What’s open and safe to do in Hendersonville after Helene hit Western North Carolina?
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Parts of Western North Carolina welcome fall leaf visitors
Many Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.
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As Hurricane Helene passed through Western North Carolina, Hendersonville experienced some impact, but the community remains resilient.
“Hendersonville is pleased to welcome back visitors,” Mayor Barbara Volk said in a news release. “Although we regret some of our businesses are still recovering from Helene’s impacts, the majority of shops, restaurants, and attractions are fully open and ready to offer their usual warmth and hospitality. Fall is usually a busy time here and we know how much visitors contribute to our local economy.”
Area officials said, right now, the best thing people can do to show their support is to visit the town.
“Every day we are asked, ‘How can I help?’” tourism director Michelle Owens said in the release. “The best way to help right now is to visit. Employees at attractions, accommodations and in the service industry need to get back to work to put food on their tables, stabilize their families and repair their homes and cars. An impromptu getaway can make a big difference.”
You can browse our other guides to post-hurricane traveling in Western North Carolina here:
And here is what you need to know about traveling to Hendersonville in the near future.
Is travel to Hendersonville safe?
Hendersonville remains in a state of emergency, however Mayor Barbara Volk amended the State of Emergency to remove the curfew. The City of Hendersonville has also been finding ways to return to normalcy, including Blue Ridge Community College resuming classes.
Tom Wooten, Public Works Director of the City of Hendersonville, said via Instagram that crews are around town trying to cut up trees and get roadways back open.
“We’ve got the Greenway Trail open back up so folks can get out and walk that. We felt like that was important to get that open back up fast so folks can get back back to a little bit of normalcy,” Wooten said.
I-26 through Hendersonville and Henderson County and many rural roads are back open and safe for travel. City and county officials recommend travelers to check in advance for real-time road closures.
With diverse geography, some areas in northeastern Henderson County will take a while to be restored before visitors can come. However, downtown Hendersonville and other places nearby are open.
How to get to Hendersonville
- Hendersonville is accessible from Charlotte via I-85 South to U.S. 74 West and I-26 West. Another option is taking I-85 South to I-26 West.
- From Raleigh/Durham, you can get there via I-40 West and I-85 South.
Can I stay in Hendersonville?
Numerous hotels and accommodations are open in Hendersonville and Henderson County. As of late October, there were 75 confirmed open post-Helene listings. Here are a few accommodation options to consider staying in:
“Happy Place” Mountain View Home
Location: 308 Forest Bend Drive, Horse Shoe, NC 28742
The “Happy Place” Mountain View Home is near Hendersonville and the Pisgah National Forest, which was recently reopened. Cozy up by the fireplace, or relax in a hammock outside and take in the view.
Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill
Location: 400 Ray Hill Road, Mills River, NC 28759
Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill — which has been featured in Southern Living — is about 15 minutes outside of Hendersonville. Its breakfasts feature a three-course experience that include fruit, a main course and a dessert to finish things off “on a sweet note.”
Location: 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Cascades Mountain Resort, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, offers amenities such as a fitness center and indoor pool with a waterslide that families can enjoy year-round. One thing to note: The Old Orchard Tavern restaurant on the resort’s website has since closed, so you’ll want to plan to venture offsite for food.
Location: 206 Mitchelle Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28792
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly place to stay, the Econo Lodge in Hendersonville is one to check out. Free coffee is available in the lobby each morning, too.
Location: 199 Mitchell View Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Nature views surround Emerald Treehouse, where the accommodations include well-equipped kitchens and hot tubs. Outside, there’s a twin bed sized porch swing for lounging and a fire pit to roast marshmallows while you enjoy a glass or wine or mug of hot chocolate.
What restaurants are open in Henderson County?
Restaurants in Henderson County and Hendersonville are largely open Here are a few local spots to check out:
Appalachian Mountain Brewery – Mills River
Location: 46 N Mills River Road, Mills River, NC 28759
The Mills River Taproom is Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s first location outside of Boone. There is a 32-beer tap-list at their tasting room that showcases beers, ciders, seltzers and cocktails.
Location: 1565 Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville, NC 28792
This roadhouse serves grilled steaks, chicken, burgers and, of course, BBQ ribs.
Location: 142 3rd Avenue W, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Along with craft beer and “giggle water” as the staff call cocktails, Brooks Tavern offers lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends. Brooks Tavern offers an upscale taste of casual pub food.
Location: 2710 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Got a sweet tooth? Flat Rock Village Bakery specializing in pastries, cookies, artisan breads, sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas.
Location: 201 3rd Avenue W, Hendersonville, NC 28739
The fine dining experience at Harvey’s pays homage to the heyday of classic cuisines and signature cocktails.
Important information for Henderson County travelers
Here are need-to-know points for visiting Hendersonville and Henderson County:
- Hurricane Helene damaged the Blue Ridge Parkway, and much of it remains closed until repairs can be made.
Many local parks and the Oklawaha Greenway have reopened. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock Park is closed with no estimated reopen date.
Many agritourism and fall activities spots are open like u-pick apple orchards. Visitors can experience fall foliage by checking out Downtown Hendersonville, wineries, orchards, county and municipal parks. Some of the higher elevations have no leaves after Helene, but lower elevations have some good fall color, meteorologist Brad Panovich reported on Sunday, Oct. 20. Hendersonville’s color should be visable through the first week of November, tourism officials said.
Resources to check before you go
Storm cleanup is an ever-changing situation, so make sure to get the most up-to-date information you can before you head out.
This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "What’s open and safe to do in Hendersonville after Helene hit Western North Carolina?."
