This Charming North Carolina Town Is Called the 'Apple Capital' of the State — With Idyllic Weather, Beautiful Mountain Scenery, and Quaint Inns (2024)

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then Hendersonville, North Carolina, should be one of the healthiest places in the United States. It's known as the apple capital of North Carolina because Henderson County grows more than 80 percent of the state's apples, plus it's one of the top 20 apple-producing counties in the country. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town embraces agritourism with local farms hosting corn mazes, wagon rides, apple cannons, cider doughnuts, and apple slushies. Beyond the orchards lies an outdoorsy traveler's paradise of mountain trails, waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and a thriving arts community.

“It’s the natural beauty that certainly keeps me here,” says Mary Jo Padgett, a resident for more than 40 years and owner of Hendersonville History Walks. Padgett leads guided history walks through the town whose unofficial nickname is the City of Four Seasons. “We have four seasons, but none of the seasons are too long or too hard,” she adds. It was that idyllic weather that first attracted visitors from Charleston and Florida, to summer camps and second homes — and it still attracts visitors today.

“It’s a small town, but it’s much more sophisticated than many others,” Padgett says about the area that boasts both the Flat Rock Playhouse — the state theater of North Carolina — and The Hendersonville Symphony, in addition to multiple murals and mosaics in town. It’s also home to the "Look Homeward, Angel" statue, from Thomas Wolfe’s novel of the same name, located in Oakdale Cemetery.

Best Hotels & Resorts

1898 Waverly Inn

This fully restored bed-and-breakfast on North Main Street is known for its first and second floor porches lined with rocking chairs, making it a perfect place to have a cup of coffee.

Echo Mountain Inn

The Bonnema family from Minnesota felt called to purchase this 1896 property in 2019. It began as a private home, and was once a camp called “Happiness.” At nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, it's now known for its spacious guest rooms and long-range views.

Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill

This modern inn is part of the Southern Living Hotel Collection. Known for its gourmet ”breakfast at Tiffany’s” served daily, the property is tailored for guests seeking a trendy, luxurious stay.

Kanuga Inn & Lodging

Like summer camp for families, Kanuga offers outdoor activities on nearly 1,400 acres. Guests can stay in the restored inn overlooking the lake or in vintage cabins, with meals served cafeteria-style in the dining hall.

The Horse Shoe Farm

“The Horse Shoe Farm is grand in every way,” Padgett says. “I remember when they used to race horses there.” Guests can stay in estate homes, suites, or multi-room private pond cottages on 85 acres, as well as enjoy farm-to-table dining and an on-site luxury spa.

Glamping Dome

Ideal for couples, this glamping dome from Airbnb comes with a private hot tub and a fire pit.

Best Things to Do

Visit Apple Alley.

Take a short drive east on U.S. Highway 64 to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, operated by a fourth-generation farmer. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard has an apple cannon for guests to shoot at a target, and in nearby Flat Rock, Sky Top Orchard lets visitors mine for gems. Meanwhile, Jeter Mountain Farm has an event building and market.

Follow the trails.

Besides the Hendersonville County Orchard Trail, there are plenty of reasons to go for a drive. The Cheers! Trail has stops for beer, cider, whiskey, and mead; the Crest of the Blue Ridge claims seven wineries; and the Ice Cream Trail is a kid favorite.

Stroll along Main Street.

The 100-foot-wide street, lined with shops and restaurants, allows for outdoor dining and art installations. Stops like the Hands On! Children’s Museum and Appalachian Pinball Museum are often a welcome surprise for visitors, too.

Explore the arts.

Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theater of North Carolina, has been hosting Broadway-style shows for more than 70 years. Take the time to follow the Blue Ridge Craft Trails that meander through Hendersonville highlighting local artists and galleries.

Be adventurous.

Explore DuPont State Recreational Forest’s six waterfalls, five lakes, and 82 miles of trails and roads that visitors may recognize from popular films.Go horseback riding, mountain biking, or take a guided paddle trip. On a clear day, you can see four states from the scenic overlook at Jump Off Rock.

Best Shopping

Mast General Store

One of several Western North Carolina locations, this iconic retailer began as a small country store. Today, shoppers will find outdoor gear, clothing, home decor, and barrels of candy. “They always have whatever you want and then some,” Padgett says.

Sweet Magnolia Gallery

Melinda Lawton of Sweet Magnolia Gallery makes beautiful jewelry that she sells in the shop and beyond, including in gift stores at Grand Bohemian Hotels. She got her break when Carrie Underwood wore her jewelry the night she won American Idol. Another big name who recently purchased her jewelry is Stevie Nicks.

Art MoB Studios & Marketplace

Located just off Main Street, Art MoB carries the works of 80-plus local and regional fine artists and crafters. “We're widely known for our artists here, in all sorts of methods — woodworkers, painters, and glassworkers,” Padgett says. Visitors can even interact with resident artists at work in their on-site studios.

A Day in the Country

“People just love it,” Padgett says. The store, built in the style of a country house, sells home goods, gifts, clothing, soaps, lotions, candles, and more, and it even has a cafe on the veranda. “It’s a lunch place, with chicken salad and chips. I’ve never been disappointed.”

Best Restaurants

Postero

Postero is known for its open kitchen housed in a former bank building. Chef Jason Reasoner is a Hendersonville native who puts his own spin on traditional Southern Appalachian recipes.“It’s very seasonal, and everything I’ve ever had here was quite good,” Padgett says.

McFarlan Bakery

Open since 1930, McFarlan makes everything from scratch, including doughnuts, pastries, cookies, and bread. It's known for its custom cakes, like red velvet, carrot, and the old-fashioned eight-layer cake.

Campfire Grill

Campfire Grill embraces the town’s status as a Southern summer-camp retreat, with a dining hall and camp photos. Southern comfort food is the cornerstone of the menu, with popular favorites including the Counselor Burger.

Harvey’s at The Henderson

Harvey’s at The Henderson, a restaurant and lounge located inside The Henderson Inn, is known for locally sourced ingredients and regional favorites like pan-seared North Carolina mountain trout and buffalo deviled eggs, a spin on the traditional dish.

The Silo Cookhouse at Horse Shoe Farm

The Silo Cookhouse at The Horse Shoe Farm is located on the 85-acre property, but you don’t have to stay there to dine. The James Beard-quality cuisine is served communal-style, a modern take on the farm-to-table dining experience. “Their restaurant is outstanding,” Padgett says.

Shine

Shine is situated on Main Street in a property completely restored by owners Bobby and Layla Rogers. The dinner menu features traditional Southern favorites like fried chicken, but appetizers such as duck fat fries and lobster puppies provide a twist. The seasonal rooftop bar serves handcrafted co*cktails alongside a panoramic view of the city.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hendersonville is late summer through fall because of the apple harvest and fall foliage.

During Labor Day weekend, the NC Apple Festival draws in about 250,000 people, with a street fair featuring fresh apples from local orchards, an apple recipe contest, and fried apple pies. Live music and a kiddie carnival provide entertainment, and the event concludes with the King Apple Parade.

Each April, the apple blossom season is celebrated during the Cider, Wine, & Dine Weekend, which includes live music, dinners, and tastings.

The Garden Jubilee, one of the largest gardening shows in the state with more than 200,000 in attendance, is held each Memorial Day weekend.

Winter brings fewer crowds to town, but those who venture out mid-November through New Year’s can experience Home for the Holidays. Expect Christmas events include a tree lighting, markets, carriage rides on Main Street, and a visit from Santa.

How to Get There

Hendersonville is about two hours from both Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina. Just over 50 percent of the U.S. population is within a 12-hour or less drive. For those who chose to fly, though, the Asheville Regional Airport is approximately 10 miles north, and the larger, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is around 40 miles south.

Areas to Visit

Main Street

Curvilinear Main Street, with its extra-wide sidewalks and park-like sitting areas, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored ghost signs complete the nostalgic scene that has been featured in multiple movies.“I really love our street dances,” Padgett says. “It’s a fun evening and attracts people of all ages.”

Seventh Avenue

“The train had a huge impact on the town,” notes Padgett. The last passenger train came through in 1968, but the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club now has recreated the line for visitors to see inside the historic depot. Part of the track is being converted to a Rails to Trail trail with a greenway for outdoor recreation.

How to Get Around

Downtown Hendersonville is easily walkable, but you'll need a car to reach the apple farms and other attractions outside of this area. Rental cars are available through the local Enterprise office. Uber and Lyft are also options, though with limited drivers and service.