Hendersonville Magazine 2023-2024

FLAT ROCK 34

FLETCHER 38

LAUREL PARK 40 MILLS RIVER 42

ALE

44

Protection from Unpredictable Threats

threatening infrastructure, our nation’s power grid is

anywhere and at any time. With intense weather and acts

power homeowners continue to depend on electrical power

operate appliances in their home as well systems, Generac works hard every day to design and

affordable home standby your home until utility service is restored. generators and how they can fit your needs and personal budget, schedule a free in-home next power outage might occur tomorrow.

ON THE COVER

Richard Labunski, a retired journalism professor and local artist, created “Tranquility” using artificial intelligence and photoediting programs. His images have been featured on several ArtScape banners on Main Street. Richard’s work is available at Art MoB Studios and Marketplace (see page 61) in downtown Hendersonville and online at RichardLabunski.com.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

Pictorial directories help you easily find what you’re looking for. These include resources for downtown businesses, local dining, REALTORS®, local services, personal health and self-care, as well as home and garden. See pages 33, 48-50, 104-108, 139-143.

From the Publisher

The Hulsey Media team welcomes you to the 42nd annual edition of Hendersonville Magazine, the most comprehensive guide to enjoying all of what Hendersonville and Henderson County have to offer. We are fortunate to live, work and play in such a vibrant and diverse community.

Growth brings new additions to the area, and this year you will find more information including details about 7th AvenueDowntown’s Creative Edge, the new Ecusta Trail, the Hendersonville Honeycrisps baseball team, and the Wild Oak Independent School among other updates. We are excited to share all of the new and existing attractions, celebrations, opportunities, resources, and scenes that make Hendersonville a special place unlike any other.

Our team works hard to provide an abundance of information that will allow you to connect with the Hendersonville community. From healthcare and education, business services and opportunities to volunteer to parks, restaurants, breweries and the best places to practice your golf swing, you will find it all here within these pages and online at HendersonvilleMagazine.com.

We are grateful for the support of our fantastic community partners and the ability to offer this resource at no cost to visitors, newcomers, and Henderson County locals. The businesses and organizations you’ll find in Hendersonville Magazine represent the best in Hendersonville, and we strongly encourage you to support them in return.

Welcome to Hendersonville! We hope you enjoy this year’s edition as much as you enjoy your time here.

Brett Hulsey President & Publisher, Hulsey Media, Inc.

Other Free Resources from Hulsey Media

We also invite you to discover our other publications – The Discovery Map of Hendersonville, The Real Estate Book of Asheville/Hendersonville & NC Blue Ridge, WNC Homeowners Resource Guide, Aging Resources, Healthcare Resources, Hendersonville Holidays, Asheville Ale Trail, Upstate Ale Trail and WNC Business. Our suite of free magazines can be found conveniently at hundreds of businesses and organizations in Hendersonville and beyond. All of our publications also are available online, giving you local resources right at your fingertips.

Hendersonville –

A City of Four Seasons

Situated on a scenic mountain plateau 2,200 feet above sea level, Henderson County is cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, a geography that gives the area its four distinct yet temperate seasons.

Decades ago, Dave Cooley and Kermit Edney created the slogan “The City of Four Seasons” for the Chamber of Commerce. Edney, a local weather expert, noted that this area provides the experience of all four seasons, although the mild climate does not subject visitors and residents to harsh winters like those up north or to the extreme heat of a Southern summer. Hendersonville’s pleasant climate traditionally

attracted part-time tourists and retirees.

As more people discover its excellent quality of life and four seasons of fun, Henderson County has become a destination that more visitors seek out year-round and where many families decide to make a permanent home.

SPRING

Springtime brings warm days bursting with breathtaking scenery, beckoning people to venture outside to enjoy the region’s outdoor activities. Many hike their favorite trails, visit area waterfalls or take their mountain bikes out for a spin. Locals and visitors alike anticipate downtown Hendersonville’s decorative plantings which include beds of colorful tulips enjoyed by people exploring downtown shops and restaurants. The Garden Jubilee entices garden lovers with plants, garden

Each season not only brings its own beauty to behold but also provides a wide variety of activities and events to enjoy all year long. From fly fishing in the spring to hiking mountain trails in the summer to leaf-looking in the fall to snow tubing in the winter, there is always something fun to do in the City of Four Seasons. continued on page 6

Hendersonville’s historic downtown and the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains make it a unique place to live, work & play. Photo credit: Todd Bush.

accessories and more for sale as well as free advice from horticultural experts.

SPRING CELEBRATIONS

GARDEN JUBILEE

9AM-5PM, Saturday & Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Hendersonville 828-233-3216

GardenJubilee.org

A springtime tradition since 1994, Hendersonville’s Garden Jubilee features approximately 150 vendors set up along eight blocks of Main Street and a speaker series at the Welcome Center Stage. Local and regional nurseries sell thousands of plants including annuals, perennials, vegetable and fruit plants, herbs and unusual varieties. Other offerings include garden-themed art, lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, planters, wind chimes and birdhouses.

SUMMER

Summertime sizzles downtown with free, live musical performances at the Rhythm & Brews and Music on Main concerts. Henderson County’s mountain musical roots are celebrated as they have been for

more than a century at the Street Dances with bluegrass music, square dancing and clogging. Independence Day typically is commemorated with a Fourth of July event featuring music and fireworks.

Farmers markets throughout the county are active many months of the year offering lots of fresh, farm-to-table fruits, vegetables, meat products, honeys and more, including local handmade arts and crafts. For more about local Farmers Markets, turn to page 58.

U-pick and other farms around Henderson County welcome guests to come by and connect with local farm life. People enjoy a lively and varied food scene in Hendersonville and throughout the county, including al fresco dining at many restaurants, coffeehouses and other eateries. A plethora of craft breweries, cideries, wine tasting rooms and vineyards provide sociable spots for relaxing, quenching a thirst, grabbing goodies from area food trucks and listening to live music.

Parks, playgrounds and ball fields throughout Henderson County are popular year-round with people enjoying fresh air and sports with family and friends. Learn more about local parks on page 70. Local

dog parks cater to fun with fourlegged friends.

Outdoor enthusiasts get back to nature throughout the year at nearby parks, greenways and forests with hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing and other recreational activities. For more about fun in the great outdoors, turn to page 66. Summer camps –many of which have storied histories spanning decades – provide outdoor experiences that make memories lasting a lifetime.

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

RHYTHM & BREWS CONCERT SERIES

South Main Street, between Allen and Caswell

May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17 and September 21 from 5:30–9:30PM 828-233-3205

DowntownHendersonville.org

The Rhythm & Brews concert series features an eclectic mix of local and regional Americana, R&B, funk, bluegrass and Southern rock. Local food vendors, a kids’ play station, a nonprofit vendor space, a misting station and beer, wine and cider vendors also are featured.

continued on page 8

An aerial view of Hendersonville’s early beginnings from Toms Hill.

Photo Credit: Baker-Barber Collection; Community Foundation of Henderson County; Henderson County Public Library

SATURDAY STREET DANCES

Visitor Center, 201 S Main Street, Hendersonville

June-Aug, Visit Website for Exact Dates 828-693-9708

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Summer-Concerts

The Street Dances started in 1918 to welcome home World War I soldiers and have continued to be part of summer in Hendersonville for more than a century. The Street Dances, held on Saturdays, feature a live bluegrass band playing traditional music while a square dance caller prompts dance figures for participants to follow. Those who don’t know how to square dance can come at 6:30PM for basic lessons. Clogging teams perform twice during the evening with stomping routines. Bring a chair. No alcoholic beverages, coolers or backpacks allowed. The seating area opens after 5:30PM and prior admission is prohibited. In case of inclement weather, the concert

will be postponed until 8PM. If the weather does not cooperate by then, the performance will be canceled.

MUSIC ON MAIN STREET

Visitor Center, 201 S Main Street, Hendersonville

June-Aug, Visit Website for Exact Dates 828-693-9708

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Summer-Concerts

Music On Main Street is like one big block party on Fridays throughout the summer in downtown Hendersonville. The concert series features a diverse line-up of live bands playing a range of music including pop, oldies, rock and contemporary music. Music On Main Street may not be held the week of July 4 due to other downtown celebrations and events. No alcoholic beverages, coolers or backpacks are permitted. Bring a chair. The seating area opens after 5:30PM and prior admission is prohibited. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8PM. If the

weather does not cooperate by then, the performance will be canceled.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION CONCERT & FIREWORKS

Visitor Center, 201 South Main Street, Hendersonville

July 4, Visit Website for Details 828-693-9708

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Summer-Concerts

The Visitor Center and Henderson County Parks and Recreation team up to offer this familyfriendly July 4th Celebration which includes inflatables, kids games and activities, food trucks, two stages featuring live music and an annual fireworks display. No alcoholic beverages, coolers or backpacks are permitted. Bring a chair. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8PM. If the weather does not cooperate by then, the performance will be canceled.

continued on page 10

MEDICAL SKINCARE

SCARLET RADIO FREQUENCY

MICRONEEDLING

BOTOX + DYSPORT

FILLER INJECTIONS

MICRONEEDLING

KYBELLA CHIN FAT REDUCTION

HYRAFACIAL MD

FACISL SERVICES / DERMAPLANING

MEDICAL PEELS

PDO THREADS

LASER SKINCARE

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

SKIN TIGHTENING

SUN SPOTS AND BROWN SPOTS

SPIDER VEIN THERAPY

COOLPEEL GENTLE CO2

DEKA CO2

SUBNOVI PLASMA PEN

WELLNESS

VITAMIN SHOTS AND IV INFUSIONS

HORMONE OPTIMIZATION

FALL

As summer turns to fall, the trees explode with autumn color, making scenic, leaf-looking drives around Henderson County a must. The North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville and the North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Fletcher around Labor Day mark a festive beginning to fall.

The cool, crisp weather draws people to area apple orchards and other farms for local produce, hayrides, cider, doughnuts and other treats. In early October, Farm City Day in Jackson Park provides family fun with a focus on local agricultural traditions. At Halloween, families with their costumed trick-ortreaters often can be seen frolicking downtown.

FALL CELEBRATIONS

NORTH CAROLINA

APPLE FESTIVAL

Main Street, Downtown Hendersonville

Labor Day Weekend

828-697-4557

NCAppleFestival.org

The North Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the history and importance of the apple industry in Henderson County which is first in the state and seventh nationwide in apple production. Fourteen local apple growers participate in the Apple Festival each year which also features apple stands, food vendors, arts, crafts and games. Entertainment ranges from apple recipe contests to musical acts on the stage at the historic courthouse. Pets are not allowed at the festival.

NORTH CAROLINA

MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR

Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

Beginning the First Friday after Labor Day 828-687-1414

WNCAgCenter.org/P/MountainStateFair

The annual North Carolina Mountain State Fair celebrates the people, agriculture, art and tradition of the

continued on page 12

Hendersonville’s Main Street hosts many festivals and events throughout the year.

region through exhibits, contests, music, amusement rides and other entertainment.

FARM CITY DAY

Jackson Park

10AM-4PM, First Saturday in October 828-697-4891

Henderson.CES.NCSU.edu

Begun in 1955 by Henderson County Cooperative Extension and Kiwanis International, Farm City Day takes place on about 50 acres of Jackson Park in Hendersonville and features urban, rural and educational displays, antiques and modern farm equipment and crafters from many generations. The event focuses on agricultural awareness, teaching children and adults where their food comes from and who produces it. A special youth area features hands-on activities including a farm animal petting zoo, old-timey demonstrations, a

continued on page 14

Farm City Day is held in Jackson Park annually.

fishing pond and other children’s games and activities. Entertainment includes local bands performing throughout the day. Food trucks also are available. Farm City Day is free. However, there are cash fees for some of the activities, as well as for vendors selling food and more.

TREAT STREET CARNIVAL

Main Street, Downtown Hendersonville 5-9PM, Oct 31 828-233-3205

DowntownHendersonville.org

Treats and fun abound along Main Street in downtown Hendersonville at the Treat Street Carnival, including

trick or treating with merchants, Dia de los Muertos celebrations, a costume contest, inflatables, live music and dancing.

WINTER

When the chill of winter arrives, downtown Hendersonville puts out a warm “home for the holidays” welcome. Businesses are adorned with decorations, Christmas lights brighten the streets and a host of special events like caroling, evening shopping with refreshments and historic inn tours are offered. People visit the local holiday markets and area farms for fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and other greenery.

Henderson County’s winter weather is typically not extreme, making it ideal for continuing to enjoy fun outside. Skiing, snowboarding and tubing sites around the region add to the wintertime options for fun.

WINTER CELEBRATION

HOLIDAY STREET LIGHTING AND SANTA’S ARRIVAL

Historic Courthouse Plaza, Downtown Hendersonville Friday after Thanksgiving, 5-8PM 828-233-3205

DowntownHendersonville.org

Downtown’s Holiday Street Lighting kicks off the season with Christmas choirs and a band, hot drinks and delicious treats, shopping and a countdown as Santa arrives to light up Main Street. The evening includes free visits with Santa and carriage rides at the Historic Courthouse.

The Holiday Street Lighting kicks off the holiday season.

The City of Hendersonville hosts an annual Turkey Trot 5K in Downtown every year.

In a delightful 6,000-square-foot showroom in downtown Hendersonville, Silver Fox Gallery shows superb ‘mountain contemporary’ design. You will find unique one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists along with items made in America. Furniture and lighting lines are carefully selected for their combination of superior design and quality of craftsmanship. Our Interior Design service helps clients create a home that is functional and unique to them. From space planning, material selection, color consultations, custom furniture design and much more, we strive to create inviting and functional spaces in which to live.

SUPPORT LOCAL AND FAMILY OWNED

Christie’s Lighting Gallery showroom is a 5,000 square foot showroom located in Western North Carolina. Winner of the 2021 and 2022 Best of Asheville lighting showrooms! Christie’s offers ALA Certified services to help solve all your lighting needs. Displaying everything from chandeliers, track lighting, and ceiling fans as well as furniture accessories, and more! Appointments are encouraged for new construction and large renovations. If you need help with a small order stop at any time, our Lighting Designers can help bring ideas to light!

Facts, Figures & Government Resources

Here are some helpful facts, figures and government resources for Henderson County and its communities and some general information about the region.

HENDERSON COUNTY

828-697-4809 | HendersonCountyNC.gov

• Covers an approximately 380square-mile area

• Incorporated in 1838

• Encompasses five incorporated areas: the City of Hendersonville, the Village of Flat Rock, the Town of Fletcher, the Town of Laurel Park and the Town of Mills River. A portion of the City of Saluda also is in Henderson County.

• Governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners with a chairperson elected by the commissioners

• Employs a full-time county manager

• Ad valorem property tax is levied at rate of $0.5610 on each $100 of assessed valuation of taxable property, based on a listing date of Jan. 1, 2020.

• 12 county fire and rescue departments that are combination departments (paid/volunteer).

• Sheriff’s Office augmented by nearly 80 volunteers. Special department programs include home and personal safety presentations by District Captains, a citizens’ academy designed to educate the public about county law enforcement operations and a Community Notification System residents can sign up for to receive real-time alerts for localized emergency situations and relevant community advisories.

HENDERSONVILLE

828-697-3000 | HendersonvilleNC.gov

• Chartered in 1847

• Governed by a council/manager form of government

• General city tax of 52 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which pays for such services as streets, parks and fire and police protection

• Special downtown tax district with an additional 24 cents per $100 and special 7th Avenue tax district with an additional 17 cents per $100. These special taxes cover maintenance, beautification and event programs within those municipal service districts.

• The Hendersonville Fire Department operates consists of 51 full-time employees across three divisions: Emergency Operations, Administration and Life Safety. Members are NFPA-certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians broken into three engine companies and a ladder company with two reserve engines. In addition to putting out fires, members conduct inspections, provide emergency medical services, conduct fire investigations and provide life safety services and education. In 2023 the department was awarded a Public Protection Class 1 Rating which places them in the top 1% of fire departments nationwide. HFD aims to provide excellent customer service by minimizing risk to life, property, and the environment continued on page 18

while creating a strong bond with the community through public education and prevention.

• The Hendersonville Police Department operates within the city limits and includes a Patrol Services Division, a Criminal Investigation Division and a Support Services Division. Sixty-two full-time employees offer services such as patrol, 911 telecommunications, traffic safety team, school resource officers and more. The mission of the Hendersonville Police Department is to serve with excellence and be a leader in 21st century policing.

• The Water & Sewer Department provides water service to more than 32,000 homes and businesses and sewer service to more than 10,000 homes and businesses. Hendersonville Water & Sewer serves more than 72,000 people with water service and more than 21,000 people with sewer service.

• The City of Hendersonville is

committed to providing quality, efficient services to all citizens, visitors and businesses through open communication, timely responses and quality results.

FLAT ROCK

828-697-8100 | VillageofFlatRock.org

• Incorporated in 1995

• Governed by a mayor/council form of government

• More than 100 volunteers assist in the operation of the village

• Ad valorem tax rate of 13 cents per $100 of assessed valuation

• Receives services from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, City of Hendersonville Water & Sewer Department and Henderson County

• Receives fire protection and emergency services from Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue, Valley Hill Fire & Rescue and Green River Fire & Rescue

continued on page 20

AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION IN HENDERSONVILLE

Normal Monthly Average Temperatures

January 37.3°F

February 40.6°F

March 46.8°F

April 55.5°F

May 63.7°F

June 70.7°F

July 74.2°F

August 72.8°F

September 67°F

October 56.6°F

November 46.5°F

December 39.9°F

Normal Monthly Precipitation

January 5.28”

February 4.26”

March 4.95”

April 4.84”

May 4.40”

June 4.95”

July 5.79”

August 5.73”

September 4.97”

October 4.06”

November 4.55”

December 5.27”

Source: National Centers for Environmental Information, averages for 1991-2020.

The North Carolina Apple Festival has been held annually for over 70 years, with the King Apple Parade being a key event.

Photo Credit: Baker-Barber Collection; Community Foundation of Henderson County; Henderson County Public Library

FLETCHER

828-687-3985 | FletcherNC.org

• Incorporated in 1989

• Governed by a council/manager form of government

• Tax rate of 34 cents per $100 of assessed valuation

• Provides its own police protection, sanitation service, planning and zoning services, parks and recreation and street maintenance

• Contracts fire protection through Fletcher Fire & Rescue Department and Mills River Fire & Rescue with a paid staff on duty 24 hours a day

LAUREL PARK

828-693-4840 | LaurelPark.org

• Incorporated in 1925

• Governed by a council/manager form of government

• Tax rate of 43.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation

• Town of Laurel Park Police Department, in addition to protecting the community, offers residential security checks, on-site security surveys and assistance in doing household inventories

• Contracts fire protection through the Valley Hill Fire & Rescue

• Contracts solid waste management through Waste Pro

• Public Works Department maintains streets and right-ofways, parks and greenways, public facilities. The Town’s water system is owned and operated by the City of Hendersonville.

MILLS RIVER

828-890-2901 | MillsRiver.org

• Incorporated in 2003

• Governed through a council/ manager form of government

• Tax rate of 19 cents per $100 of assessed valuation with 11 cents going to the Mills River Fire & Rescue

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Most business with the Social Security Administration can be addressed through SSA.gov. Social Security does have a field office at 205 S Grove Street in Hendersonville. Call 866-964-5053 or for TTY call 800-325-0778.

VETERANS RESOURCES

Through the NC Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, Veterans Services offices have been established throughout the state – including in Henderson County – for veterans and their families to receive assistance with benefits, claims questions and other issues.

The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville provides healthcare and wellness services to US military veterans and their families. In addition to serving veterans’ overall health, the VA Medical Center offers assistance related to geriatrics and extended care including adult day health care, home-based primary care, long-term care and respite care.

N.C. Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs

Toll-free 844-624-8387 | MilVets.NC.gov

Henderson County Veterans Services Office

828-697-4817 | HendersonCountyNC.gov/County/Page/Veterans-Services

Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville

828-298-7911 | Asheville.VA.gov

Veterans Crisis Line

For free confidential support for veterans in crisis and their families and friends is provided. Dial 988 (and then press 1), text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for virtual chat and other resources.

• Fifteen staff – town manager, finance director/town clerk, deputy town clerk/administrative assistant, tax collector, planning director, planning technician, recreation programmer, park director, three park maintenance technicians and three part-time park rangers

• Contracts law enforcement with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and fire protection with Mills River Fire & Rescue

• Fire inspections managed through the Henderson County Fire Marshal’s office

SALES & USE TAX

All tax rates reported are for the year 2022. Rates are subject to change every year in June for the next year.

• Sales tax is 6.75% (4.75% levied by the state and 2% levied by the county) on purchased tangible

Laurel Park Town Hall is located across the street from Laurel Green Park.

Source: North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management

RECYCLING AND WASTE DISPOSAL

Curbside pick-up of recycling and garbage is available to residents in Hendersonville, as well as in the Henderson County towns of Fletcher and Laurel Park.

All residents of the county can take recyclables and an equal amount or less of household garbage for the “Bag for Bag” program to the Henderson County Convenience Center at 265 Convenience Center Drive in Hendersonville. Nonrecyclable garbage can be taken to the Transfer Station at 191 Transfer Station Drive in Hendersonville. Private waste removal companies are also available for hire for recycling and garbage disposal.

Henderson County offers “single stream” recycling, meaning that a variety of recyclable items may be combined for recycling curbside and at the Convenience Center.

At the Convenience Center, residents can combine aluminum and steel cans, certain plastic food and beverage containers including bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars, gable top/carton containers, flattened cardboard and mixed paper. Glass jars and bottles are recycled separately at the Convenience Center but can be combined with other recyclables for curbside pickup. Recyclable items should be emptied and rinsed before recycling.

Antifreeze, food waste, batteries, peripheral

electronics like small office equipment, used motor oil, scrap metal and appliances are some of the other items that the Convenience Center accepts. Household hazardous waste, liquid paint, and foam including food service packaging and rigid packing foam are accepted on certain days throughout the year.

Bulky items like mattresses, carpet, large plastic toys, construction debris and yard waste may be taken to the Transfer Station for a fee at 191 Transfer Station Drive in Hendersonville. TVs and computer monitors also may be taken to the Transfer Station for a $20 recycling fee.

Plastic bags and plastic film can be recycled at many local retail stores but should not be added to your single stream recycling.

Call the Environmental Programs at 828-694-6524 or the Transfer Station at 828-697-4505 with questions regarding proper disposal or visit HCRecycles.org for the Recyclopedia look-up system and more information including how to dispose of other items.

City of Hendersonville residents can visit HendersonvilleNC. gov/Public-Works/GarbageCollection or call 828-697-3084 for more information about recycling and solid waste disposal services offered by the Hendersonville Public Works Department.

commodities, room and cottage rentals, laundry and dry cleaning services. The sales tax does not apply to prescription medicines, insulin, false teeth, eyeglasses, gasoline, coin-operated laundries and motor vehicles. On most grocery/food items, the sales tax is 2%.

• NC Dept. of Motor Vehicles collects a highway use tax of 3% on the sale of vehicles; boats are taxable at 3% with a maximum of $1,500.

• The sale of an aircraft and all accessories attached when delivered to the purchaser is subject to the 4.75% general NC rate of sales and use tax with a maximum of $2,500. Such sales are not subject to local and transit rates of sales and use tax.

• Fifty percent (50%) of the sales price of each manufactured home or modular home sold at retail, including all accessories attached when delivered to a purchaser, is subject to the general 4.75% NC rate of sales and use tax. Manufactured homes and modular homes are not subject to the local and transit rates of sales and use tax.

• Certain repair, maintenance and installation services are also subject to sales and use tax. Visit NCDOR.gov for more information.

Henderson County Board of Elections

DRIVER’S LICENSE

North Carolina DMV

125 Baystone Drive, Hendersonville

828-692-6915 | 919-715-7000

NCDOT.gov/DMV/Help/Moving

Within 60 days of moving to North Carolina or moving within the state, individuals must change their addresses with the NC Division of Motor Vehicles and get a new or duplicate license or ID as well as a new or duplicate vehicle registration.

To apply for a North Carolina driver license, new residents must visit an NCDMV driver license office with the following:

• Out-of-state license or one document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth

• Social Security card or other document proving Social Security number

• One document verifying physical address in North Carolina (two are required if getting an NC REAL ID)

• For individuals not born in the U.S., one document (with full name) proving legal presence/lawful status

• A document proving liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in North Carolina.

Written and road tests may be waived for individuals with a valid license from another state. Driver license office appointments may be made online at NCDOT.gov/ DMV/License-ID/Driver-LicenseAppointments/Pages.

The DMV also issues NC REAL IDs. Beginning May 7, 2025, federal agencies will enforce the REAL ID Act, which requires a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federallyapproved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure federal buildings. The NC REAL ID is a REAL ID Act-compliant driver license that is just like a traditional

continued on next page

It’s never too late (or too early) to check or update your plan. Our experienced team can help you make sure you’re ready for whatever is coming.

The Historic County Courthouse, originally built in 1904–1905, has been renovated and reopened to the public.

PUBLIC SAFETY HELP FROM THE HENDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Henderson County Sheriff’s Office App

This interactive, mobile app allows residents to connect with the Sheriff’s Office and receive public safety news and information. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching “Henderson County Sheriff.” The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office also is on NextDoor, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Residents also can sign up at NIXLE.com to receive public safety alerts. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office app, however, is the main form of communication that the Sheriff’s Office uses to communicate with the public.

Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Reassurance Program

This free service is for elderly Henderson County residents who live alone. Seniors must call Communications by 10AM each morning to verify their well-being. Call 828-697-4915 to sign up.

Smart911

Citizens can create safety profiles that are visible to telecommunicators during an emergency. Details can include information about medical issues, contact lists, pet information and floor plans. Smart911 is completely private and secure. Visit Smart911.com to register.

Text to 9-1-1

While it is always better to call 9-1-1 if possible, this service allows people to send text messages to emergency services as an alternative to placing a phone call. Significant benefits of this service include accessibility for members of the community who are hard of hearing, deaf or speechimpaired. Text to 9-1-1 can also aid in situations when a crime is in progress, a caller is facing domestic abuse or a caller’s injury is making speech impossible.

Home & Personal Safety

This program provides residents with strategies to better protect themselves, their homes, property and vehicles from crime. The District Captains meet with Home Owners Associations and community groups to present this information and material to educate citizens.

Other programs District Captains have implemented and presented to these groups are “Scams & Frauds” and “Avoid, Deny, Defend.” “Scams and Frauds” provides citizens with information about current trends being used by scammers. “Avoid, Deny, Defend” is a program for active assailants that is given to businesses to assist them in setting up Emergency Preparedness Planning.

Visit HendersonSheriff.org for more about these and other public safety initiatives.

license or ID but has a star at the top. Driver licenses and IDs without a gold star are noted “Not for Federal Identification.” Learn more about getting a REAL ID at the NCDMV by visiting NCDOT.gov/DMV/LicenseID/NC-Real-ID/Pages.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

North Carolina License Plate Agency

145 Four Seasons Mall, Hendersonville 828-692-0648

919-715-7000

NCDOT.gov/DMV/Help/Moving

After obtaining a North Carolina driver license, new residents must also register their vehicles when they accept gainful employment or at the expiration of the time granted by the reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and their prior state of residence (usually 30 days), whichever occurs first. To register, new residents must take the following to a local license plate agency:

• Vehicle title (or if held by a lender, a registration card)

• MVR-1 Title Application

• MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure (if vehicle is less than 10 years old)

• NC driver license or a valid out-ofstate driver license along with a North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate

• NC vehicle insurance information

New residents may register vehicles without an inspection but an inspection will be required before the annual registration renewal.

Thomas H. Thompson Emergency Services Center

VOTER REGISTRATION

Board of Elections

75 E Central Street, Hendersonville 828-697-4970

HendersonCountyNC.org/Elections

To register and be eligible to vote, individuals must be US citizens, 18 years old by the next general election and have been permanent and legal residents of North Carolina and in the precinct they’re registering in for at least 30 days prior to an election. Voter Registration Applications can be requested from the Henderson County Board of Elections Office by mail, phone, e-mail, in person or downloaded from the website. Forms also are available at the library, DMV and other government agencies. Mail the completed form to the Henderson County Board of Elections, PO Box 2090, Hendersonville, NC 28793. Henderson County also offers One-Stop Voting and “No Excuse Voting” for all elections. Anyone can request an absentee ballot by mail.

OTHER LOCAL VOTER RESOURCES

Henderson County Democratic Party

1216 Sixth Ave. W., Ste 600, Hendersonville 828-692-6424 | MyHCDP.com

Henderson County Republican Party

170 Four Seasons Shopping Center, Hendersonville 828-693-6040 | Henderson.NC.GOP

Libertarian Party of North Carolina-Henderson County Affiliate Party

Facebook.com/LibertarianPartyofHendersonCountyNC

League of Women Voters of Henderson County LWVHCNC.org

Post office branches throughout Henderson County include locations in Bat Cave, Dana, East Flat Rock, Edneyville, Etowah, Flat Rock, Fletcher, Gerton, Horse Shoe, Mountain Home, Naples, Saluda and Zirconia. Visit USPS.com for specific operating hours and services.

Historic Downtown Hendersonville & 7th Avenue

Downtown Hendersonville is the heart of an economically and culturally vibrant city. Downtown comprises two districts – Main Street and 7th Avenue – which attract both residents and visitors throughout the year. Whether the tulips are in bloom or autumn leaves are falling, the area bustles with people frequenting the many specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants, coffeehouses, entertainment venues and professional offices.

Both Main Street and the 7th Avenue District are part of Main Street America, a grassroots movement that has been helping to revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Downtown Hendersonville has been a shining example of the North

continued on page 28

Colorful blooms abound on downtown’s Main Street.

Hendersonville’s Historic Train Depot and 7th Avenue District in the 1920s.

Photo Credit: Baker-Barber Collection; Community Foundation of Henderson County; Henderson County Public Library

Carolina Main Street movement for more than 30 years as an energized commercial, historic district that celebrates its neighborhood feel and preserves its history.

Hendersonville is home to many historic buildings. Of special significance architecturally is the gold-domed Historic Downtown Courthouse at First and Main Streets that now is home to the Henderson County Heritage Museum. 7th Avenue boasts the historic Hendersonville Train Depot with its model railroad that represents Henderson County. The streets of downtown Hendersonville are often alive with free outdoor festivals and concerts ranging from one of Western North Carolina’s largest garden shows, Garden Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, to Labor Day weekend’s North Carolina Apple Festival. Enjoy live music and local craft beverages at the Rhythm & Brews

Welcome to Our Ocean!

The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team E.C.C.O. is home to waves of saltwater fish and invertebrates, along with dozens of land locked reptiles. Explore our gallery of exhibits housing fantastic animals from around the world showcasing exotic tortoises, geckos, eels, rays, stone fishes, and 4 species of small sharks. Interact with guides and learn fascinating trivia about our “cheekier” finned friends. Meet a Crested gecko or an orange toad fish! Be sure to watch the small shark and ray feed (1:30PM) where you will learn about our research on behavioral imprinting and shark egg development. Afterward, take time for a picture – our stingray Charlotte loves to include herself in your photo! Take quiet time to just relax and enjoy the beauty of this little ocean. Team E.C.C.O. is here to promote ocean education and awareness through interactive programs offering science to all. We are the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team E.C.C.O., “The aquarium that inspires”.

NOTE: Please check our website for additional information on programs, hours, or changes in admission. Check in up front for other offers.

The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO brings the sea to downtown Hendersonville. continued on page 30

Summer Concert Series on the Third Thursday of each month, and from May through October, the weekly Hendersonville Farmers Market on Maple Street showcases fresh, local foods from area farmers.

Downtown Hendersonville is further distinguished by its engaging public art. Since 2002, Hendersonville has given a nod to the black bears that live in North Carolina with the Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk. The walk exhibits bear statues created by local artists and sponsored by businesses. Each year after being on display on the main promenade from May through October, the bear statues are auctioned to raise money for local nonprofits and the enrichment of downtown programs, including community events, public art and other beautification efforts.

The “Mountain Memory” fountain on Sixth and Main Streets pays homage to the region’s natural heritage by depicting the prominent

peaks surrounding Hendersonville and the area’s rivers. A patriotic mural is found along King Street, paying tribute to veterans and their military service. The annual Hendersonville ArtScape Banner Project, a collaborative effort involving local arts organizations and other community partners, showcases about 40 banners displaying the work of talented regional artists. The Good of the Hive Mural on the back side of Hands On! Children’s Museum, which faces the Azalea Parking Lot on Third Avenue East, connects to the Downtown Art Route sidewalk mural project along King Street to Fifth Avenue and Maple Street.

7th Avenue, part of the grand adventure of Downtown Hendersonville, sets the standard of what a revitalized downtown can be. This is where the Transylvania Railroad connected the city to

continued on page 32

DOWNTOWN PARKING

The City of Hendersonville offers convenient and affordable parking options allowing access to the downtown shops, restaurants and events we all know and love. Parking options are available in the City’s new parking deck, nearby surface lots and on-street parking. The City offers free on-street parking on Sundays, weekdays after 7PM and on City holidays. The community can use their ParkMobile App for easy payment options. The parking deck walk-up kiosk, surface lot kiosks and onstreet kiosks accept payment via credit card and cash.

Located at the corner of 5th Avenue and King Street, the new four-level, 253-space City of Hendersonville Parking Deck makes it easy and accessible to park and enjoy a full day of Main Street activities. At $1.50 per hour, the parking deck’s rates are less than the $2.00 per hour on-street rate. There is a $10 maximum per parking session, and EV charging stations and accessible spaces are available. For more information, please visit HvlNC.gov/ Parking.

Downtown visitors can pay for parking at one of the labeled kiosks throughout or by using the ParkMobile app.

Discover Hendersonville’s Attractions & Family Fun on page 52, and Cultural Pursuits on page 60.

nearby towns and resorts during the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the railroad carried produce from Hendersonville’s orchards to Asheville, Spartanburg, and beyond.

Freed African Americans coming from rural settlements found opportunity and employment around the railroad’s depot and other 7th Avenue businesses, and a thriving neighborhood called Brooklyn

surrounded the area. Modern neighborhoods and legacy businesses of today stand as reminders of the district’s diverse history.

The revitalized energy of 7th Avenue District defines itself and honors its history by welcoming inspired entrepreneurs who are renovating buildings, farmers who are gathering to sell produce and artists who are transforming once barren spaces

into places of whimsy and imagination. The City of Hendersonville invites you to enjoy a stroll along 7th Avenue, “Downtown’s Creative Edge,” and experience the intricate mosaic of its history, revel in the art in galleries and on the street and explore places where repurposing what is old into something new is part of the area’s rich character.

Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk is a whimsical, playful public art display.

BEAR FALLS WINE COMPANY

Bear Falls Wine Company is a small family owned wine and cider bar located on Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville. They offer their own Hand Crafted North Carolina grown wines as well as a variety of wine from other local North Carolina Vineyards. Relax and unwind at this cozy new spot downtown where you can enjoy a glass of wine or cider on tap. Love what you taste? Take a bottle or growler home with you to enjoy with family and friends.

Open Thursday-Sunday 432 N Main Street | Hendersonville 828-393-0945

BearFallsWine.com

THE BEEHIVE RESALE SHOP

Welcome to The Beehive Resale Shop, where you will find “Small Town Prices, Big City Fashion’’. The Beehive has something for every woman. They specialize in designer clothing, vintage clothing, new boutique wear, designer handbags and purses. The brand new jewelry collection is sure to update any outfit. Come see what the BUZZ is all about and look for the signature black and white awning that has graced the downtown sidewalk for over 43 years. Tonya and Tracy will see you at the Hive! Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount on full price items.

Monday-Saturday 10AM -5PM

449 N Main Street | Hendersonville 828-692-8882

BeehiveWNC@gmail.com

MINI BATCH BAKERY

Owned by Stacy and Chris Fields, Mini Batch Bakery offers a variety of freshly baked goods and products from their raspberry farm, Raspberry Fields. In addition to pastries, breads, cakes and pies, they also serve breakfast sandwiches, quiche, yogurt parfaits, hot sandwiches, soups, salads and box lunches. Additionally, custom orders, gift baskets and catering options are available. Stop by and visit them at their 7th Avenue location and at the Hendersonville Farmers Market!

Tuesday-Friday 7AM-4PM

Saturday 8AM-2PM 404 7th Avenue E | Hendersonville MiniBatchBakery.com

Flat Rock –Little Charleston of the Mountains

For centuries before settlement of the earliest land grants in the area between 1788 and 1799, the “Great Flat Rock” was a gathering place for the Cherokees for trading and socializing among themselves and other tribes. The area was a wilderness with nothing more than foot trails along streams, in gullies and over and around ridges. The first land grant in Flat Rock was to Revolutionary War veteran Abraham Kuykendall in 1792.

In 1793, early land grantee John Earl (a.k.a., Earle) was paid to open a road from upstate South Carolina through the Saluda Gap to Flat Rock

where he had a grist mill on what is now Highland Lake. Later, the 1820 completion of the Buncombe Turnpike over Native American trails and drover roads through Flat Rock and into South Carolina led to trade between the two areas.

In 1827, Charles and Susan Baring of Charleston bought 400 acres and built Mountain Lodge, the first of many summer residences in Flat Rock. The Barings also built a private chapel on their property and in 1836, they deeded their chapel - which became St. John in the Wildernessto the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. It is the oldest

parish in the diocese and remains active today. Judge Mitchell King of Charleston came to Flat Rock in 1830 and renovated an old “two on two” trace mill house into a residence he named Argyle. This core portion of the house, which was built around 1815, makes Argyle the oldest dwelling in Flat Rock. Argyle also has the distinction of having the longest continuous possession in the same family of any place in Flat Rock and perhaps Western North Carolina. Baring and King continued to buy tracts of land at prices ranging from 25 cents to $1 an acre. Eventually, they acquired much of the Flat Rock area and then sold the tracts to other families from the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Within 20 years, Flat Rock became a colony of summer cottages and estates, thus earning its nickname of The Little Charleston in the Mountains.

Today, the Village of Flat Rock continued on page 36

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author Carl Sandburg and his wife raised dairy goats at Connemara, a tradition that continues today.

retains the quiet sophistication of its Charleston heritage interwoven with the delightful flavor of the mountains. Many of the original historic homes remain today and have been lovingly restored and preserved.

Historic Flat Rock, Inc. was formed as a nonprofit in 1968 to protect and preserve Historic Flat Rock. The organization through the years has offered house and garden tours, lectures and a variety of fundraising endeavors. As part of Historic Flat Rock Inc., a Heritage Tree Program was organized to help protect Flat Rock’s cultural landscapes and heritage trees. Historic Flat Rock, Inc. is responsible for the Village of Flat Rock being listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the largest Historic District in North Carolina.

The entrance to Highland Lake Inn features a waterfall.

Flat Rock also is home to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, a property administered by the National Park Service, and the Flat Rock Playhouse, the official State Theatre of North Carolina.

In the heart of Flat Rock is a charming retail and restaurant community along Greenville Highway. Anchored by Flat Rock Square and Little Rainbow Row – a nod to Charleston’s Rainbow Row district of pastel colored historic townhouses – there are a variety of shops, eateries and other businesses. Across from this retail area is Historic Flat Rock’s Forest Preserve and Bird Sanctuary with trails, picnic tables and a kiosk for community notices.

Since the early 1900s, thousands of children have made annual pilgrimages to summer camps in Western North Carolina. Flat Rock is home to some of the oldest summer camps including Bonclarken, Kanuga, Camp Pinnacle and Camp Ton-a-Wandah.

Another highlight of the community is The Park at Flat Rock, located within the French Broad watershed on the site of a former golf course. The park features open fields, reforestation areas, a variety of flora and fauna and a walking trail that meanders around and through the park’s 66 acres. The Park at Flat Rock also has a welcome center with a community room meeting space, handicapped-accessible restrooms, an open-air pavilion and a playground.

Although growth in such an attractive area is inevitable, the government and villagers of Flat Rock are vigilant about maintaining woods, green spaces and the calm pace of life – keeping Flat Rock just as charming and compelling a place as it has been for centuries.

The Flat Rock Playhouse is North Carolina’s state theatre.

Fletcher –

Family-Friendliness Fuels Fast Growth

Close proximity to Hendersonville and Asheville combined with a family-friendly quality of life have fueled the Town of Fletcher’s rise as one of the fastest growing municipalities in Western North Carolina.

Fletcher was incorporated in 1989 but has a history that harkens back to the 1700s. The town is named for Dr. George Fletcher who became the local postmaster in 1886. Many

settlers were drawn to the Fletcher area for limestone mining, which continues today at a quarry along Fanning Bridge Road.

The residents of Fletcher today enjoy a town that is centrally located with quick access to I-26 and the convenience of Asheville Regional Airport nearby.

Easy interstate and airport access also has been conducive to industry

The Town of Fletcher operates under a council-manager form of government based at Fletcher Town Hall.

Kate’s & Pete’s Park, located next to the Fletcher Library, features a playground, paved walking trail, small picnic shelter and green open space.

in Fletcher. Local manufacturers that have chosen Fletcher for their facilities include Blue Ridge Metals, Cane Creek Cycling Components, Putsch and Wilsonart.

Residential growth has been spurred by Fletcher’s mix of housing options that include single-family homes in subdivisions, townhomes, condominiums, small, cottage-style homes and apartments.

Families in Fletcher also have several educational options nearby. In addition to Henderson County Public Schools’ Fletcher Elementary School and Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School, FernLeaf Community Charter School is a public charter school. Veritas Christian Academy is an independent, non-denominational, college preparatory school for prekindergarten through 12th-grade students. Also close by are two Seventh-day Adventist schools –the Captain Gilmer Christian School for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and Fletcher Academy for grades 9 to 12.

The Fletcher Library is popular with residents and has become one of the busiest branches in the Henderson County Public Library system. Library visitors often stop at Kate’s & Pete’s Park, a small park next to the library that has a playground, paved walking trail, small picnic shelter and green open space.

The 75-acre Bill Moore Community Park draws visitors from throughout Western North Carolina. The park includes five baseball/softball fields, three multi-purpose fields, a picnic shelter, a playground, a nine-hole disc golf course, arboretum gardens, walking trails, a dog park and access to Cane Creek.

North Carolina's Premiere Flea Market Family Fun For

Fantastic fireworks are displayed during the annual Fletcher Family Day.

Laurel Park –

From Resort Town to Enchanting Residence

The charming cottages and narrow curving roads of present day Laurel Park are gentle reminders of this town’s lively past as a summer resort. A quiet, year-round, mainly residential community today, the Town of Laurel Park remains a captivating tangle of interesting lanes, mature landscaping, thickets of rhododendron and attractive neighborhoods.

From the early- to mid-20th century, Laurel Park was known for its active summer schedule. Rhododendron Lake – the largest of the community’s several lakes, which also was sometimes informally called Laurel Park Lake – had a beach, a waterslide and

a pavilion with the second largest dance floor in the region jutting out over the water.

Beginning in 1903, a special rail line brought summer residents from Hendersonville directly up Fifth Avenue to Laurel Park. The Casino at Rainbow Lake – an entertainment venue including a roller skating rink, dancing arena, playhouse and more – first opened in 1908. In 1910, an incline railway was added to take tourists up the mountain to an observation deck with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The mid-1920s saw a real estate boom that started in Florida and rapidly spread to other resort

Construction on the Fleetwood Hotel near Jump Off Rock began in 1925 but was halted four years later. It remained unfinished for another six years until it was dismantled in 1935.

The scenic drive up Laurel Park Highway ends at Jump Off Rock with spectacular views of distant peaks.

areas including Henderson County. Commodore J. Perry Stolz, builder of the famous Miami Beach Fleetwood Hotel, bought land atop Laurel Park near the famed Jump Off Rock and began construction on a 15-story Fleetwood Hotel in 1925 – the same year Laurel Park incorporated. The next year, a devastating hurricane hit Florida. Commodore Stolz lost everything. Construction was halted. In 1929, the Great Depression made efforts to complete the hotel hopeless. The unfinished building was sold to salvage in 1935. As automobile ownership increased, people could vacation where rail lines did not go. Laurel Park began its transition from an active summer resort to a tranquil residential community. Although the beaches, the big lakes and the pavilion remained active through the 1970s, they too slowly disappeared. Today, the site of the old Rhododendron Lake is now Rhododendron Lake Nature Park, another lovely natural amenity of Laurel Park. Still lush and beautiful, Laurel Park is a town rich in history that continues to attract new residents who discover its unique charm.

THE LEGEND OF JUMP OFF ROCK

One of the most famous and frequently visited sites in Laurel Park is Jump Off Rock which features hiking trails and striking mountain views. The rock’s name comes from a legend that’s hundreds of years old. As the tale goes, a young Cherokee woman and Cherokee chieftain often met at this ledge. When tribal wars called him away, they promised to meet at the rock upon his return. Every evening, the woman climbed to the rock to watch for the chieftain. She often sent out plaintive notes of a Native American love call but no answers came back. Returning warriors brought the news of the young chief’s death in battle. In the twilight, she climbed again to the edge of the rock. The haunting notes of her love call hushed forever, lore has it that on some moonlit nights, the ghost of the heartbroken maiden can be seen on Jump Off Rock.

Jump Off Rock offers hiking and views.

Operated by the Town of Laurel Park, Laurel Green Park features a flat walking loop, a gazebo and a playground.

Mills River – Rural Roots in a Blossoming Community

Mills River is both the oldest community in Henderson County and its youngest municipality. Settled hundreds of years ago and named for a tributary of the French Broad River, Mills River has a rich history, much of which is rooted in farming and agriculture that continues today.

Since its incorporation in 2003, lower density housing development policies in the 22-square-mile town

have helped Mills River retain its rural feel. Not far from Hendersonville, Asheville or Brevard, the town is amidst the mountains and has lots of farmland.

The 50-acre Mills River Park includes multi-use trails, a dog park, a playground, a picnic shelter, a basketball court, and tennis and pickleball courts. At the back of the park there is a canoe and kayak launch and a handicapped accessible

fishing pier on the Mills River. The Town of Mills River is in the early design and planning stages of the Mills River Valley Trail, a multi-use recreational path along NC 280 that will tie into a similar path planned for Hwy 191. The Town also recently completed a river bank restoration project to shore up eroding river banks along the Mills River and within Mills River Park.

Within the park, the Town Hall is home to government offices as well as the Mills River Library, a branch of the Henderson County Public Library that opened in 2005. In the past few years, solar panels have been added to all Town buildings. Solar panels on the Mills River Park’s Maintenance Building power electric vehicle charging stations which are free of charge to park patrons.

Glenn C. Marlowe Elementary School and Mills River Elementary are both

Families can enjoy outdoor concerts at Bold Rock Hard Cider.

Mills River is a popular destination for trout fishing.

in Mills River and are top-rated in Henderson County and the region. The town has seen increased economic development in the last several years, including in the craft beverages sector. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company chose the town as the site of its East Coast operation and began brewing and distributing from its facility in 2014. The following year, Bold Rock Hard Cider selected Mills River as the site for its third facility and began producing ciders there that same year. The town is now home to three breweries and one cidery as well as several manufacturing companies that add a significant tax base.

With its opening in 2018, GF Linamar is the largest economic development project in the last 50 years in Henderson County and the most recent large-scale economic development in Mills River. Mills River is also home to other manufacturers, including medical technology company Raumedic and pressure-sensitive label maker UPM Raflatac in the Broadpointe Industrial Park.

Mills River’s agricultural heritage continues, too, with commercial farmers and agribusiness companies like Flavor 1st Growers and Packers, plant grafting specialists Tri-Hishtil and the Van Wingerden Greenhouse Co.

Mills River Park offers opportunities for enjoying summertime baseball games.

Dogs can play off the leash at the Mills River Park’s dog park.

The 50-acre Mills River Park is a centerpiece of the town.

Get on the Ale Trail

Western North Carolina has made a name for itself as a craft brewery haven, with Henderson County being no exception. With flavorful porters and stouts, distinctive sours, amber ales, crisp Kölsch, and a wide range of IPAs, local breweries also enjoy drawing upon the flavors of local farms. Beyond brewing excellent beer, the craft beverage community provides hundreds of jobs and has become an integral part of the local economy.

When the “Pop the Cap” legislation was passed in North Carolina in 2005, brewers were enabled to create beers with 15 percent alcohol by volume, compared to the 6 percent previously allowed. This was a key factor in allowing for a larger variety of beer types crafted and sold, propelling greater development of the regional brewing

industry. Additional provisions later passed, prompting the allowance of onsite brewery beverage sales, and counties also began offering economic development incentives to attract new breweries.

Southern Appalachian Brewery opened as Hendersonville’s first craft brewery in 2011. In 2014, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. opened its east coast brewing, bottling and distribution operation in Mills River, which benefited the Henderson County economy. Over last few the years, craft breweries have continued to be welcomed and open their doors throughout the county. Additionally, craft beers from many local breweries are featured on tap at many restaurants around Hendersonville and offered at local bottle shops.

CIDERIES

Cideries also continue to flourish, utilizing apples grown in Henderson County. As North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina, all three Henderson County cideries source apples locally to craft a range of ciders, including seasonal varieties.

WINERIES

A tasting tour of Henderson County isn’t limited to beer and cider. The climate and soil of the Blue Ridge Mountains create fertile ground for the growing list of local wineries. The Crest of the Blue Ridge wine region in Henderson County was named

continued on page 46

Hendersonville’s rich agriculture provides the perfect setting for local craft beers, wines, ciders and even mead to flourish, providing visitors and residents with many great drinks to enjoy.

Oklawaha Brewing is located in downtown Hendersonville.

ALE TRAIL QUICK REFERENCE

BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER

BURNING BLUSH BREWERY

Hours:

DRY FALLS BREWING CO.

GUIDON BREWING CO.

Hours:

OKLAWAHA BREWING COMPANY

Hours:

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING COMPANY

100 Sierra Nevada Way | Mills River 828-708-6242 | SierraNevada.com

Hours:

an AVA (American Viticultural Area), one of the only four in North Carolina and the first in WNC. With eight wineries across urban settings to countryside experiences, wine lovers have a variety of options to taste and take home.

FEATURED BREWERIES & CIDERIES

BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER

Opening its Mills River Cidery in 2014, Bold Rock Hard Cider is crushed and crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains using locally sourced Henderson County apples. Visitors can learn about the process behind the awardwinning cider, take a complimentary weekend tour and enjoy expansive views of the production floor and bottling line.

BURNING BLUSH BREWERY

Family-owned and independently operated, Burning Blush Brewery opened in Mills River in late 2019. In addition to a large outdoor beer garden, the unique brewery pays homage to the Victorian era and hopes that its gothic romantic atmosphere will encourage conversations and relationships to flourish while their traditional, yet experimental, beers are enjoyed.

DRY FALLS BREWING CO.

What started out as a dream between father and son came to fruition when Dry Falls Brewing Co. opened the doors of its rebuilt Kanuga Road body shop in 2016. From a brewery in the owner’s garage to now having over 20 brews available for the public to enjoy, Dry Falls Brewing Co. is proud to be a part of the Hendersonville community and to share their passion for craft beer.

THIRSTY FOR MORE?

The Asheville Ale Trail is a printed field guide for discovering the best breweries, cideries, and wineries in Western North Carolina.

GUIDON BREWING CO.

Guidon Brewing is a Veteran, American, German family-owned and operated brewery dedicated to the art of brewing high-quality, carefully crafted beer. They are committed to providing their customers with highquality beverages in an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere marked by a feeling of friendliness and relaxation.

OKLAWAHA BREWING COMPANY

Formerly known as Sanctuary Brewing Co., Oklawaha Brewing is a nano brewery and taproom committed to brewing high-quality beer while maintaining a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility. Oklawaha strives to be an active community resource alongside offering great tasting beer and providing entertainment through its live music, trivia nights, and other events.

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO

Founded in 1980 in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co broke ground on its second production location in Mills River in 2012. One of America’s premier craft breweries, and recognized for its use of quality ingredients, the Mills River taproom provides guests a space to relax with family and friends, the opportunity to tour the facility, an excellent restaurant, and, of course, the craft beverages they have become famous for.

Asheville Ale Trail Field Guide AshevilleAleTrail.com

BAY BREEZE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

You’ll find all your favorite seafoods from popcorn and jumbo shrimp to clams, crab legs, lobster, calamari, and a variety of fish including salmon and catfish. Prime rib, steaks, chicken and ribs are also featured and all are served with your choice of fresh sides, including fresh daily cut vegetables. Choose from appetizers, salads and soups, sandwiches, fried platters or broiled. Save room for their tempting array of desserts. Eat in or carryout. Gift certificates available. Two private banquet rooms for your special events accommodate groups up to 110. Visit the website for hours, lunch specials and complete menus.

1830 Asheville Highway | Hendersonville

828-697-7106

BayBreezeSeafood.com

EGGS UP GRILL

Enjoy Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch 7 days a week at Eggs Up Grill and experience a sense of the Hendersonville community. Everyone who walks in the door is warmly welcomed and greeted with a smile! The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, savory bacon, hand-cracked farm-fresh eggs and juicy burgers on the griddle stir up your appetite while the warm hospitality and friendly service makes you feel right at home! They have everything to make you smile: from classic American breakfast, French toast, Eggs Benedict and carne asada burritos to burgers, sandwiches & salads, with vegetarian & gluten-friendly options, as well. Locally owned & operated by Daniel Fort, Eggs Up Grill is sure to serve up a smile and make you feel part of the neighborhood!

Open Everyday 6AM - 2PM

637 Spartanburg Highway | Hendersonville

828-560-EGGS (3447)

EggsUpGrill.com/Hendersonville/

MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE

Enjoy Southern BBQ in downtown Hendersonville! Moe's Original Bar B Que features award-winning Bama-style pulled pork, ribs, wings, turkey and chicken smoked over hardwood daily. Paired with traditional, fresh southern sides, you can enjoy carry-out, catering, dining in or eating in their outdoor seating area in Historic Downtown.

114 N Main Street Hendersonville

828-595-9200

MoesOriginalBBQ.com

RESOURCE GUIDE FOR LOCAL DINING

MOUNTAIN DELI

Mountain Deli is committed to serving the most delicious, best quality sandwiches they can provide. The entire menu features only fresh, natural ingredients from the best farmers and producers, and is available for dinein, take-out, delivery or lunch on the patio. There are absolutely no artificial ingredients, additives or chemicals. They emphasize domestic and especially locally grown, seasonally fresh ingredients. Most items are made from scratch in the Deli; meats are minimally processed or cooked from raw; soups, salads & sauces are made daily. All sandwiches are custom made to order for the freshest possible experience. It just tastes better! Visit the website for the full menu and catering information.

343 N Main Street | Hendersonville

828-696-0093

MtnDeli.com

NORA’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA & ITALIAN EATERY

Chef John always has had a passion for connecting people over delicious, fresh, and creative recipes. After being classically trained with French cuisine and techniques for 6 years, life’s journey led him to North Carolina, where Chef John brought Nora’s New York Pizza & Italian Eatery to life. Named after his daughter, Nora, this business is truly a family affair! Stop by and you might see the father-daughter duo buzzing about making sure all guests have a great experience - from the deliciously thought-out recipes to the inviting atmosphere and excellent service. Also offering catering services.

2111 Asheville Highway, Suite #9

Hendersonville

828-595-9243

NorasNYPizzeria.com

SOUTHERN STREAMS COFFEEHOUSE

Located along the Ecusta Trail, Southern Streams CoffeeHouse is a familyowned business in Hendersonville, serving organic, fair-trade espresso, coffee, and house-made pastries. Their grab and go menu includes items such as Lox Bagels, Avocado Toast and breakfast burritos, highlighting the family’s Colorado roots. Lunch offerings include sandwiches, wraps and salads. Pick up a coffee on your way up to Jump Off Rock or enjoy the day on their spacious outdoor patio. As the owners say, “Come and enjoy a coffee at our house.”

Monday-Friday 7AM-5PM, Saturday 8AM-5PM

Closed Sunday 1628 5th Avenue W | Hendersonville

828-595-2273

SouthernStreamsCoffee.com

WEST FIRST WOOD FIRED

West First Wood Fired creates handcrafted food with a Mediterranean aesthetic and features whole-wheat thin crust pizzas, organic pastas, rustic salads, soups, desserts and breads. They also offer gluten free pizzas and entrees. Enjoy a sophisticated, dynamic dining experience while watching your food freshly prepared in our open kitchen or dine alfresco on the deck. The full service bar offers martinis, local brews and eclectic wines. We welcome you to join us for lunch or dinner.

Serving Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat

101a 1st Avenue W Hendersonville

828-693-1080

WestFirstWoodFired.co

WHITE DUCK TACO SHOP

Colorful outpost of a taqueria mini-chain known for its eclectic, ever-changing combinations, White Duck Taco Shop offers tacos, quesadillas, snacks, soups, desserts and margaritas. The name White Duck Taco Shop originates from a nickname the Chef earned when she frequently got excited and talked too much to the kitchen staff. They called her “La Pata Blanca” which means White Duck. Located right next to the Historic Train Depot in the 7th Avenue District, parking is available in the rear and along the road.

500 7th Avenue E Hendersonville

828-595-9871

WhiteDuckTacoShop.com

ZEN HEN CAFÉ

Zen Hen Café offers health-conscious, honest food with convenient and affordable quick, counter-service. Their promise is to serve you quality foods that are as natural, clean and local as they can find. Meals are prepared in small batch, from scratch to give you an abundance of choices, each made with care and your health in mind. Real Food. Right Now.

Monday–Saturday 10:30AM–8PM

Closed Sundays

1794 Asheville Highway | Hendersonville

828-552-4585

ZenHenCafe.com

Attractions & Family Fun

Henderson County offers attractions for all ages and a variety of interests and a good place to start exploring them is the Visitor Center.

WELCOME CENTER

Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

201 S Main Street, Hendersonville

828-693-9708

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org

The Welcome Center helps people discover all that Henderson County has to offer including outdoor recreation, craft beverages, boutique shopping, agritourism, accommodations, restaurants, family activities, attractions, events and more. Stop by for maps, brochures, a complimentary Visitor Guide and to learn more about the area. The Welcome Center also offers parking for cars and buses, public restrooms and is the home to the Henderson County Tourism office. In 2023-2024, come see us in our temporary Welcome Center, located at the same address, while

the permanent building is being remodeled.

AQUARIUM & SHARK LAB

BY TeamECCO

511 N Main Street, Hendersonville

1-4 PM Wed-Sat

Free for children under 1, $4.75 for ages 1-4 $6.75 for ages 5-65, $5.75 for ages 66 and older Special pricing for military, firefighters, EMT personnel, current teachers 828-692-8386

TeamECCO.org

The Aquarium & Shark Lab is a marine education site that brings the ocean to the mountain. The exhibits house 300+ fish, invertebrates and reptiles. Visitors can engage with student interns and docents gaining knowledge and sharing a passion for this watery world. The Aquarium & Shark Lab’s immersive presentations include raising baby

sharks, behavioral training and animal imprinting and research projects with facilities in Chicago, Australia and the Bahamas. The Aquarium & Shark Lab features the only 2,000-gallon saltwater aquarium in Western North Carolina where small sharks and rays live. Visitors can observe tank feedings of them at 1:30pm, Wednesday through Saturday.

BULLINGTON GARDENS

95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville 9AM -4 PM , Mon-Sat year-round 828-698-6104

BullingtonGardens.org

Bullington Gardens is a 12-acre public nonprofit garden and horticultural education center with a number of themed gardens featuring

The Western North Carolina Air Museum displays restored vintage airplanes as well as replica antique planes and aviation memorabilia.

perennials, pollinator plants, herbs, native azaleas and some unusual specimen plants. It includes a distinctive collection of Japanese maples, a fairy garden (open June through August) and an extensive dahlia garden. The property also features a therapy garden for those with physical limitations and a nature trail with native woodland plants. Classes and workshops are offered year-round. Programs for school children and horticultural therapy for special-needs high school students are conducted during the school year. Operated as a partnership with Henderson County Public Schools and NC Cooperative Extension, Bullington Gardens was bequeathed by Bob Bullington, a New York City policeman who established a nursery on the site. Visitors are welcome in all seasons. There is no charge for admission but donations are encouraged. Tours and programs for groups can be arranged.

CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Administered by the National Park Service Little River Road, Flat Rock

Parking lots and grounds open daily, sunrise to sunset

Visit website or call for tours and farm area hours, which vary by season

No charge for visiting the grounds, hiking or picnicking

House tours: $10 adults, $6 seniors, children under 15 free 828-693-4178

NPS.gov/Carl

This picturesque home and 264acre farm called Connemara was the residence of Carl Sandburg –Pulitzer-prize winning poet and author, biographer of Abraham Lincoln, journalist and social activist – and his family from 1945 to 1967. Against the backdrop of Glassy Mountain, the home’s peaceful setting and interior remains as it was when the Sandburg family lived there. On the grounds, the park maintains a small goat herd descended from Mrs. Sandburg’s world-renowned

Visitors can enjoy beautiful blooms at Bullington Gardens.

herd of dairy goats. There also are more than five miles of trails that lead to wonderful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the year, special festivals and ranger programs are offered. Carl Sandburg Home NHS is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

HANDS ON! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

318 N Main Street, Hendersonville

Check website for hours

$4 for children under 1, $10 for everyone else

828-697-8333

HandsOnWNC.org

Hands On! Children’s Museum is the place where learning comes into play. Catering to children ages one to 12 and their caregivers, this children’s museum provides educational exhibits and programs that stimulate the imagination and motivate learning. Traveling programs, space rental for events and birthday parties and memberships are also available. The People’s Museum & Walk of Fame is a celebration of the history and culture of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. This exhibition is FREE to the community and is designed for both youth and adult learners.

HENDERSON COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM

1 Historic Courthouse Square, Suite 4

Inside the 1905 Historic Courthouse on Main Street, Hendersonville

10AM-5PM , Wed-Sat; 1-5PM , Sun

828-694-1619

HendersonCountyMuseum.com

From the Revolutionary War to the coming of the train to the area’s Golden Age (1879-1929) to modern day, this museum celebrates the rich history of Henderson County. Its six exhibit rooms contain artifacts and multimedia presentations that inform visitors about the milestone events that shaped this area.

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Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is located at the Historic Train Depot in Hendersonville.

Where value and luxury meet the mountains

Highlights include an interactive scale model of the Saluda Grade railway and a working telegraph system, the Courthouse room, an exhibit featuring the history and heritage of the Historic 7th Avenue District, an exhibit on the many summer camps in the area, a quilt exhibit showcasing the art of mountain quilting, an exhibit featuring Shepherd’s Store items and the Ridge exhibit that tells the story of communities along the Eastern Continental Divide and includes a working still.

HENDERSONVILLE HONEYCRISPS

69 Balfour Road, Hendersonville

Seasonal, beginning late Spring HendersonvilleHoneycrisps.com

Making their home at the historic Berkeley Mills Ballpark, also known as ‘The Orchard,’ the Hendersonville Honeycrisps are a collegiate baseball team playing in the Old North State League. The team’s mission is to be the most exciting and family friendly entertainment option in the greater Hendersonville community and aid in the personal and athletic development of college baseball players.

HENDERSONVILLE TRAIN DEPOT

650 Maple Avenue, Hendersonville 1-3 PM , Wed; 10AM-2PM , Sat; 10AM-4PM the Friday after Thanksgiving 828-595-0446

AVMRC.com

Built in 1902, the historic depot has been restored to its original state and contains a museum featuring numerous railroad artifacts. Knowledgeable members of the club staff the Depot and share their expertise in model railroading. The Depot houses the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club’s HO Scale model railroad. With more than 2,000

Families can enjoy time together at Hands On! Children’s Museum.

feet of track and 225 switches, its layout represents Henderson County, the Saluda Grade (the steepest railroad grade in the US) and the towns of Western North Carolina with day and night lighting in the Hendersonville and Asheville area of the indoor layout. The Depot has a working telegraph guests can use, a camera car to see the layout from the engineer’s perspective, a touchscreen display with information about historical items in the building and an historic 1,000-pound, 112-year-old 1/8 scale Pauline engine. Visitors can also enjoy running “Thomas” on his track, climbing aboard the restored Southern Railway caboose and touring the G-scale outdoor garden railroad featuring the logging railroads that existed throughout the region more than 100 years ago. A drone camera shows live video from the caboose on the G-scale layout.

HISTORIC JOHNSON FARM

3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville

Call for guided tour times

Tour prices: $10 adults, $8 students and people 65 and older, free for ages under 5 Grounds open 8AM-4PM , Mon-Fri

No charge for visiting grounds

828-891-6585

HistoricJohnsonFarm.org

A late-19th-century/early-20thcentury farm and summer tourist retreat, Historic Johnson Farm covered 500 acres in its prime. The main house was constructed from 1876 to 1880 with handmade bricks and is believed to be Henderson County’s first brick house. Sallie, Vernon and Leander Johnson opened up the house to summer guests in 1913 to bring in additional income. Vernon and Leander Johnson willed the house to the Henderson County Board of Education, and in 1987, the farm was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today the farm serves as a hands-on museum and heritage education center. Guided tours of the historic house and grounds are offered yearround. Field trips and group tours are also offered. The farm hosts

numerous events each year. The Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists now occupy the former boarding house and offer a variety of classes throughout the year as well as a gift shop featuring handmade items.

MINERAL AND LAPIDARY MUSEUM OF HENDERSON COUNTY

400 N Main Street, Hendersonville

1-5 PM , Mon-Fri, March-Dec

11AM-5PM , Sat

Closed Sun, Mon and Tue, Jan-Feb

828-698-1977

MineralMuseum.org

Home of the Hendersonville Meteorite, the museum also features North Carolina minerals, fluorescent minerals, replicas of world famous diamonds, a display of the lapidary arts, geode cracking, fossils and a T. rex skull replica. The museum offers free tours for schools and other groups.

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Fresh vegetables are available at the many farmer’s markets in the area.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL CENTER

1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher 828-687-1414 | WNCAgCenter.org

The Western North Carolina Agricultural Center is an entertainment venue that hosts a variety of community events, expos, workshops, musical performances, horse shows and more year-round. Since 1994, the WNC Agricultural Center has been home to the annual NC Mountain State Fair beginning the first Friday after Labor Day, which celebrates the region’s people, agriculture, art and tradition.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AIR MUSEUM

Follow blue road signs on US 176/ Spartanburg Hwy and Shepherd Street to 1340 E Gilbert Street

Open year-round, weather permitting

Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day

10AM-5PM-Wed and Sat, April-Oct

Noon-5PM, Sat and Sun, Nov-March

828-698-2482

WesternNorthCarolinaAirMuseum.com

Known as the first air museum in the “First-In-Flight” state, the Western North Carolina Air Museum displays restored vintage airplanes as well as replica antique planes and aviation memorabilia. The collection includes a two-thirds scale model of the 1903 Wright Flyer and a full-scale 1915 Sopwith Baby replica. Schools and other groups are welcome and tours can be arranged.

FARMERS MARKETS

THE CURB MARKET

221 N Church Street, Hendersonville

8AM-2PM , Sat, Jan-March

8AM-2PM , Tue, Thu and Sat, April-Dec

828-692-8012

Facebook.com/profile. php?id=100063818102134

The Henderson County Curb Market is a farmers market that provides locally grown produce and hand crafted items. Shoppers can visit with the vendors as they choose from fresh fruits and vegetables, free range eggs, home baked items, soups, preserves, salsas and

relishes, and a variety of unique hand crafted items. The Curb Market began on Main Street in 1924 with eight families and has grown to more than 70 vendors. The Market hosts special annual events including June Jamboree, Ol’ Timey Day and Christmas Open House which is held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

ETOWAH LIONS FARMERS MARKET

Etowah Lions Clubhouse, 447 Etowah School Road

3-6PM, Wed, May-Oct

Facebook.com/Etowah-Lions-FarmersMarket-110374374429477

The Etowah Lions Farmers Market features a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, Bundt cakes, fresh flowers and a variety of arts and crafts. Organized by the Etowah Lions Club, the market also has special market days such as a health-focused market day in June and a Tomato Festival in August.

FLAT ROCK FARMERS MARKET

On the green behind the Pinecrest ARP Church

1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

3-6PM , Thursdays, May 4-Oct 26

FlatRockFarmersMarket.com

The market offers locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, garden starts, herbs, mushrooms, artisan breads and baked goods, local honey, jams, jellies, peaches, blueberries and apples – all direct from a local producer – plus prepared foods such as quiches and strudels to “Take and Bake” and fresh seafood from the Carolina Coast. Market-goers also will find selected crafts from local artisans.

HENDERSON COUNTY TAILGATE MARKET

100 N King Street, Hendersonville (parking lot of County office building)

8AM -noon, Sat, April-Oct

828-329-4027 or 828-891-3561

Facebook.com/HendersonCountyTailgateMarket

Established in 1979, the Henderson County Tailgate Market is one of the

oldest open air markets in Western North Carolina. This unique Saturday morning market has a festival feel in the heart of Hendersonville. The market is filled with local growers who operate small family farms in Henderson County who have developed a reputation for quality and high-value specialty crops and nursery stock. Throughout the season, the market offers plants, fresh-cut flowers, in-season fruits, vegetables, fresh trout, sourwood honey and baked goods.

HENDERSONVILLE FARMERS MARKET

Hendersonville Train Depot, 650 Maple Street, Hendersonville

8AM-1PM , Sat, May 6-Oct 28

828-233-3205

HendersonvilleFarmersMarket.com

The Hendersonville Farmers Market features an array of producers and growers with an emphasis on Henderson County-made items. Shoppers can expect at least 30 vendors, plus entertainment from local artists as well as kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and themed events such as a Pollinator Day and Tomato Festival.

MILLS RIVER FARM

MARKET

Mills River Elementary School Parking Lot 94 School House Road, Mills River

8AM -Noon, Sat, May-Oct

828-891-3332

Facebook.com/MillsRiverFarmersMarket

Mills River Farm Market is a producer-only market, selling only fruits and vegetables, plants, honey, crafts, meat products and other products grown and made within a 50-mile radius of the Town of Mills River. The Market accepts SNAP/EBT benefits as well as debit and credit cards and participates in the Double SNAP Program. Visitors can listen to local musicians while shopping. Educating the entire family is a major push for the market with a fun-filled Kid’s Zone and a Demonstration Kitchen for the adults.

BigFoot, Ammo and More is your one stop shop for everything Bigfoot, shooting sports, and outdoor sports. (no guns, just the best ammo.)

Discover the Arts & Culture

From renowned art exhibits to nationally recognized theater productions to musical organizations that welcome community participation, Hendersonville and Henderson County offer many cultural opportunities and events throughout the year.

ARTS

ARTS COUNCIL OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-693-8504

ACofHC.org

Arts Council of Henderson County promotes, advocates for and nurtures the arts in Henderson County and Western North Carolina. The Arts Council partners with multiple organizations to present visual art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists and art of the county’s students and art teachers. The Arts Council also presents performances and visual and performing arts events throughout the year, including Art on Main, an outdoor fine art and fine crafts fair now in its 64th year, Mentors

and Students Art Exhibit, La Vie En Rosé Art & Wine Festival, Winter Sound and more. The Arts Council is a designated County Partner with the North Carolina Arts Council, administering grants to Henderson County nonprofit arts organizations and regional artists. The Arts Council also serves Henderson County children through the Artistsin-Schools program funded by donations from members of the community. The Arts Council also offers after school performing and visual arts classes as well as spring break and summer classes. The Arts Council offers memberships to local artists and art enthusiasts which include quarterly Artist Meetups and networking events, discounts for art exhibits and other opportunities.

ART LEAGUE OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-490-5639

ArtLeagueHVL.org

Founded in 1972, the Art League of Henderson County invites artists and art lovers to participate in the many ways that we promote the visual arts in our community.

Since the Art League opened Art Place, a new gallery and workshop space, in the fall of 2022, it has become a lively hub for educational programs, monthly exhibits, classes and workshops. Experienced instructors teach small classes for adults in a variety of two- and threedimensional media. Twenty artists lease working studio spaces in the

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The 2022 All-County Honor Chorus performance, which the Carolina Concert Choir sponsors annually.

adjacent Art Place Studio Annex building. Members enjoy informal small group gatherings and field trips to museums and other sites of interest.

Among the League’s public art programs are quarterly exhibits at the Henderson County Library, a fall Open Studio tour that provides opportunities to see and learn from artists at work and a spring Fabulous Fakes exhibit of whimsical versions of masterworks. The League also organizes the annual ArtScape banner project that makes Main Street a colorful, yearround, open air gallery featuring works by local artists. In 2023, the League organized the first exhibit of banners in Jackson Park featuring paintings by young artists. Brochures and maps are available at the Visitor Center.

Membership in the Art League is open to residents of Western

North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Visitors and non-members are welcome to register for classes and to attend exhibits and programs. Details about all League activities and the current exhibits and hours at Art Place can be found on the League’s website.

MUSIC

CAROLINA CONCERT CHOIR

828-393-5737

CarolinaConcertChoir.org

The Carolina Concert Choir has about 50 members of all ages under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Michael Lancaster with Richard Riccardi serving as accompanist. Composed of auditioned singers from Hendersonville, Asheville, Sylva, Brevard and upstate South Carolina, the choir’s repertoire includes a mix of classical choral

and choral/symphonic compositions and lighter fare, including popular favorites. The Carolina Concert Choir performs twice, near the Christmas/Hanukkah holiday in mid-December and once in mid-April for a spring concert. Rehearsals and performances are at Grace Lutheran Church at 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville. The choir also periodically performs with the Asheville Symphony Chorus, Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra in their venues. The Carolina Concert Choir sponsors the annual All-County Honors chorus for more than 80 aspiring middle and high school students which concludes with a concert the third weekend every November. Visit their website for concert information, to schedule an audition with Dr. Lancaster and to purchase tickets or donate.

FOUR SEASONS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

828-490-7119

4SeasonsOrchestra.org

The Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra is Western North Carolina’s orchestra for all seasons, presenting one concert each spring, summer, fall and winter around Hendersonville and beyond. Its mission is to present inspiring music in intimate settings and raise funds and awareness at every concert in support of causes and organizations in the community. The 4SCO is composed of professional, amateur and student musicians with programming that ranges from historic masterpieces of the symphonic tradition to new art and popular music and beyond. The 4SCO is led by director and conductor Eric Scheider.

HENDERSONVILLE CHORALE

828-425-8584

Facebook.com/HendersonvilleChorale

This group of approximately 30-40 people which sing all varieties of

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The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is conducted by John Young Shik Concklin.

music from classics to show tunes, is a non-auditioned group of singers that includes every age group and skill level. The Hendersonville Chorale’s mission is to provide opportunities to all people who love to sing and share the love of music and the inspiration it provides the greater community. The chorale prides itself on its welcoming camaraderie. Directed by Michael Stephen Brannon, the Chorale prepares and performs two concerts each year, one in the spring and another in the fall. The Chorale seeks new members. Those interested should email optisand52@gmail.com.

HENDERSONVILLE COMMUNITY BAND

HCBMusic.com

The Hendersonville Community Band, founded by Jim Stokes, has been sharing music with Hendersonville and the surrounding area since 1991. The band, which consists of 75 amateur and professional musicians, performs four concerts per season: in the fall, at holiday time, spring and early summer presenting a wide range of selections and occasional guest appearances by other artists and ensembles. HCB encourages music education through the Jim Stokes summer music camp scholarships for Henderson County students and through the Ralph Campbell and Joan Tripp Scholarships for students majoring in instrumental music education in area colleges. HCB is led by Conductor Winford Franklin and Associate Conductor Dr. Cole Hairston.

HENDERSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

828-697-5884

HendersonvilleSymphony.org

Established in 1971, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra of professional musicians that performs six concerts a year, conducted by Music Director John

The Art League of Henderson County offers workshops & art classes throughout the year.

Young Shik Concklin. All main season performances are held in the Blue Ridge Conference (Concert) Hall at Blue Ridge Community College. Season subscription and single concert tickets are available throughout the season, which runs from September through May. The Hendersonville Symphony considers the musical enrichment and education of young people a major priority. Youth programs include the Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Hendersonville Symphony Youth Chorus, Young Artist Competition, Education Concerts for local, school-aged children and a Youth Scholarship program. Volunteers with Friends of the Hendersonville Symphony help produce the Symphony’s fundraisers each year.

HENDERSONVILLE SWING BAND

828-696-8031

HendersonvilleSwingBand.org

This 17-piece band has been a musical fixture in Hendersonville since 1996. Staying true to the original masters of swing, the band performs music by The Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more. Led by trombonistconductor Jerry Zink, the band plays benefit concerts several times a year for local service organizations and charities.

THEATRE

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE

2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock

828-693-0731

FlatRockPlayhouse.org

North Carolina’s State Theatre opened its curtain in 1952 in the Village of Flat Rock. Seventy years later, the theatre continues to provide the region with professional live entertainment. About 90,000 patrons a year enjoy a variety of musicals, comedies, contemporary dramas, the Playhouse Jr. family/ school series and music concerts that entertain and enlighten all

year long. The theatre also offers excellence in arts education and outreach to children and adults locally, regionally and statewide.

HENDERSONVILLE THEATRE

229 S Washington Street, Hendersonville 828-692-1082

HVLTheatre.org

For more than 55 years, Hendersonville Theatre (formerly Hendersonville Community Theatre) has been the official theatre for the community. The theatre’s purpose is to enrich, stimulate and entertain Western North Carolina by providing high quality live theatre, music, films, education and special events. The theatre is run by a professional staff, but welcomes anyone with a desire to learn more about performing arts.

Gary L. Gresh

Flat Rock, NC Resident | Author

Art on Main, an outdoor art and fine crafts fair, features works from artists across the region.

The Great Outdoors

Henderson County and its neighboring Western North Carolina counties boast beautiful, nationally recognized places for exploring the great outdoors.

Year round opportunities abound throughout the region for hiking, mountain biking, cycling, backpacking, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, paddling and other outdoor activities in conservation areas, forests and other natural settings.

BEARWALLOW MOUNTAIN

Off Bearwallow Mountain Road

Hendersonville

ConservingCarolina.org/BearwallowMountain and VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ Scenic-ToursHikes

Bearwallow Mountain is in eastern Henderson County at an elevation of 4,232 feet above sea level. Both the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Trombatore Trail start from the same parking lot on Bearwallow Mountain Road. Parking is limited so carpooling encouraged. The one-mile-long Bearwallow Trail features a grassy meadow at its summit along with a historic fire tower and a 360° view that includes such area landmarks as downtown Hendersonville, Mt.

Pisgah, Mt. Mitchell, Hickory Nut Gorge and upstate South Carolina. The Trombatore Trail is a 2.4mile hike through a forest with significant changes in elevation and panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Bearwallow Mountain.

DUPONT STATE RECREATIONAL FOREST

Henderson Co/Transylvania Co Line 828-877-6527

NCForestService.gov/Contacts/DSF.htm or DupontForest.com

Stretching from Stone Mountain in Henderson County to Rich Mountain in Transylvania County, the 10,400acre DuPont State Recreational Forest contains a variety of plant communities including rich hardwood coves, groves of white pine, upland oaks, spray cliff plants and sedges on granite domes. The forest features four spectacular waterfalls – Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls and Bridal Veil Falls – all within a three-hour walk along the Little River. In addition, Grassy Creek Falls, Wintergreen Falls and

several mountain lakes can be found along the trails. The forest has approximately 80 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Visitor parking is available in six access areas located around the perimeter of the forest. Interior forest roads are not open to motorized vehicles. As part of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Game Lands program, parts of the forest are open to deer, turkey and small game hunting on certain days and by permit only. For fishing, DuPont features impoundments, warm-water streams and coldwater streams. A state fishing license is required for anglers ages 16 and older. For more information about hunting or fishing, visit NCWildlife. org or call 888-248-6834. DuPont State Recreational Forest is open year-round from 5AM to 10PM. There is no public camping. Support for the forest also comes from the Friends of DuPont Forest, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the forest’s preservation.

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Dupont State Forest is a popular mountain biking destination. Photo credit: David Rutecki.

ECUSTA TRAIL

EcustaTrail.org

828-490-1854

The Ecusta Trail, when complete, will be a 19.1 mile, multi-use greenway along an unused railway corridor (railtrail) connecting Hendersonville and Brevard. This ‘linear park’ will beckon people of all ages and abilities to reach destinations by walking, running, biking and wheelchair. The rail line meanders through fields and forests, beside streams, pastures and country churches, offering a picture-book walk through a life nurtured and cradled in the mountains of Western North Carolina. In the summer of 2023, partners expect to break ground on the first 5.7 miles of trail, running from Hendersonville to Horse Shoe. This section will begin at South Main Street in Hendersonville and end at US 64 after passing through Laurel Park. Conserving Carolina and Friends of the Ecusta Trail continue to raise funds needed to build the entire 19-mile trail. They are seeking generous donations from the community to complete the trail and make the dream of the Ecusta Trail real at last.

HOLMES EDUCATIONAL STATE FOREST

1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville

9AM to 5 PM , Tue-Fri and 11AM to 6 PM , Sat & Sun, March-Oct

9AM to 5 PM , Tue-Fri, Nov-Feb

Closed designated NC state holidays

828-692-0100

NCESF.org/Holmes.html

Holmes Educational State Forest features nearly five miles of welltended trails that vary in length and difficulty. The trails showcase a variety of native trees marked for identification and many varieties of wildflowers. Displays and self-guided tours teach about nature, ecology and forest management. Along the unique, easy, half-mile “Talking Tree Trail,” the trees themselves tell passersby why their type of tree is important to the forest. Holmes Educational State Forest features outdoor education workshops, picnic facilities, ranger conducted classes and a group campground that is available seasonally just for youth groups.

UPPER HICKORY NUT GORGE TRAILHEAD

3836 Gerton Hwy, Gerton 828-697-5777

HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/Upper-Hickory-Nut-Gorge-Trailhead

Located on Highway 74 in the northeastern corner of Henderson County, this property is a trail access point. This trailhead park offers parking and access to hiking trails that lead to the Florence Preserve and the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead covers an area of 26 acres.

WILDCAT ROCK TRAIL

3823 Gerton Hwy, Gerton 828-697-5777

ConservingCarolina.org/ Wildcat-Rock-Trail

Formerly known as the Little Bearwallow Falls Trail, Wildcat Rock Trail offers moderate to very strenuous out-and-back hike that is up to 10 miles round-trip, featuring a waterfall, views from a rock outcrop and a meadow along the ridge line. This trail can be customized for a short or long hike.

MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, backpackers, campers and water sports enthusiasts will find even more outdoor fun just beyond Henderson County, making its location ideal for day trips and weekend getaways to such public lands, conserved spaces and private attractions as:

• Appalachian Trail: NPS.gov/Appa

• Bent Creek Experimental Forest: SRS.FS.USDA.gov/BentCreek

• The Biltmore Estate: Biltmore.com

• Blue Ridge Parkway: NPS.gov/BlRi/Index.htm, BlueRidgeParkway.org

CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club BlueRidgeBicycleClub.org

Downtown Asheville Racing Club DARCCycling.com

North Carolina Bike Routes NCDOT.gov/BikePed/ NCBikeways

Pisgah Area SORBA PisgahAreaSORBA.org

HIKING

Carolina Mountain Club CarolinaMountainClub.org

Conserving Carolina ConservingCarolina.org

High Country Hikers

HighCountryHikers .org

Pisgah Hikers PisgahHikers.org

SNOW SKIING, SNOWBOARDING AND TUBING

Asheville Ski Club

AshevilleSkiClub.com

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• T he Cradle of Forestry: GoFindOutdoors.org/ Cradle-of-Forestry

• Ecusta Trail: EcustaTrail.org

• Chimney Rock State Park: ChimneyRockPark.com

• Gorges State Park: NCParks.gov/Gorges-State-Park

• Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather.com

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: NPS.gov/GRSM/index.htm

• Lake James State Park: NCParks.gov/ Lake-James-State-Park

• Lake Julian Park: BuncombeCounty.org/ Governing/Depts/Parks/ Facilities/Parks/Lake-Julian.aspx

• Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: LakeLureFloweringBridge.org

• Mount Mitchell State Park: NCParks.gov/ Mount-Mitchell-State-Park

• Nantahala National Forest: FS.USDA.gov/recarea/NFSNC/ recarea/?recid=4863

• The North Carolina Arboretum: NCArboretum.org

• Panthertown Valley: Panthertown.org

• Pearson’s Falls & Glen: PearsonsFalls.org

• Pisgah National Forest: FS.USDA.gov/recarea/NFSNC/ recarea/?recid=48114

• Purple Martin Greenway: RutherfordtonTrails.com/ Purple-Martin-Greenway

FISHING AND HUNTING

Anglers have bountiful opportunities in local rivers and lakes for fishing –including fly fishing – and public game lands offer hunting by permit. For more information, visit: the Hendersonville Visitor Center’s page with local fishing resources at VisithendersonvilleNC.org/Things-To-Do?fwp_ Accommodations=Fishing-Hunting#All-Listings, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for information about required licenses and permits, rules and regulations, hunting seasons and where to fish and hunt at NCWildlife.org, Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited with fishing maps, hatch charts, programs and more at PisgahTU.org, the USDA Forest Service for information about fishing and hunting in national forests at FS.USDA.gov/Activity/NFSNC/ Recreation/Fishing and FS.USDA.gov/Activity/NFSNC/Recreation/Hunting

Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited offers membership opportunities.

Parks & Recreation in Henderson County

Parks, playgrounds, trails and indoor facilities throughout Henderson County offer a plethora of recreational fun for all ages.

PLAYGROUNDS, PARKS

AND

BALLFIELDS

HENDERSON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

Parks & Recreation Department

828-697-4884

HendersonCountyNC.org/Recreation

BLANTYRE PARK

120 Grove Bridge Road, Hendersonville HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/Page/ Blantyre-Park

This park near the Transylvania County line offers parking and a canoe port to the French Broad River, a state-designated watercraft trail.

DANA COMMUNITY PARK

2879 Upward Road, Flat Rock HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/Dana-Community-Park

The park offers a community building and picnic shelter, an open field, a walking trail with benches, a playground and a basketball hoop.

EAST FLAT ROCK PARK

107 Blue Ridge Road, East Flat Rock HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/East-Flat-Rock-Park

This park offers a picnic shelter, a gazebo, a playground, swings, walking trails and recreational fields.

ETOWAH PARK

449 Etowah School Road, Etowah HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/Etowah-Park

This nearly 18-acre park includes a walking trail, tennis courts, a shelter, picnic tables, a Little Free Library, a playground, sports fields, batting cages, a shuffleboard court and a disc golf course.

JACKSON PARK

801 4th Avenue E, Hendersonville

Covering 220 acres, Jackson Park features walking trails, multipurpose fields for soccer and events, baseball/softball fields, tennis

continued on page 72

Oklawaha Greenway Trail runs through Jackson Park.

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courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, a disc golf course, a mountain bike skills park, adult exercise equipment, picnic shelters and an entrance to the Oklawaha Greenway. The park also features a new all-inclusive ADA playground accessible for all kids with varying developmental needs.

TUXEDO PARK

1299 Old US Highway 25, Zirconia HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/Tuxedo-Park

This park covers more than six acres and includes a walking trail, veterans memorial, a playground and open green space.

WESTFELDT PARK

83 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/Westfeldt-Park

Located along the French Broad River, this park with more than 15 acres offers picnic areas, river access, a canoe/small boat launch ramp and an open field area.

HENDERSONVILLE CITY PARKS

HENDERSONVILLE CITY PARKS

828-697-3084

HendersonvilleNC.gov/Parks

BERKELEY MILLS PARK

69 Balfour Road

This 60-acre park features a baseball park and a pavilion for rent. Berkeley Mills Park joins the Oklawaha Greenway by way of a trail connecting it to the county’s Jackson Park.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER

KING JR. MEMORIAL PARK

Fourth Avenue and Grove Street

This city park near downtown provides greenspace with benches, picnic tables and a granite memorial.

EDWARDS PARK

904 N Main Street

HendersonvilleNC.gov

Edwards Park is located on North Main Street, a few blocks from

downtown Hendersonville. The City of Hendersonville expects to reopen Edwards Park in early fall of 2023 with the reimagined 18-hole Laura E. Corn Mini-Golf course. This ADA-accessible course will be accompanied by other park amenities including a playground, concession stand and local art features in addition to the existing scout cabins.

FOUR SEASONS ROTARY PARK

804 W Allen Street

This park features a pavilion with two picnic tables, a paved walking trail with park benches along the trail and a playground.

LENOX PARK

Lenox Park Drive near S Whitted Street

Composed of one-half acre, this park has picnic tables and a historic natural spring.

PATTON PARK

1730 Asheville Highway

HendersonvilleNC.gov/Parks/Patton-Pool YMCAWNC.org/Patton-Park-and-Pool

The City of Hendersonville partners with the Hendersonville Family YMCA to manage all recreational space at Patton Park except for the skate park. Patton Park’s 19 acres include a football field, baseball fields, basketball courts, a lighted

walking trail, picnic pavilions, gazebos, tennis and pickleball courts and a playground. The park’s Olympic-size outdoor pool at 114 E Clairmont Drive is open seasonally.

SULLIVAN PARK

713 Martin Circle

This five -acre park includes basketball courts, a playground and picnic tables. An asphalt connector joins Sullivan Park with the Oklawaha Greenway Trail.

TOMS PARK

318 W Allen Street

Toms Park’s five acres include 27 shuffleboard courts and several picnic tables.

INDOOR RECREATION

HENDERSON COUNTY ATHLETICS & ACTIVITY CENTER

708 S Grove Street, Hendersonville 828-697-4884

HendersonCountyNC.gov/Recreation/ Page/Athletics-Activity-Center-AAC

This indoor facility has a number of amenities including multiple classrooms for various activities, a dance room, a soccer field and a gymnasium where programs such as basketball, volleyball and pickleball are hosted.

On its 212 acres, Jackson Park caters to just about every outdoor sport.

HENDERSONVILLE

FAMILY YMCA

810 W 6th Avenue, Hendersonville 828-697-9622

YMCAWNC.org/Hendersonville

The Hendersonville Family YMCA offers group exercise classes, personal training, swim lessons and other fitness and communitybuilding programs. Membership includes access to amenities such as a wellness center, indoor pool and tennis courts.

MORE OUTDOOR FUN IN THE COUNTY

BILL MOORE

COMMUNITY PARK

85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher 828-687-0751

FletcherNC.org/Departments/Parks-andRecreation/BillMooreCommunityPark

Bill Moore Community Park features a playground, multi-purpose and baseball/softball fields, miles of

continued on next page

Patton Pool opens each year on Memorial Day weekend and closes on Labor Day.

scenic walking paths and trails, arboretum gardens, access to Cane Creek, a picnic area with a pavilion, a disc golf course, a dog park and an outdoor fitness circuit.

HENDERSONVILLE INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND HENDERSONVILLE ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

1039 Randall Circle, Hendersonville

828-697-4752

HCPSNC.org/HES

Located on the grounds of Hendersonville Elementary School, this inclusive playground was envisioned by the Hendersonville Inclusive Playground Project (HIPP) which was formed to create a playground with safe, stimulating and accessible features for children with diverse physical, mental and developmental abilities. Families may use the green space and playground outside of school hours, and groups may

MORE PLACES TO WALK IN HENDERSON COUNTY

Blue Ridge Community College BlueRidge.edu

Blue Ridge Mall (Inside) ShopBlueRidgeMall.com

Bullington Gardens BullingtonGardens.org

Carl Sandburg

Home National Historic Site NPS.gov/Carl

Historic Johnson Farm HistoricJohnsonFarm.org

Main Street Walking Tour in Downtown Hendersonville VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ WP-Content/Uploads/ Main-St-Walking-Tour.pdf

Perry N. Rudnick

Nature Trail

BlueRidgeHeritageTrail.com/ Explore-a-Trail-of-HeritageTreasures/The-Perry-NRudnick-Art-Nature-Trail

complete a facility rental request at HendersonCountyPublicSchoolsNC. org/Core/Facilities-Rental.

JUMP OFF ROCK PARK

4501 Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park 828-693-4840

LaurelPark.org/JumpOff

Jump Off Rock is the scenic overlook atop Echo Mountain which can be reached by driving all the way up Laurel Park Highway. The park includes a trail system. Jump Off Rock provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures and the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges.

KATE’S & PETE’S PARK Library Road, Fletcher 828-687-0751

FletcherNC.org/Departments/Parks-andRecreation/KatesandPetesPark

Adjacent to the Fletcher Library, this park features a playground, paved walking trail, green open space and a picnic shelter.

LAUREL GREEN PARK

440 White Pine Drive, Hendersonville 828-693-4840

LaurelPark.org/LaurelGreen

This 4-acre parcel of level land is enclosed by a perimeter of planted berms and a stream. The park includes a playground, walking paths, a pond and a gazebo.

MILLS RIVER PARK

Town Center Drive & Haywood Road, Mills River 828-890-2901

MillsRiver.org/160/Parks-Recreation

Maintained by the Town of Mills River, this park includes a multi-use trail, playground with sunshade, dog park, picnic shelter, tennis/pickleball courts, handicapped accessible fishing pier and a launch for non-motorized watercraft such as tubes, canoes and kayaks.

Mills River Park offers a shaded playground area for families to enjoy.

OKLAWAHA GREENWAY TRAIL

Jackson Park to Patton Park, Hendersonville FriendsofOklawaha.org

Following Mud Creek, which also is known as Oklawaha Creek, the 3.5-mile Oklawaha Greenway Trail winds through wetlands, meadows and forests to connect four parks. The trail is handicapped accessible, relatively flat and suitable for walking and cycling. Water access for launching tubes, kayaks and canoes is available at both the 7th Avenue parking area and at Berkeley Mills Park. Highlights along the way include a wetland area with native trees and shrubs and an observation deck allows for watching and listening to songbirds.

THE PARK AT FLAT ROCK

55 Highland Golf Drive, Flat Rock 828-697-8100

FlatRockNC.GovOffice3.com

Located in the French Broad watershed on the site of a former

golf course, the Village of Flat Rock owns and manages this 66-acre park which features open green spaces, a variety of local flora and fauna, scenic trails, a picnic pavilion, a welcome center with a community room meeting space and two playgrounds. The nonprofit Flat Rock Park and Recreation Foundation, Inc. helps support The Park at Flat Rock.

RHODODENDRON LAKE NATURE PARK

321 Primrose Lane, Hendersonville 828-693-4840

LaurelPark.org/RLNP

Managed by the Town of Laurel Park, this 10-acre park features Rhododendron Lake which was built in 1909. The park includes walking paths, fitness stations, a catch-and-release fishing pond and a picnic area. Laurel Green and Rhododendron Lake Nature Park are connected via the sidewalk on Laurel Park Highway to Primrose Lane.

The Park at Flat Rock offers a scenic trail for walking or jogging.

Golfers Paradise

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, North Carolina is a paradise for golfers with excellent courses in and around Hendersonville. Golfers can choose to play at all levels, and with Henderson County’s moderate climate, golfers can enjoy playing on its many courses throughout the year.

PUBLIC COURSES

BROADMOOR GOLF LINKS

101 French Broad Lane, Fletcher

828-687-1500

BroadmoorGolfLinks.com

This 18-hole, par-72, championship course in Fletcher was designed by noted golf course architect Karl Litten in the Scottish links style. With bentgrass greens, bermuda grass fairways and water throughout, this course offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Broadmoor Golf Links is designed to be enjoyed in four hours whether riding or walking for 18 holes. Nine holes are available for play, as well. Tees measure from 4,020 to more than 7,000 yards. The

clubhouse features a restaurant and two-story event venue that can entertain groups of various sizes. Personalized golf instruction is available from Broadmoor Golf Links’ PGA Professional Staff as well as through PGA Jr. League and Jr. Camps. Broadmoor Golf Links also has multiple leagues throughout the week.

CROOKED CREEK

GOLF CLUB

764 Crooked Creek Road, Hendersonville 828-692-2011

Open to the public year-round, this 18-hole, 6,741-yard, par72, championship course was established in 1968 and is located

just one and a half miles from downtown Hendersonville in the Crooked Creek Community off Kanuga Road. The course rating is 70.9 and it has a slope rating of 127. Designed by Stewart Gooden, Crooked Creek Golf Club offers mountain views and challenging play for golfers with four sets of tees for different skill levels. The practice area includes a full driving range, practice sand trap and chipping green. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep Crooked Creek Golf Club challenging but friendly, and the staff can offer tips for playing your best round.

continued on page 78

A breathtaking view of the Champion Hills course.

Crooked Creek Golf Club

ETOWAH VALLEY

GOLF & RESORT

470 Brickyard Road, Etowah 828-891-7022

EtowahValley.com

Designed by Edmund B. Ault, this 27-hole, championship course offers mountain views, a putting green, driving range and practice area, pro shop, clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, heated swimming pool, 65 lodge rooms and two cottages. Five sets of tees accommodate all levels of golfers.

ORCHARD TRACE

GOLF CLUB

3389 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville 828-685-1006

Facebook.com/OrchardTraceGolfCourse

Built on a former apple orchard, this 18-hole, par-3 course is fully lighted to permit seasonal evening play and features bluegrass fairways, bluegrass tees and bentgrass greens. Its hilly terrain – with a small lake and two creeks – offers 2,450 yards of play year-round.

continued on page 80

The clubhouse at Champion Hills offers scenic views.

PRIVATE

AND

SEMIPRIVATE COURSES

CHAMPION HILLS

1 Hagen Drive, Hendersonville 828-696-1962

ChampionHills.com

Award-winning golf course architect

Tom Fazio designed Champion Hills as his Mountain Masterpiece. This 18-hole, 6,510-yard, par-71, yearround private course is ranked as Golfweek’s #1 Year-Round Private Course in Western North Carolina.

CUMMINGS COVE

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

20 Cummings Cove Parkway, Hendersonville 828-891-9412

CummingsCove.com

One of America’s 50 Best MasterPlanned Communities offers this award-winning, 18-hole, 6,085yard, par-71 course featuring elevated tees, tree-lined fairways, lakes, streams and Blue Ridge mountain views. Three unique par-3 holes highlight the back nine. The clubhouse features a public restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms and library with a separate golf shop

next door. Additionally, non-resident golf memberships are available. If interested, contact the membership director at 828-891-1512.

HENDERSONVILLE COUNTRY CLUB

1860 Hebron Road, Hendersonville 828-693-6507

HendersonvilleCC.com

Designed by Donald Ross, this private, 18-hole, 6,523-yard, par-70, championship course. The club also boasts two practice greens, a short game green, a driving range and a pro shop, clubhouse and grill.

KENMURE COUNTRY CLUB

100 Clubhouse Drive, Flat Rock 828-693-8506

Kenmure.com/Golf

The centerpiece of the Kenmure development is a private Joe Leedesigned 18-hole, traditional 6,509yard, par-72 course that sports beautifully sculpted bentgrass greens as well as bentgrass fairways and tees. Whether riding or walking, the course set-up – which consists of five sets of tees – offers a challenging yet fun golf experience.

The clubhouse at Kenmure overlooks the course.

Hendersonville Country Club is a private course designed by Donald Ross.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWN BENEFITS

FRESH OXYGEN

A 5,000 sq ft grass lawn can produce enough fresh oxygen daily for 14-34 people.

RAINFALL CAPTURE

A 5,000 sq ft grass lawn can capture between 2,000 and 27,000 gallons of water depending on soil type.

ABOVE GROUND BENEFITS BELOW GROUND BENEFITS

CARBON CAPTURE

COOLING POTENTIAL

Lawns can be up to 60 degrees cooler than surrounding hardscapes.

SOIL MICROBIOME

Grass lawns enhance soil microbial diversity when compared to bare soil and helps regulate microbial community composition.

Carbon modeling research of a typical suburban home on a half-acre lot, landscape beds, shrubs, tress and a grass lawn indicates that between 81% and 90% of the carbon captured in the landscape is captured by the lawn.

Turf Mountain Sod, a family farm, cares about their customers, the environment, and their community. From championship golf courses to lawns or just enough to fix a patch, quality and satisfaction are at the heart of their service. Give them a call, they’d love to talk to you.

Henderson County –A Welcoming Place for Pets and Their People

Visitors and residents alike find that Henderson County is a welcoming place not only for them but also for their animal companions.

Any day along the streets of downtown Hendersonville, people can be seen strolling with their dogs and relaxing with their four-legged friends outside at restaurants, coffeehouses and breweries.

For the comfort and safety of animals and to help keep downtown Hendersonville enjoyable for everyone, the city requires that pet owners keep pets leashed and under control and that they clean up and dispose of pet waste.

PETS AND DOWNTOWN EVENTS

Hendersonville hosts downtown community celebrations throughout the year. At many of these events – such as the Rhythm & Brews concerts and the North Carolina Apple Festival during Labor Day weekend – pets are not allowed. At the Tails in Town event, however, dog lovers and their furry friends take center stage and are encouraged

to attend. The autumn celebration includes exhibitors, vendors, a costume pageant and educational sessions. Learn more at WTZQ.com/ Tails-in-Town.

For more about how Hendersonville appeals to people and their pets, visit VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ Pet-Friendly.

continued on page 84

Henderson County offers many opportunities to bring your furry friends with you.

WAG! A UNIQUE PET BOUTIQUE

BLUE RIDGE HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT STORE

Hendersonville’s first and favorite pet boutique, celebrating over 13 years in business. Carrying the best selection of raw, fresh, freeze dried and traditional dog and cat foods and supplements. Offering a wide variety of mix and match bulk treats, chews, antlers, bones, toys, collars, harnesses, games, travel gear, and baked goods. Supporting positive relationships between pets and their people.

Monday-Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday 10AM-6PM

Seasonally Open Friday & Saturday Until 8PM 231 N Main Street | Hendersonville 828-697-7799

HappyTails@WagPetBoutique.com

@WagPet WagPetBoutique.com

A DOG'S DAY OUT & A DOG'S NIGHT INN

The Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store is more than a resale store, it’s a second chance! Their store is considered the “Best Upscale Thrift Store in Henderson County” for good reason. The inventory changes often and with great discounts daily, you’re bound to find a treasure down every aisle. Thrift Store merchandise includes clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, furniture, linens, boutique items from upscale designer fashions, antiques, crafting supplies, and a limited selection of electronics. All proceeds from your purchases go directly to helping animals at the Adoption Center and in your community. Donate, shop, and support animals in need!

1214 Greenville Highway | Hendersonville 828-692-2639

Donation Pickup: (828) 620-3150

LAUREL PARK ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Providing large doggie play areas for running, jumping and chasing a ball or furry friends. A Dog’s Day Out provides your pup with a great day while you are at work or away.

A Dog’s Night Inn provides boarding while offering large outdoor exercise areas in a peaceful country setting. The full service operation pampers your pet throughout their stay.

A Dog's Day Out

942 Maple Street | Hendersonville 828-692-0200

ADogsDayOutNC.com

A Dog's Night Inn

227 Lane Road | Flat Rock 828-595-9809

Easy Online Reservations

ADogsNightInn.com

Laurel Park Animal Hospital is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care. Although their focus is on preventative medicine, their hospital is equipped with a wide range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities. At Laurel Park Animal Hospital, they create individualized preventative healthcare plans, promote client education and practice optimal veterinary care to keep your pet happy and healthy through all stages of life.

1824 Windsor Drive Hendersonville 828-697-5686

LaurelParkAnimalHospital.com

PETS

DOG PARKS

Pets are welcome at public parks throughout Hendersonville and Henderson County. In the interest of safety and sanitation, owners must keep pets leashed and clean up after them.

Hendersonville also has a park specifically for dogs – Pets' Own Place on 7th Avenue. This fenced dog park at 1019 7th Avenue East has two separate sections for small and large dogs. The park is across Mud Creek at the Oklawaha Greenway trailhead and has a waste bag dispenser, a trash receptacle and a water spigot. Throughout Henderson County, there are several other dog parks:

• Jackson Park at 4th Ave. East in Hendersonville features a dog area. Managed by the Henderson County Parks & Recreation Dept., Jackson Park has 220 acres that include many walking trails.

• Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher includes two fenced-in areas for large dogs and small dogs. Operated by The Town of Fletcher, the park is made up of 75 acres that also include walking trails and access to Cane Creek.

• Mills River Park features a dog park. This 48-acre park also includes a multi-use trail, a handicappedaccessible fishing pier and a launch for non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks.

EXPLORING STATE PARKS AND NATIONAL FORESTS WITH PETS

Hendersonville is not far from such state parks and forests as DuPont State Recreational Forest , Holmes Educational State Forest and Chimney Rock State Park. Pets are allowed in North Carolina State Parks and State Forests as long as they are on an attended leash no longer than six feet, are under the constant control of the owner and are kept only on pedestrian trails. With the exception of service

animals and authorized search and rescue dogs, pets are not allowed in public buildings in state parks or state forests.

Henderson County residents and visitors also enjoy regional hiking and camping with their pets in Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest. Pet owners must crate, cage or restrain their pets on leashes not exceeding six feet or otherwise physically confine their pets at all times. Pets are not permitted in public buildings in national forests other than service animals accompanying people with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental challenges. The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.

ANIMAL ADOPTIONS, EDUCATION AND MORE

Blue Ridge Humane Society is committed to creating happy homes for every pet.

BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center; works to ensure the highest quality adoption counseling experience for potential adopters; and provides owner support for BRHS adopters and community pet owners, including; low-cost vaccine clinics, pet training classes and behavior consultations and adoption follow-ups. BRHS also takes an active role in community outreach by providing animal and youth education programs and coordinating community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), the latter of which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville and the Henderson County Animal Services Center. BRHS operates the Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store which provides vital program funding through an upscale shopping experience. A 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, Blue Ridge Humane Society was

founded in 1950 and is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and neighboring communities. Learn more at BlueRidgeHumane.org or by calling 828-692-2639.

The Henderson County Animal Services Center provides shelter for adoptable and stray animals and reunites lost pets with their owners. The department keeps records of rabies cases and encourages responsible pet ownership by advocating anti-cruelty measures, keeping pets vaccinated against rabies, and spaying, neutering and microchipping of pets. The Center is at 828 Stoney Mountain Road in Hendersonville. Visit HendersonCountyNC.gov/ AnimalServices or call 828-6974723 for more information.

NORTH CAROLINA LAW PROTECTS PETS

While it’s not illegal to leave pets in vehicles, doing so has the potential to be hazardous to pets. For the health and safety of animals, North Carolina law allows any animal control officer, animal cruelty investigator, law enforcement officer, firefighter or rescue squad worker who has probable cause to believe an animal is confined in a vehicle under conditions likely to cause suffering, injury or death to enter a vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after trying to locate whomever is responsible for the animal. Conditions that can endanger pets include heat, cold and lack of adequate ventilation. Also, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department is in charge of handling animal control issues in the county. To report an animal control issue in the county, call 828-697-4912.

Community Resources & Volunteer Opportunities

A strong sense of community is evident in Henderson County by the many charitable, civic, social and religious organizations that offer a range of life-enriching services with the help of many residents who volunteer their time.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

828-697-2513

RedCross.org

The American Red Cross serving Western North Carolina helps neighbors in need by providing shelter, care and hope during disasters; making the community safer through emergency preparedness education; collecting and providing lifesaving blood products; teaching skills that save lives; and supporting military veterans and their families.

BIG BROTHERS

BIG SISTERS OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-507-6644

BBBSWNC.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Henderson County is one of 18 branches of BBBSWNC, an Asheville-based nonprofit. The organization offers

one-on-one mentoring programs for youth with the assistance of community volunteers. Each year, the nonprofit serves more than 50 young people across Henderson County, partners with 24 local schools and works to build new relationships with the community. New volunteers (Bigs) are always welcomed and appreciated.

BLUE RIDGE

HUMANE SOCIETY

828-692-2639

BlueRidgeHumane.org

A 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, Blue Ridge Humane Society is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center; works to ensure the highest quality adoption

counseling experience for potential adopters; and provides owner support for BRHS adopters and community pet owners, including low-cost vaccine clinics, pet training classes, behavior consultations and adoption follow-ups. BRHS also takes an active role in community outreach by providing animal and youth education programs and coordinating community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), the latter of which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville and the Henderson County Animal Services Center. BRHS operates the Blue Ridge Humane Society Thrift Store which provides vital program funding through an upscale shopping experience.

continued on page 88

There are many ways to volunteer throughout Hendersonville and Henderson County.

Let’s find home.

As a recognized leader in helping children reclaim, rebuild, or reimagine the essential belief in a safe, dependable home, Crossnore Communities for Children recruits and trains prospective foster parents who can provide a safe and stable home to children.

Ongoing supervision and support is provided after placement.

You can change the future for a child in foster care. Apply today to become a foster parent.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-693-9444

BGCHendersonCo.org

The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County provides a secure, enriching and positive space for over 1,000 young people each year through after-school and summer programming. These programs aim to promote academic achievement, career readiness, community involvement and physical fitness while encouraging positive personal choices. The club serves children ages six to 18. An all-inclusive membership costs $5 per child per year.

CAMPLIFY

828-697-2000

CamplifyNC.org

Camplify builds community leaders through a leadership development journey that nurtures local youth for nine years, beginning in the 4th grade when they are nominated by their school counselors and continuing through their high school graduation. Camplify works with area camps and nonprofits to provide high-quality, year-round experiential education programming that these youth would not have access to otherwise. Through this journey, Camplify helps

youth develop the skills they need to thrive and be confident leaders now and as adults.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

828-698-0674

ChildrenandFamily.org

The Children and Family Resource Center nurtures the development of children by building a strong foundation of family and community. CFRC offers 16 programs focused on parent education, quality child care resources, developmental screenings to prepare children for kindergarten and leadership on children’s issues.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-697-6224

CFHCForever.org

Since 1982, Community Foundation of Henderson County has been helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. In 2022, the Foundation received $6.2 million in new charitable contributions and awarded $5 million in grants and scholarships. Currently, the Foundation manages $130 million across 700-plus funds and trusts. Ninety-one percent

of these funds are endowments that provide philanthropic support forever.

CONSERVING CAROLINA

828-697-5777

ConservingCarolina.org

Conserving Carolina is a land trust that protects, restores and inspires appreciation of the natural world. The organization serves Henderson, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania Counties and parts of neighboring counties. Conserving Carolina has helped protect more than 48,000 acres of natural places from the waterfalls of DuPont State Forest to the rock faces of the Hickory Nut Gorge to the farms and rivers that provide food and clean water.

COUNCIL ON AGING FOR HENDERSON COUNTY

828-692-4203

COAHC.org

For more than 50 years, the Council on Aging for Henderson County has been providing and coordinating services that engage, connect and support local adults as they age. COAHC strives to ensure that no one ages alone through programs that include Meals on Wheels (delivery of meals to homebound seniors), congregate dining and activities, liquid nutrition, caregiver services, senior companions and community resource coordination. The Council on Aging also offers seasonal services including a heat-relief assistance program and shelf-stable meals for inclement weather.

CROSSNORE COMMUNITIES FOR CHILDREN

828-301-4622

Crossnore.org

Dedicated to the complex needs of children facing abuse, neglect or other serious risk, Crossnore is a recognized leader in understanding how trauma at home affects the whole child. Crossnore brings clinical expertise and compassionate care to children and families

Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County supports community youth.

through four interconnected resource communities: therapy services, family preservation, foster care and adoption and youth independent living.

HENDERSON COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION

828-697-5551

HCEFNC.org

Founded in 1986, the Henderson County Education Foundation has supported the teachers and students of Henderson County Public Schools by investing in and responding to the whole child and the whole school to create a thriving community. Through the support of donors, events and other fundraising efforts, the Foundation is able to provide funds to principals to meet the dayto-day emergencies and other needs of the most vulnerable children in the district. Additionally, HCEF offers post-secondary scholarships to graduating seniors, provides instructional support for arts and music education, supports HCPS curriculum needs with literacy and STEM and helps introduce and expand Leader in Me, a leadership program that empowers students with 21stcentury leadership and life skills. The Foundation’s flagship event is its annual Education Celebration where outstanding leaders in education are inducted into the Education Hall of Fame.

HENDERSON COUNTY

HABITAT

828-694-0340

FOR HUMANITY

Habitat-HVL.org

Henderson County Habitat for Humanity builds homes with families with low incomes who are living in substandard housing, working and can pay an affordable mortgage and are willing to spend “sweat equity” hours helping build their homes alongside Habitat volunteers. Habitat currently builds

12 to 16 energy-efficient homes each year. Habitat’s Home Preservation and Aging in Place programs help low-income homeowners and elderly homeowners with repairs to solve health and safety problems so they can continue to live in their homes safely and as they age.

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

828-697-4725

HendersonCountyNC.gov/Library

With the main library downtown and five branches throughout the county, the Henderson County Public Library makes available to all county residents tens of thousands of books, movies and music in both physical and digital formats. Each location offers free Wi-Fi to all visitors and public computer access for those with a card or guest pass. The library offers free engaging programs for all ages including story times, book clubs, computer classes and more. Visit the library’s website for a full calendar of events.

HENDERSONVILLE RESCUE MISSION

828-697-1354

HendersonvilleRescueMission.com

in 1981 today gives shelter to more than 1,000 people and provides more than 60,000 meals each year from its facility on Maple Street.

HOPE COALITION

828-388-7979

ElementsOfHope.org

Initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013, Hope Coalition is a community collaborative that works to educate, evaluate and implement evidentbased models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County. The community is invited to get involved throughout the year and in three annual events – Hope on The Farm, We Are Hope Week and Jingle Jog 5k/Fun Run. Hope Coalition offers programs and resources including Henderson County Youth Council, a Recovery Community Center, Mental Health & Crisis, Prevention Wellness Resources and more. The Buzz, a specialty nonalcoholic bar and café providing an alcohol-free environment for socializing and events is located at 225 S Grove Street.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Henderson County has many houses of worship representing both denominational and nondenominational congregations. Henderson County also is home to two Christian-affiliated conference centers – Bonclarken Conference Center and Kanuga Conferences –and Heartwood Refuge, a Buddhist retreat center.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION

828-692-4744

Housing-Assistance.com

our community by working on new construction projects, designed to put families into homes that they might not otherwise be able to manage, including self-help built homes. They also enhance the community by doing numerous volunteer projects such as health and safety home repairs for the disabled and elderly.

INTERFAITH ASSISTANCE MINISTRY

828-697-7029

IAM-HC.org

Founded in 1984, Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) is the largest nonprofit provider of crisis services in Henderson County. IAM provides free assistance with vital basic needs to Henderson County residents who are experiencing a financial crisis or an ongoing crisis. In 2022, IAM provided more than 71,830 service touches to 16,080 unique individuals. Many children and adults received assistance more than once. IAM provides services from 9AM – 4PM, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, extended hours from 9AM – 5:30 or 6PM (during Daylight Saving months) on Tuesdays and from 9AM – 1PM on Friday. Crisis services include a grocery order of nutritious food, personal hygiene items such as diapers and feminine products, clothing in all sizes, sheets, blankets, towels, pillows, financial assistance with rent to prevent new homelessness, utility bills, prescriptions and gasoline vouchers. IAM also serves homeless residents with tents, sleeping bags and other supplies and pet food. The agency also provides required clothing needed for working women and men to help them accept better-paying jobs. Budget counseling, referrals to other helping nonprofits and information about job openings is also provided. The IAM Thrift Store, located behind IAM’s crisis services facility at 119 Jack St., is open from 9AM – 5PM Tuesday through Saturday to help sustain the nonprofit.

For more than 41 years, the Hendersonville Rescue Mission has been helping those in need 365 days a year. Serving the hungry, addicted, homeless and poor, HRM offers overnight shelter, an addiction recovery program, the Good Samaritan Clinic, a Day Center and more. What began from a tailgate continued on page 92

A private, non-profit organization, the Housing Assistance Corporation is committed to providing safe and affordable housing for persons of limited income living in Henderson County and surrounding areas. Housing Assistance Corporation makes a difference in the lives of

Camplify offers experiential opportunities for area youth.

TRANSIT

» Apple Country Transit logged 163,925 miles

» 50,127 trips in 2021 and 171,819 miles | 56,364 trips in 2022

» WNCSource Transportation drove 57,486 mi. (5,000 trips) for Same-Day/Next-Day Medical Transport, Work First Transport, Elderly and Disabled Transportation

HOUSING

» Assists over 200 satisfied property owners

» 714 Families to secure safe, stable housing through the Housing Choice Voucher program

OLDER ADULTS

» 6,271 meals were served to 432 senior citizens

» Volunteers delivered 4,948 meals to the homes of 206 seniors

» Over 6,540 Ensure or Glucerna meals were distributed to over 260 seniors

» 3,822 Shelf-Stable 7-day meal boxes were delivered to 54 older adults

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

» 670 Children served (birth to 5 yrs.): 4 Pregnant women | 19 Children in foster care

» 287 Children enrolled through Early Head Start | 146 Children enrolled in Head Start

» 122 Children attended NC Pre-K

» 115 Children were served by Early Head Start Childcare Partners

» 20 Homeless families were served during the 2021–2022 program year

» 270 Families were provided with additional services (clothing, food, transportation, etc.)

» 302 Families took advantage of parenting education courses, English

» 184 Families received health education assistance

» 99% of Children received required medical exams | 53% of Children received dental exams

Make an impact in 2023!

Join us in our work to empower children, families, older adults and the working poor with the resources needed to transform their futures and live more fully in their community!

wncsource.org

828-693-1711

Map by Alexrk2, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

LITERACY CONNECTION

Formerly Blue Ride Literacy Council

828-696-381

LitConnection.org

Literacy Connection transforms lives by cultivating literacy skills that promote economic and social success. Volunteer tutors work directly with adult learners to increase their basic literacy skills, learn English as a Second Language, prepare for the US citizenship exam, obtain a GED or reach job-related goals such as promotions, raises and career changes with improved work literacy. Additional programs like Health Literacy and Digital Literacy serve the senior population. Literacy Connection partners with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Juvenile Justice to offer literacy support to at-risk youth and with Henderson County Public Schools to offer a kindergarten readiness program to mothers of preschoolers.

SAFELIGHT

828-693-3840

SafelightFamily.org

Safelight is a comprehensive nonprofit serving all survivors of interpersonal violence such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse. The nonprofit

offers a continuum of services moving survivors from crisis to sustainability. Safelight’s services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, an emergency shelter, case management, individual counseling, support groups, onsite medical linkage to care, forensic medical exams and interviews for children, emergency room advocacy, law enforcement advocacy, legal advocacy, community education and advocacy. Safelight’s Dandelion Café and Resale Store are components of the nonprofit’s onsite paid job training program, helping trauma survivors rebuild the confidence and skills necessary to obtain sustained employment that leads to selfsufficiency.

SMART START PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

828-693-1580

SmartStartPFC.org

Smart Start Partnership for Children has been serving families with young children ages 0-5 in Henderson County since 1998. With the mission to support, educate and advocate to build a strong foundation for the youngest members of the community, the organization works toward a vision where every

NC 2-1-1

NC 2-1-1 is a health and human services information and referral service administered by United Way of North Carolina and supported by local United Ways and public and private partners across the state. North Carolina residents in all 100 counties can get connected to a database of more than 13,000 verified resources by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-888-892-1162) or by visiting NC211.org. This service is free, confidential, multilingual, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

family in Henderson County has equitable access to opportunities and resources so that all children in Henderson County can reach their full potential. Smart Start focuses on improving the availability and accessibility of high-quality early childhood education, improving the quality of care that all young children receive in licensed child care centers, providing the tools and resources parents need to support the health development of their children, building community resilience, early literacy efforts and community education. The work of Smart Start Partnership for Children is grounded in a commitment to diversity & inclusion, equity, cultural humility, resiliency and community partnerships.

THE STOREHOUSE

828-692-8300

StorehouseOnline.org

Formed in 2000, The Storehouse is a Christ-centered food and hygiene pantry for those in need in Henderson County. The nonprofit’s mission is to help families and individuals facing food insecurity in a caring and respectful manner by distributing coats, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, linens, personal hygiene items, kitchen supplies and pet food. They provide direct food

continued on page 94

Children enjoy reading time with SmartStart Partnership for Children.

Asheville Ale Trail Celebrates the NC Year of the Trail

Representing two of the important layers of what makes WNC so special, the Asheville Ale Trail is celebrating the NC Year of the Trail.

2023 NC Year of the Trail celebrates all trails from the well-known such as the Mountains-to-Sea Trail or the Appalachian Trail to the pathways that run through every community in North Carolina providing connectivity, fitness, and space to be outdoors.

While the Ale Trail has no footpath, it is a Field Guide highlighting the breweries, distilleries, and wineries across Asheville and Hendersonville, helping visitors and locals discover the best of the WNC region. Get

Asheville Ale

Asheville Ale Trail is a comprehensive and up-to-date Field Guide to breweries and craft beverage makers in Western North Carolina. As the top resource for discovering all things related to the craft beverage industry Asheville Ale Trail is the premier option to help visitors and residents discover the best of Beer City. The Field Guide is available for free at hundreds of locations and online at AshevilleAleTrail.com.

AshevilleAleTrail.com

SCAN TO SHOP NOW

Trail is proud to support the NC Year of the Trail by donating $5 OF EVERY MERCHANDISE ITEM SOLD to Carolina Mountain Club throughout 2023.

assistance to an average of 325 households monthly, and support ongoing community outreach by partnering with churches, charity organizations and local government agencies. The Senior Delivery program brings monthly food and household essentials to the homebound or disabled elderly. At Christmastime, the nonprofit partners with Henderson County schools to bring joy to needy families through its Blessings in Boxes program which in 2022 provided Christmas gifts to 2,038 children from 728 families.

UNITED WAY OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-692-1636

LiveUnitedHC.org

United Way fights for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of everyone in our community. Through partnerships and support as well as volunteer time and financial support from individuals, organizations and local

businesses, over 35,000 services are provided to county residents each year. It takes a community to make this work possible, and new resident participation is always welcome.

VOCATIONAL SOLUTIONS OF HENDERSON COUNTY

828-692-9626

VocSol.com

Vocational Solutions of Henderson County, which has served the community since 1967, provides career and life skills training for adults with disabilities or vocational barriers to employment. Clients participate in academic classes, training to promote independent living, community-inclusive activities and work projects provided by local business partners.

WNCSOURCE

828-693-1711

WNCSource.org

For more than 55 years, WNCSource has been providing Western North

Carolinians with programs and services to help them reach their potential and become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community. Programs include early childhood education, affordable housing assistance, communitywide transportation and healthy living services for older adults. Headquartered in Hendersonville, WNCSource works independently and in collaboration with its network of community partners to deliver essential programs and services to low-income and underserved residents of Henderson, Transylvania, Rutherford and Polk Counties.

CIVIC CLUBS

Henderson County has multiple civic clubs for community members to connect and work together on volunteer efforts. Check with the individual clubs to confirm meeting times and locations.

KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL

HENDERSONVILLE KIWANIS CLUB

HendersonvilleKiwanis.org

The Hendersonville Kiwanis Club, which is more than 100 years old, meets at 11:45AM the second and fourth Thursdays at Grace Lutheran Church at 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville and at 5:30PM the first and third Thursdays at changing locations. Special events are planned on the fifth Thursdays.

LIONS CLUBS

INTERNATIONAL

EDNEYVILLE COMMUNITY LIONS CLUB

E-Clubhouse.org/Sites/EdneyvilleCommunity

The Edneyville Community Lions Club meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Southern Trust Estate and Auction Company at 1050 7th Avenue E in Hendersonville.

ETOWAH LIONS CLUB

828-891-3071

Facebook.com/EtowahLionsClub

The Lions Club in Etowah meets at

the Etowah Lions Den at 447 Etowah School Road the second and fourth Tuesday at 6:30PM, and offers a Farmers Market on Wednesdays from May through October from 3 to 6PM.

HENDERSONVILLE LIONS CLUB

E-Clubhouse.org/Sites/Hendersonville

The Hendersonville Lions Club meets the first and third Fridays in the Henderson County Parks and Rec offices, 708 S. Grove St., at 12:30PM. A Zoom option is provided for those who cannot attend in person. Email Hendersonville.NC.Lions.Club@ gmail.com for more information or to join the Zoom meetings.

MILLS RIVER LIONS CLUB

828-890-1817

Facebook.com/Lions-Club-of-MillsRiver-549247121776222

The Mills River Lions Club meets at 7:45AM the first and third Fridays of the month at the Mills River Community Center.

MOUNTAIN HOME LIONS CLUB

E-Clubhouse.org/Sites/MountainHomepa Chartered in 1979, the Mountain Home Lions Club meets at 6PM the third Thursday of the month at Bay Breeze Seafood Restaurant at 1830 Asheville Highway in Hendersonville.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

ROTARY CLUB OF HENDERSONVILLE HendersonvilleRotary.com

The Rotary Club of Hendersonville meets at noon on Tuesdays at Grace Lutheran Church at 1245 6th Ave. W in Hendersonville.

ROTARY CLUB OF HENDERSONVILLE- FOUR SEASONS

FourSeasonsRotary.org

The Hendersonville-Four Seasons Rotary Club meets at 5:30 PM on Mondays at Janitzio Mexican Restaurant at 1053 Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL

FOUR SEASONS

TOASTMASTERS CLUB

FourSeasonsToastmasters.com

The Four Seasons Toastmasters Club holds a hybrid meeting at 8AM on Fridays by Zoom and in person at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Blythe Street in Hendersonville. Email StanCoss2@gmail.com for Zoom meeting ID.

Hendersonville Lions Club

Find Your Dream Home

From stately colonials and comfortable ranches to contemporary and custom designs to log cabins and more, Henderson County offers anyone looking for their dream home a variety of choices. Homes can be found in downtown neighborhoods, wooded natural settings, rural areas and perched high on mountainsides with breathtaking views.

Some choice residential communities are designed to permanently preserve the natural beauty of the land and the greenness of the area. Many communities in the area have active homeowners associations that organize social, recreational and educational activities for residents. For communities specifically designed for retirement or adults at least 55 or older, see Your Retirement Your Way on page 130.

HIGHLAND LAKE VILLAGE is located on 200 acres, two miles from downtown Flat Rock. Four distinct neighborhoods offer

primary or secondary homes, vacation rental homes and immediate occupancy resale homes with on-site real estate and property management. Recognized as one of the Top Ten Most Walkable Communities in America and recipient of the National Association of Homebuilders “Best in American Living” Award, there are sidewalks, miles of walking trails, open green spaces and proximity to The Park at Flat Rock.

For those who prefer their green spaces in the form of a golf course or enjoy the country club lifestyle, Henderson County offers premier golfing communities.

CHAMPION HILLS is a top-ranked, year-round golf club located just 5 miles from downtown Hendersonville. Champion Hills boasts of life’s perfect balance and breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains for those looking for a seasonal mountain retreat or a full-time residence. The community offers a Fazio championship golf course, lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, a fitness center, a heated pool, a hydro spa, exceptional dining, miles of trails and more.

continued on page 98

Champion Hills is a top-ranked golf community.

CUMMINGS COVE is a gated golf community just eight miles west of downtown. Located on more than 650 acres, Cummings Cove offers a diverse selection of homes, villas and cottages. The Mountain Top section has homesites with see-forever mountain views. The Valley View golf villas afford scenic golf vistas with a wooded mountain backdrop. The sports complex includes a fitness center with a pool, hot tub spa and three joint-friendly tennis courts

in addition to the clubhouse with restaurant and golf shop.

KENMURE is a gated golf community located just four miles from downtown in Flat Rock. A historic antebellum mansion serves as a grand clubhouse with a restaurant. Residents also enjoy indoor and outdoor heated pools, hard and soft-surface tennis courts and a fitness center. The community offers homesites for custom single-family

TURNING ON YOUR HOME ELECTRICITY

Duke Energy

Duke-Energy.com

For Customer Service: 800-777-9898

To Report Trouble: 800-POWERON (800-769-3766)

GAS

Dominion Energy

DominionEnergy.com/ North-Carolina-Gas/ Start-Stop-Service

For Customer Service or to Report Trouble: 877-776-2427

WATER/SEWER

Hendersonville

HendersonvilleNC.gov/ Customer-Service/ Starting-Water-Sewer-Service

For New Service: Apply online or in person. Call 828-697-3052 or visit website for details.

To Report: 828-697-3073

(During business hours of 8AM to 5PM on weekdays) 828-891-7779

(After hours, weekends and holidays)

homes, freestanding villas and condominiums and new mountain craftsman cottages.

GREAT RECREATIONAL AMENITIES ARE NOT EXCLUSIVE TO GOLF COMMUNITIES.

VISTA AT BLACKSMITH RUN , located just five miles east of I-26 on Chimney Rock Road, has striking long-range views while situated on rolling hills, making walking easy and gardening a pleasure. This gated community offers a clubhouse, pool, fitness room and fishing pier.

VISTA AT BILL’S MOUNTAIN , located in nearby Lake Lure, has similar amenities and great views. Choose a homesite or one of the lowmaintenance craftsman-style homes.

continued on page 100

Cummings Cove golf community offers panoramic views.

This sampling of communities shows that Hendersonville and surrounding Henderson County offer numerous choices in housing and neighborhoods. To learn more, visit the Hendersonville Board of Realtors® website at HBOR-NC.com and enlist the services of one of Henderson County’s many real estate agents. Both national and local agencies are here, fully licensed with both buyer brokers and selling brokers.

HENDERSON COUNTY’S POPULAR HOME MARKET OFFERS A RANGE OF HOUSING OPTIONS

Henderson County is a popular housing market that offers a

Kenmure is a gated golf community located just four miles from downtown in Flat Rock.

variety of options ranging from tiny homes and condominiums to older houses in established, historic neighborhoods and new custombuilt homes.

People searching for a new home in the county find a range of choices, including homes for sale in a robust market.

According to the Hendersonville Board of Realtors, the median sales price of homes in Henderson County was $440,000, trending up 14.6% from 2022. For Hendersonville, the median list price was $425,000, up 14.9% from 2022. This data is based upon a rolling 12 months of data, ending March 2023.

continued on next page

The Druid Hills Historic District was established in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sarah-Jane Lyles NC/SC Broker RENE, SRS

For March 2023, home inventory in Henderson County was up 4.5% annually. The months’ supply was 1.7 months, referring to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell. This supply amount is up 30.77% annually, compared to a rate of 1.3 months’ supply in March of 2022.

In addition to modern subdivisions and developments, the City of Hendersonville has historic residential districts like Cold Spring Park, Druid HIlls, Hyman Heights, Lenox Park and the West Side. Many were some of the first planned neighborhoods in the region with beginnings that date back to the start of the 20th century, according to the Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission. Learn more at HendersonvilleHPC.org.

In Henderson County outside of Hendersonville, the Village of Flat Rock and the Towns of Fletcher, Laurel Park and Mills River also each have a unique sense of place and way of life with different residential options. Learn more about each of these communities on pages 34-42.

Henderson County shares borders with Buncombe, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania Counties, too, where even more home choices abound, many of which are within a reasonable commute time to Hendersonville.

Additionally, The Real Estate Book of Asheville/Hendersonville is a local resource for finding real estate agents and properties in Henderson County and surrounding areas. Local REALTORS™ in the area can be found at HendersonvilleMagazine.com/ Real_Estate.

HOUSING RESOURCES RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Looking to buy, sell, rent, build, decorate or furnish a home? Then turn to Hulsey Media, Inc.’s suite of helpful housing publications which are available for free both online and in print throughout the area.

end up purchasing a home here in Highland Lake. Why? The neighbors are friendly, the place is beautiful, and the resort-like lifestyle is amazing!

www.highlandlake.net

Real Estate Book of Asheville/ Hendersonville & NC Blue Ridge

The clubhouse at Vista at Blacksmith Run offers a swimming pool, fitness center, gathering rooms and catering kitchen.

REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION

ALICE COCHRAN Broker Associate

Alice has spent over 40 years of her life helping people fulfill their dream of homeownership. Every client of her's is special and she cherishes all the friends she has made through real estate. She is a native of Henderson County and has witnessed the town grow into a diverse community offering an exceptional way of life. Alice works tirelessly to provide her clients with the most positive experience possible. From purchasing your first home to selling your retirement home, Alice looks forward to serving you and providing you and your family with superior customer service!

130 S Main Street, Suite B

Hendersonville

828-329-3935

AliceCochran@bhhslp.com

HomesInHendersonville.com

AMANDA HILL Broker, REALTOR®

Looking for a real estate agent who listens to your needs, communicates effectively and delivers results? Look no further than Amanda Hill, your local expert! With years of experience in the industry, Amanda has a proven track record of exceptional customer service. Her knowledge of the local real estate market and commitment to personalized service, you can trust Amanda to guide you every step of the way. As a proud member of the local community, she’s always looking for ways to give back by volunteering and donating to local charities. Contact Amanda Hill today and discover why she is the go-to real estate agent!

RE/MAX Four Seasons

1819 Asheville Hwy | Hendersonville

828-231-2017

Amanda@HillRealEstateGroupNC.com

HillRealEstateGroupNC.com

BRIAN OLIVER Broker, REALTOR®

As the Owner of Oliver Properties & Real Estate and a PGA of America Life Member, Brian’s mission is to ensure you have the best real estate experience possible: one that is seamless, enjoyable, and successful. He grew up in Brevard and lives in Hendersonville with his wife, daughter, and Jack Russell, Bullet. You can trust that Brian is honest, professional, and dedicated to helping you sell your current home or find your next dream home.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf with friends and clients, and having dinner at a local restaurant or brewery. He proudly supports our Veterans through PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere).

240 7th Ave. E | Hendersonville

828-230-2617

OliverPropertiesandRealEstate@gmail.com

OliverPropertiesandRealEstate.com

GINA NICHOLSON Broker Associate

Gina Nicholson is a licensed, experienced, and dedicated agent. As a consistent multi-million-dollar producer, a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, and a Hendersonville local of 40+ years, she possesses a wealth of knowledge in the local market. With a deep understanding of the area’s neighborhoods, trends, and pricing, she is well-equipped to guide clients through the process of buying or selling their homes. Her dedication to exceptional customer service means that she prioritizes her clients’ needs, providing personalized attention and expert advice. Whether it’s finding the perfect dream home or securing the best deal, she is committed to delivering successful outcomes in Hendersonville’s dynamic real estate market. For unparalleled real estate services, reach out today.

512 N Main Street | Hendersonville 828-674-3003 gina.nicholson@allentate.com allentate.com

GREG LEMKE Broker Associate

Tired of it all? Don’t want the grief of looking to sell? Wanting to buy? Well… how about a no obligation conversation with an experienced broker who has more than 30 years assisting clients to buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Western North Carolina. Call or email Greg Lemke today.

512 N Main Street

Hendersonville

828-674-3492

GLemke@Beverly-Hanks.com

Beverly-Hanks.com

MARY GREEN REALTOR®, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

A glorious mountain retreat, a cottage near downtown, a golf course condo – it’s all here! But wait: is broadband internet available? City water, or well? OK with HOA? Like the view, but afraid of heights? (It happens!)

Your agent must ask all the right questions to understand your needs, and then, once you’ve made your choice, shepherd you through the transaction with a minimum of stress. Your REALTOR® is your champion.

Let’s get going on your next adventure! Whether you want to zipline, kayak, visit waterfalls, ride the roads, or just relax on the patio, Mary will help you find the home that suits YOU. Serving Henderson, Buncombe, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and surrounding counties.

640 Greenville Highway | Hendersonville 828-708-2117

MaryG@C21ML.com

C21MountainLifestyles.com

NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!

“Iris Zohar is an outstanding real estate agent! She is everything we were looking for, we kept running into mediocre agents who were not fulfilling our needs until we met Iris. Iris is detail oriented and proactive. She excels at communication, always quick to respond to any questions we have, and great at proposing solutions when dealing with the various issues involved in purchasing a home. I highly recommend Iris Zohar to be your Real Estate agent, she did an excellent job acting as our advocate in the purchase of our home, saving us thousands of dollars.”

REAL ESTATE & RELOCATION

Your “Proven Professionals”

PREFERRED REALTY

The "Proven Professionals"

Preferred Realty has been serving Henderson county since 1988. We are here for you!

The Values by which we Live and Work:

• Trust

• Respect

• Loyalty

• Integrity

• Fairness

Your “Proven Professionals”

136 S King Street, Suite E Hendersonville 828-696-9900

PreferredRealtyNC.com

SHENA MINTZ

Residential Broker Associate

As a homegrown Realtor, Shena realizes that purchasing real estate is one of the biggest transactions that most people will ever go through. Before entering real estate full time, she served 15+ years as a sales director for a local assisted living community where she helped local and out-ofstate residents find communities that met their needs. She now uses that knowledge to help home buyers find the best neighborhood for them, or help sellers market their home to the best buyers. Shena has learned in life is that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know! She would love to know you and help make your dream a reality!

153 E Main Street | Saluda

828-674-9788

Beverly-Hanks.com/Agents/ShenaMintz Shena.Mintz@AllenTate.com

WNC MOUNTAIN RENTALS, LLC

Vacation/Second Home Property Management Services

Dan Fortin and Julie Hall are Hospitality Professionals serving Henderson County. They understand what makes a property special for the guests they serve, whether for a vacation or a short-term stay. Their years of experience has taught them what it takes to run a successful Vacation Rental Management company; clear communication with owners, and personalized service to each and every guest. Many of their fully furnished and equipped properties are also available for 30-day increments for folks relocating or between homes in the area. Dan and Julie welcome you to call today to book your reservation, or to talk about their property management services and the systems they have in place to ensure your success.

828-393-3035

Info@WNCMountainRentals.com WNCMountainRentals.com

Deborah Merker Kathy Watkins

Amy Genao Katherine Fox

Bruce Benton Joe Peiso Oscar Ody

Excellent Schools for All Ages

Whether you’re looking into schools for your children or are thinking of going back to school yourself, Henderson County and the surrounding area offer a variety of educational opportunities.

PRESCHOOLS

Parents with small children will find numerous choices when it comes to child care and preschools. Many churches offer weekday programs and private and publicly funded child care centers operate throughout the county. For more information and a current list of child care options in Henderson County, contact Mountain Child Care Connections at SWCDCINC.org/ Quality-Childcare, call the toll-free

hotline at 877-752-5955 or visit the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education at NCChildcare. NCDHHS.gov/ChildCareSearch.

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

828-697-4733

HCPSNC.org

Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) consists of 23 schools—four high, four middle, 13 elementary, the Henderson County Career Academy and the Henderson County Early College.

HCPS serves more than 13,000 children with a staff of more than 3,000 instructional and noninstructional employees. Twentyone of the schools operate on a traditional schedule of four nine-week grading periods. Bruce Drysdale Elementary and Hendersonville Elementary operate on a flex schedule of four nine-week grading periods with three-week inter-sessions.

The Career Academy and the Early College (together, the Innovative

continued on page 112

Fernleaf Community Charter School offers many outdoor opportunities for students.

Quality Matters...

Hendersonville Pediatrics has been providing quality, state of the art, compassionate healthcare to the children of Western North Carolina for more than 70 years. We currently accept new patients and are in-network with all major insurance providers and accept self-pay patients. Our physicians and staff offer newborn care, well visit appointments, sick visits, sports physicals, immunization updates, and asthma, ADHD and behavioral management.

Meet The Doctors:

With two offices in Brevard and Hendersonville, appointments are available 364 days a year including evenings, weekends and holidays for sick patients. Appointment availability may vary depending on demand, but the physicians and staff are committed to providing continual access to care for their patients.

Additionally, Hendersonville Pediatrics has on-site behavioral health providers offering behavioral health screenings and treatment services for patients ages birth to 18 years old. Common concerns include temper tantrums, oppositional behavior, toileting or bed wetting difficulties, picky eating, family or school conflicts, anxiety, depression and many more.

Veresa T. Myers, M.D. Anne B. Smith, M.D.

Lauretta Stombaugh, D.O.

Katherine Swain, M.D. Darden Swords, M.D.

Dustin B. Alderson, M.D.

Robert T. Duffey, M.D. Ann E. Farash, M.D. Derek Moss, M.D.

Karen Babcock, M.D. Sarah Anderson, M.D.

High Schools) are housed in the Molly A. Parkhill Building on the Blue Ridge Community College campus. The Career Academy offers high school students pursuing direct, specific career goals with academies plus access to all the technical career pathways through BRCC. The Early College gives many first-generation college students the opportunity to complete high school and college coursework through BRCC in five years and graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

Henderson County Public Schools continues to be one of the highest performing school districts in the state, regularly ranking top in the state for overall proficiency and high 4-year cohort graduation rates, which annually exceed the average North Carolina graduation rate.

The system has a total of 168 National Board Certified Teachers. HCPS is named a “Schools to Watch® District” by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, and 11 schools (eight elementary, two middle and one high) implement Franklin Covey’s The Leader in Me school-wide model.

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

Henderson County also has three public, tuition-free charter schools – FernLeaf Community Charter School in Fletcher, Flat Rock Classical Academy in Flat Rock and The

FERNLEAF COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL

FernLeaf Community Charter School offers an elementary through high school experience like no other, enriching lives through community, high quality academics and handson learning. This K-12 school seeks to foster a rich learning environment that engages students and helps them develop into compassionate, thoughtful human beings as they grow and achieve academically. Their new Wilderness Campus opens Fall of 2023. For more information, call 828-684-3645 or visit FernLeafCCS.org.

FLAT ROCK CLASSICAL ACADEMY (Opening Fall 2024)

Flat Rock Classical Academy will develop students in mind and character through a rigorous, classical, content-rich transparent curriculum that emphasizes academic fundamentals, virtuous living and civic responsibility. The Academy will begin as a K-4 school, adding grades each year through grade 12. For more information, visitFlatRockClassicalAcademy.org.

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

The Mountain Community School’s mission is to honor individuality

and diversity, nurture respect for self and others and foster a lifelong love of learning. The Mountain Community School is a charter school that offers a rigorous curricular experience based on an expeditionary model of learning in grades K-8. For more information, call 828-696-8480 or visit TheMountainCommunitySchool.com.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

In addition to public schools, Henderson County has five private schools.

CAPTAIN GILMER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AND FLETCHER ACADEMY

Captain Gilmer Christian School in Fletcher offers excellence in academics while maintaining strong Biblical roots. CGCS is a Pre-K through 8th grade campus that serves as the primary and middle school for Fletcher Academy. The Academy provides a general college preparatory work/study program for day students and boarding students in grades 9 to 12. Both schools are Seventh-day Adventist. For more information, call Captain

Mountain Community School in Hendersonville.

Veritas Christian Academy student explores a local creek.

Immaculata Catholic School provides academic and religious instruction.

Gilmer Christian School at 828-6848221 or visit CaptainGilmer.org, or call Fletcher Academy at 828-2096800 or visit FletcherAcademy.org.

IMAGO DEI CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Imago Dei Classical Academy is a classical Christian school in Mills River that seeks to glorify God by teaching students, parents and staff to think clearly, listen with discernment and understanding, reason persuasively and articulate precisely. For more information, call 828-513-4966 or visit IDCANC.org.

IMMACULATA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville provides academic and religious instruction for preschool through 8th grade, integrating Roman Catholic tradition into a comprehensive instructional program. For more information, call 828-693-3277 or visit IMMAC.org.

VERITAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Veritas Christian Academy in Fletcher is an independent, co-educational, PreK-12, college preparatory school with an educational culture built on the classical Trivium and Christianity. Veritas enters its 25th year and has been newly accredited by the Association of Classical Christian Schools. Veritas’ academic program is enhanced by a common and fine arts program, a center for nature studies, an athletics department and an assortment of electives and extracurricular activities. For more information, call 828-681-0546 or visit VeritasNC.org.

WILD OAK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Wild Oak Independent School is a unique school community intentionally designed to engage Preschool through 6th graders in a relationship with learning

that will support their curiosity, creativity, growth and development. In addition, Wild Oak offers low student-teacher ratios in multi-age classrooms and an integrated, realworld, hands-on curriculum. For more information, call 828-620-1091 or visit WildOakSchool.org.

HOMESCHOOLING

Homeschooling is also an option for North Carolina parents and children. Resources include:

• Classical Scholars in Mills River which supports homeschooling parents with a unique classroom environment and opportunities to foster leadership: ClassicalScholarsHomeschool.com

• Henderson County Homeschool Association: Homeschool-Life. com/NC/HCHA

• NC Department of Administration: NCAdmin.NC.gov/Citizens/HomeSchool-Information

• North Carolinians for Home Education: NCHE.com

HIGHER EDUCATION

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

828-694-1700

BlueRidge.edu

Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year post-secondary institution that prepares students of all ages for success in today’s workforce or at four-year colleges and universities. With campuses in Henderson and Transylvania Counties, the college offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas and certificates in 30 areas of study; more than 200 online courses; veterans services; support for small businesses; apprenticeships; job placement services through NCWorks; one of the largest continuing education programs in the state; and fasttracked job training.

Blue Ridge also breaks down financial barriers to higher education through its Educational Foundation which

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Henderson County Public Schools serve more than 13,500 children ages five to 18.

offers more than $400,000 in scholarship opportunities each year. Graduates are also eligible to transfer credits and continue their education at any of North Carolina’s 18 public colleges and universities. The College’s faculty craft programs that provide real-life practice, meet the needs of area employers and lead to well-paying careers. Through its comprehensive program and service options, Blue Ridge Community College offers an elevated higher education experience that helps students achieve their professional goals while strengthening the community.

FRUITLAND BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE

828-685-8886

Fruitland.edu

Established in 1946, the purpose of Fruitland Baptist Bible College’s educational programs is to equip the next generation of Christian leaders to become thinkers who think with a Biblical worldview and serve with a compassionate heart just as Christ served others. FBBC offers an Associate Degree in Religion/ Christian Ministries. The College

also partners with The College at Southeastern to offer an accredited Bachelor of Arts degree. FBBC is a member of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities and Fruitland is a ministry of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY HENDERSONVILLE

828-697-0105

Wingate.edu/Academics/Hendersonville

Wingate University’s Hendersonville campus offers a fully accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program and Masters of Physician Assistant (PA) studies. Both programs emphasize small classes, a student-centered environment, service to the community and reallife experiences in problem-solving and application of skills.

Wingate University School of Pharmacy graduates engage in more than 2,150 hours of pharmacy practice experience in hospitals, community pharmacies and medical clinics.

The PA Studies program partners with local hospitals and healthcare providers to prepare well-educated,

ethical and skilled physician assistants.

Wingate University’s healtheducation facility located next to Pardee UNC Health Care is a joint venture of Wingate, Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, Blue Ridge Community College and UNC Health Pardee.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE

828-251-6600

UNCA.edu

As North Carolina’s premier public liberal arts and sciences university –and one of the top-10 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report – UNC Asheville prides itself on being an exceptionally close-knit learning community engaged in bold exploration, courageous creativity and innovative thinking. The focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills is part of a commitment to a way of learning that leads to discovery of real-world solutions to pressing local and global issues, whatever the chosen major and field of study of students.

Award-winning faculty, a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program and small class sizes foster connections between curiosity and critical thinking, courage and challenge, imagination and impact, opportunity and responsibility.

Learning at UNCA extends well beyond classroom walls, focusing on undergraduate studies to prepare the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals through faculty-mentored research projects, career-related internships, study-abroad experiences and service projects that make an impact at home and around the world.

UNC Asheville is home to 3,000 undergraduate students with more than 65 academic offerings, 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams and an award-winning, internationally known Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

University of North Carolina Asheville is a liberal arts and sciences university.

Access to seven convenient local YMCAs + more nationwide Basketball and pickleball

Access to seven convenient local YMCAs + more nationwide Basketball and pickleball

Discounts on swim lessons, youth sports and wellness programs

Discounts on swim lessons, youth sports and wellness programs

Drop-in childcare with household memberships

Drop-in childcare with household memberships

Family-friendly environment

Family-friendly environment

Heated indoor pool

Heated indoor pool

Nutrition programs and mobile food markets

Nutrition programs and mobile food markets

Personalized wellness coaching plans

Personalized wellness coaching plans

Social clubs, recreational activities and volunteer opportunities

Social clubs, recreational activities and volunteer opportunities

Supportive community health programs for arthritis, diabetes, cancer and more

Supportive community health programs for arthritis, diabetes, cancer and more

Unlimited group exercise classes

Unlimited group exercise classes

The Y is for all, alway

The Y is for all, always.

Financial Assistance available thanks to community support.

The Perfect Climate For Growing Businesses

With its diverse economic sectors, strong workforce and entrepreneurial spirit, Henderson County is not only a place where retirees enjoy the fruits of their labor but also where new businesses take root and well-established industries thrive.

As with many rural areas, the education and healthcare sectors are top employers. Independent stores in bustling downtown Hendersonville and throughout the county make the retail sector robust. Retiree wealth helps bring strength to the financial and professional services sector. Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism remain cornerstones of Henderson County’s economy as the burgeoning craft beverages industry here also continues to flourish.

AGRICULTURE

Since William Mills planted his first apple tree in the Fruitland area of Henderson County at the end of the 18th century, agriculture has been a staple of Henderson County’s economy. Apples are still king here

with the county being ranked first in apple production in all of North Carolina, growing up to 80% of the state’s entire apple crop on more than 150 orchards in Henderson County. Having that many apples to manage also has spawned other related ventures such as packing houses, traditional and hard cider producers and many roadside stands.

In addition to growing apples in Henderson County, berry production is increasing in the county and the area is becoming known for grape production for wine. Local farms also produce a wide variety of field crops, nursery and sod crops, as well as beef cattle and other livestock.

In recent years, “agri-tourism” has added to this sector’s bottom

line. Farmers markets, “u-pick” operations, hayrides, farm tours and tasting rooms can all be found in Henderson County. For more about farmers markets in Henderson County, turn to page 58.

With the popularity of locally grown foods, agri-tourism and craft beverages, agriculture here has become even more significant. Today, 557 farms with nearly 38,000 acres operate within the county. Agribusiness in Henderson County employs more than 8,150 people and brings in annual receipts of $400 million.

To help ensure that agriculture remains a growing sector in the local economy, Agribusiness Henderson County assists new and existing producers in their agricultural

Production employee with a Henderson County manufacturing company.

pursuits. This public and privately funded nonprofit also operates the Southern Mountain Fresh Program, which brings the public and locally grown food together. At SouthernMountainFresh.com, people can find out what’s in season in Henderson County and where to buy it. The website also publicizes area agriculture events and is a resource for agri-tourism opportunities. The Blue Ridge Farm Direct Market Association also offers information about farms as well as what crops are in season at NCApples.com.

CRAFT BEVERAGES

The county’s first craft brewer opened its operation downtown off 7th Avenue in Hendersonville in 2011. The next year, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company announced Mills River as the site of their East Coast operation and began brewing and distributing in 2014. During the same period, several commercial vineyards opened wineries in the county, and small hard cider producers followed shortly thereafter.

In 2015, Bold Rock Hard Cider chose Henderson County for the site of its third facility, its first outside Virginia. Using apples grown in Henderson County as the foundation for its ciders, Bold Rock crafts a range of ciders including seasonal varieties at its facility in Mills River. The craft beverage sector has added jobs, revenue and energy to the local economy. Sierra Nevada alone invested more than $107.5 million in Henderson County within its first five years of operation. Blue Ridge Community College offers a brewing program with courses in brewing, distillation and fermentation and related coursework in safety and sanitation, applied craft beverage microbiology, agriculture, marketing and management to ensure a skilled workforce for this thriving local industry. And thanks to tasting rooms, special events and tours, visitors have even more reason to

visit Henderson County. Learn more about local breweries, wineries, cideries and places that make mead at VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ Cheers-Trail and through the Ale Trail on page 44 and at AshevilleAleTrail.com.

MANUFACTURING

Henderson County is home to a strategic manufacturing cluster that creates products vital to such sectors as the automotive, outdoor recreation, food and beverage, metalworking and plastics sectors. Today, 140 manufacturers operate facilities in Henderson County and employ more than 5,500 people in the county’s workforce with average wages in excess of $61,000 a year. Longtime local manufacturers include Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Berkeley Mills which has roots in Henderson County going back to the

1920s when Kimberly-Clark was first established as a paper and newsprint company. Kimberly-Clark is now a billion-dollar company with global family care and personal care brands that include Huggies®, Kleenex®, Scott®, Cottonelle® and Kotex®.

Manufacturing thrives in the county thanks to a strong focus on resources that support success. These assets include transportation access, infrastructure and workforce advantages. Being situated at the crossroads of I-26 and I-40 makes it easy to move raw materials and finished goods. Air transport and commercial air services provided by the Asheville Regional Airport and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport ensure people and products move efficiently around the world.

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Kimberly-Clark's well known family care and personal care brands hold the #1 or #2 share position in 80 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them.

In Henderson County, the Berkeley Mill is an ISO Certified work location with approximately 350 people. It contains 7 Nonwoven Base Machines and operates on a 24/7 production schedule. The site ships products to other Kimberly-Clark plants to convert and export other materials to other countries.

RETIREMENT

Boasting both rural and urban settings, high numbers of doctors offices and recreation opportunities as well as a plethora of retirement facilities, Henderson County has long been a popular living choice for retirees. A recent study by SmartAsset ranked Hendersonville

the best place to retire in the state of North Carolina. With 47% of the county’s population over the age of 50, retirees bring a significant impact to the economy. Of the county’s households, 25.9% earn retirement income and 38.1% earn Social Security income. Flat Rock ranked the 19th highest retirement income per household out of 722

Ready To Respond To Your Plumbing Needs

NC towns at $42,096 annually, nearly double Henderson County’s average annual income of $25,617. As retirees frequent local businesses, this population sector helps drive the county’s economy.

SUMMER CAMPS

Generations of summer campers have flocked to Henderson County for decades, making the residential summer camp industry here a sizable contributor to the tourism economy. Henderson County is part of a threecounty region including Buncombe and Transylvania Counties that has the greatest concentration of camps in the United States. Twenty of those camps are in Henderson County and several of those have been in continuous operation since the 1920s. According to a 2020 study by NC State University, Henderson County’s residential summer camps have a direct economic impact on the county of $50 million and a total economic impact of $70 million. These camps create more than 2,278 full-time equivalent jobs, and families dropping off and picking up campers spend an average of more than $2,687 during their stays in Henderson County. For more about area camps, visit the North Carolina Youth Camp Association at NCCamps.org.

TOURISM

Henderson County attracts visitors at all times of the year, resulting in an ongoing economic impact from the tourism sector. Visitor spending in Henderson County in 2021 amounted to $391.28 million. Visitors spent an average of $108 per visitor per day, resulting in an impact including $126.10 million in food and beverage, $94.73 million in lodging and $54.86 million in recreation. that year amounted to more than $253.73 million. The industry supported 2,500 tourism-related jobs for the county in 2022.

Business Resources

Whether you are starting a new business or growing an existing one, Henderson County has plenty of resources that can help.

HENDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-692-1413

HendersonCountyChamber.org

Serving Henderson County since 1911, the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce welcomes all types and sizes of businesses from sole proprietorships to major industry. Its activities, supported by membership dues, influence all segments of community development, education, transportation, relocation, retirement, agriculture and small business. The Chamber advocates for business through public policy and new business recruitment and by providing member businesses with opportunities to network, learn and succeed.

HENDERSON COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

330 N King Street, Hendersonville 828-692-6373

HCPED.org

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED) is a public/private partnership that focuses on economic stewardship in Henderson County. The mission of the Partnership is to create and retain quality jobs and increase industrial capital investments that will improve the quality of life for Henderson County residents.

HCPED serves as an advocate and resource partner to local businesses and has a legacy of meeting industry needs and making community connections to create a thriving, business friendly community. Through the Made in Henderson County (MIHC) initiative, the Partnership works closely with industry and the local school system and community college to create a workforce pipeline by raising the visibility of manufacturing careers. The flagship program, available to all Henderson County working adults, is the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship. Learn more at MadeinHendersonCounty.com.

The Partnership also develops a robust marketing calendar to recruit like minded companies to the area. In 2020, its Target Market Analysis unveiled that manufacturing companies focusing on the following are ideal industries in Henderson County: health care, food and beverage, machinery and materials, professional and technical services, outdoor recreational goods and transportation components.

To successfully market the county, collaborations include working with the regional economic development marketing organization Carolina West, the Economic Development Partnership of NC and NC Department of Commerce.

Henderson County is a profitable and attractive community that is also an exceptional part of the country for businesses wishing to relocate or expand.

The Partnership works closely with local government, community organizations, local educators and utility/infrastructure partners to accomplish its mission. HCPED fosters relationships between all parties involved in helping the local workforce and economy thrive.

MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

828-253-2834

MountainBizworks.org

Mountain BizWorks is a US Treasurycertified nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI). For more than 30 years, Mountain BizWorks has been making business loans ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 to small businesses in Western North Carolina who may find it difficult to secure funding from banks and other traditional sources. What makes Mountain BizWorks unique is that all loan decisions and relationships are managed locally. The organization works to ensure its clients’ success by offering highly customized, peer-to-peer business coaching by an extensive network of local, successful business owners. This innovative blend

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The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is located on the corner of Church Street and Kanuga Road.

of lending and learning helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, grow strategically and create jobs.

Mountain BizWorks exclusively serves the 26 westernmost counties of North Carolina – including Henderson County – with offices in Asheville and Boone.

SCORE WESTERN NCHENDERSONVILLE OFFICE

By appointment only at Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, 204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-693-8702

WesternNC.SCORE.org

SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses nationwide since 1964 and has a network of more than 13,000 volunteers who donate their time to help entrepreneurs. As experienced business professionals, SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely and practical advice free and confidentially. SCORE Western North Carolina serves eight counties

in southwest North Carolina, including Henderson County. A variety of blogs, webinars, and courses for businesses at a variety of stages are offered online for free. One-on-one and team counseling sessions are by appointment. Volunteer opportunities for seasoned business owners in mentor positions are also available. To sign up for counseling, go to SCORE.org and go to “Find a Mentor”.

SMALL BUSINESS CENTER AT BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Henderson County Campus, 180 W Campus Drive, Flat Rock 828-694-1658

BlueRidge.edu/Programs-Courses/Business/ Small-Business-Center

The Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College is part of the Small Business Center Network which is composed of Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina

that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being community-based providers of training, counseling and resource information. It serves to help realize dreams of owning a business or making a current business more profitable. The Small Business Center can connect individuals with free local, regional, state and national resources to aid in business planning and offers counseling as well as conferences and seminars related to starting and growing a small business. Services provided also can be customized to suit specific business needs.

WNC BUSINESS

323 N Main St, Suite 1, Hendersonville 828-513-3888

WNCBusiness.com

WNC Business is a free resource with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Inspire the local business community via a quarterly magazine, a weekday email newsletter and up-to-date online business information. The publication shares relevant business news, pro tips, people to know, announcements from businesses around the region, business events and many additional resources that may be useful to business owners, community leaders and industry professionals across Western North Carolina. WNC Business also offers a free interactive online business directory and connects with the local business community on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Mountain BizWorks is a US Treasurycertified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI).

Superior Healthcare is Right Here

Henderson County has many healthcare options, and 911 emergency service is available throughout the county.

HOSPITAL CARE

Henderson County residents have easy access to three nearby hospitals – AdventHealth Hendersonville, UNC Health Pardee and St. Luke’s Hospital. All offer fully modern facilities and state-of-the-art procedures including 24-hour emergency services. AdventHealth Hendersonville and St. Luke’s Hospital are accredited by The Joint Commission. UNC Health Pardee is accredited by DNV.

ADVENTHEALTH HENDERSONVILLE

855-774-LIFE (5433)

AdventHealthNC.com

AdventHealth Hendersonville has been providing exceptional care to the people of the mountains for more

than 100 years. As the only faithbased, not-for-profit health care system in Western North Carolina, AdventHealth Hendersonville’s network of primary and specialty care physicians and providers offer whole-person care – body, mind and spirit – to people across the region. The system includes a 103-bed hospital and more than 42 clinical locations offering cardiac care and rehabilitation, nationally-awarded cancer care at four regional centers, award-winning labor and delivery care at The Baby Place, state-ofthe-art surgical care and full-service orthopedic care.

AdventHealth is the only health care system in Western North Carolina to earn back-to-back Leapfrog Top Hospital Award for outstanding quality and safety in 2021 and 2022. This is in addition

to earning 11 consecutive “A” grades in The Leapfrog Group’s Safety Grade survey since 2016 and maintaining the overall Five-Star rating in Quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS). It is the first hospital in the region to hold the Age-Friendly Health SystemCommitted to Care Excellence designation for all AdventHealth Medical Group clinical locations and the Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation.

ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL

828-894-3311

StLukesNC.org

St. Luke’s Hospital has been a local leader in healthcare for nearly a century. Licensed for 25 beds, the hospital cares for the sick, injured,

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The Department of Public Health provides a variety of services, clinics and education for county residents.

The future of health care is here.

At AdventHealth, we’re redefining health care by employing the most innovative medical solutions in pursuit of less-invasive procedures, shorter recovery times and an elevated patient experience. Our leading experts are here to help you stay well ahead for your whole life. Stay well ahead at AdventHealthNC.com.

Revolutionizing health care so you can feel whole for your whole life.

and rehabilitated and provides wellness education and resources for the community. St. Luke’s is an independent, not-for-profit, critical access hospital owned by the community of Polk County, NC. Using the healthcare industry’s best practices, the hospital provides a broad spectrum of care, from highquality 24/7 emergency, world-class cardiology, cancer and infusion, orthopedic and sports medicine, urology, acute medical/surgery, rehabilitation and diagnostic testing.

St. Luke’s offers best-in-class imaging equipment and worldclass, nationally recognized doctors in oncology and cardiology. The orthopedics, urology, and general surgery doctors consistently receive five-star patient reviews. The hospital is one of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ toprated critical access hospitals within

a 200-mile radius and one of the tops among all regional hospitals in Western North Carolina for “outstanding patient experience,” according to Healthgrades.

UNC HEALTH PARDEE

828-696-1000

PardeeHospital.org

Tracing its history back to 1913, UNC Health Pardee in Hendersonville is a not-for-profit healthcare organization managed by UNC Health. Pardee – the second largest employer in Henderson County – includes a 222-bed acute care hospital, a comprehensive cancer center, four urgent care centers, six orthopedic clinics and a network of 399 physicians and 180 advanced practice providers representing 63 specialties.

In addition to providing exceptional care in key specialties such as pulmonology, neurology, oncology

and infectious disease, Pardee provides one of only two STEMIcertified emergency departments in all of Western North Carolina.

Pardee’s nationally recognized cardiology and vascular services are led by board-certified interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons with the capacity to provide cardiac catheterizations within Pardee Hospital. Pardee is also home to the region’s second-largest orthopedic group.

Pardee has been honored with a number of awards, recognitions and accreditations for patient safety, service, quality and value. Additionally, Pardee is the only hospital in the state to be named with all three Healthgrades distinctions in 2023: one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals, one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care.

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

FOUR SEASONS

866-466-9734

FourSeasonsCare.org

Since 1979, Four Seasons has been providing compassionate and trusted care for people facing serious illness in Western North Carolina. Four Seasons’ dedicated team of healthcare professionals, social workers, spiritual-care professionals and volunteers offers an extensive range of services to help patients and their families with the challenges that living with a serious illness can bring. Service lines include Care Navigation, Home Care, Palliative Care, Hospice Care and Grief Services. A local, independent, nonprofit organization, Four Seasons is deeply committed to serving the community through providing support and care to anyone in need, regardless of the ability to pay.

HEALTH CENTERS

Three other healthcare centers – Blue Ridge Health, The Free Clinics and the Henderson County Department of Public Health –are dedicated to providing care for underinsured, uninsured and financially challenged individuals. The Henderson County Department of Public Health and Blue Ridge Health also serve many fully insured patients.

BLUE RIDGE HEALTH

828-692-4289

BRCHS.com

Blue Ridge Health is a nonprofit healthcare system that works closely with communities to meet the ever-growing healthcare needs of the Western North Carolina region with high-quality, compassionate and accessible

healthcare services. Providing service at more than 50 locations and more to come, BRH offers services such as primary care, pediatrics, prenatal care, dentistry, a discount pharmacy, behavioral health and nutrition services that prioritize the patient care experience. Since 1963, BRH has served as the leader in community-focused healthcare and outreach, providing services to communities and schools in Henderson as well as Buncombe, Cherokee, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania Counties.

THE FREE CLINICS

828-697-8422

TheFreeClinics.org

The Free Clinics provides highquality care for the community’s most vulnerable—those who are uninsured and those with lower incomes. Working with more than

CARE NAVIGATION

180 clinical and social and community service partners and more than 200 volunteers, TFC offers a walkin clinic for acute concerns; case management, diagnostic testing and referral services for behavioral health, diabetes and other chronic diagnoses; a full pharmacy; and a number of community programs that address non-medical barriers to health.

HENDERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

828-692-4223

HendersonCountyNC.gov/Health

This county government department is charged with protecting the health of Henderson County and its residents. Services include restaurant, well and septic inspections, investigating outbreaks of communicable disease and

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Care Navigation provides guidance to families and individuals as they navigate the aging journey ensuring safeguards and support are in place. We fill the gap by helping people navigate care options and choices and help clients and families understand what’s next.

Home Care offers caring assistance to help with life’s daily routines including grocery shopping, errands, transportation, companionship, bathing, dressing and more. Our Home Care team also offers Passive Remote Activity Monitoring powered by Zemplee, and Medication Planner Management.

Palliative Care is an extra layer of support for those with serious illness. Palliative Care is not hospice, rather, we provide patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness like cancer, COPD, heart disease, Parkinson’s, kidney failure and more. Palliative Care can be provided together with curative treatment, working with your current care team.

Hospice is specialized care provided to patients who often have a terminal illness, with patient comfort as the primary goal. Each dedicated hospice team provides pain and symptom management, as well as patient and family support. Hospice is covered by Medicare and can be received in your home, a facility or our Inpatient Unit.

Four Seasons Grief Services provides compassionate care for those who grieve the loss of a loved one. Our trained professionals provide individual and group counseling for children, adolescents, and adults, regardless of hospice involvement. Funded by generous donations, these services are available at no cost to you.

We are Grateful to Serve You in Henderson County

With Over 42 Years of Experience in Serious Illness Care, Four Seasons is Honored to Provide Care that Helps You With Life’s Challenging Seasons.

assuring access to healthcare services. Clinic services encompass immunizations, including foreign travel vaccinations, prenatal and postpartum care, a teen wellness clinic, family planning, communicable disease control such as sexually transmitted disease testing and counseling and tuberculosis control. A breast and cervical cancer screening program is offered for women ages 50 to 64. Education in child passenger safety is offered. The nutrition section oversees breastfeeding support, a weight management program called KidFit for children and teens two to 18 years old, and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides food to pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women who have low to moderate incomes, and infants and children until the age of five. Spanish language services are provided. An income-based sliding fee scale is offered. Medicaid and many insurance plans are accepted.

OTHER HEALTH RESOURCES

MEDICAL LOAN CLOSET OF HENDERSON COUNTY

1225 Seventh Ave East, Hendersonville 828-692-9005

MedicalLoanCloset.org

Since 1964, the Medical Loan Closet of Henderson County has been providing low-cost loans of durable medical equipment to Henderson County residents in need. The Medical Loan Closet offers a vast array of equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, knee scooters, shower seats and tub transfer benches, all of which can be loaned short-term for a nominal charge. Loan fees as well as charitable contributions of equipment, monetary donations and grant funding help the nonprofit operate and fulfill its mission of providing the right equipment at the right time with responsiveness, care and compassion.

DRUG DROP BOX

The Sheriff’s Office operates a drug drop box in its lobby for safe disposal of medications in partnership with The Hope Coalition, US Drug Enforcement Administration and NC Safe Kids. The lobby is open from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday except on County holidays. Prescription pills, capsules, ointments, vitamins, liquids in original containers, inhalers and patches are accepted. No sharps, needles, epinephrine pens or radioactive chemotherapy drugs can be accepted. Needles, epi pens and other sharps should be put into a hard plastic container (like a laundry detergent bottle), sealed with tape, labeled on the outside of the container with the words “SHARPS” and “Do Not Recycle” and taken to a Convenience Center attendant at 265 Convenience Center Drive in Hendersonville. The Sheriff’s Office also regularly holds community pill collection events.

Henderson County Sheriff’s Office

100 N Grove Street, Hendersonville 828-697-4596 | SheriffHendersonCounty.com/Drug-Disposal-Program

ST. GERARD HOUSE

620 Oakland Street, Hendersonville 828-693-4223

StGerardHouse.org

St. Gerard House is a nonprofit therapeutic center offering evidence-based treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities and developmental delays. Training, consultation and support for families, educators, institutions and others involved with treatment is available. The Grotto Therapeutic Center offers intensive one-onone instruction based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children from 3 to 21 years old. For teens and young adults, the Feed the Need Program offers pre-vocational services year-round. Free Monthly Family Group Nights are open to all families caring for children with any special need. These events provide parents with information, resources and support.

THRIVE

218 West Allen, Suite B, Hendersonville 828-697-1581

Thrive4Health.org

Thrive helps people with mental health and housing needs get back on their feet and move from surviving to thriving. Thrive’s Clubhouse is a day program for adults with severe mental illness to come and work on

relationship skills, job skills, and independent living skills. The Payee Program helps adults who receive Social Security or Disability income manage their finances and prevent evictions and utility disconnections due to nonpayment. The Housing Case Management program helps people who are currently experiencing homelessness get into permanent housing and utilize case management to work toward housing stability.

REGIONAL HEALTH CENTERS

Henderson County residents also enjoy proximity to other major regional healthcare institutions, including:

• Atrium Health in Charlotte: AtriumHealth.org

• Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem: WakeHealth.edu

• Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville: Asheville.VA.gov

• Duke Health in Durham (DukeHealth.org)

• Mission Health in Asheville: MissionHealth.org

• UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill: UNCMedicalCenter.org/UNCMC

Your Retirement, Your Way

Henderson County has enjoyed a reputation as an exceptional place to retire for decades. The climate, stable economy, healthcare options, volunteer opportunities, golf and other recreation, cultural arts and retirement living choices all make Henderson County a top choice for people 55 and older.

The area is a welcoming place where retired and semi-retired adults enjoy a wonderful quality of life and can continue to play a vital role in the community.

To complement this wide range of lifestyles and every stage of retirement, Henderson County is home to a large assortment of housing options for retirees – including an ample number of adult communities. Some communities offer both singlefamily and attached homes with

the convenience of one-level living. Most, but not all, are condominium operated and provide all exterior and grounds maintenance for a monthly fee. Most retirement communities also include emergency call systems and 24-hour security.

CAROLINA VILLAGE in Hendersonville is a Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living and skilled care all on the same campus. A one-time entrance fee provides residents

with a place to live that guarantees they will be taken care of for life, with access to long-term care in the assisted living or skilled nursing area if the need arises. The monthly fee varies with the size of the apartment or cottage that the resident chooses and includes an impressive array of services, amenities, dining options and utilities, as well as social, educational, wellness and fitness programs. The monthly fee doesn’t change if and when additional levels of care are accessed.

DEERFIELD Episcopal Retirement Community in nearby Asheville is a Life Care Community, also known as Life Plan Community, offering residents a complete continuum of senior living and on-site healthcare services. Independent living options include cottages, villas, cluster homes, and apartments. Residents in assisted living suites receive help with bathing, dressing, and monitoring of medications as needed.

continued on page 132

Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community is located in south Asheville, just north of Hendersonville.

FLETCHER PARK INN, an age 55 and older adult Christian retirement community in Hendersonville, offers a variety of independent lifestyle options: villa homes and studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments. Residents enjoy an alcohol-free and tobacco-free campus conveniently located across the street from AdventHealth Hendersonville and adjacent to an aquatic/fitness center. A vegetarian lunch buffet with meat and vegan options and light soup supper are included along with planned activities and excursions. Scheduled transportation to shopping, errands and medical appointments also is available.

HERITAGE HILLS in Hendersonville offers a full spectrum of independent living and memory care services administered by a specifically trained and experienced staff. Residents enjoy the convenience of restaurantstyle dining, housekeeping and transportation services among many other benefits. Heritage Hills offers a variety of floor plans. Residents pay a monthly fee that includes such on-site amenities as a hair salon/barber shop, a library/ reading room, an arts and crafts hobby room, a game room with billiards and bar, a computer center with Internet access and walking paths.

LAKE POINTE LANDING with its adjacent Life Care Center of Hendersonville offers several levels of care on one campus. Many amenities, services and activities are included or available if needed or desired. For independent living, private ownership villas and rental patio homes are available. The Harbor apartment building houses a swimming pool and theatre/ auditorium as well as independentliving rental apartments. The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing

continued on page 134

Heritage Hills offers a variety of single-family detached homes.

with PURPOSE

Come explore a thriving retirement community nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. We have a place for you that you can call home.

• 1 or 2 bedroom apartments starting at $55,000 (Some rentals also available)

• Up to 2,300 sq. ft villas from $135,000

• 103-bed AdventHealth across the street

• Our own fitness & aquatic center

• 90% Return of Capital program

150 Tulip Trail • Hendersonville, NC 28792

800-249-2882 • 828-209-6930

Fletcher ParkInn .org

offers assisted living services. Intermediate and skilled nursing care for rehabilitation or long-term care are available at the adjacent Life Care Center of Hendersonville. As a top retirement destination, Henderson County offers not only exceptional living choices but also a great range of services and activities to enhance retirement.

RETIREMENT RESOURCES

COUNCIL ON AGING FOR HENDERSON COUNTY

828-692-4203

COAHC.org

For more than 50 years, the Council on Aging for Henderson County has been providing and coordinating services that engage, connect and support local adults as they age. COAHC strives to ensure that no one ages alone through programs that

include Meals on Wheels (delivery of meals to homebound seniors), congregate dining and activities, liquid nutrition, caregiver services, senior companions and community resource coordination. The Council on Aging also offers seasonal services including a heat-relief assistance program and shelf-stable meals for inclement weather.

MILLS RIVER LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER

United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River 828-808-5581 MillsRiverUMC.org

Mills River Life Enrichment Center is a non-denominational outreach ministry of the Mills River United Methodist Church offering a unique place for fellowship and enjoyment for senior adults who are aging at home. MRLEC meets every Thursday at 10AM in the Fellowship Hall of the Mills River United Methodist

Church at 137 Old Turnpike Road in Mills River. Weekly programs consist of chair exercises, blood pressure checks, magazine, book and jigsaw puzzle swap, a devotion and fellowship with others, along with a program to educate and entertain. Lunch is served after each program, and lunch reservations are required.

MOUNTAINCARE ADULT DAY SERVICES

55 N Hillside Road, Hendersonville 828-697-7070

MountainCareServices.org

MountainCare Adult Day Services is a nonprofit organization that offers a safe and enjoyable place for aging adults to stay engaged during the day. Compassionate staff at MountainCare’s two centers offer an affordable alternative to

continued on page 136

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels (MOW) utilizes volunteer drivers to deliver lunchtime meals (M-F) for homebound seniors (60+) throughout Henderson County.

This nutritious meal and check-in is vital to the well-being, independence, and socialization of older adults aging in place in our community.

The MOW program is available at no cost to qualifying Henderson County residents.

Caregiver Services

Our support staff can assist you in accessing available resources and support throughout the community. If you qualify for respite funding, you may be able to receive assistance with costs to cover care.

Thrift Stores

The Thrift Stores need your good quality clothing and household items. It’s a great place to buy at a big savings! Please visit us at our Hendersonville and Etowah locations.

HENDERSONVILLE

802 Spartanburg Hwy.

Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-693-7756

HOURS: Mon-Fri: 10am-4:30pm Sat: 10am - 3pm

ETOWAH

97 Etowah Center Dr.

Etowah, NC 28729

828-891-4442

HOURS: Tues-Fri: 10am-5pm Sat: 10am - 3pm

@hcountycoa

staying home alone or entering a nursing home. Adult Day Health/Day Care provides much-needed time for caregivers to work or manage other responsibilities during the day. It also provides peace of mind that loved ones are surrounded by friends and a team of professionals who monitor conditions, safely administer medications, provide nutritious meals and offer meaningful activities that stimulate mind, body and spirit. Offering a high-quality, affordable program for adults, this center is open from 8AM to 5:30PM, Monday through Friday.

LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

BLUE RIDGE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock

828-694-1740

BRCLL.com

Located on Blue Ridge Community College’s Flat Rock campus, Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning offers courses on a wide variety of topics including history and current affairs (Appalachian, U.S., and international), music, art,

technology, literature and more. Classes are held Monday-Thursdays between either 10AM to Noon or 1PM to 3PM and typically span one or two weeks. Some classes are offered simultaneously via Zoom. A one-time lifetime membership fee entitles members to receive a newsletter of classes emailed monthly. Non-members can find our latest newsletter with our schedule of classes on their website.

LIFE@WESTERN CAROLINA

28 Schenck Parkway, Suite 102, Asheville 828-227-7397

Life.WCU.edu

A program of Western Carolina University, the mission of LIFE@ Western Carolina is to establish a community of lifelong learners ages 50 and older by offering participantdetermined topics of interest that promote learning and communityuniversity engagement.

OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER AT UNC-ASHEVILLE

Reuter Center, One University Heights, Asheville 828-251-6140

OLLIAsheville.UNCA.edu

A nationally acclaimed learning program for older adults, the Osher

Lifelong Learning Center at UNC Asheville offers opportunities for lifelong learning, leadership, community service and continued growth in a variety of settings. Founded in 1988 as the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, OLLI’s programming includes intellectual and cultural pursuits as well as social, physical and practical life courses such as life transition and retirement relocation planning, including its Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend (CREW). OLLI’s College for Seniors (CFS) program offers more than 350 courses in four terms every year, including some online programs.

SENIORS REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS®

HOW THEY CAN HELP PEOPLE 50 AND OLDER WITH RELOCATION

To better address the unique needs of home buyers and sellers who are 50 years old and older, some real estate agents earn the SRES® – or Seniors Real Estate Specialist® –designation.

The SRES® designation indicates that a REALTOR® has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50 and older through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved with relocating, refinancing or selling their home.

SRES® designees recognize that a home is often the largest and most precious asset that older adults have, and these certified senior specialists can help with navigating the financial and emotional aspects of selling a long-held family home.

REALTORS® with the SRES® designation have knowledge about a range of senior-related aspects of home ownership including managing capital gains and tax implications, how Medicare, Medicaid and Social

continued on page 136

Lake Pointe Landing and its adjacent facility The Bridge provide independent living and several levels of care.

Security affect real estate decisions, how Universal Design can help people stay independent in their homes and how to avoid loan schemes and scams that target older adults.

SRES® designees have specific training and experience related to assisting older adults with real estate transactions, including:

• Creating a customized plan to market and sell property.

• Understanding unique needs and creating a personalized plan to ensure a home meets those needs now and in the future.

• Utilizing specialized knowledge in reverse mortgages, 401(k) accounts and IRAs for a real estate transaction.

• Connecting with a network of movers, attorneys, CPAs, home inspectors and other experts to help with navigating the process. For more about REALTORS® with the SRES® designation and how to find one, visit SRES.org.

DOWNSIZING HOUSEHOLD POSSESSIONS BEFORE A MOVE

Preparing for a move can also mean realizing you have more possessions than you need or want. Downsizing can be daunting but there are professionals who can help and lots of tips for tackling the job yourself. Professional organizers and move managers specialize in sorting and organizing, managing paperwork and documentation, selling items, coordinating the donation of possessions to charity and arranging packing and moving. Two resources for finding such professionals are the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers at NASMM.com and Find My Organizer at FindMyOrganizer.com.

To begin downsizing, honestly evaluate what items you need and

currently use in your life and think about what you really will – or won’t – need in your next home.

Categorize items as ones to “keep,” “sell or donate,” “see if a family member wants” or “throw out.”

Use color-coded stickers to indicate which category an item falls into or put items into different designated piles during the sorting process.

Because it’s easy to become overwhelmed, pace yourself, enlist the help of friends and loved ones or a professional organizer or move manager, and consider limiting sorting and purging sessions to no more than two hours at a time.

If you have possessions you think friends and loved ones would like, invite them over to take items for themselves, perhaps at a “downsizing party.”

Consider contacting local nonprofit thrift stores and other charities about your donations which may be tax-deductible. Many organizations will come to your home to pick up furniture and other household items if they are in good condition.

Start with downsizing by:

• Getting rid of clothing and accessories you haven’t worn in years.

• Purging books, magazines, CDs, albums, DVDs and VHS tapes.

• Clearing out multiple pieces of furniture, especially ones that are large and bulky.

• Disposing of unused exercise equipment, tools, kitchen appliances and other devices.

AGING RESOURCES MAGAZINE

Aging Resources is your onestop resource for everything you need to manage the many issues of aging and caregiving of the elderly in Western North Carolina. Within its pages, you’ll find concise, up-to-date information on elder housing choices in the area, home-care assistance, legal issues, financial considerations, and more. The magazine is free and available throughout the area. View it Online at AgingResourcesWNC.com

• Weeding out holiday and other decorations.

• Passing on keepsakes, old photos and mementos to family members.

• Going through paperwork, digitizing important documents and shredding files that are outdated or no longer needed.

• Emptying off-site storage facilities.

Carolina Village offers independent living, assisted living and skilled care all on the same campus.

BEAUTY & FITNESS

AGAPÉ SALON

Agapé Salon is a new full service salon located in a beautifully renovated space on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Church Street in Downtown Hendersonville. Tracy Gossett, Salon Owner/Operator, is a Hendersonville native who loves doing hair. Women, men and children will find the ultimate salon experience at Agape Salon. They specialize in hair cutting, hair coloring, smoothing treatments, air brush makeup, manicures, pedicures and massages. They are experienced in up do’s for bridal and prom events, and carry professional products from Davines, R+Co, Living Proof, Goldwell and AG. Open Mondays 9am-Noon, Tuesdays-Fridays 9am-7pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm.

147 4th Avenue W | Hendersonville 828-595-2369

AgapeSalon147.com

BLUE RIDGE HEALTH

Blue Ridge Health provides high-quality, affordable healthcare to more than 50,000 patients in Western North Carolina. With a wide variety of medical and behavioral health services located in ten different counties, we care for your whole family, close to home. Come see us! FAMILY

CARBON FIT

YOUR

Carbon Fit is a boutique style personal training facility where they focus on helping YOU reach health and fitness goals through one-on-one personal training or small groups and classes in a private setting. There is no big gym feel at Carbon Fit! Each workout is handwritten specifically for the individual whether you are new to exercise or need specialized athletic training. Let the staff at Carbon Fit help you look, perform and feel your best...your wellness depends on it! Classes include Spin, Strength, Conditioning, Boxing and Barre.

715 S Grove Street Hendersonville

828-513-1182

CarbonFitGym.com

CAROLINA ACE HARDWARE

At Carolina Ace Hardware, they provide a large selection of tools and household items for the community, making sure your home improvement projects are easy and fun. Complete with a garden center, hardware inventory, and Hallmark Gold Crown Store, the store has everything you need for your nitty-gritty projects and casual endeavors. Of course, their expert staff is here to answer any question you may have and make sure you have just the tools and supplies you need. Whether you need a pair of keys cut or you’d like to browse the inventory of fresh, beautiful plants, you can expect to find all you need and more at your locally owned hardware store.

Mon - Sat 8AM - 7PM

Sun 9AM - 5PM

911 Greenville Highway | Hendersonville 828-697-2237

CarolinaACE.com

CASON BUILDERS SUPPLY

Cason Builders Supply's products add detail and upscale design to the finest homes, commercial buildings, and landscaping projects. They are the area's largest supplier of masonry materials including brick, rock, block, cultured stone, pavers, retaining walls, mortar, rebar, and landscaping materials including quality mulches, stone, and hardscape products. Their stores are locally and family owned, and they offer competitive prices on high-quality items.

203 W King Street | East Flat Rock 828-692-5716

1203 Ecusta Road | Brevard 828-883-2711

2608 S Old Hwy 14 | Greer, SC 864-877-1920

CasonBuilderSupply.com

FEATHER YOUR NEST

Feather Your Nest is sure to captivate you with their large selection of home décor and accessories, artwork, furniture, tabletop and linens. They also carry an eclectic collection of jewelry hand crafted by local artists and vintage pieces. Plan to spend time exploring the store and you are sure to find that special treasure. Never the same store twice, you will find different and unique items every time you visit.

Accepting quality consignments.

Tue–Sat 10AM to 4PM

1215A Greenville Highway

Hendersonville 828-693-3535

Feather Your Nest

Hendersonville, NC Tues–Sat 10:00 am to 4:00 pm 828-693-3535

Feather Your Nest

HABITAT RESTORE

THE MARKETPLACE ON LOCUST

Henderson County Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is a gem conveniently located in downtown. Two stories of antique, vintage, modern and contemporary home furnishings plus an entire warehouse of building materials. New inventory added each day, a must stop for locals and visitors looking for unique, one of a kind treasures at great prices. A remodeler’s dream, save time and money with their New Cabinetry line. Donations welcomed daily, large item pickup and delivery are available. Proceeds from the ReStore go toward building and repairing homes in our community.

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Come spend and hour or an afternoon perusing 8,000 square feet filled with collections of new and gently used home furnishings with flair! Fifteen different vendors (two are designers) showcase their ever-changing offerings of furniture, lamps, accessories, decorative pillows, designer fabrics, antiques and collectibles. Whatever your taste, from trendy to traditional, clean and contemporary or cozy cottage the friendly “matchmakers” on staff will match you up with exactly what you’re looking for at pocketbook-pleasing prices. You’ll find all this just minutes from Main Street in the historic Seventh Avenue District. Experience this unique marketplace for the home today.

Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM

822 Locust Street, Suite 200

222 W Barnwell Street | Hendersonville

Hendersonville, NC

2712 Hendersonville Road | Arden @HendoReStore

Habitat-HVL.org | ShopHendoReStore.org

Open Mon-Sat 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 828-697-8900 themarketplaceonlocust.com

RAYMOND’S GARDEN CENTER

RAYMOND'S GARDEN CENTER & LANDSCAPING

RAYMOND’S GARDEN CENTER

Since 1993 the Raymond family has owned and operated this full-service landscaping and garden center. You’ll find a wide range of trees, ornamentals, perennials, annuals, decorative pots and even unique plants. Best of all, 80 percent of their plants are grown on the premises; the others are supplied by local growers. Buying locally grown plants increases the probability that they will remain healthy and thrive. Raymond’s is also a licensed landscape contractor and can provide full installation and design work. Stop by, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook. Celebrating 30 years of serving Hendersonville.

Since 1993 the Raymond family has owned and operated this full-service landscaping and garden center. You’ll find a wide range of trees, ornamentals, perennials, annuals, decorative pots and even unique plants. Best of all, 80 percent of their plants are grown on the premises; the others are supplied by local growers. Buying locally grown plants increases the probability that they will remain healthy and thrive. Raymond’s is also a licensed landscape contractor and can provide full installation and design work. Stop by, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook. Celebrating 25 years of serving Hendersonville.

Since 1993 the Raymond family has owned and operated this full-service landscaping and garden center. You’ll find a wide range of trees, ornamentals, perennials, annuals, decorative pots and even unique plants. Best of all, 80 percent of their plants are grown on the premises; the others are supplied by local growers. Buying locally grown plants increases the probability that they will remain healthy and thrive. Raymond’s is also a licensed landscape contractor and can provide full installation and design work. Stop by Raymond’s Garden Center, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook.

Mon–Sat 8AM to 5:30PM

1320 Kanuga Road

Sun 11AM to 4PM, April-December

1320 Kanuga Road

Hendersonville, NC

1320 Kanuga Road | Hendersonville 828-696-8000 | RaymondsGC.com

Hendersonville

Mon–Sat 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Mon–Sat 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Sun 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, April – June

828-696-8000 •raymondsgc.com

Sun 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Apr – June 828-696-8000 • www.raymondsgc.com

SHEALY ELECTRIC COMPANY

Shealy Electric has been Hendersonville's lighting solution since 1954. Their showroom continuously provides a wide and unique selection of lamps, chandeliers, pendants, sconces and fixtures in the latest trends from hundreds of leading manufacturers. Their stock contains any lighting product you could imagine, with state of the art luminaries, replacement shades, and light bulbs in various shapes, colors, and intensities. On site custom repairs and electrical contracting are also available. Shealy Electric Co. makes lighting easy.

412 Kanuga Road

Hendersonville

828-692-9125

ShealyElectricCo@bellsouth.net

115

BLUE RIBBON CUSTOM FRAME SHOP

Local and family-owned since 1986, Bruce and Melissa spent 35 years together framing family heirlooms, treasured photos, and favorites pieces of art. They had a long history of being involved in serving children and our local community. After 21 years on Main Street, the showroom relocated to the busy bend of Kanuga where you’ll find convenient store-front parking and more than 4,000 frame samples in stock. Today, Melissa celebrates her 38th year of serving her happy, satisfied and local customers. Stop by and visit her in the showroom for all your framing needs and ideas.

414-A Kanuga Road

Hendersonville 828-693-7967

DAVID JORDAN - LEGALSHIELD INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATE

Affordable Legal Help For All. LegalShield is dedicated to creating a world where everyone can access and afford legal protection. Expected and unexpected legal matters arise every day, and with LegalShield on your side, you’ll have direct access to a dedicated law firm 24/7 for covered emergencies. From court representation for a speeding ticket, to real estate matters, to family legal matters such as adoption and name changes, to estate planning needs such as Will preparation and beyond, LegalShield is here to help you with your personal legal matters – no matter how traumatic or trivial they may seem. Featured in Fortune, Law360, CNN Business, Consumer Affairs, Forbes and The Hill.

828-606-6442

LegalBusinessForm@gmail.com

https://Jordan64.WeAreLegalshield.com

DAVID J. MAUPIN, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Edward Jones is a different kind of investment firm. To them, face time and think time make sense. They will meet with you to learn your individual needs and develop a strategy to help you achieve your long-term financial goals. So, whether you want to plan for retirement, save for college, reduce your tax bills or prepare for the unexpected, they are dedicated to giving you personalized services and long-term investing strategies instead of the latest investment fads. Join the nearly 7 million investors who know. Contact him today to help develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you.

1303 5th Avenue W, Suite B

Hendersonville

828-696-1588

EdwardJones.com

MR. ROOTER PLUMBING

Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services with a commitment to high level workmanship and excellent customer service. Their experts are trained and knowledgeable to handle any plumbing issue and employ the latest tools and technology in plumbing repair. They make it their mission to exceed customers’ expectations. Before proceeding with a repair, technicians discuss options and thoroughly explain the process. They understand the importance of helping you make informed decisions regarding your plumbing issues. Mr. Rooter offers 24/7 emergency service at no additional cost, and their uniformed technicians are courteous and friendly. With Mr. Rooter, workmanship and parts are guaranteed.

126 Underwood Road | Fletcher 828-685-3737

MrRooterWNC.com

SOUTHERN ALARM & SECURITY

Serving the area since 1936, Southern Alarm & Security offers state-ofthe-art electronic security system technology to homes and businesses. Relying on eight decades of experience, Southern Alarm leads the security industry as Western North Carolina’s largest and only locally owned ULcertified alarm company. Southern Alarm is the area’s exclusive authorized dealer for the Honeywell line of security systems and services. A complete array of electronic security services, including 24-hour monitoring, burglar and fire alarms, surveillance TV, access control systems as well as home automation and lighting control is available.

Hendersonville: 828-693-7136

Asheville: 828-253-1235

Franklin: 828-524-2268

SouthernAlarm.com

TED N. REESE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Reese Insurance can insure almost anything! Whether you need Health, Home Owners, Renters, Flood, Business, Life, Automobile or Boat insurance, the experienced and knowledgeable staff at Ted N. Reese Insurance have been dedicated to being problem solvers since 1956. Case by case, they find out what’s most important to their customers and their unique life situations. They review risks and exposures to help determine the best coverages. As an independent agent they offer a range of solutions to best fit your budget.

440 S Main Street | Hendersonville

828-692-4299

828-692-1480

TedNReeseInsurance.com

Ted N. Reese Insurance Agency Inc. Protection With You In Mind

For more than 40 years, Hair Gallery remains one of the area’s most prestigious salons. Hair design is taken seriously here: skilled cutting, customized color, keratin smoothing and hair loss treatments. Quality products from around the world and the U.S. are here to enhance and finish your look. Relax, refresh and renew your spirits in the tranquil spa in your private room for a manicure, pedicure or massage. Enjoy facials, waxing and custom make-up by Sue Ann Seymour Cosmetics. Expert care for Bridal and Prom events. Wigs and add-in pieces by special order. You can expect exceptional care and service from the professional staff of 17 stylists, nail techs, estheticians, and a massage therapist.

Note: Strict cleaning and sanitation practices remain in place for your protection and safety.

306 White Street, Unit A | Hendersonville

Near Fresh Market under the Red Roof

828-692-0101

HairGalleryOnline.com

from Unpredictable Threats

and at any time. With intense weather and acts of cyberterrorism constantly threatening infrastructure, our nation’s power grid is more susceptible to frequent and prolonged power homeowners continue to depend on electrical power to operate appliances in their home as well systems, Generac works hard every day to design and manufacture affordable home standby home until utility service is restored.

generators and how they can fit your needs and personal budget, schedule a free in-home power outage might occur tomorrow.