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Discover Hendersonville in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its beautiful scenery, adventurous outings, acclaimed breweries and cideries, and charming B&Bs. 

Stroll the streets of the historic downtown, and find keepsakes at Carolina Mountain Artists Guild, Dancing Bear sculptures and the Hendersonville location of the legendary Mast General Store.

Dine and people-watch on the patios of Never Blue restaurant and Black Rose Public House; while for upscale dining, Postero (New American cuisine) and Renzo’s Ristorante are the talk of the town.  Hendersonville's acclaimed breweries, cideries and locally loved restaurants make it a rewarding stop for travelers eager to experience the flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

You won’t feel more reinvigorated than when you get outdoors, so explore the mountains and visit iconic landmarks. Jump Off Rock offers a scenic overlook – literally – of what lies ahead. DuPont State Recreational Forest is home to more than 10,000 acres of forest and trails, and its waterfalls are guaranteed to steal the show.

Escape To A Weekend In North Carolina’s 
Blue Ridge Mountains

Cold Mountain stands at 6,030 feet in Pisgah National Forest about an hour southwest of Asheville, its peak rising gently from the broad sweep of ridges around it. 

To reach its summit, plan for an overnighter in the woods – or to reach it in style, make it a 4-day trip: one day in Asheville to fuel up, two in the woods, and one back in town to celebrate.  Beyond its outdoor appeal, Asheville's celebrated craft brewery scene, independent restaurants and Appalachian-inspired cuisine provide plenty of reasons to extend a stay before or after exploring the mountains.

Start your outdoor adventure in the mountain city of Asheville. In this city of like-minded hikers, bikers, paddlers, climbers and foodies, grabbing that piece of last-minute gear and that last civilized meal before your trip is no problem. You’ll have your choice of a couple of outdoor outfitters here such as Blue Ridge Hiking Co., which rents out hiking equipment, and Second Gear, a top outdoor adventure consignment store featuring both new and lightly used clothing.

Cold Mountain & Asheville

The Blue Ridge Parkway travels 252 miles in North Carolina's mountains, with ample exits for weekend getaways from Asheville to Boone. Along the way, travelers can discover scenic overlooks, outdoor adventures and charming mountain communities that showcase the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge region.

Cities like Charlotte, Durham and Greensboro exude rich character perfect to explore on a romantic escape. As part of North Carolina's Piedmont region, these destinations combine Southern hospitality with vibrant arts, entertainment and cultural experiences. Charlotte is known for its dynamic city atmosphere and attractions, while Raleigh and Durham offer a blend of innovation, culture and acclaimed dining. Greensboro adds its own distinctive mix of history and local charm.

Coastal towns like New Bern and Wilmington blend modern charm and history. Visitors can stroll historic waterfront districts, discover maritime heritage and experience the relaxed pace that defines North Carolina's coast. From scenic waterways to fresh local seafood, these destinations offer memorable experiences both on and off the water.

And 300 miles of beaches guarantee family vacation fun from the Outer Banks to Bald Head Island to Emerald Isle. Whether exploring mountain landscapes, vibrant cities or coastal escapes, North Carolina offers a diverse collection of destinations, each with its own story to tell.

A Story At Every Stop

NC PLEDGE

Outdoor NC and Leave No Trace want you to Make It Your Nature to become a steward of North Carolina’s unique outdoor spaces by taking the Outdoor NC Pledge. Together we can protect the places we love for generations to come.

ENO hammocks has partnered with Outdoor NC to reward several good stewards for their commitment to preserve and protect the outdoors. Click the button below to take the Outdoor NC Pledge and you’ll be entered to win a custom ENO double nest Outdoor NC hammock and hanging straps!

NC Pledge

North Carolina's culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. In the mountains, craft breweries, cideries, wineries and Appalachian-inspired cuisine pair perfectly with Blue Ridge views, while regional specialties such as mountain trout showcase the flavors of Western North Carolina. 

Across the Piedmont, destinations such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro blend innovative dining with the state's celebrated barbecue traditions. Travelers can discover both Lexington-style barbecue, featuring pork shoulder and a signature vinegar-and-tomato dip, and Eastern North Carolina's famous whole-hog barbecue, slow-cooked and finished with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce. 

Along the coast, fresh seafood takes center stage, from oysters and locally caught fish to shrimp burgers and the renowned Calabash-style seafood that has delighted visitors for generations. 

The state's evolving food scene is also gaining national attention, with acclaimed chefs, farm-to-table experiences and restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide American South adding even more appeal for foodies. Wherever their journey takes them, travelers will discover authentic flavors rooted in local heritage and regional pride.

A Taste of North Carolina

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