Area Information:

Main Street, Hendersonville, NC

Any day of the year is a beautiful day in the Hendersonville area of Western North Carolina.  The region has so much to offer families of all ages that many a vacationer has decided to relocate to the area after spending some time in this portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hendersonville is a friendly mountain city with park benches and flower boxes. A visit to this area will certainly be the highlight of your vacation. Come see for yourself!

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Climate:
Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock, located in Henderson County and just a half-hour south of Asheville, have been popular vacation destinations for over 125 years. The moderate climate is attractive to both retirees and young families wanting to enjoy the numerous cultural events, festivals and outdoor recreational facilities. Hendersonville has earned the title “The City of Four Seasons” with four distinct seasons without the extreme heat in the summer or cold in the winter.  At 2,200 feet above mean sea level, the mountain climate offers moderate summer temperatures; the average summer temperature is 71 degrees. The surrounding mountain ranges to the north and to the west shield the area from the winter storms coming in from the Plains and from Canada.  The average winter temperature is 41 degrees. The area’s rainfall is plentiful and is heaviest during the summer months.  The average rainfall is 51 inches.

Golfing:
The moderate climate is ideal for year-round golfing.  North Carolina is known as “a golfer’s

paradise,” and Hendersonville is no exception.  Many nationally acclaimed golf courses are

located within or near Henderson County.  The avid golfer can certainly find a course to

challenge his skill.

Shopping:
At the heart of Henderson County is Historic Downtown Hendersonville where Main Street has

 been revitalized with quaint shops, cafes and antique stores.  The local mall as well as many

shopping plazas offer a selection of wares for the most discriminating shopper.  If, by chance,

you can not find what you are looking for here, Asheville is only 22 miles away with two large

malls, more specialty shops and antique stores.

Events and Attractions:
Main Street is also the central location for the Annual North Carolina Apple Festival, held each

year to honor Henderson County’s national ranking in apple production. For over 50 years,

festivities begin the Friday before Labor Day and conclude with the King Apple Parade during

the afternoon on Labor Day.  The festival offers events for all ages and offers both the residents

and visitors alike the opportunity to sample some of the region’s heritage.

The Flat Rock Playhouse is the state theater of North Carolina and offers some of the finest summer productions in the country.  The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, the Brevard Music Center, the Hendersonville Little Theatre, the Absolute Theatre Company, the Hendersonville Chorale as well as other cultural groups also offer quality entertainment.
			Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theater of North Carolina

Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure are approximately 15 miles east of Hendersonville.  Chimney Rock offers one of the best views in the mountains as well as beautiful nature trails.  Lake Lure consists of 1,500 acres of sparkling water and 27 miles of shoreline.  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just 12 miles north of Hendersonville, and  Holmes State Forest is only 8.5 miles.

A tour of “Connemara,” the home of famed poet, author and historian Carl Sandburg, is a delightful excursion. Or, get a glimpse of rural life by visiting the Historic Johnson Farm, a 19th Century tobacco farm covering 140 acres.
		Connemara, home of poet, author and historian Carl Sandburg

Education:
In 1993, Henderson County and Hendersonville City Schools merged into one public school system consisting of 20 schools, over 1,500 employees, and approximately 11,550 students ranging from kindergarten through grade 12. Henderson County schools have held the honor of being rated among the best in the state over the past few years. In addition to the fine public schools, there are six excellent private schools. Blue Ridge Community College, established in 1970, offers continuing education opportunities that lead to an associate degree, vocational diploma or vocational certificate.  A college transfer program is also available.

Healthcare:
Henderson County is unsurpassed in the Southeast for the healthcare services that are offered to a community of this size. There are two full-service hospitals, Margaret R. Pardee Memorial and Park Ridge.  In addition, Memorial Mission-St. Joseph’s Hospital is conveniently located in Asheville.  Numerous specialty physicians with worldwide medical expertise and technology have located in Hendersonville, where there is such a demand for excellent healthcare.

Economy:
Henderson County bases its economy on industry, agriculture, tourism and retirement.  There are in excess of 50 manufacturing establishments, employing 7.5 thousand workers.  The largest area employers are General Electric, Kimberly Clark, Steelcase, Ralph Wilson Plastics and Meritor Automotive. All totaled, there are 1,952 businesses in Henderson County.