Attractions
Historic Main Street
Downtown Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March of 1988 and has become a vital part of the community's economic and cultural growth. The serpentine street features planter boxes brimming with seasonal flowers, trees and thriving businesses such as specialty shops, antique stores and restaurants offering something for everyone. The district has a history of tradition, with hometown charm, playing host to many activities including the N.C. Apple Festival held during Labor Day Weekend. For additional information call Downtown Hendersonville, Inc. (828) 697-2022.
www.dhinc.org
Wolfe's Angel
Author Thomas Wolfe's first novel was "Look Homeward, Angel". In the book there are constant references to an angel statue carved from Italian marble. This is the angel Wolfe placed in American literature. Thomas Wolfe's father, W.O. Wolfe, sold the statue to the Johnson family to mark the family plot in the Oakdale Cemetery. The statue is protected by a wrought iron fence, and there is a historical marker located on the highway.
Jump Off Rock
Jump Off Rock is a scenic overlook which provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. It also holds an Indian legend passed down for many years. Over 300 years ago a young Cherokee Indian maiden received word that her young Indian Chief had been killed in battle, so she climbed to the edge of the rock and jumped off. Legend has it that on moonlit nights you can see the ghost of the maiden on Jump Off Rock.
Historic Hendersonville Depot
The first steam engine puffed up the Saluda Grade to the Hendersonville Depot in 1879. Today the exterior paint has been restored to its original color. A Southern Railway caboose is located at the south end. The depot's baggage room houses the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club.
Location: Maple Street off of 7th Avenue East. For additional information call(828) 698-0052, or (828) 883-2799. No charge.
www.avmrc.com
Dupont State Forest
The forested land was purchased by the State of North Carolina, after DuPont sold its industrial operation in 1996 and 1997; the surrounding land holdings became DuPont State Forest. The forest encompasses 10,268 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties. It is situated in the Little River valley and includes waterfalls and 80 miles of roads and trails wandering through mountainous terrain. The forest is open to the public for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Fishing is allowed with a valid NC fishing license. Hunting is by special permit only, issued by a permit agent of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources manages the forest. For additional information call 828-877-6527.
www.dupontforest.com
Carl Sandburg Home
Carl Sandburg, American poet, historian, author, and lecturer spent the final 22 years of his long and productive life at his estate, Connemara, in Flat Rock, NC. Today this National Historic Site offers a keen insight on Mr. Sandburg, his family and their 240 acre working farm.
Location: 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731, (828) 693-4178
www.nps.gov/carl
Flat Rock Playhouse
Considered one of the ten best seasonal theaters in the country, Flat Rock Playhouse has presented more than 300 productions for nearly fifty years. A wonderful escape from life's hectic pace, the Playhouse offers quality entertainment rarely found so far from Broadway. For additional information or a schedule of performances.
Location: 2661 Greenville Highway (Highway 25)
Flat Rock, NC 28731, (828) 693-0731
www.flatrockplayhouse.org
Historic Johnson Farm
Johnson Farm is a fine example of a late 19th and early 20th century farm and tourist retreat. The entire structure was handmade from bricks that were fired on site from French Broad River mud. The Johnson Farm was the home of a wealthy tobacco farmer, Oliver Moss. Construction of the elegant home, smokehouse and granary began in 1876 and was completed in 1880.
Location: Hwy. 191 N. across from Rugby Middle School. For additional information call (828) 891-6585. Admission charged.
http://www.henderson.k12.nc.us/district/johnsonfarm/index.html
