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Kanuga Inn & Lodging
A perfect stay for a long weekend, Kanuga has served as a natural destination for outdoor adventures, a retreat for spiritual fulfillment and a setting for family get-togethers for nearly 100 years. Choose from three different lodging styles as well as tent, van and truck camping sites. Onsite buffet-style meals are casual and communal, and the adventures are endless thanks to hiking trails, climbing walls, playgrounds, tennis courts, lake fishing and canoeing — all set against a peaceful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Fans of “The Hunger Games” won’t want to miss a visit to DuPont State Recreational Forest, where portions of the movie were filmed. Spanning more than 10,000 acres with 80 miles of trails and roads, the forest is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls — and the Waterfall Loop is a great place to start. It includes Hooker Falls, a popular swimming spot where water drops from a 13-foot natural ledge into Cascade Lake. Pro tip: For the most relaxing day, arrive early, as parking can fill fast.
Hot Dog World
Hot Dog World, a Hendersonville institution for more than 35 years, serves up a taste of culinary history complete with great food and value. Unique burgers, dogs, shakes, fries and tots star on the menu, and the vegetarian and vegan options (the Greek salad is a local favorite) ensure the whole group has something to enjoy post-hike.
Historic Downtown Hendersonville
After an active morning, slow things down the Southern way in historic downtown Hendersonville. Picturesque and charming, the downtown’s curved Main Street is lined with flower-filled planters, benches, shops, galleries, museums and restaurants. Throughout the year, there are art and car shows, holiday parades, and the town’s popular summer-ending NC Apple Festival over Labor Day. Be on the lookout for the Bearfootin’ Public Art walk, where painted fiberglass bears line the sidewalks May through October.
Black Bear Coffee Co.
Start your day in Hendersonville with a jolt. Serving the area since 1993, Black Bear coffees are sourced from around the world and roasted by Counter Culture Coffee. Order a craft latte or seasonal specialty, then post up on the sidewalk or inside among the local art.
Ecusta Trail
Bike the Ecusta Trail, a new 6-mile paved, multiuse path following an old railway line from downtown Hendersonville to the Horse Shoe crossroads. Flat, wide and easy to navigate, you'll pass breweries, cafes and shops before the trail opens up into nature: pine forests, bamboo groves and pastures along Shaw Creek, with Mount Pisgah visible in the distance. Need some wheels? Head to Venture Ecusta for trail bikes, kid bikes and pull-behind trailers. You can book ahead online or take your chances with a walk-up rental depending on availability.
McFarlan Bakery
A must-stop on your Hendersonville bucket list, this "from scratch" bakery has been a Main Street institution since 1930, still using original recipes nearly a century later. Expect donuts, pastries, cookies, breads and cakes made the old-fashioned way. Locals swear by the apple fritters.
Appalachian Pinball Museum
Need a really cool activity the whole family will enjoy? Enter: Appalachian Pinball Museum. This hands-on museum blends history and classic fun with an impressive collection of vintage and contemporary pinball machines and video games. One flat $15 fee gets you a full day of play, and you're free to come and go as you please.
Celtic Creamery
Celtic Creamery brings a taste of Ireland's west coast to Hendersonville, churning small batches of handmade ice cream daily using authentic Irish recipes and ingredients sourced both locally and from Ireland — seasonal flavors like peach only show up when the fruit's at its peak. It's one stop on the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail, which winds through more than a dozen Blue Ridge creameries. Rack up digital check-ins along the way for a shot at prizes.
HenDough Chicken & Donuts
Hendo got its nickname from the locals. HenDough earned its reputation from the donut breakfast sandwich. Founders Paul and Sarah Klaassen met as chefs at Biltmore Estate before opening this sweet-meets-savory shop downtown that features housemade donuts, biscuits and chicken sandwiches.
This itinerary was produced in partnership with Visit Hendersonville.