be quiet, clean and convenient. It has everything you need, and is close to both downtown Hendersonville, the airport, Asheville, the wineries and apple orchards, and many different outdoor recreation locations. 

For those looking for a place that will stand out in your Instagram feed, one of the most photogenic, unique places to stay in Hendersonville has to be The Barn at Edenwood or The Treehouse at Edenwood (both are on the same property). The outside of the house itself looks straight out of a picture, but you’ll also find great photo ops in the wood-fired hot tub, the massive spa tub in the loft, the giant picture windows, the vintage and quirky touches to the interior decor, the cozy porch nestled among the trees, the pond, the hiking paths and so much more.

For those interested in staying on a farm or in a quiet countryside setting, those who enjoying working with, feeding or learning about farm animals, enjoying freshly-picked produce, and don’t mind getting their hands dirty, we see you. As a place with agriculture at its heart, there are a few options for Farm Stays, and a great one to try is the River’s Call Inn. This special 10-acre farm offers a barnhouse with rolling hills, manicured gardens, river access, mini goats, chickens, and lots of space to relax in the outdoors. There’s even a hot tub, meaning you can really relax while you are here. The worst part of your stay will be leaving.

For those who love traveling with their dogs, Hendersonville is fantastic. Many accommodations are pet-friendly, most restaurants with outdoor seating welcome pets on their patios and many stores allow furry friends too. Plus, almost all outdoor recreation is open to your pooch . So while there are plenty of options to choose from, paws-down, the best bet is Barkwell’s. Located in Mills River, they cater to dogs, and honestly prefer if you bring your dog! All cabins come fully equipped with everything your pup needs to enjoy their stay, have a fenced in yard, offer a dog wash station, endless free tennis balls and ample space to run in their fully-fenced in property. During warmer months, your pup can swim in their lake.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, looking for a place to relax, or a social media-savvy traveler looking for the next photogenic hotspot, Hendersonville has a stay that perfectly suits your personality. From cozy cabins in the woods to farm stays and chic inns downtown, there’s no shortage of unique accommodations to make your visit unforgettable. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience a stay that feels tailor-made just for you. Your perfect getaway is waiting in Hendersonville, where every traveler can find their ideal home away from home.

Apple trees have been part of Hendersonville, North Carolina’s mountain landscape since the mid-1700s—long before tales of Johnny Appleseed made their way across the Midwest. Whether early settlers planted apples for fresh eating, hard cider, or to lay claim to fertile farmland, one thing is certain: this mountain climate has always been a perfect match for apples.

For decades, many local orchards supplied apples to the nearby Gerber plant for juice and baby food. When that facility closed, Hendersonville’s growers adapted. Some shifted to growing apples for grocery store shelves, while others opened their orchards to the public.

Today, more than 20 orchards across Henderson County welcome visitors each fall. Some offer U-pick experiences, while others operate roadside stands stocked with fresh fruit. Either way, apples go straight from the tree to the customer—no long supply chains or storage needed.

Warm days and cool mountain nights help apples thrive in the fertile soil of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a combination that has helped Henderson County become one of the top 20 apple-producing counties in the United States. Even more impressive is the variety—dozens of different types of apples grow here, each ripening on its own schedule.

Use this guide to learn more about the apples grown in Western North Carolina—and find out when your favorites are likely to be in season.

• Early Fuji — has a sweet and crisp texture with a juicy flesh — great for eating fresh
• Gala — sweet and mild flavor, with a crisp texture — great for snacking and salads
• Ginger Gold — has a sweet-tart flavor and a crisp texture, and resists browning when cut — great to eat fresh
• Golden Delicious — sweet and rich with a soft, juicy flesh — versatile for both eating fresh and cooking
• Honeycrisp — renowned for their exceptional crispness and juicy texture with just a hint of tartness — great for eating fresh and baking
• Jonathan — a classic! Has a great balance of sweet and tart flavors — great for pies and cider making
• Melrose — cross between Jonathan and Red Delicious apples, they are slightly tart, with a firm, juicy texture — great for eating, baking and applesauce
• Redfree — has a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture — good for fresh eating and cooking
• Ruben — cross between Elstar and Gala apples, has a sweet flavor with a hint of acidity and a crisp, juicy flesh — good for eating fresh, especially in salads
• Swiss Gourmet — a cross between Golden Delicious and Idared, they have a sweet-tart flavor and a firm, crisp texture — best for baking 
• Tsuguru — A Japanese apple variety with a sweet flavor and a juicy, crisp texture — best eaten fresh
• Wolf River — large apples that are mildly tart and hold their shape well when baked — best for baking
• Zestar — has a sweet-tart flavor and a crisp, juicy texture — good for eating fresh and for cooking

• Ambrosia — Sweet and juicy with a honey flavor and crisp texture — great for eating fresh
• Candy Crisp — very sweet with a juicy, crisp texture — best enjoyed fresh
• Cortland — sweet-tart with a crisp texture that resists browning — great for snacking and eating on salads
• Empire — sweet, tart, and juicy with a firm texture — good for eating and cooking
• Enterprise — mildly tart with a firm, juicy texture — good for eating and cooking
• Fuji — Sweet and crisp with a dense, juicy flesh — great for eating fresh
• Granny Smith — known for their tartness, they have a crisp, juicy texture — excellent for baking and cooking, plus good for eating fresh, for those who enjoy very tart apples
• Jonagold — a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, they are sweet-tart with a honeyed flavor and a crisp, juicy texture — great for eating fresh or baking
• King Luscious — large and sweet with a mild flavor, with a firm, juicy texture — great for eating and baking
• McIntosh — Known for their tender, juicy flesh and tart flavor — great for eating, applesauce, and baking
• Mutsu — sweet-tart with a firm, juicy texture — great for eating and cooking
• Red Delicious — mildly sweet with a soft texture — best eaten fresh
• Rome — mildly tart with a firm texture — best for cooking
• Shizuka — similar to Mutsu, they have a sweet with a firm, juicy texture — great for eating and cooking
• Splendor — sweet and juicy with a crisp texture — best eaten fresh
• Stayman/Winesap — known for their tart and spicy flavor, they have a firm, juicy texture — excellent for baking and cider making
• Winecrisp — rich, sweet-tart flavor with a firm, crisp texture — great for eating and cooking

• Arkansas Black – Known for their dark, almost black-red skin, these apples are very firm and crisp with a mildly sweet-tart flavor that improves with storage; excellent for fresh eating and baking.

• Braeburn – Sweet-tart with subtle spice notes and a crisp, juicy texture; great for fresh eating and cooking.

• Cameo – Sweet with a hint of tartness and a firm, crisp texture that resists browning; ideal for eating fresh and in salads.

• EverCrisp – A cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji; exceptionally crisp, juicy, and very sweet; best enjoyed fresh.

• GoldRush – Intensely crisp with a bold sweet-tart flavor and spicy undertones; flavor improves with storage; excellent for eating fresh and cooking.

• Nittany – Firm and juicy with a sweet-tart flavor; good for eating fresh or baking.

• Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) – Tart-sweet with a crisp, juicy bite and distinctive pink blush skin; excellent for eating fresh and baking.

We thank all of our local experts for their invaluable recommendations, but remember, only you can decide where in Hendersonville to go to grab your next cup or waffle cone.

Enjoy your journey through the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail, and may your taste buds be endlessly delighted!

Favorite Flavors: For Michele, it’s the Brownie Batter and for Elaisa, it’s Chocolate, with a swirl of peanut butter on top. Max (Yorkie), Sadie Mae (miniature Schnauzer) and Cheo (Weimaraner, not pictured) are all enjoying full-size pup cups (vanilla, with peanut butter topping and a doggy bone)

Why Michele and Elaisa love Whit’s: “The daily flavors are imaginative and delicious, and our dogs LOVE the pup cups!”

Favorite Flavors: Brittney loves the Mint Chocolate Chip, Joseph is torn between Apple Pie & Cappuccino Chocolate Chip, and Sofia also loves the Cappuccino Chocolate Chip.

Why Kilwin’s? Kilwin’s supports Hands on Children’s Museum and even has an exhibit! Plus, Brittney says, “they make the best mint chocolate chip.” Joseph says, “I love apples and coffee makes everything better!” Sofia says, “I like coffee and chocolate, and Kilwin’s does a great job of combining the two flavors.”

Favorite Flavors: Summer’s favorite ‘daily flavor’ is Churro, but if they don’t have that, she gets a Whitser with Oreos & cookie dough; Gibson’s favorite daily flavor is Banana Pudding; and Jude’s is a Whittie (Ice Cream/Custard Sandwich).

Why this whole family loves Whit’s: “The reasons are two-fold: their custard is absolutely delicious & we can walk there from our house!”

Favorite Flavors: Ashley loves the Pistachio in a regular cone and Aaron loves the Guayaba in a regular cone.

Ashley & Aaron love El Rio because: “It’s locally owned and operated with many unique flavors that are just delicious.”

Favorite Flavors: “We have many favorites!” On their most recent stop, Tracy chose Pumpkin Chunkin’ and Todd had Raspberry Hooray.

What this brother & sister duo loves about McConnell Farms: “We love it because McConnell Farms is close to our own farm, they have unique flavors and it’s all homemade. The setting is beautiful and, of course, we always like to support our fellow farmers.”

City of Hendersonville Azalea Parking Lot
301 N. King St., Hendersonville
– 1 FREE J1772 Charging Port (Level 2)

City of Hendersonville Dogwood Parking Lot
411 N. Church St., Hendersonville
– 2 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

City of Hendersonville Parking Deck
432 N. Church St., Hendersonville
– 4 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Boyd Automotive
1875 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville
– 1 FREE J1772 Charging Port (Level 2)

Chick-fil-A Hendersonville South
640 Spartanburg Hwy, Hendersonville
– 1 FREE NACS Tesla Port

Chick-fil-A Hendersonville North
60 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville
– 1 FREE NACS Tesla Port

Hendersonville Community Co-op Grocery Store
60 South Charleston Lane, Hendersonville
– 2 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Hunter Nissan
1340 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville
– 1 FREE J1772 Charging Port (Level 2)

Ingles Market
625 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville
– 2 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Panera Bread
160 Coolridge Street, Hendersonville
– 12 PAID CCS & Tesla Superchargers (Level 3)

Parks Ford
601 Duncan Hill Road, Hendersonville
1 PAID J1772 Charging Port (Level 2)

Patton Park
114 E. Clairmont Dr., Hendersonville
– 2 PAID J1772 Charging Port (Level 2)

Blue Ridge Community College
2 East Campus Drive, Flat Rock
– 3 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)
-2 PAID CCS & CHAdeMO Ports Level 3

Fairfield Inn & Suites
836 Upward Rd., Flat Rock
– 2 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Holiday Inn Express
107 Upward Crossing Drive, Flat Rock
– 1 FREE J1772 Charging Port (Level 2)

Pinebrook Manor (for guests only)
2701 Kanuga Rd., Hendersonville
– 1 FREE (to guests) Tesla Charger (Level 2) 

Village of Flat Rock Offices
110 Village Center Drive, Flat Rock
– 2 PAID J1772 Charging Ports 

Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher
– 6 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Mills River Park
124 Town Center Drive, Mills River
– 4 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Asheville Regional Airport
61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher
–  2 FREE J1772 Charging Ports (Level 2)

Western North Carolina has been known for its rich arts tradition for decades. Original settlers developed skills to make utilitarian wares, clothing and household items, which were vital to a family’s survival in this remote region.

Over time, those skills once necessary for daily life evolved into fine crafts and artistic media. Schools devoted to craft and art sprang up, and people from all over the world came to Blue Ridge Mountain communities to develop their talents in pottery, glass, photography, fiber, music, dance and theater, to name a few.

Today Hendersonville is home to a vibrant arts community with a diverse array of media represented. Check out these 10 ways to experience the arts firsthand on your next visit to Hendersonville.

1)  Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theater of North Carolina, is known as the “Little Broadway in the Mountains.” For more than 70 years it has entertained audiences with professional performances of top musicals, comedies, dramas and farces from February through December. In recent years, a popular music series has been added. The theater crafts every element of each show, including the sets and costumes. A favorite annual tradition is “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas,” a musical variety show that promises tried-and-true classics and new surprises each year. The grounds themselves resemble a work of art with colorful gardens maintained by local Master Gardeners.

2)  What do you get when you combine fine wines, local artists and a mountaintop setting overlooking acres of rolling vineyards — La Vie En Rosé Art & Wine Festival. The three-day event takes place in mid-June at Marked Tree Vineyard. Take a plein air painting workshop, listen to a poetry reading or symphony concert, and meander through the artist village. All the while enjoy sipping Marked Tree rosé and soaking in mountain views that stretch for miles.

3)  The last weekend of September, Hendersonville’s serpentine Main Street transforms into an outdoor gallery for more than 70 artisans to display and sell their work. Art on Main, a juried event, attracts artists from throughout the Southeast and is regarded as one of the finest outdoor art shows in the region. Artistic media include oil and acrylic painting, clay, metal, wood, fiber, photography and jewelry. Several artists demonstrate their talents and answer questions about their processes. Judges present awards for fine art, fine craft and overall best of show.

4)  Tucked into a small strip of shops in this eclectic village, the Gallery at Flat Rock exhibits 60 regionally and nationally known artists. Many artists live in Henderson County and surrounding mountain towns, which offers a few perks for gallery shoppers. Artists often drop off work in person and interact with customers. The gallery also offers a slew of events, such as artist meet-and-greets, exhibit opening receptions and workshops. Each September, Art in Bloom pairs floral designers with artists to present floral interpretations of various works of art.

5)  See artists in their natural habitat at Art MoB Studios. This downtown gallery has five resident artists who maintain studios in the back of the shop. Visitors may watch them work, ask them questions and purchase pieces directly from the working studios. For a decade, Art MoB has showcased the work of more than 80 local and regional fine artists and fine crafters.

6)  Art on 7th is located in Hendersonville’s up-and-coming Seventh Avenue district, known as downtown’s creative edge. The gallery is the county’s only contemporary art gallery. Exhibiting work from local artists (Hendersonville, Asheville, Flat Rock, Horse Shoe), as well as artists from throughout the Southeast (Texas, Florida, Alabama), Art on 7th adds a distinct element to the town’s arts community. The diverse lineup of artists includes black, Mexican and Japanese artists. Media include glass, sculpture, wood, fiber and numerous forms of painting.

7)  Make a single stop into Horse Shoe Gap Village and discover a collection of artsy businesses. Expect to see hand-blown glass, clay sculptures, antique and vintage home decor, jewelry made by metalsmiths, and inspirational paintings. ShareWell Coffeehouse, also located in the village, serves locally roasted coffee and baked goods to fuel your shopping spree.

8)  For a touch of Hollywood in Hendersonville pop in the cottage-style Sweet Magnolia Gallery. This is the storefront of jewelry artist Melinda Lawton. Lawton’s career started in Hollywood as a graphics artist for the film industry. Along the way, she started making jewelry, inspired by the vintage pieces she had collected all her life. Then one night, Carrie Underwood wore her earrings on live TV when she won “American Idol.” Things took off from there. Now Lawton sells unique pieces to superstars and Hendersonville residents and visitors.

9)  Each May, a new set of 20 bright bear statues hits Main Street for the Bearfootin’ Art Walk. Each bear is decorated by a different artist and dedicated to a local nonprofit. Often the artwork relates to the worthy causes the bears support. These colorful bears have become social media stars, so make sure you snag a selfie with one as you stroll. In October, the bears are auctioned off for charity and go to their permanent homes. The auction brings in more than $100,000 annually for local nonprofits.

10)  An elaborate honeybee mural covers two sides of the building housing Hands On! Children’s Museum in downtown Hendersonville. The mural, which is designed to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, depicts honeybees, butterflies and native flowers. The mural is part of an international campaign by artist Matthew Willey called The Good of the Hive, which involves painting 50,000 honeybees — the number in a healthy hive — in murals around the world. To see the mural, walk along Third Avenue between Main and King Streets.