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Hendersonville and its surrounding mountains and valleys are an autumn sight to behold – right now. As the fall colors slip from the mountaintops to sunny slopes and deep into mountain valleys, the Western North Carolina region, once again, moves those lucky enough to see them to take a deep breath and sigh at the sight. There is even a plentiful supply of gasoline, which makes a trip through the mountains as stress-free as it is meant to be.
Cool temperatures and sunny skies have been the rule this fall season; even though locals know the region could use the rain, every cool, sunny day is one more day of guilty pleasure. As for visitors, any day of the week is a good one to venture out into the natural world around us. After a soothing night’s sleep at a charming bed and breakfast, a great day might start with a short walk to breakfast at any one of the many cozy downtown eateries. The North Carolina Arboretum, located just west of town off the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 191, has gorgeous, peaceful trails, babbling mountain streams, and a forest full of knockout fall colors – perfect for a quiet morning walk among towering trees. From the Arboretum, many visitors might jump back on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the breathtaking beauty of a drive over to the Mount Pisgah area, southwest of Asheville about 45 minutes. The drive along the rising mountain ridges is one of the prettiest – large, sweeping panoramas on either side of the Parkway, plenty of stop-off points, and lots of tunnels with superb stone craftsmanship to enjoy along the way. Sturdy walkers and hikers – or those who believe they are half billy goat – can park and make the hike up to the peak of Mount Pisgah – the view, particularly at this time of year – is worth it.
As travelers make their way back to Hendersonville, a brief late afternoon respite following a day of outdoor exercise might be just the thing before heading out to one of Asheville’s unique downtown cafes or restaurants. There are some great ones to choose from – The Inn on Church Street Dining Room offers dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5:00-until, all organic produce from local growers, and fresh seafood daily. The Porch Dining is a must! Season's at Highland Lake Inn offers fine dining in a casual country setting. Fresh in-season organic vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers from the Inn's "garden to the plate" cuisine are grown on property. The fall colors are very near their peak, so now is the time to enjoy some days in the mountains. The cool temperatures make for invigorating outings just walking around downtown or heading out into the forests. These are just a few suggestions of terrific places to while away some pleasant time. There are plenty of other places, in and around Hendersonville, just waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to look. Click here for more fall photos. (Photos provided by Hendersonville.com.)
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If that hasn’t made everyone hungry again, travelers can head slightly further west to Graveyard Fields, a mostly flat hiking area with some of the most stunning, rocky, and rushing mountain streams that are available to enjoy – all within just a short walk from the parking lot. But for those who have had enough walking, the Pisgah Inn will give everyone in the crowd a dazzling vantage point from anywhere in their large, homey dining room – just don’t forget to bring a sweater – it gets pretty cool. The menu is filled with tasty Southern dishes.
