Hendersonville – A City of Four Seasons

Situated on a scenic mountain plateau 2,200 feet above sea level, Henderson County is cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, a geography that gives the area its four distinct yet temperate seasons.

Decades ago, Dave Cooley and Kermit Edney created the slogan “The City of Four Seasons” for the Chamber of Commerce. Edney, a local weather expert, noted that this area provides the experience of all four seasons, although the mild climate does not subject visitors and residents to harsh winters like those up north or to the extreme heat of a Southern summer. Hendersonville’s pleasant climate traditionally attracted part-time tourists and retirees.

As more people discover its excellent quality of life and four seasons of fun, Henderson County has become a destination that more visitors seek out year-round and where many families decide to make a permanent home.

Each season not only brings its own beauty to behold but also provides a wide variety of activities and events to enjoy all year long. From fly fishing in the spring to hiking mountain trails in the summer to leaf-looking in the fall to snow tubing in the winter, there is always something fun to do in the City of Four Seasons.

SPRING

Springtime brings warm days bursting with breathtaking scenery, beckoning people to venture outside to enjoy the region’s outdoor activities. Many hike their favorite trails, visit area waterfalls or take their mountain bikes out for a spin. Locals and visitors alike anticipate downtown Hendersonville’s decorative plantings which include beds of colorful tulips enjoyed by people exploring downtown shops and restaurants. The Garden Jubilee entices garden lovers with plants, garden accessories and more for sale as well as free advice from horticultural experts.

SPRING CELEBRATION

Garden Jubilee
9AM-5PM
Sat and Sun of Memorial Day weekend in Downtown Hendersonville
828-233-3216
GardenJubilee.org

A springtime tradition since 1994, Hendersonville’s Garden Jubilee features approximately 150 vendors set up along eight blocks of Main Street and a speaker series at the Welcome Center Stage. Local and regional nurseries sell thousands of plants including annuals, perennials, vegetable and fruit plants, herbs and unusual varieties. Other offerings include garden-themed art, lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, planters, wind chimes and birdhouses.

SUMMER

Summertime sizzles downtown with free live musical performances at the Rhythm & Brews and Music on Main concerts. Henderson County’s mountain musical roots are celebrated as they have been for more than a century at the Street Dances with bluegrass music, square dancing and clogging. Independence Day typically is commemorated with a Fourth of July event featuring music and fireworks.

Farmers markets throughout the county are active many months of the year offering lots of fresh, farm-to-table fruits, vegetables, meat products, honeys and more, including local handmade arts and crafts.

U-pick and other farms around Henderson County welcome guests to come by and connect with local farm life. People enjoy a lively and varied food scene in Hendersonville and throughout the county including al fresco dining at many restaurants, coffeehouses and other eateries. A plethora of craft breweries, cideries, wine-tasting rooms and vineyards provide sociable spots for relaxing, quenching a thirst, grabbing goodies from area food trucks and listening to live music.

Parks, playgrounds and ball fields throughout Henderson County are popular year-round with people enjoying fresh air and sports with family and friends. Local dog parks cater to fun with four-legged friends.

Outdoor enthusiasts get back to nature throughout the year at nearby parks, greenways and forests with hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing and other recreational activities. Summer camps – many of which have storied histories spanning decades – provide outdoor experiences that make memories lasting a lifetime.

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

Rhythm & Brews Concert Series
South Main Street, between Allen and Caswell
May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 21 from 5:30 – 9:30PM
828-233-3205
DowntownHendersonville.org

The Rhythm & Brews concert series features an eclectic mix of local and regional Americana, R&B, funk, bluegrass and Southern rock. Local food vendors, a kids’ play station, a nonprofit vendor space, a misting station and beer, wine and cider vendors also are featured.

Saturday Street Dances
Visitor Center, 201 S Main Street, Hendersonville
June-Aug, Visit Website for Exact Dates
828-693-9708
VisitHendersonvillenc.org/Summer-Concerts

The Street Dances started in 1918 to welcome home World War I soldiers and have continued to be part of summer in Hendersonville for more than a century. The Street Dances, held on Saturdays, features a live bluegrass band playing traditional music while a square dance caller prompts dance figures for participants to follow. Those who don’t know how to square dance can come at 6:30 PM for basic lessons. Clogging teams perform twice during the evening with stomping routines. Bring a chair. No alcoholic beverages, coolers or backpacks allowed. The seating area opens after 5:30 PM and prior admission is prohibited. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8 PM. If the weather does not cooperate by then, the performance will be canceled.