7 Things to Do in Hendersonville During the Thanksgiving Weekend
Soon, Thanksgiving will pass. Some of the family have left to return home, but you decided to stay for the long weekend. The question now is what to do for the next 24 hours. Hendersonville and the immediate surrounding area is filled with attractions for the entire family. Below are a few of the many attractions that can easily fill the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Here Comes Santa Street Lighting
Friday Night, Downtown Hendersonville, 5-8 pm
A must for all in Hendersonville! The street lighting is a time for all to sing carols while having hot chocolate and tasting the best fare that Hendersonville has to offer. At dark, Santa appears on the courthouse square switching on the festive Christmas light along Main Street. Kids can visit Santa, whispering their wish list for Christmas. The merchants will be open for you to shop and get that one-of-a-kind gift. It is the official kick-off for the Christmas season.
Hendersonville County Heritage Museum
1 Historic Courthouse Sq # 4
http://hendersoncountymuseum.com/hchm/
Located in the courthouse, it makes a convenient stop while waiting for Santa and the Street Lighting. The museum takes you into Hendersonville treasured past with exhibits on the contributions of the settlers of the town and county. The story of Hendersonville unfolds in colorful collections that will remind all of the sacrifices that made the town and county what it is today.
Hands On! Children’s Museum
318 North Main Street
https://handsonwnc.org/
A must-see for the kids in the family. The museum is filled with hands-on, interactive activities they are sure to enjoy. The museum has STEM learning activities that are sure to spark their imagination and learning in the safe environment of a museum. Kids can develop social and emotional development, cognitive, and fine motor skills, a must for success in today’s world. The kids will have an enjoyable time learning and so will the parents!
Apple Valley Model Railroad Museum
The Railroad Depot
https://www.avmrc.com/
Everyone is fascinated with trains and the museum brings a time past to life with exhibits of artifacts and model trains. The artifacts bring memories of the trains that connected Hendersonville south to Spartanburg, SC, and east to Hickory, NC. The model trains bring a detailed visual of the terrain that the trains traveled in and around Hendersonville. The museum has touch screens available providing additional information on the railroad and the artifacts. The family will enjoy the look into Hendersonville’s past.
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Located 2.5 miles west of downtown Hendersonville on Hwy. 64 West
http://www.elijahmountain.com/home.html
The gem mine is the best gem mine in North Carolina. The family will enjoy sifting through the dirt of the mine searching for gems just like the prospectors! Over 40-type of semi-precious and precious gems have been found at the mine. And the best part…you get to keep what you find!
Flat Rock Playhouse
2661 Greenville Hwy
Flat Rock, NC 28731
https://flatrockplayhouse.org/
Just outside of Hendersonville, the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock offers some of the region’s best theatre. The areas talented performers make up the cast offering a hometown feel to the productions. The performance are sure to please the entire family. Be sure to call ahead for ticket information, the tickets sell quickly!
Carl Sandburg Home
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731
https://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm
One of America’s poets and writers hailed from Flat Rock. His home is now a national park and open to the public. The home contains exhibits of his poetry and writings while giving a glimpse of his life. The kids will enjoy the Junior Ranger and the Girl and Boy Scout programs at the site. The family will enjoy the beauty and calm of the site overlooking the mountains. Be sure to check ahead for tickets and reservations as they fill fast.
