Enveloped by trees and nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the small city of Hendersonville is around two hours west of North Carolina’s state capital, Charlotte. The city retains its historic courthouse and features pretty side streets home to cafes, art galleries, and specialty stores selling local artisanal products. Sweetgum and scarlet oaks paint a palette of ruby and crimson in the fall, while carefully-tended floral displays keep Main Street colorful all year round.

The surrounding areas provide ample opportunities to get a closer look at the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, from adrenaline-fuelled ziplining over the treetops to a peaceful hike through seemingly endless scenic forest. The 3.75-mile Oklawaha Greenway Trail winds its way beside Mud Creek from Jackson Park, providing water fountains and even bike repair stations along the way.

Summer offers the warmest weather, which is when most visitors stop by to hit the nearby hiking trails, but be prepared for humid conditions. Spring and fall offer drier weather and are perfect for spotting rue anemone and golden ragwort and admiring the golden explosion of hickory leaves. Winters can be chilly, especially at night, but you can always warm up with some local mulled cider.

Downtown Hendersonville hosts a packed program of events, including the Henderson County Curb Market, featuring handmade and locally-grown products two or three times per week, as well as seasonal events like the apple festival on Memorial Day weekend, which celebrates the crop grown in the surrounding countryside. From late spring until early fall, you can find the streets lined with brightly painted life-size fiberglass bears as part of the Bearfootin’ Art Walk.

Dupont State Recreational Forest

With more than 10,000 acres of pristine landscape, this sprawling park located less than 30 minutes from Hendersonville is one of the best places to experience North Carolina’s natural beauty and is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. With a prime location in the Little River Valley, there are more than 80 miles of roads and trails and countless waterfalls to explore. The forest has even provided the backdrop for a Hollywood blockbuster.

Jump Off Rock

This drive-to scenic overlook just five miles from town features sweeping views over the rolling pastures below and the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The lookout point offers three short hiking trails suited to a range of abilities, along with benches where you can sit back and admire the view.

Craft breweries

Craft beverages are a big draw in Hendersonville. Beer aficionados and wine-sippers alike head here to tour the area’s host of producers — there’s even a meadery for something a little different. Many of the tasting rooms are located within walking distance of one another in town, and the four-day Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend event each April celebrates local food and drink with live music, tastings, and talks.