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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

Wednesday & Thursday 7AM-2PM

Friday & Saturday 7AM-4PM

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