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.

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

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.

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.

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 continued on page 8

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.

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.

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.

Visitor Center, 201 South Main Street, Hendersonville

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

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/Summer-Concerts continued on page 10

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.