Pull up a seat and keep awhile in charming Hendersonville, NC
Within the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, good meals and heat hospitality are traditions locals maintain pricey and graciously prolong to guests. No place exhibits off these Southern hallmarks higher than the small city of Hendersonville.
A vibrant downtown — anchored by a curvilinear Primary Road lined with outlets, flowering planters and public artwork — is surrounded by quaint communities and acres of pure forest and farmland. The realm’s wealthy agricultural heritage exhibits up in eating places that supply straight from native farmers.
Hendersonville has at all times been a trip vacation spot. In 1820, the Buncombe Turnpike introduced guests from the South Carolina Low Nation who sought refuge from sweltering summer season warmth within the cool climes of the Blue Ridge. Immediately many stately properties from centuries previous function elegant bed-and-breakfasts, and retreat facilities enable world-weary vacationers to reconnect with nature.
Mountain flavors
Downtown Hendersonville is residence to 25 independently owned eating places. One standout is Shine. Uncovered brick and low lighting give the place a speakeasy really feel. A rooftop bar supplies views of Primary Road and mountains within the distance. Every part right here is scratch made. The menu is described as New American with a French aptitude. A artistic cocktail lineup options classics in addition to home specials, equivalent to a favourite gin drink referred to as Corpse Reviver.
North Carolina is understood for its barbecue, and Hubba Hubba Smokehouse within the village of Flat Rock serves among the best within the area. Smokey aromas from wood-fired pits waft by the open-air restaurant as diners dig into plates of pulled pork, sliced brisket and ribs. Though nobody would blame you for skipping the meat all collectively and filling up on aspect dishes of pimento cheese grits, collard greens and cornbread.
Season’s at Highland Lake presents domestically sourced fare in an upscale eating room. Because the restaurant identify implies, the menu modifications with the climate to mirror the freshest components. Trout from mountain streams is a frequent standout. For greater than 20 years, Season’s has obtained the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator journal for its various but approachable wine listing. Adjoining Highland Lake Inn affords quite a lot of lodging, from rooms within the historic lodge to cozy cabins and pet-friendly cottages.
Room with a view
Echo Mountain Inn overlooks downtown Hendersonville from its mountain perch. 4 generations of the Bonnema household run this 1896 property with spacious rooms full with fireplaces. Watch the solar rise as you get pleasure from breakfast within the window-walled eating room trying east throughout the mountains. For sundown, head two miles farther up the mountain to Bounce Off Rock to get pleasure from the most effective views in WNC because the solar drops behind the Blue Ridge. The household not too long ago opened a full-service restaurant on property that serves dinner Thursday by Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Kanuga Convention & Retreat Heart is a Hendersonville treasure. Situated on 1,400 acres, Kanuga was established in 1928 by the Episcopal Church. Kanuga permits guests to disconnect from each day distractions and reconnect with nature, household and associates. The property’s centerpiece is a 30-acre lake the place guests kayak or canoe. Twenty miles of mountain climbing trails traverse the property. The latest addition is Trip Kanuga mountain bike park, which options 12 downhill-specific trails. Not too long ago renovated Kanuga Lake Inn accommodates {couples} and people, whereas 43 historic visitor cottages work nicely for households and buddy teams.
Getting right here
Hendersonville is simply 20 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport. By automobile, Hendersonville is situated simply off Interstate 26 between Asheville, North Carolina, and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
For extra info, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or name (800) 828-4244.