Sweet Traditions, Made from Scratch: McFarlan Bakery

McFarlan Bakery has been a fixture on Main Street since the 1930s. Originally located across the street from where it stands today, it moved to its current location in the 1960s—and not much has changed since.

“A lot of people grew up with the bakery and it’s really nostalgic,” Meghan shared. “They’ll walk in and be like, ‘Oh, it’s exactly the same as it’s always been my whole life.’”

That feeling of familiarity, of timeless comfort, is no accident. Clint and Meghan have made it their mission to preserve the essence of McFarlan Bakery—the recipes, the flavors, the memories.

McFarlan’s commitment to doing things the “old-fashioned way” is more than just a tagline—it’s the foundation of everything they do.

“We make pies, pastries, cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. Just in the traditional made-from-scratch way,” said Clint. “We believe that doing things the hard way is still the best way.”

Some of the recipes used today date all the way back to the 1930s. Salt rising bread and fruit bars are among the oldest, and many of the bakery’s offerings come straight from a handwritten binder that’s been treasured for decades.

“Made from scratch just means that we do everything from base ingredients as much as we can,” Clint explained. “We try to focus on ingredients that your grandparents would recognize, like butter, sugar, eggs, shortening, and turn it into something delicious.”

Walk into McFarlan Bakery on any given day and you’ll find more than 100 items in the pastry case, each made with intention, care, and history. From the iconic clown cookies to the decadent eight-layer pound cake, every treat has a story—and a loyal following.

Some of the most beloved? Glazed donuts, made by the same skilled hands for over 45 years, have become a beloved staple for generations. Apple fritters that sell out fast. Chocolate chewies with a perfect soft center. And of course, the seasonal classics and whimsical sugar cookies that rotate with the holidays—but always make room for a clown cookie or two.

“These are things people remember getting as kids,” Meghan said. “We might have heart cookies for Valentine’s Day and what not, but we’ll always have a clown cookie for kids to get because it’s always a favorite.”

“You’ll see people walking around with white boxes because they know,” Clint said. “So follow the white boxes!”

McFarlan Bakery isn’t just a stop on the street—it’s part of the experience. A sweet reward after shopping. A surprise for a loved one. A way to make an ordinary day feel a little more special. Those white boxes are a signature of tradition.

McFarlan Bakery isn’t just a business—it’s a tradition woven into the fabric of Hendersonville life. Owned by Clint, who grew up here, and Meghan, who has grown to love the community deeply, the bakery represents a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world.

“We’re really just trying to keep doing things the way people grew up with,” Clint shared. “So they can share it with their kids and grandkids.”

From birthdays to holidays to downtown festivals, McFarlan Bakery plays a role in so many of life’s sweetest moments. It’s not just about baked goods—it’s about creating a space where memories are made, passed down, and relived with each visit.

McFarlan Bakery isn’t just a bakery—it’s a cornerstone of downtown Hendersonville. It’s where tradition meets taste, where frosting-covered cookies and flaky danishes tell stories of birthdays, family visits, and lazy Saturday mornings.

“There are a lot of really great places downtown,” Meghan noted. “But McFarlan’s is a great stop along the way. You can get some baked goods that aren’t available other places—and it’s really tasty.”

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, stepping through the doors of McFarlan Bakery is like stepping into a memory—warm, familiar, and always delicious.