Town & Country | Flat Rock

Flat Rock Village

PAST AND PRESENT

The deep roots of the Cherokee in the land of Western North Carolina, named granite rock formation that became a trading hub with the early Europeans, is a good starting point in the history of Flat Rock Village. In 1973 the entire village, located south of Hendersonville, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Flat Rock Village is a quaint hidden gem offering visitors a fascinating destination to experience for the day. In the 1800s, the area earned the nickname “Little Charleston of the Mountains,” as many affluent residents from South Carolina’s Low Country made their way to the cooler climate. The village is pet-friendly so bring your fur babies along.

Carl Sandburg noted journalist, poet and Lincoln biographer, called Flat Rock home from 1945 until his death in the summer of 1967. He was the first poet honored by the National Park Service with the 1968 designation of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. The home is surrounded by 270 acres which include Connemara Farms. Visitors are welcome to the park year-round. Tours of the home are available Thursdays through Sundays and must be scheduled in advance. The site features an engaging list of activities to learn more about Sandburg’s literary works.

Today, Flat Rock Village is home to a thriving art scene featuring an eclectic mix of artists using various mediums from oil paintings, pottery and jewelry. Browse several local art galleries to discover the array of artisans on display to add to your collection. In addition, the Flat Rock Playhouse dates back to the 1940s, offering Broadway-caliber stage productions to audiences. Looking to take home a few tasty souvenirs means stopping by the Skytop Orchard to pick up a bucket of fresh apples or samples of cider or baked goods. Rainbow Row offers visitors great dining options to fuel up while exploring Flat Rock Village.

Flat Rock Village is about a 90-minute drive east of Cashiers, N.C., just south of Hendersonville, N.C. Plan a day trip to Flat Rock Village and discover all there is to do and see in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Words by Harriet Daniels