Hendersonville
Stroll: Downtown Hendersonville’s Main Street, once a busy four-lane highway, was transformed in the 1970s into a two-lane that meanders through its heart. The result: Traffic slowed and people came. Now the reborn downtown – it’s on the National Register of Historic Places – is alive with people walking and enjoying more than 60 shops, 30 eateries and more than a dozen arts and entertainment venues, including the Downtown Stage of the Flat Rock Playhouse (it’s the State Theater of North Carolina; www.flatrockplayhouse.org) and Hands On! A Child’s Gallery (www.handsonwnc.org).
Shop: Of note downtown? The Dancing Bear Toys store (www.dancingbeartoys.com), Mast General Store (www.mastgeneralstore.com), Sherman’s Sports and Army Store, Jane Asher Antiques (use the search window at www.shopmainstreets.com for either store), Jane Asher Antiques and a host of women’s fashion boutiques. Check out www.downtownhendersonville.org to help develop your shopping plan.
Hike: Just 12 miles west of town is the DuPont State Recreational Forest, whose popularity surged in recent years, partly because of movies filmed there (“Last of the Mohicans,” “Hunger Games,” “Max”).
But if visitation is surging, it’s also due to this being a beautiful place. Four major waterfalls, five lakes and more than 80 miles of multi-use trails (including equestrian) and roads in the 10,473-acre forest provide lots of room to explore. Hooker Falls (the easiest to get to), Triple Falls and High Falls may be recognizable to many who’ve seen “Last of the Mohicans.” Both Hooker Falls (12 foot-drop, but wide) and High Falls (120-foot drop) may be reached by relatively short and flat walks from parking areas. Hooker, a quarter-mile jaunt, is a favorite for swimming. High Falls is a little over a half-mile walk and has a nice covered bridge crossing it. Triple Falls (220-foot drop over three cascades) is about 30 minutes from the visitor center parking area.
The most popular trail runs between Hooker Falls access and the visitor center/High Falls access. You can see three waterfalls along the Little River, and your elevation change during the fall and winter months will provide some great views of the surrounding countryside. Because of the ways the trails are situated, you can add loops to your hike for longer excursions. From Hooker Falls Access to High Falls is about a one-hour walk … but with three waterfalls and views, plan on two hours, and perhaps 1 1/2 hours or a little less returning. Details: www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts/dsf.htm.
Bike: Those trails in DuPont State Recreations Forest? They’re multi-use, so if you like mountain biking, this is a must visit destination. Try the forest’s Corn Mills Shoals for a challenging ride. The forest even has a kids’ bike trail. Need to rent a two-wheeler? Try Sycamore Cycles (www.sycamorecycles.com) in downtown Hendersonville. It’s about $60 per day for a road bike; $35 and up for a mountain bike.
Mark Alan Hudson
Eat
At 303 N. Main St., Mike’s on Main features breakfast and lunch in a ’50s-style atmosphere. It’s a good spot to spread out if you have kids. Try the Black Rose Public House, 222 N. Main, for awesome choice: bangers and mash, craft Angus burgers and reubens to die for. It also has a fine offering of beer including 25 craft varieties. Prices are surprisingly moderate; outside seating is available. Its upstairs has games, including darts and pool.
Sip
The Black Rose also has a fine offering of beer including 25 craft varieties. Also worth exploring is The Poe House (at www.facebook.com, on Facebook, search for “The Poe House”), a cozy spot where you can enjoy craft beer or wine and perhaps catch some live music. It’s at 101 1st Ave. W. just off Main Street.
This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 7:59 AM with the headline "Hendersonville."