Hendersonville
Hendersonville, nestled in Henderson County, North Carolina, lies 22 miles south of Asheville and is the county seat. Its downtown area boasts a variety of shops, antique stores, galleries, museums, an aquarium, and a range of restaurants. Downtown Hendersonville is also the venue for many events throughout the year, such as the North Carolina Apple Festival on Labor Day weekend, art and antique shows, car shows, and parades. The Visitor Center offers brochures, maps, directions, and an events calendar, all provided by helpful staff and volunteers. The Visitor Center's Gift Shop boasts a distinctive array of gifts, souvenirs, and books catering to both residents and visitors. Moreover, the Visitor Center provides public restrooms and a wealth of travel information on Hendersonville and the broader Western North Carolina region.
Surrounding Area Attractions
Appalachian Pinball Museum
For a delightful trip down memory lane, consider a visit to the Appalachian Pinball Museum in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The museum boasts a collection of exquisitely restored vintage pinball machines, all available for play. It's an ideal destination for pinball aficionados and anyone in search of a distinctive experience.
538 North Main St - Hendersonville - NC - (828) 702-9277
Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO
A public aquarium boasts over 24 exhibits featuring eels, stingrays, seahorses, a touch tank, and bamboo sharks. Educational classes are offered in the Ocean Learning Lab and through outreach programs.
511 North Main St - Hendersonville - NC - (828) 692-8386
WNC Air Museum
The Western North Carolina Air Museum is renowned for being the first air museum in North Carolina, a state famed for its "First in Flight" status. The museum features an impressive array of antique and vintage aircraft, many of which are award-winning, that have been carefully restored and replicated.
1340 Gilbert St. - Hendersonville - NC (828) 698-2482
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
An astronomical observatory is situated at a former NASA facility, featuring a collection of gems, minerals, rare meteorites, and samples from Mars and the Moon. Inquire about public hours and make reservations by phone.
1 Pari Dr. - Rosman - NC - (828) 862-5554
Apple Valley Model Railroad Club
The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club ranks as a top tourist attraction in Western North Carolina. The Depot showcases historical artifacts, a Southern Railway caboose, and a unique children's exhibit where visitors can operate a Thomas the Tank Engine train within a picturesque layout.
650 Maple St, Hendersonville, Nc (828) 890-8246
Flat Rock Playhouse
The Playhouse offers quality entertainment rarely fo far from Broadway. Open February through December, presenting matinees and evening performances.
2661 Greenville Hwy - Flat Rock - NC (828) 693-0731
The Mineral & Lapidary Museum showcases the natural beauty of minerals, gems, fossils, and artifacts from North Carolina, the United States, and across the globe. Featured displays include minerals native to North Carolina, a dinosaur egg cluster, minerals from England, vibrant fluorescent minerals, geodes, petrified wood and large logs, coral, exquisitely crafted jewelry, gemstones, replicas of the Cullinan Diamond, and a Henderson County Meteorite on loan from the Smithsonian. The museum also offers a daily-open gift shop and geode cracking activities.
