Are you looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC? There are lots of activities to enjoy, but the town is most famous for its apple orchards! If you are planning a trip to Hendersonville, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to fill your day with fun, or enjoy a day trip or weekend getaway any time of year.
We Love Adventures in Hendersonville, NC
Apple Orchards in Hendersonville, NC
Go apple picking! One of the first signs that cooler weather is on the horizon is people flocking north to Hendersonville and neighboring Flat Rock to enjoy everything apple!
Freshly picked apples, apple cider, apple cider donuts, and my favorite, frozen apple cider. We’ve been to most of them, and you can learn all about each orchard and what it has to offer below.
If you are a fan of those apple cider donuts that the orchards sell, have we got a tour for you! takes you to eight of the orchards in Hendersonville where you can snack on one of these fall-time delicacies.
The huge pumpkin-shaped silo of this farm is hard to miss! You can grab pumpkins of all shapes and sizes here, as well as an apple cider slushie! There are tons of photo opportunities to be had, so bring that camera along! Nix Pumpkin Patch Facebook Page
Check out this totally FREE model train museum with indoor and outdoor model train displays. They are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
May through October, custom-decorated bear statues line the street. In October they get auctioned off to benefit the downtown area and local non-profits.
Located in Flat Rock, this poet’s home is open to the public and free to visit. It is not only a historic site but also a working goat farm.
If you are heading to the Carl Sandburg Home, you should sign up for the Kids In Parks incentive program! It’s free and allows kids to earn prizes for spending time outdoors.
at Bullington GardensThese free-to-visit gardens include a popular fairy-themed garden that is open seasonally.
This aquarium is home to aquatic life as well as reptiles. Plan your trip to be there for the shark and sting ray feedings. Admission is under $10 per person.
Admission is free, which is awesome because cracking open your own geode is something everyone should get to do, and the free entry makes it more affordable.
See historic aircraft for free at this former hanger converted to a museum. There are opportunities to climb into aircraft and learn how they fly. Everything is free, and donations are accepted.
Great Parks and Playgrounds: Hendersonville, NC
Jackson Park: Inclusive Playground
The new inclusive playground at Jackson Park is open, and it is truly a place where all kids can play together!
A beautiful park with restrooms, a playground hiking trails, and more.
Jump Off Rock
Beautiful mountain views at the scenic overlook, short hiking trails, and a great place for a picnic.
Check out this local mom’s recommendations of where to eat and how to spend a
Visitors to the museum can play all day for just $13 per person.
This mountain bike park has everything you need to enjoy a unique family outdoor adventure.
A “hands-on” children’s museum targeted at children ages 10 and under.
If you’re looking for some wintertime fun, Moonshine Mountain has it. Tubing and other fun winter activities will keep your family entertained.
Don’t let the name fool you. They have winter and summer tubing! Tubers must be at least 4 years old.
One of our family’s favorite breakfast spots in Hendersonville, Arabella’s is the place to enjoy some delicious and unique breakfast options with a little Southwestern flare. They also have great coffee and coffee drinks.
Go to where all the magic began, the original HenDough location! Did you know that the nickname for Hendersonville is “Hendo”?
Recommended by readers, this nearly century-old bakery consistently wins local “best of” awards.
This great coffee shop offers coffee lovers and diners tons of options. They feature locally made baked goods, plus super fresh salads, soup, sandwiches, breakfast meals, and more. Of course, they also offer a wide array of coffee beverages and teas.
Mike’s Sandwich Shop
Right on Main Street, you’ll find this 1950s soda shop style restaurant. Here, you can grab a great sandwich to enjoy indoors or at a table on the sidewalk out front. Mike’s also has classic diner breakfast options, and all your favorite classic soda fountain desserts, malts, floats, shakes and more!
Just a couple minutes from downtown, you’ll find the adorable Southern Streams Coffee House. You’ll feel like you’re on a mountain vacation as soon as you pull into the large gravel lot. You’ve got your pick of indoor and outdoor seating options, including a large sunny deck. They offer house-made pastries, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, salads, and all the coffee and tea drinks you could want.
Family-Friendly Breweries: Hendersonville, NC
Located in historic Lennox Station, Trailside Brewing Co. offers a wide variety of beer made in-house, as well as wine and non-alcoholic options. Food trucks are frequently on site beside the beautiful beer garden, and the brewery hosts live music and other events regularly.
Here’s our review of Trailside Brewing Co.
In the heart of Downtown Hendersonville lies a former gas station building converted into Hendersonville’s Blue Ridge Beer Garden. This gathering spot features a space for food trucks, open outdoor space with a variety of seating options, a fireplace, covered seating and indoor seating.
You’ll find a very large variety of local beer here at the beer garden, more than we’ve seen most places. And you’ll find extremely friendly service. This is a great spot to hang out, play a board game, and talk.
Hendersonville also offers visitors a great selection of stops to enjoy locally produced wine, beer, and more. You can explore them with the passport program offered by the Hendersonville Visitors Information Center.
The Cheers! Trail Passport may be purchased for $10 at the Visitor Center, or you can choose the digital option. Visit at least 12 venues and get your passport stamped to redeem it for your choice of several trail souvenirs and swag.
Choose from a selection of 27 different tasting experiences along the trail.
Tasting experiences include:
Breweries
Vineyards
Hard cideries and meaderies
The Passport is available at the Visitor Center at 201 South Main Street, online, and at the participating vendor locations.
Where to Stay Near Hendersonville, NC
There are some super cute places to stay near Hendersonville, NC!
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Looking for more places to spend the day with your family? Here’s our list of Day Trip Towns, just a short drive from the Upstate.