Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Andrew Stratton

I have to admit it - it’s fun to be a tourist in historic Hendersonville, North Carolina! Historic Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina have been a tourist destination for over a hundred years.

Hendersonville, NC, officially became an incorporated city in January of 1947. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988 due to its rich history. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area of Western North Carolina, Hendersonville is located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 26 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina.

Hendersonville, currently about 12,000 people call it their home, is rich in southern charm. The city is booming with historic sites, attractions, and places to explore. Because of the area has four distinctive seasons, yet mild temperatures in both summer and winter, it is a superb place to visit or to live, year-round.

When you walk down the historic streets of Hendersonville you will notice the streets are lined with overflowing flower boxes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Along Hendersonville’s streets you will find antique shops, restaurants, night clubs, and specialty stores of all varieties. There is something to be found in Hendersonville for people of all ages to explore and enjoy.

Throughout the year Historic Downtown Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival, an antique show, art shows, car shows, and various parades throughout the year. Hendersonville shows off its traditional southern hometown charm through these special events. The friendly local residents are always welcoming to other locals and visitors alike.

Located on North Main Street you will find The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum hosts special traveling exhibits from around the world and specializes in local Geodes. There is no admission fee for the museum though it is considered proper to leave a small donation to help support running the museum and its future exhibits.

Located in the same area as The Mineral & Lapidary Museum you will find the Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society. This excellent resource library with over 2,000 volumes was founded in 1983 to aide historians and researchers in their understanding of the history of North and South Carolina. On the outside of the building you will find the McClintock Chime Clock. The clock is approximately 65 years old and is a distinctive sight in the area.

No tourist trek through Historic Hendersonville is complete without a visit to the Hendersonville City Hall Building. The building was erected in 1928 and contains many interesting historic artifacts of the local area. Because three presidents were from North Carolina, (Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk and Andrew Johnson) you will find statues and information on them located at the Hendersonville City Hall Building.

There are four popular man-made lakes in the greater Asheville and Hendersonville areas. They are: Biltmore Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Lure and Lake Toxaway. Each lake offers water-front real estate if you are interested in living lakeside. The lakes are stocked with fish and have some great areas to picnic and spend the lazy days of summer.

Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it in Historic Hendersonville, NC. It is a great place to be a resident or a tourist.

Historic Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina have been a tourist destination and residential oasis for over a hundred years. Work with the local real estate agents at Preferred Real Estate Center to find the perfect property for you.

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By Kathryn Lively

When I have a long weekend from work looming fast on the calendar, often my husband and I consider taking a short trip to relax. Living in the Tidewater area, we are within a short driving distance of a number of relaxing, beautiful destinations. Most of the time, our thoughts and our desires turn to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. If you have been there, it is not difficult to understand why.

1) I love the Outer Banks for the beautiful, clean beaches. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, the beaches are always well kept and the sand is soft. If we are lucky to get a room by the shore, it’s only a quick jaunt to the ocean for play, or to the sand to soak up the sun.

2) I love the Outer Banks for the food! Where else along the Eastern seaboard can you sample the finest catch of the day and shellfish but in the Outer Banks? While many of the seafood restaurants are seasonal, there are a few open year round where you eat until you bust with local favorites like blue crab and she-crab soup, mahi-mahi and shrimp. Don’t forget, too, to try some famous North Carolina barbecue in between trips to the beach.

3) I love the Outer Banks for the miles of biking road. Especially in the late winter months, when tourism is low, the roads are long and clear. A cyclist could travel from Currituck to Kill Devil Hills and back with no distractions but the beautiful scenery.

4) I love the Outer Banks for the shopping. Eclectic boutiques, surf and swim stores, and gourmet groceries featuring the finest of North Carolina wines and other delights are all within reach in the OBX. One can easily find souvenirs for family, and a few items to brighten up the home, too.

5) I love the Outer Banks because it is never boring. Even if you are not a beach person, there is plenty to do and see along the shore. There are historical spots like the Wright Brothers memorial, and natural sites like Charles Kurault Trail. Bring your enthusiasm and your camera.

Next time you have a long weekend ahead of you, why not consider the Outer Banks for your getaway. See how quickly you fall in love!

Kathryn Lively is a freelance travel writer for the Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism in the Outer Banks, and for CINIVA Systems, Virginia Beach website design.

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