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Charlotte may be the most popular gateway to North Carolina, but there are so many other cities where you can exuberantly ‘take off your shirt and spin around like a helicopter’ Petey Pablo style!
Okay, let’s actually not do that.
What you can do is avoid the crowds of Asheville this fall by taking in the glorious sights of a lesser-known mountain town untamed beauty and homely charm.
While the trendy town of Cary has claimed the crown as NC’s new tourist hotspot, it’s pretty little town Hendersonvillejust north of where the Carolinas meet is the ultimate blissful escape for enjoying the state endless autumn splendor.
Explore Henderson’s Down-Home Downtown District
Say what you will about the South, but the famed hospitality is the real deal and only seems to increase as the city becomes more charming.
While places like Asheville are great to visit, seeing fewer Starbucks and more authentic mom-and-pop shops is undeniably more appealing, like a classic soda fountain like Mike is on Main.
Downtown Hendersonville offers a surprising variety of local dining options, from hearty Italian to Southern home cooking, like the top-rated Daddy D’s Suber Soulfood. A recent patron exclaimed, ‘We love this place! Every time we are in the area we add Daddy D’s to our itinerary.”
The The old-fashioned streets are lined with beautiful boutiques and there are loads of museums to visit, such as the Henderson County Heritage Museum, placed within a beautiful historic courthouse rivaling the appearance of many states Capitol buildings.
Perhaps the most fascinating museum, however, is Historic Johnson Farm.
Although located on the edge of town, this former tobacco farm offers a mix of outdoor grandeur and an intriguing history.
Open year-round and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a walk through scenic woodlands and take guided tours of the 10 historic 19th-century homes on site for only $10.
Go outside! Hendersonville was made for exploring
When you visit Hendersonville, you’ll notice the surrounding mountains surrounding you.
Don’t worry; however, this is not an escape room; the popular Blue Ridge Mountains welcome you with open arms.
Whether you take the picturesque back roads or take a leisurely hike, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a sight to behold, especially in the fall.
In the neighboring city of Laurel Park, Jump off the rock is undoubtedly the most popular nature reserve with a handful of hiking trails, but nothing too strenuous.
Just don’t take the name too seriously, as the top of Jump Off is 3,000 feet high, hence the epic view of vibrant treetops and mountainous terrain.
You might be surprised by what else Hendersonville and the surrounding region have to offer – beautiful waterfalls.
Hendersonville is a great base for exploring North Carolina’s hidden gems, away from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte and the flannel-wearing hipster crowds of Asheville.
Beyond the small townscape lies DuPont State Recreational Forest, home to more than a dozen waterfalls, but these are 5 of the most popular:
- Triple waterfalls
- Bridal veil falls
- Grassy Creek Falls
- High waterfalls
- Hooker falls
As fun as North Carolina is to visit, the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) has posted some rules that visitors should know before arriving, including:
- Avoid climbing on rocks or waterfalls
- Avoid swimming or wading within 300 feet upstream of waterfalls
- Avoid jumping, sliding or diving from waterfalls
- Drones are not allowed
Taste the taste of autumn
While your taste buds will be fully satisfied when visiting Downtown Hendersonville, there are some other seasonal treats that visitors should keep in mind.
If you’re into a road trip (who wouldn’t be in this area?), set your sights on Chimney Rock Road, where you’ll find apple orchards and pumpkin patches serving up all kinds of fall treats, like Granddad’s Apples, fun for the whole family.
But the adults might want to take their fall game to the next level. Nearby is Saint Paul Mountain Farms, which functions as both a vineyard and an orchard, producing local wines, hard ciders and other adult beverages.
However, the most striking name is only 16 km from the center. That would be so Sierra Nevada Tasting Rooma popular beer brand serving over 20 selections, plus a farm-to-table restaurant.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
