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Posts Tagged ‘Hendersonville NC’

Team ECCO: Don’t Miss This Pint-Sized Powerhouse Aquarium in Hendersonville, NC

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Did you know Hendersonville, NC has an aquarium? Team ECCO Aquarium and Shark Lab is located right on Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville, NC. Squeezed in beside stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, Team ECCO ‘s footprint may be small, but the education squished between those walls is massive. The aquarium’s true charm is in interactive experiences led by its knowledgeable volunteers. Here’s a bit about our visit to Team ECCO, plus everything you need to know to plan your family’s visit.

Team Ecco Charlotte the sting ray, Hendersonville, NC
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Moonshine Mountain Delivers Thrilling Snow Tubing During Winter Months

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Looking for a family-friendly winter activity? Check out Moonshine Mountain snow tubing park in nearby Hendersonville, NC for snow tubing this winter. KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez brought her children for a day of tubing down the mountain. Check out her review so you’ll know what to expect and plan your visit to Moonshine Mountain.

They are projected to open on December 20th, 2023.

Moonshine Mountain Tubing in Western North Carolina.

Snow Tube at Moonshine Mountain

If you see the giant pink elephant, you know you’ve made it to Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, NC. Get used to the feeling of being watched by all kinds of mismatched statues of dinosaurs, bears, and the Blues Brothers. But it’s all part of the thrilling fun of this snow tube mecca in Western North Carolina.

Located only an hour from Greenville, Moonshine Mountain offers super fast snow tubing for any age down their mountain. They have a cozy lodge with games, hot chocolate, snacks, and coffee available. If you’d rather skip the tubing part or are done with your time, you can watch all the action from the deck at the lodge or head to the bridge over the tubing area to take photos of your family speeding down the lanes.

Moonshine Mountain is planning to open December 20th, 2023, for their 2023-24 season, which extends through February depending on the weather. Before you go, definitely head to their Facebook page for the latest updates on weather, snow report, and wait times. They have the capability to create their own snow so you’ll be fine even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on the white fluffy stuff.

There are bathrooms on site but they are port-a-potties so don’t go there expecting the Ritz of bathrooms. The place is rustic and eclectic, not a fancy ski lodge.

Tickets, Tube, & Lift

Tickets are $40 for each tuber no matter the age and you have to sign a waiver upon arrival – head right to the “Form Shed” and then take your waiver to the lodge for payment and your sticker. You’ll get two hours of tube time. They do not take reservations so it’s first come first serve. If you want a good chance of snow tubing the day you want, you need to get there early. Like anything outdoors since the pandemic, a lot of people want to go. Over Christmas Break last year, they were posting wait times of anywhere from two to six hours. 

After leaving the lodge, go to the building with the airplane on top to pick up your giant tube – I don’t know how much they weigh but they aren’t light (I definitely tripped over them a couple of times!) – and head to the mountain after the lodge. There is a pulley system that acts as a lift to get you up. It’s easy and fast.

Your other option, if the line is long, is to take your tube and walk up the mountain. I don’t recommend this if the conditions are icy, which is how they were when I went. I got about 80 percent up and got stuck because I couldn’t get a good grip on the ice. It all worked out but the lift is easy and you don’t get stuck!

Moonshine Mountain

Going Down the Mountain

Once you’ve reached the top, you get to choose one of the three lanes. Having never snow tubed before, my two little kids (ages 7 and 4) and I just chose the first lane, which was a good choice since it seemed like the other two were even faster. Moonshine Mountain claims one of the steepest slopes in Western North Carolina. I’m not disputing that after day of snow tubing here.

My kids are small enough where we were arranged so that I could hold onto both their tubes and we could go down together, which made me feel a bit safer. Every tuber, no matter their age, get their own tube. The employees are all great and very friendly. They get you up the mountain and down it safely while having a lot of fun.

I saw a lot of other groups go down in “trains”, where you hook your feet under the arms of the person in the tube in front of you and then slide down together. It looked awesome.

Mom Review of the fun at Moonshine Mountain

We got there before Moonshine Mountain opened so we had plenty of time to get in several runs until a bigger crowd showed up. The most we waited to get to the lift after sliding down was 15 minutes and that was at the most crowded part of the day. It was run efficiently, they play music, have a bonfire near the mountain so you can warm up, and have an on-site photographer to grab your best photo (which we absolutely bought).

The place is very family-friendly and really caters to all ages. We saw people on dates, families, big groups, and friends just having fun together. There are plenty of things for the kids to play with, or on, while there as well. There is a little igloo they can explore or climb on the backs of dinosaurs or sit by the fire and enjoy hot chocolate.

I found it’s run efficiently to move people from one area to the next to get in as many snow tube runs as possible but certainly geared towards safety. If you’re looking for something fun to do as a family this winter or to bring out-of-towners to, Moonshine Mountain is a great choice.

Check hours on website as they are mostly open on weekends and school breaks. They do not offer group rates.

Tips for Moonshine Mountain in North Carolina

1 – Bring cash. Moonshine Mountain doesn’t accept credit cards for anything so you need enough money for the tickets plus whatever snacks or hot chocolate you want. Tickets are $40 per person. If you purchase photos, bring an extra $30-$40. I loved the photos since I couldn’t go down the mountain and snapshots at the same time.

2 – While there isn’t an age requirement, there is a minimum height requirement of 36” to tube and a 250-pound limit on the lift. Tubes can hold up to 300 pounds but you’ll need to walk up the mountain. Ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

3 – Check the weather and snow report before you go on their website and/or Facebook page. Rain will usually necessitate closing. You don’t want to drive all the way up there and not be able to go tubing.

4 – Get there early. We took someone’s advice and got there about 20 minutes before opening, which allowed us plenty of time to sign the waiver, get our tube, and hit the mountain before other people showed up. If you get there hours after opening, be prepared to wait for a long time or not get tickets at all.

5 – Bring a change of clothes. There are changing rooms on site and you may get wet or muddy. It’s just more comfortable to change before you head home.  You don’t need snow bibs or pants. Just dress warm.

6 – Don’t forget winter hats and gloves and layers are your friends. It can get chilly so just be prepared. You can always ditch layers in the car if you warm up. We don’t have snow gear so we layered leggings under pants and jeans and did the same with shirts. Worked out well.

Have you gone snow tubing at Moonshine Mountain?

Moonshine Mountain
5865 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.696.0333

Things to Do in Hendersonville, North Carolina

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Kidding Around’s Guide to Hendersonville, NC: Things to Do, Where to Eat, & More

Best snow tubing, skiing, and tubing near Greenville, South Carolina

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Here’s the biggest list of places to ski, board, and snow tube in the Carolinas and beyond!

Lots of Winter Family Fun at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC

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Are you thinking about snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC? Western North Carolina has great snow tubing and Black Bear Snow Tubing is a stellar option for families! They have a huge mountain to get your winter in high gear with a fun snow tubing trip for the whole family! We took a trip up to try out that snow-tubing mountain and it was so much fun! Now we have all the details to share so you can plan your trip!

Media tickets were provided for this review and the opinions are solely those of the author.

Snow tubing at Black Bear in Hendersonville, NC

While there aren’t any places to snow tube in the Upstate, SC, there are definitely options nearby and one of them is Black Bear Snow Tubing in nearby Hendersonville, NC, just over an hour from Greenville, SC. The snow tubing family-owned operation has been in business for over seven years and they really have a good thing going there, which I’m going to tell you all about in this story.

Scenes From the Slope

Take a sneak peek at this video at Black Bear Snow Tubing.

Snow Tubing at Black Bear

The slope at Black Bear Snow Tubing is 600 feet long with an 80-foot drop and it’s pretty fast. They make their own snow (unless they get a big snowstorm, which doesn’t happen too often) and the hill is well-maintained by their attentive staff.

How it works is that when you get to Black Bear, you go to a little shed to watch a short safety video, where you learn how to get out of your tube on the run and not to start snowball fights, sign a waiver, and head inside the cozy lodge to pay. Then you get your tubes and head to the hill.

They have a pulley system to get you to the top of the hill, which works by slipping the handle of your tube on a cable that takes you, while sitting inside your tube, right up the hill to the top. Once at the top, you’ll wait for a few minutes before being situated into your group by the staff and then sliding down the hill.

On the snow tube pully at Black Bear in Hendersonville, NC
Black Bear Snow Tubing Pulley System

Why Black Bear is Different

I’ve snow tubed at many places in our area and I think Black Bear Snow Tubing is pretty fantastic. Here’s why:

  • You can (and should) make a reservation ahead of time, which is crucial for us in Greenville who need to travel out of state to go snow tubing. It’s quite a bummer to get to our snow tubing place and either find out that they are sold out or having to wait hours for an open slot.
  • The staff is attentive and efficient. They were always around watching the hill to make sure things were running smoothly and safely. When there was a slight backup at the top of the hill, they figured out how to manage to get us all down the hill and back up to keep snow tubing without interruption.
  • The lodge is super cozy and warm and has reasonable concessions. I got a $2 hot chocolate and it was amazing. Plus, they have food, including apple cider donuts, that is affordable and you can get warm by the wood-burning stove inside or watch on the deck if you don’t want to go tubing.
  • The setup takes into account smaller kids. There is playground next to the place where you wait in line to go up the hill so smaller kids can get out their energy and there is a big fire pit also near the waiting area where you can warm up.
  • If you forgot a hat or gloves, they have them for sale inside the lodge. I feel like us parents can relate when our kid gets out of the car to go snow tubing and forgot his or her winter hat.
  • The check-in is fast. This is important because you want to get on the hill and start having fun as soon as possible!
  • Black Bear has excellent communication. They post daily on their Facebook page about current snow conditions, which is super helpful when you’re unsure about the weather.
  • The snow is real. They don’t have any synthetic chemicals in the snow – it’s the real deal.

My kids, ages 11 and 8, and I had such a blast snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing. We went down the hill about 10 times (maybe more, I lost count honestly) and had so much fun together. I really love places where adults can carelessly be kids again. My kids are already asking to go back. The hill was super fast and seeing my kids faces light up with joy was special. I love those moments.

Tips on How to Enjoy Snow Tubing at Black Bear

Winter being winter, it’s usually cold when you go snow tubing. I’ve found that bringing hand and foot warmers is a really good trick to keeping everyone warm and comfortable. You can get them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, or most drug stores and they stay warm for hours.

Sliding down in a tube at Black Bear Tubing

It’s also really important to make a reservation when you know you want to go snow tubing. This is especially true during school breaks and holidays. Snow tubing is an awesome family activity on a day off but a lot of people also have the same thought. Don’t forget to make a reservation.

You don’t need to wear snow bibs or snow pants. I had on fleece leggings, hiking boots, and a couple layers of tops with a heavy coat (it was really cold when we went!) and I was fine. I saw people wearing all kinds of clothes that worked for them like pants, leggings, jeans, and sweatpants. The snow wasn’t wet at all when we went but if you go on a warmer day, you may want to bring a change of pants in case they get wet.

There are port-a-potties outside the lodge to use and no bathrooms indoors.

Double-check Black Bear’s Facebook page before heading out. Snow tubing is very dependent on weather, which changes often in the mountains. They will post current conditions and if they are open or closed most days.

Ticket Prices and Policies at Black Bear Snow Tubing

Tickets are $30/hour or $40/two hours for snow tubing. Kids must be 4 years old in order to go snow tubing. You can either sign a waiver when you get to Black Bear Snow Tubing or print one out online ahead of time. Either is fine.

While Black Bear Snow Tubing does take walk-ups, it is much better to make a reservation ahead of time instead of getting there and finding out they are full. Online reservations are fantastic for this very reason so definitely make use of them.

And be sure to check Black Bear Snow Tubing’s Facebook page before heading out to double check they are open and running. Winter tubing runs mid-December through February usually depending on the weather, of course.

And if you want to tube during other times of the year, you totally can! They have warm-weather tubing in the fall.

Black Bear Snow Tubing
373 Kerr Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.685.1155

Want to spend the day in Hendersonville? We’ve got lots of ideas on what to do in this fun town!

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See Historic Planes for FREE! Western North Carolina Air Museum in Hendersonville, NC

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Did you know Hendersonville, NC has a FREE airplane museum? The Western North Carolina Air Museum is in a hangar beside a small runway full of historic airplanes. Learn about the history of the planes, how they’re made, and how they fly. There are even aircraft that kids can climb in, explore, and experiment with the controls. If you have an aviation enthusiast in your family, no matter their age, this is not a place you’ll want to skip. Let us introduce you to this amazing little gem in Hendersonville so you can plan your visit soon!

WNC Air Museum planes

What is the Western North Carolina Air Museum?

The museum consists of a single hanger filled to the brim with interesting and historic aircraft, informational exhibits, and knowledgable staff there to answer your questions and explain everything about these planes. There is also an aviation library that takes up almost an entire wall of the hanger, full of information for anyone researching an aviation topic whether it’s historical, technical, or anything in between.

Plane at the WNC Air Museum

Is the WNC Air Museum a Place for Kids?

YES! Definitely bring kids to this museum. Signage at the museum asks parents to supervise their children at all times, which makes sense since there are so many valuable aircraft and exhibits densely packed into the space.

That said there are definitely things for kids to touch, explore, play with, and enjoy. There are photo ops for kids in the form of a wooden painted plane. And your kids may also notice some stuffies doing a little piloting. Both a plane and a gyrocopter are available for kids to climb into the pilot’s seat and move the controls. They’ll actually be able to move the rudder, ailerons, and elevator. This was definitely my kids’ favorite part of the museum.

Kids lpiloting at WNC Air Museum

The staff at the museum were very kind to my kids, answering all their questions and complimenting us on their inquisitiveness and behavior. And really, what parent doesn’t want to hear things like that about their kids?

On our way out, my kids were offered copies of some aviation magazines which they eagerly accepted. Members of the Air Museum donate copies they are done with to the museum so kids can bring them home to learn more.

WNC Air Museum Stuffed Pilots

When Can We Visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum?

The regular hours of the museum are as follows:

  • April – October: Wednesday & Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
  • November – March: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm

The museum may also be open for additional hours for special events, like the Hendersonville Apple Festival. Visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum website for special event information.

WNC Air Museum

Getting to the WNC Air Museum

When you plug the address into your GPS or maps app you should have no trouble getting to the museum. It’s located just a few miles from downtown Hendersonville, but the area is residential and you may feel like you’re headed off in the wrong direction. The drive is gravel and you’ll see the hanger from the road.

WNC Air Museum entrance

Western North Carolina Air Museum
1340 Gilbert Street, Hendersonville
FREE admission and parking

Free Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC

There are so many more free and fun adventures in Hendersonville, NC!

Here’s our list of totally free fun in Hendersonville, NC.

Tis the Season of Awesome: Christmas in Hendersonville, NC

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If you’re ready for a little fa la la la boost of holiday spirit, the events celebrating Christmas in Hendersonville, NC should do the trick. The Hendersonville, NC Christmas parade is one of the most festive we’ve been to, and the rest of the town’s holiday events are loaded with fun and cheer.

Our list includes some of the very best Christmas Hendersonville, NC events and our all-time favorites. Most of these events and things to do are actually totally free, so they’ll be easy on your budget. Here’s your guide to celebrating Christmas in Hendersonville, NC.



Christmas: Hendersonville, NC

The Big Events: Christmas, Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville really turns up the Christmas charm every year. This year, their season is Home for the Holidays and they are loaded up on free, family fun, beautiful downtown decorations, and lots of lights. Christmas is gorgeous up here, and these events are 100% worth the drive for locals and visitors alike.

Hendersonville Christmas Tree Lighting

Hendersonville Courthouse: November 24th, 2023, 5 to 8 pm

Kicking things off, it’s the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 24th, 2023 from 5 to 8 pm. Santa will arrive with Mrs. Claus to light the tree at about 6 pm. Kids will get to visit with Santa for free after he’s lit the tree, and there will also be free carriage rides. Downtown Hendersonville is beautiful at Christmas, and we can’t think of a more festive way to say hello to the Christmas season.

December 8th Holds a BIG Holiday Celebration in Hendersonville

Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina
Old Fashioned Christmas has been postponed to December 8th, 2023 (from December 1st)

What comes to mind when you think of a holiday Christmas small-town celebration? Whatever just popped into your head, it’s probably happening in Hendersonville. There are several simultaneous events and happenings occurring all along Main Street and most of it will be free. From an Old Fashioned Christmas with songs and shopping, to visits with Santa, cookies, cocoa, and carriage rides, you’ll find it all in Downtown Hendersonville.

  • Santa Claus in the Square: Bring your camera and take a free photo with Santa. You’ll also get to enjoy hot cocoa, games, and crafts. You’ll find Santa in front of the courthouse from 5 pm to 8 pm
  • Live holiday performances, carolers, and festive music spread throughout Downtown Hendersonville
  • Holiday Shopping: Tonight the shops are open late, so feel free to wander amongst the twinkling lights and holiday music while you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list
  • Free Carriage rides: Enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas favorite and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage down the beautifully lit and decorated Main Street. Rides begin at Historic Courthouse Plaza

The Hendersonville, NC Christmas Parade Might Be My Favorite Ever

Downtown Hendersonville, NC
December 2nd, 2023, 6 pm

If you are in need of Christmas cheer and you can only go to one event all season, the Downtown Hendersonville Christmas Parade should probably be that one event. Everyone from high school marching bands, to the fire department, the local plumber, and the llama farm come out to celebrate the season together with a giant parade, full of lights, floats, music, and more. You’ll get Christmas spirit thrown at you no matter where you look, in the best possible way. Of course, the parade ends with the final float carrying Santa straight from the North Pole.

See Santa Hendersonville NC

Parent Tips for the Hendersonville, NC Christmas Parade

  1. Check the weather and dress warm if needed. We were pretty chilly last year. Especially if you’re coming from a town in nearby Upstate, SC, don’t forget that it’s colder in Hendersonville.
  2. Arrive early for a good seat along Main Street. Pick up something delicious to eat and enjoy while you’re sitting out along the street waiting for the parade to start. Black Bear Coffee and Mike’s on Main are two good places to grab a bite to eat to go.
  3. Of course you could also bring a picnic dinner and a thermos full of cocoa to enjoy while you wait!
  4. Bring a bag for candy passed out during the parade.

Linda’s Plants and Shrubs

We were visiting Linda’s and saw them setting up their 2023 Christmas Haybale maze! Check back soon for dates and details. In the meantime, you can read all about last year’s holiday maze at Linda’s Plants and Shrubs.

Play space in the Christmas Maze at Linda's

Awesome & Free Things to Do for Christmas: Hendersonville, NC

One of the things I absolutely love about Hendersonville is all the free things to do any time of the year. But at Christmas time, they really take the cake. We’ve already covered the free opportunities to see Santa and carriage rides, but there’s so much more!

December 2nd, 2023 Free pictures with Santa at Ace Hardware. We LOVE free pictures with Santa and this time he’ll be at Carolina Ace Hardware with Paula Roberts Photography for FREE photos, plus cookies, cider and candy canes. Visit Santa between 11 am and 2 pm.

December 2nd and 3rd, 2023, Go skating for free! And that includes the skate rentals. It’s an iceless rink that allows for skating no matter the weather. Find it at 85 Howard Gap Road in Fletcher. The rink will be open from 3 to 6 pm on the 2nd and from 1 to 4 pm on the 3rd. December 2nd will also have a festival event including vendors, live music, and inflatables.

December 16th, 2023, Mountain Fresh Orchards is bringing their Apple Express Train downtown for free Holly Jolly Train Rides down Main Street. In addition to the holiday train rides, the orchard will also have their delicious baked goods available for sale. Hop aboard the train at the Courthouse Square in Downtown Hendersonville.

December 22nd, 2023, Christmas Sing Along at The Buzz. The Apple Country String Band will be at The Buzz playing all your favorite Christmas songs and everyone is invited to sing along. If you’ve never visited The Buzz, this sober bar and coffee shop offers unique mocktails and lots of delicious coffee beverages in an alcohol-free environment. They’re on our list of favorite coffee shops in Hendersonville, NC.

November 24th through December 31st, 2023, Visit Marked Tree Vineyards for free holiday lights and decorations. You can hike or drive through the lights at the vineyard for free. You can also enjoy their Wine with Winter Wonder series of live holiday music on Saturday nights. Reservations are recommended for the live music events. Visit the Marked Tree Vineyards website for information closer to December.
623 Deep Gap Road, Flat Rock

All holiday season: Find the Peppermint Bears in Downtown Hendersonville. Visit the Hendersonville Welcome Center to pick up a brochure and then get hunting through Henersonville’s downtown businesses. Once you find at least 12 bears, you can bring your brochure back to the visitors center and drop it in the mailbox to win a prize.

November 24th, 2023- January 7th, 2024: E.L.F’s Holiday Light Show offers a free family holiday light show annually. This year they are taking donations for the Blue Ridge Humane Society. This family has been running these light shows in Hendersonville since 2019 and is bringing new lights and props to the show in 2023.

Worth the Drive: More Christmas Fun Near Hendersonville

Winter Lights – This popular light show at the NC Arboretum in Asheville is a walk-through light experience unlike any other! The show runs from November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023 nightly from 6 pm – 10:30 pm.

2023 Festival of Trees Greenville, SC: Come see the holiday trees on display from November 17th through December 25th, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, the Courtyard Greenville Downtown, and the Hampton Inn & Suites River Place.

St. Francis Festival of Trees at the Hyatt

25+ Hendersonville, NC Things to Do: Fun Days Start Here

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Are you looking for things to do in Hendersonville, NC? Just over the border into North Carolina is the mountaintop town of Hendersonville, NC. There are lots of things to enjoy, but the thing Hendersonville, North Carolina is most famous for is their apple orchards! If you are planning a trip to Hendersonville, we’ve got all the info you’ll need to fill your day with fun, or enjoy a day trip or weekend getaway any time of year.


We Love Adventures in Hendersonville, NC


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Top 10 Cozy & Cute Coffee Shops: Hendersonville, NC

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So, you’re ready to sit back and enjoy the perfect cup of coffee? Hendersonville, NC has a lot of fabulous coffee options, which means you really can’t go wrong. But, having tried quite a few of the coffee shops in Hendersonville, NC, here’s a rundown of some of our favorites and a few other unique spots you might want to check out the next time you’re looking for coffee in Hendersonville, NC.

Hendersonville, NC is a Great Place to Be for Coffee

I spend a lot of time in Hendersonville, NC, particularly in coffee shops. One of my kids volunteers at Team Ecco Aquarium, so pretty much every weekend I head to Hendersonville with my laptop packed up and ready to get some work done. After I drop him off at the aquarium, I pick a coffee shop and settle in to catch up on some work. It’s safe to say I’ve seen lots of coffee shops in Hendersonville, inside and out.

My current favorite is Southern Streams. Shhh…don’t tell any of these other amazing Hendersonville NC Coffee Shops!

Black Bear Coffee

Located beside the Hands On! Children’s Museum on Main Street, Black Bear Coffee is a popular option for both locals and parents visiting the museum. They serve Counter Culture coffee, and you can purchase coffee beans here as well.

In addition to coffee drinks, they have a menu with breakfast options and sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as cookies and pastries. Some of the pastries are especially kid-friendly, like the homemade strawberry pop tart with sprinkles.

My personal favorite lunch item is the Greek salad, while my daughter’s favorite item on the menu is the soft pretzel.

Lots of seating is available indoors and outdoors.

Salad at black bear coffee

318 North Main Street, Hendersonville
Black Bear Coffee

Main Street Coffee

Main Street Coffee is, as the name implies, located on Main Street. They are actually located within D9 Brewing, serving coffee and tea beverages from 9 am to 3 pm daily. They don’t sell food, but you can bring food items inside.

We love the bar seating at the door along Main Street. If you’re looking for a tasty treat to enjoy along with your coffee, we highly recommend walking up a block to McFarland’s Bakery and bringing something delicious back to Main Street Coffee.

Main Street Coffee, Hendersonville

425 North Main Street, Hendersonville
Main Street Coffee

Art & Coffee Bar

Also in the Main Street area, just a block off Main Street on 5th Avenue is the Art & Coffee Bar. This Hendersonville coffee shop is one of the smaller options, with cozy seating and lots of artwork to enjoy on display. If you’re looking for a quiet, calm option, this is the coffee shop to try! They have all the favorite coffee and espresso beverages, plus homemade pastries.

Art & Coffee Bar in Hendersonville, NC

Art & Coffee Bar
118 5th Avenue, Hendersonville

Southern Streams Coffeehouse

I discovered this coffee shop on my way up to Jump Off Rock. It’s amazing, gorgeous inside and out, with coffee, tea, espresso beverages, and homemade pastries. They also have breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and salads.

There’s a plethora of indoor seating with tables and comfy options upstairs as well as in the downstairs backroom. That room has a big rolling garage door-style door that opens to the outside. Or if you’d rather enjoy some sunshine, the great big back deck is the place you’ll want to find a seat.

Sometimes on Saturdays, you’ll find live music at Southern Streams Coffeehouse.

Parking is free and there’s plenty of it!

Southern Streams Coffeehouse is located at the former location of Appalachian Coffee Company.

1628 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville
Southern Streams Coffeehouse

Hendough

This one isn’t 100% a coffee shop. But, they do serve coffee, good coffee. Plus they have all the coffee shop favorites: hot chocolate and espresso beverages. And of course, they serve the famous Hendough donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and chicken. This is the original Hendough location with both indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t forget to check upstairs if you’re looking for indoor seating!

532 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville
Hendough

The Buzz

This one is a new and unique option in Hendersonville. The Buzz is actually a sober social bar and cafe. They offer everything from coffee and specialty lattes to alcohol-free mocktails. Specialty lattes include things like the Bee’s Knees, which is a brown sugar cinnamon coffee with honey, topped with whipped cinnamon.

100% of the proceeds from the Buzz go to the Hope Coalition supporting recovery and prevention programs.

The Buzz has a large outdoor patio and an indoor space, and its own, free, parking lot.

225 South Grove Street, Hendersonville
The Buzz

Sharewell Coffee Co.

Technically this coffee shop is in Flat Rock, but it’s pretty much right on the border between Hendersonville and Flat Rock. They are a roastery and espresso bar, serving espresso beverages, pour-overs, local teas, and local pastries.

2698c Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
Sharewell Coffee Co.

The Local Brew

We checked out Local Brew just recently. The shop is very cozy, with all your favorite espresso and coffee beverages plus pastries. But, there is a full diner adjacent to the shop, if you’re looking for a full meal to go along with some excellent coffee. Take your coffee to go or snag one of a couple of indoor tables. There is also outdoor seating available both out front and outback. The back seating is adjacent to a tiny stream, though the deck area is quite rustic.

The Local Brew
1724 Brevard Road, Laurel Park

Jeter Mountain Farm

Hear me out on this one. Coffee tastes better on a farm with beautiful views. Although the coffee at Jeter Mountain would be good all on its own minus the views. You’ll have to make sure they are open, as the coffee house is only open when the rest of the farm is open, seasonally June through October.

But, right beside the coffee house is the kids’ indoor play area. That’s a pretty great combination if you ask us!

We have a whole review of Jeter Mountain Farm where you can find out more about what the farm has, in addition to coffee!

1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville
Jeter Mountain

More Coffee Shops in Hendersonville, NC

We’re looking forward to trying these coffee shops soon!

The Ugly Mug
2024 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville

Don’t miss our guide to all of the awesome Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC.

Fall Play & Pumpkins at Linda’s Plants & Shrubs: Hendersonville, NC

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Does an indoor pumpkin farm maze and play space sound like fun for the kids? Bring the little ones to Linda’s Plants & Shrubs in Hendersonville for their super cool hay bale, indoor, Pumpkin Maze. They also have free hot chocolate and coffee, and pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers. And, while you’re there you can pick up some super gorgeous pumpkins, mums, and fall plants.



Fall Things to Do at Linda’s Plants & Shrubs

What does Linda’s have for Fall 2023? Lots! Pick your own pumpkins off the vine. Wander through the sunflower field, you can pick your own, too! Enjoy the pretty view and then head indoors and feast your eyes on gorgeous pumpkin displays with mums and all kinds of fall plants. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and then head for the INDOOR pumpkin maze.

Pick your own pumpkins at lindas

Picking Pumpkins

Want to pick your own pumpkins off the vine but don’t want the big fall crowds at large farms and orchards? Linda’s is your answer. The small pumpkin vine field has pumpkins you can cut yourself. The sunflower field is beside that, and you can also pick your own sunflowers.

But, if you can’t find the exact right pumpkin on the vine, no worries. Linda’s Plants and Shrubs shop is full of gorgeous pumpkins in every size, color, and shape you could imagine. They have lots of fall-themed photo opportunities both inside and out.

The Pumpkin Maze

Linda’s pumpkin maze costs $5 per person going through the maze and using the play space. The maze, made out of hay bales, is loaded up with Halloween and fall characters with audio and lights, inflatables, and bubbles.

Fall maze

Crawl through tunnels and tires, once you make your way out of the maze, a slide into a pool full of dried corn is waiting at the beginning of the play area.

In the play area you’ll find construction trucks ready to drive through and move that dried corn, an additional pool of dried corn, and space to play.

Do the maze as many times as you’d like. We saw kids having a great time with a game of hide and seek in the maze, and we have to admit, it does seem like a pretty perfect place for hide and seek! You could also have an epic game of I Spy in here.

There are benches in the maze space so parents can chill with that free cup of coffee while the kids play.

End of the maze at Linda's

Plants and More

Linda’s is personally one of my favorite places to go for fueling my plant addiction. They have a large selection of both seasonal indoor and outdoor plants, plus local honey, sauces, pots, and a small selection of decor items.


Christmas Events at Linda’s

Linda’s Plants and Shrubs is always a fun place to explore. Here’s what they had in 2022 for the holidays. Check back soon for their 2023 holiday happenings,

The Christmas Maze at Linda’s in Hendersonville, NC 2022

Greenhouses are not just for growing plants. Linda’s Plants and Shrubs has converted one of its large greenhouse spaces into a Christmas maze and play area for kids. No matter the weather, it’s dry and toasty at this maze made of haybales and decorated with tons of holiday decorations and inflatables. Kids must wind through the maze and crawl through a tunnel and a tire on their way to a climber and slide that goes right into a pit of dried corn.

For the construction-minded and truck-loving kiddos, there is also a place to play in the corn with large provided dump trucks. Parents can play along in the maze or relax on the benches while the kids play.

Play space in the Christmas Maze at Linda's

The maze and play area are totally free to visit. Younger kids, toddlers, preschoolers, and younger elementary will especially enjoy this area.

Santa at Linda’s Plants and Shrubs 2022

Santa will be visiting Linda’s on December 4th, 2022 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Don’t forget your free hot chocolate at the checkout area near the maze.

Trees and Plants: Holidays 2022

When you walk into Linda’s the first thing you’ll experience is the fresh, piney smell of Christmas trees and wreaths. Smells are free, too, and totally worth a pause even if you don’t need a tree. But if you do, these trees were beautiful!

Next on the list, Christmas cacti. Linda’s has so many blooming Christmas cacti and other holiday plants, like Poinsettias. I love Christmas cacti and I have five or six in my house. I’m lucky to get even one to bloom. So, today I added another, a big beautiful, already fully in bloom Christmas cactus to enjoy right now. Yay!

Christmas Cactus at Linda's

The poinsettia table screamed Christmas in the best possible way, and my husband picked out some other blooming holiday plant that I have absolutely no idea what it is or what to do with it. But, you know, it’s pretty. And, you can never have enough pretty plants, really. Then, my kids found a few succulents to add to their collections, of course.

Linda’s also has some adorable little pots for your new plants, and also some farm goodies like jams and honey.

Visit Linda’s Plants & Shrubs

308 Stepp Acres Lane
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: 828.685.0738
Linda’s Plants & Shrubs
Linda’s on Facebook

Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 4 pm

Hands On! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville, NC is the Perfect Day Trip

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Have you visited Hand On! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville, NC? It’s the perfect place for kids to play and learn with parents and grandparents. The small footprint of Hands On is great for a kid-size adventure without being too overwhelming. You’ll find Hands On! along Downtown Hendersonville’s beautiful Main Street, beside Black Bear Coffee.

The orchard at Hands On

Hands On! Children’s Museum

Hands On! Children’s Museum has a target audience of children aged ten and under. The museum is all located on one floor which is great for parents keeping track of multiple kids.

The smaller front section contains a fire truck play area, a dinosaur dig exhibit, an art area, and a Kilwin’s Ice Cream-themed pretend play area.

Fire truck at Hands On in Hendersonville, NC

Behind that, you’ll find the larger open play space where kids can pretend to shop at the grocery store, cook a meal, and pick apples. There’s also a pretend play doctor’s office with a baby care station, a dentist’s office, an engineering area, and a theater.

The middle of this Hendersonville children’s museum features a beautiful mountain play area with a fun stairway that leads to a slide in the rocks. The bubbling sounds of both a natural-looking waterfall feature and a fun water play area add to the natural mountain scene and fill the whole museum with the calming sounds of running water.

Mountain area at Hands On

Babies and Toddlers at Hands On! WNC

There is a small area set aside just for babies and toddlers at Hands On! In this area you’ll find soft mats, a low table and chairs, many sensory toys suitable for toddlers and babies, plus blocks and puzzles.

Rocking chairs in this area overlook the mountain in the center of the museum.

Admission and Hours at Hands On! Hendersonville, NC

Your $10 admission allows you to enter and leave the museum for a full day. Every person pays admission – even adults. Infants are $4. Hands On! is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 am – 5 pm. (Closed Sundays and Mondays, except for special holidays and seasonal breaks.)

Memberships are available and if you think you would make the trip to Hendersonville more than a few times a year, a membership could be the perfect option for your family. (Remind grandparents that museum memberships make great birthday and Christmas gifts!)

Classes, Parties, and More

Hands On! offers regular classes that are often free with your admission. Classes range in topics from science to reading to crafting. Summer is filled with weekly class options – and the convenient part for parents is that one child can attend a class while the other children play. Throughout the year there are weekly classes – such as storytime and science classes, plus other weekly options.  Be sure to check their Hands On website or Facebook page for all the details.

Hands On! also offers an easy and enjoyable option for birthday parties. They provide a party room for the cake and gifts and then, of course, the museum is all the entertainment you will need for your birthday guests.

Dinosaur at Hands On

More to Do in Hendersonville, NC

Downtown Hendersonville has so many fun things to do. Hop out of the museum for lunch at one of the family-friendly Main Street restaurants. Options like pizza and sandwiches and an iconic soda fountain shop across the street can make Hendersonville a great day trip destination. Right next door to the museum is Black Bear Coffee Shop with great coffee beverages, treats, sandwiches and a lot more. And, McFarlan’s Bakery is right across the street. Pick up some donuts, cookies, pastries, or even a whole pie to bring home!

Gather a few of your girlfriends and strap the kids in their booster seats. A day at Hands On! will be a day the kids will really remember and love

Hands On! Children’s Museum
318 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC
828.697.8333

Has your family ever visited the Hands On! Children’s Museum?

Don’t miss our full guide to Hendersonville, NC Things to Do.

See Model Trains for FREE at Apple Valley Model RR Club in Hendersonville, NC

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Did you know there is a free model railroad museum you can visit in Hendersonville, NC? The Apple Valley RR Club is located in the historic train station in Hendersonville and visitors can check out the indoor and outdoor model trains, and climb aboard a real caboose, totally free. Read on to find out all the details to plan your visit to the Apple Valley Model RR Club.

Railroad scene at Apple Valley Model Club, Apple Valley Model RR Club

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I planned a stop on our day in Hendersonville, NC at the Apple Valley Model RR Club. But, I figured with free admission and several kids who enjoy model trains, it was worth a stop.

Wow, was it worth the stop! The station is full of some of the coolest displays we’ve seen. How rare it is to find something like with without an admission cost! We loved our time watching the trains and look forward to stopping by again.

Take a Peek!

Here’s a fun video from our visit so you can see some of the trains at the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club.

Things to See at the Apple Valley Model RR Club

The model train displays at the Apple Valley Model RR Club flow through the several rooms that make up the historic train station. In one room you can watch club members work on trains and scenery and beyond that are rooms full of elaborate scenery, tunnels, and HO scale model trains.

Tunnels in a model railroad display

The station is filled with the sounds of running trains chugging and whistling across the displays. Train lovers young and old can watch as the trains go by, and meander from room to room to check out the different displays. Take as much time as you’d like, it’s free and there is a lot to see!

Huge model train displays

Outdoor Train Display at Apple Valley

A G-scale model train runs outdoors behind the station and there are some very special features of this outdoor display. First, young ones should head here to visit both Thomas the Train and Percy. They both chug through the large outdoor display.

G-scale outdoor train display with Thomas

Next, notice the mirrors along the back of the display. You’ll be able to watch the trains moving behind the display on their way to the other side.

But the biggest special feature is the onboard camera running on one of the outdoor trains. You can see this onboard view from the lobby. My kids enjoyed positioning themselves outdoors to be seen on the camera while their siblings watched for them in the lobby.

Climb Aboard the Caboose

Beside the train station is an old caboose. When the station is open, the caboose is also open. Climb aboard and check out the interior with its coal stove and storage, benches, and even a toilet.

Caboose at Apple Valley Model RR Club

Where to Find the Apple Valley Railroad Club

The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is located in a historic 1902 train station beside the railroad tracks in downtown Hendersonville, NC. There is free parking beside the station and it is an easy walk to or from the restaurants and shops on Main Street.

Historic Railroad station in Hendersonville, NC

Visit the Apple Valley Model RR Club

  • Admission is FREE!
  • Hours: Wednesday 1 pm to 3 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm

650 Maple Street
Hendersonville, NC
Apple Valley Model RR Club