I am looking for a overnight stop on my way to Charleston SC and was thinking about Hendersonville. It seems that last year when planning a trip down the Blueridge Parkway, I came across a picture of the apple festival there and it looked like a neat little town. Is it? Anything there to keep us entertained for a half of a day? I was going to stop in Asheville on the way back, would I do better to stop there both ways?

I lived in Hendersonville for several years and go back to visit often! Not sure of your interests but if you only have an afternoon I would suggest visiting A Day In The Country. It's a unique shopping experience, lots of local crafts,and it boasts a lovely eatery. Walking down Main Street is fun also. There are several antique shops,one of a kind restaurants,an old fashioned malt shop, an intimate movie theater (small tables,wine,cheese, etc.)and a Mast General store. It's a very slow paced life there and I miss it. I would recommend a visit to Flat Rock Playhouse for an evening of the best live theatre in the Southeast! Asheville is 20 minutes to the West(Biltmore Estate, GrovePark Inn), Bat Cave/Lake Lure is 20 minutes to the East (Chimney Rock Park). You won't regret spending an afternoon in Hendersonville!

Yeah, I agree: two thumbs up for Hendersonville, especially if there's a festival in the neat downtown area. It's a cool little town, and it would be a nice (smaller, quiter) compliment to Asheville, which is a great place. Good plan to hit both!

Hendersonville is camp central in the summer. It is the nearest town to many summer camps, and has lots of shops and restaurants in a 2 or three block long area downtown. We go every summer for lunch on our way to drop off our kids, but we actually stay 30 min. away in Asheville, which is a FANTASTIC city! Their downtown is such a destination for the eclectic mix of shops, galleries, people, food - highly recommend it.

The Rock and Mineral Museum in the downtown main street district is a real kick!

Hendersonville would be an excellent place for a stopover. Very well situated & plenty to do.