Kickoff to Summer

Kickoff to Summer

Bold Rock Mills River for an all-day celebration of sunshine, cider, and good vibes. We’re bringing the heat on Saturday with yard games, kid-friendly activities, and a rockin’ performance from The Showboat Band from 6-8pm.

Crumbl Cookies & Flight Pairing

Crumbl Cookies & Flight Pairing

Join for a deliciously indulgent evening featuring a flight of four refreshing Bold Rock ciders perfectly paired with famous Crumbl Cookies

Kickoff to Summer

Mother’s Day Plant & Sip

Join on Mother’s Day for the Plant & Sip, where all moms will receive a complimentary plant (while supplies last) from our friends at the Mills River Fire Department.

Paint and Sip at Bold Rock

Paint and Sip at Bold Rock

No experience is needed. Our skilled instructors will help guide you through each step so that you can recreate this botanical mountain landscape. Everyone will receive a 16×20″ canvas with a pre-sketched drawing and all necessary painting supplies. We kindly ask that each guest buys at least one drink or menu item to support this awesome venue.

Grounded & Grateful and Bold Rock Hard Cider

Grounded & Grateful and Bold Rock Hard Cider

Join Grounded Boots Relief, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, for a family-friendly event at Bold Rock in Mills River on April 5th from 11 AM to 4 PM! This event highlights the importance of storm preparedness, search and rescue efforts, and outdoor safety. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just want to learn more about staying safe in emergencies, there will be something for everyone—including a possible helicopter demonstration!

  • Raffle prizes for all ages!
  • Support disaster relief! For every cider purchased after noon, Bold Rock will donate $1 to Grounded Boots Relief’s disaster response efforts.
  • Location: Bold Rock, Mills River
  • Cost: Free
Cheers! Trail Passport: Your Passport to Craft Beverages and Rewards

Cheers! Trail Passport: Your Passport to Craft Beverages and Rewards

Cheers! Trail Passport: Your Passport to Craft Beverages and Rewards

You may have experienced the Cheers Trail Passport before, but now it’s gone digital! The new Cheers Trail Pass makes it easier than ever to explore and enjoy local breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. No more keeping track of a paper passport—simply check in at participating locations using your phone and unlock rewards along the way.

Cheers! Trail passport experience

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in and around Hendersonville, the Cheers! Trail is the only trail in North Carolina showcasing five different types of craft beverages. Visitors can enjoy more than two dozen tasting experiences along the trail, including 11 breweries, seven wineries, three cideries, two distilleries, and a meadery.

From mountaintop vineyards to apple orchard cideries to one of the nation’s largest craft breweries, there are plenty of memorable experiences awaiting you along the Cheers! Trail. It’s the perfect way to explore the region’s finest craft beverages!

Now, to make your Cheers! Trail experience even more exciting, we’re thrilled to introduce the digitalized Cheers! Trail Passport.

How the Cheers! Trail Passport Works

You may be familiar with the physical Cheers! Trail passport—now, we’re making it even easier for you to check in and earn rewards! The Cheers! Trail is going digital, so you can track your visits, collect points, and redeem prizes all from your phone. No more keeping up with a paper passport—just sip, check in, and start winning!

With the new Cheers! Trail Passport, your adventures are more rewarding than ever. As you visit participating Cheers! Trail locations, you’ll check in via the Cheers! Trail passport, saved on your home screen and earn 100 points for each location you visit. The more stops you make, the more points you accumulate, and the closer you get to earning exclusive Cheers! Trail swag!

The best part? There’s no need to download any app! Simply sign up for the Cheers! Trail Passport for FREE above and save the pass to your home screen. Then, just visit your favorite local Cheers! Trail spots, check in, and start earning points instantly.

cheers-trail-pass

Earn points with Every Stop

As you explore and check in at various Cheers! Trail locations, you’ll start collecting points that can be redeemed for a variety of fantastic rewards. You can even save up your points to unlock multiple prizes! Visit the Hendersonville Welcome Center to redeem your prizes, here’s a sneak peek at what you can earn:

    • Wine Stopper: Keep your favorite bottles fresh with this elegant, practical accessory.

    • Coasters: Protect your surfaces in style with custom Cheers! Trail coasters.

    • Corkscrew/Bottle Opener: Open your wine or brew with ease using this sleek tool.

    • Wine Goblet: Sip in style with a beautiful wine goblet.

    • Knit Beanie/Hat: Stay warm and stylish with the Cheers! Trail knit beanie.

    • 4-Pack Pint Glasses: Enjoy your beverages in style with a set of Cheers! Trail pint glasses.

    • Cheers! Trail T-Shirt: Show off your love for the Cheers! Trail with a custom tee.

     

    Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Hendersonville NC

    Start Earning Today

    Ready to start earning points and collecting swag? All you need to do is sign up for the Cheers! Trail Passport and begin checking in at your favorite local spots along the trail. It’s the perfect way to explore, enjoy, and reward yourself for every visit.

    Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the Cheers! Trail in a whole new way. The more you explore, the more you earn!

    Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Hendersonville NC

    Just in time for Cider, Wine & Dine weekend

    The Cheers! Trail Pass is the perfect way to make the most of the upcoming Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, taking place May 2-4, 2025. This signature weekend features several local wineries and cideries, offering an unforgettable experience of cider, wine, and food. Enjoy artisan hard ciders and award-winning wines, all paired with a full schedule of exciting events.

     

    Guests enjoy the open-air tasting room of a Hendersonville winery during the Cider Wine and Dine weekend

    Pet-Friendly Spring Break:  Exploring Hendersonville with Your Furry Friend

    Pet-Friendly Spring Break: Exploring Hendersonville with Your Furry Friend

    Pet-Friendly Spring Break: Exploring Hendersonville with Your Furry Friend

    Where to wag, sniff, and explore—Buster’s guide to the best dog-friendly spots in Hendersonville.

    Meet Buster

    Hi, My name is Buster, and I’m a proud Frenchton (that’s French Bulldog + Boston Terrier for those keeping score). I was born and raised in Mills River, adopted in the summer of 2023, and let me tell you, I hit the jackpot, North Carolina is the perfect place for a little guy like me—fall is my favorite because I can bask in the sunshine without melting into a puddle.

    I’m only 2 years old, so I still have lots of energy for exploring, playing, and meeting new friends. My favorite hobbies include hiking, sunbathing, and sniffing everything in sight.

    Here are a few of my favorite spots around Hendersonville where I love to hang out, explore, and have a tail-waggin’ good time!

     

    small brown and white dog laying in the grass with his belly up

    Where I Take My Humans for Fun

    When I’m looking for a fun time, Bold Rock Hard Cider is where it’s at. Every Wednesday, my humans and I join the trivia crowd, and I get to hang out with tons of dogs while they cheer on their teams (and, let’s be real, beg for snacks). The cider’s a hit with my humans, but I’m all about the vibes and the treats. If I’m in the mood for a quick adventure, Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest is perfect. The easy trail is ideal for my little legs, and I always meet new pups along the way. Plus, the waterfall is the perfect spot to cool off after a hike! For amazing views, Jump Off Rock is a must. The short walk leads to breathtaking views – even if you’re only a foot tall – I can enjoy the breeze and new smells. After a little hiking, I like to treat myself to a pup cup from sweetFrog. My humans get their frozen yogurt, and I get the best dessert in town—heaven in a cup, just for me!

    When we’re in the mood for some strolls and shopping, Hendersonville’s Main Street is where its at. There are lots of pet-friendly stores and outdoor patios where I can hang out with my humans. I love meeting new pups and seeing what fun things I can sniff along the way. After some shopping, Mills River Park is the place to be! With an off-leash dog park, I can run free and make new friends. There’s also river access, perfect for cooling off after a fun day of exploring, and plenty of walking space with trails to sniff around.

    buster-sweetfrog-dog

    Living My Best Dog Life in Hendersonville

    If you’re new to Hendersonville or just visiting, here’s my advice: make time to get outside. The trails, parks, and pup-friendly spots are endless. Bring your humans along (they’re good for carrying treats and taking pictures), and don’t forget to stop by places like Wag! Pet Boutique or experience the Ice Cream Trail for a cold treat after your adventures.

    Hendersonville is my home, and it’s got everything a guy like me could want. From the crunchy leaves in the fall to the cool mountain air, it’s the best place to be a pup. So, grab your leash, wag your tail, and get out there—you’re gonna love it here as much as I do.

    buster-wag-pet-shop

    Buster-Approved stays in hendersonville

    Hendersonville has plenty of pet-friendly lodging where your furry friends can curl up after a day of sniffing new trails and making friends. Whether it’s a cozy cabin, a comfy inn, or a hotel with special treats. So, pack your leash, grab your favorite toy, and discover all Hendersonville has to offer.

     

    buster-dog-in-bed

    Buster's Top 5 Hendersonville Suggestions

    Oklawaha Greenway
    Buster says: “This trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick zoomie session. It’s flat, shady, and full of exciting smells. Bonus points for all the friendly dogs and squirrels to watch!”

    Jump Off Rock
    Buster says: “The views are so good, even my humans stop and stare. It’s also a great spot for sunbathing—my favorite pastime—and sometimes there’s a gentle breeze that fluffs my fur just right.”

    Trailside Brewing Company
    Buster says: “It’s pet-friendly indoors, so I get to stay close to my humans no matter the weather. Plus, they host fun events like trivia and live music nights.” 

    Stone Ashe Vineyards
    Buster Says: “I’ve heard my humans rave about the wine here, but I’m all about the wide-open space and stunning views.

    sweetFrog
    Buster says: “Pup cups here are the real deal. A quick stop for this frosty treat makes any adventure complete. I never leave without a wagging tail and a full belly!”

    A Toast to Spring: Your Guide to Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

    A Toast to Spring: Your Guide to Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

    A Toast to Spring: Your Guide to Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

    Spring in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is a time of blossoming beauty, and what better way to celebrate than with the annual Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend? This delightful event offers a taste of the region’s finest craft beverages and culinary creations.

    Uncork the Excitement: Key Events to Savor

    Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend is packed with opportunities to explore the best of Hendersonville’s offerings. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect (remember to check the official Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend page for the most up-to-date schedule and details):

    Start your day with an unforgettable tour as part of the celebration! Take in the scenic views on a Hike & Sip with Souther Williams Vineyard, explore the vines on a guided walking tour with Marked Tree Vineyard, or stroll through the orchards on a vineyard & orchard hike with Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider.

    Savor a variety of tastings and pairings throughout the weekend! Indulge in wine & chocolate pairings at Stone Ashe Vineyard, experience a barrel tasting with the winemakers at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, or enjoy a bourbon-kissed red wine tasting at Souther Williams Vineyard. For cider lovers, sample a selection of hard ciders and spirits at Appalachian Ridge Artisan Hard Cider or sip on a cider and wine flight at J&M Farms.

    Enjoy live music in a variety of genres throughout the weekend, adding to the festive atmosphere! Relax with acoustic tunes at a scenic vineyard, groove to lively sets at a cider house, or dance the night away at an energetic outdoor concert.

    For a hands-on experience, create your own blend at a wine blending workshop with Stone Ashe, pack a basket and relax with a picnic in the vineyard at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, or browse artisanal goods at Sawyer Springs’Spring Market & Festival.

    Cap off the evening with a Taste of Hendo AVA Wine Dinner at The Henderson, or a Spring Wine Dinner at Marked Tree, where expertly crafted dishes are paired with locally made wines.

     

    Where to Stay: Relax & Unwind in Hendersonville

    To fully enjoy the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, you’ll want to find the perfect place to stay. Hendersonville offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget, including these special offerings for the weekend:

    Echo Mountain Inn
    Enjoy a memorable weekend in Henderson County with an all-inclusive getaway! For $550 + tax, this package includes a two-night stay, breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday, transportation to four local vineyards, and a catered dinner on Saturday night. The perfect way to sip, savor, and explore the best cider and wine in the area.

    Clear Creek Cabins
    Stay at one of the highly rated rural cabins, located central to several wineries, and enjoy a rural retreat at the 20-acre countryside property. The cabins sleep two, are located and landscaped for privacy, and have a hot tub and a fireplace.

    Special Weekend Hours: They are extending normal check-in and check-out hours to provide a more relaxing stay. Check-in will be available Friday 2 hours early at 2 PM, and check-out a full 6 hours later on Sunday at 5 PM.

    The Henderson
    Experience two exciting events designed for wine lovers and food enthusiasts!

    May 2 – Indulge in the Taste of Hendo AVA Wine Dinner, a four-course dining experience featuring wines from the same AVA, all set in the elegant ambiance of The Henderson.

    May 3 – Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting featuring wines from Marked Tree, Stone Ashe, and Southern Williams Vineyards, paired with artisanal charcuterie from Hickory Nut Gap Farms.

    The Horse Shoe Farm
    Kick off Cider, Wine & Dine weekend at The Silo Cookhouse with an evening of expertly paired wine, cider, and charcuterie. Enjoy a curated selection of local wine and cider, thoughtfully paired with regional cheeses and charcuterie, all served on the outdoor patio with live music and picturesque farm views. Pairings are available for $45 from 5:00 to 8:30 PM, and regular menu items will also be available for purchase. No reservations are required—just come as you are and enjoy a relaxing evening.

    WNC Mountain Rentals
    Stay at one of Hendersonville’s top-rated short-term rentals during the Wine & Dine Weekend (May 2-5)! Book 3 nights and get 1 night at half off, plus receive a $25 gift certificate to Southern Williams Vineyard and a selection of local coffee and treats.

    Two women relaxing at the spa.
    Two women relaxing at the spa.
    Two women relaxing at the spa.

    Plan Your Trip: Tips for a Perfect Weekend

    To make the most of your Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, here are a few helpful tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

    Purchase Tickets in Advance: Some events may require tickets, so it’s always a good idea to book ahead of time.

    Designate a Driver: Safety first! With all the delicious wine and cider you’ll be sampling, it’s best to designate a driver. Hendersonville offers great transportation options, including local ride services and shuttles, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the weekend without worrying about getting behind the wheel.

    Wear Comfortable Shoes: Many events include vineyard tours, so expect to do some walking. Comfortable shoes are a must!

    Check the Weather: Spring in Hendersonville brings beautiful weather, but it can occasionally be a bit chilly. Be sure to pack layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.

    Share Your Experience: Be sure to share your photos and stories on social media!

    Paint and Sip at Bold Rock Mills River

    Paint and Sip at Bold Rock Mills River

    Unleash your creativity with Bold Rock (Mills River) on Monday, February 10th, at 5:00 pm! No experience is needed. The skilled instructors will help guide you through each step so that you can recreate this wintry portrait of a snowy owl!

    Additional Info:

    • 1 Drink Or Food Minimum
    • Everyone will receive a 16×20″ canvas with a pre-sketched drawing and all necessary painting supplies. We kindly ask that each guest buys at least one drink or menu item to support this awesome venue. For the best experience, we recommend arriving early to get cozy and order some tasty bites/beverages before we begin!
    Girlfriend Getaways for your Favorite Group

    Girlfriend Getaways for your Favorite Group

    Girlfriend Getaways for your Favorite Group

    When considering a getaway with your best girls, some things are nonnegotiable. Beautiful scenery, spacious lodging, fabulous food and tasty beverages are must-haves. The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville checks all of those boxes. From there, you can tailor your experience to suit your group. Check out the custom itineraries below for an escape to suit your style.

    Pamper Yourselves In Luxury

    Stay: Selena Einwechter planned every detail at the Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill, pulling ideas from Southern Living magazine and personal travels throughout the Southeast. The entrepreneur opened her purpose-built inn in 2009. Rent the entire seven-bedroom inn for your girls’ weekend. Each room is named after a Southern town and reflects its style. Indulge in the three-course “breakfast at Tiffany’s” each morning and wind down in a rocking chair on the front porch in the evenings listening to birds and crickets.

     

    Play: Book a spa day at The Horse Shoe Farm, less than five miles from the inn. The former working horse farm along the French Broad River is now a high-end retreat welcoming visitors to lose themselves in serenity. The Stable Spa draws on this area’s long connection to wellness and restoration, and it infuses treatments with a strong sense of place. Book a la carte massages, facials, foot therapies and wellness classes, or choose from a selection of themed packages. Enjoy lunch on property prepared by The Silo Cookhouse.

     

    Evening Out: Season’s at Highland Lake Inn offers elegant dining in an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. Admire bountiful gardens and flowering planters through wraparound windows in the dining room. Wine Spectator Magazine has given the restaurant its Award of Excellence for more than 20 consecutive years. The menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest ingredients, but expect a lineup of soups and salads, beef, seafood and tempting desserts. After dinner, take in a show at nearby Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theater of North Carolina. The theater offers a vibrant lineup of musicals, comedies, dramas, and an annual favorite, “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.”

    Shop 'til you Drop

    Stay: Depending on the size of your group, book one or more cabins at Brightwaters Vacation Rentals. The units range from two- to three-bedroom and are connected by Poplar Park, a private outdoor area with seating, walking paths and a fire pit. Owners Michele Azan and Elisabeth Perez lovingly built the property piece by piece, purchasing a unit at a time, renovating it and outfitting it with eclectic décor from estate sales, antiques stores and thrift shops. Each has its own personality.

     

    Play: Feel free to ask your hosts for shopping recommendations, as the local duo has extensive neighborhood knowledge. Horse Shoe Gap Village is located a mile from Brightwaters. There you’ll find artisans working in a variety of mediums, including glass blowing, metalwork, jewelry, ceramics, painting and textiles. Head to downtown Hendersonville, park the car and stroll Main Street’s curvilinear sidewalks to art galleries, antiques shops, clothing boutiques, specialty stores and more. Don’t miss the shrimp and grits at Dandelion for lunch. The café is the job training arm of Safelight, a nonprofit that benefits survivors of domestic violence. Also check out Safelight’s thrift store next door for deals that do good.

     

    Evening Out: Head up the steps at Shine to the rooftop cocktail bar and watch the sun drop behind the mountains in the distance. Descend downstairs for dinner, where everything — from ginger beer for your drink to ketchup for your fries — is made in house and served in a warm dining room with low lighting and wooden accents. Walk to dessert. Three stops along the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail are located on or near Main Street. You can’t go wrong with frozen yogurt at sweetFrog, a homemade waffle cone at Kilwin’s, or extra-thick Irish-style ice cream at Celtic Creamery.

    Wine Your Way Through Crest of the Blue Ridge

    Stay: Stay in the middle of Hendersonville’s Crest of the Blue Ridge wine country at The Wallace House. Located next door to Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cider and across the road from Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, the five-bedroom farmhouse sleeps 12. Wake up to vineyard views and peaceful mountain mornings on this farm that’s been in the Ward family for centuries.

     

    Play: Several tour companies offer winery excursions. Leave the driving to the professionals, and enjoy spending time with friends and admiring back-road scenery as your driver chauffeurs your group from one tasting room to the next. Seven wineries are located throughout Hendersonville’s Crest of the Blue Ridge wine region. Each has its own personality. Admire sweeping mountain views at Point Lookout Vineyards as you sip wine and mead, an ancient tradition of making wine from honey. Have lunch at Burntshirt Vineyards’ Vintner’s Table Restaurant and explore its extensive list of estate-grown wines. Discover less-familiar varietals at Souther Williams Vineyard, which grows grapes originally suited for the cooler climates of Austria, Germany and Russia.

     

    Evening Out: After freshening up at the farmhouse, head to Flat Rock for dinner at Campfire Grill. This camp-themed restaurant honors Hendersonville’s history as the summer camp capital of the East Coast. But don’t expect hot dogs and sloppy joes. The menu is built around the restaurant’s wood-fired grill. Think fresh fish, steaks, grilled vegetables and over-the-top burgers. The restaurant continues to expand its wine program and now hosts monthly wine dinners and wine tastings on Wednesdays. The s’mores skillet is a must for dessert.

    Foodie – One Day Itinerary

    Foodie – One Day Itinerary

    Foodie – One Day Itinerary

    Whether you are looking for a scrumptious meal, fresh produce, locally roasted coffee, or a carefully-created craft beverage, your tastebuds will be delighted in Hendersonville.

    Morning

    Begin your day in the rolling horse country of rural Mills River at the elegant Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill. At this purpose-built inn the first B&B inducted into the Southern Living Hotel Collection and on Southern Living’s short list of places to stay in all of North Carolina luxury feels effortless, and hospitality awaits at every turn. Each day begins in the sunlit dining room with a threecourse “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In the belief that every day is a celebration, even breakfast ends with dessert. A guest favorite is the inn’s signature pineapple pudding.

    main-street-coffee

    Afternoon

    After a leisurely morning, venture over to Bold Rock Hard Cider. In late 2015, Virginia-based Bold Rock opened its second production facility in Mills River, along with an apple-pressing barn, tasting room and cider garden. The area’s orchards provide a ready source of fresh apples, which helped the Mills River location outpace its Virginia predecessor within the first three years of operation. Take a tour to learn how apples are pressed into juice, which goes through a fermentation process similar to winemaking and is kegged or bottled on-site. Participate in a tasting to try several of the dozen ciders on tap, from the original Carolina Apple to ciders flavored with blackberry, pineapple, herbs and spices. Bold Bites mobile kitchen serves a menu of burgers, wings, nachos, sandwiches and wraps.

    After taking in the all that Bold Rock has to offer, head to downtown Hendersonville for the afternoon and pop into Wine Sage Merchant + Wine Bar on Main Street. The wine shop and bar focuses on vintages from smaller wineries, and also sells culinary-related gadgets and gifts, as well as offers tastings and classes.

    driver standing in front of a private van
    driver standing in front of a private van

    Evening

    Make dinner reservations at Postero, located across the street from Wine Sage Merchant + Wine Bar, in a former bank building. The smartly designed dining space features an open kitchen as its centerpiece. The restaurant maintains strong relationships with area farmers, calling them out on the menu when possible. Menu items honor Appalachian food traditions, while incorporating unexpected ingredients and elevating the presentation to something that resembles artwork on a plate.

    pork chop over mashed potatoes on a plate

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