Ready for a road trip? While many are not comfortable flying these days and the summer heat continues to soar, now is a great time to head to the mountains. Our travels took us to North Carolina with stops in Hendersonville, Saluda, and Flat Top. Here is a list of things to do in the NC Mountains.
Explore nature.
It’s a fun way to burn energy and calories, a free activity and excuse to get outside! We hiked the Wintergreen Falls in Hendersonville County. It’s always nice when it ends with a waterfall, isn’t it? Many trails are closed due to covid, but this one was open. Easy trail, about 2 hours there and back with a stop at the waterfalls. Highly recommend, tops my list of things to do in the NC mountains!
theCollarfind Tip: Download the Trail Forks app that works even when there is no service, and make sure to screenshot directions when you head up in the mountains in case you lose service as well.
Pop into the smalltown grocery stores.
We love Thompson’s in Saluda, and the Johnson Family farm on Kanuga Road in Hendersonville County. Great places for locally made jams and pickles, which I like to use on charcuterie boards. And the freshest produce as well.
Eat like the locals.
So many places to explore, stay away from the chain restaurants. Some favs and most suggested include:
Saluda: Green River BBQ, Purple Onion
Hendersonville: Postero, West First Pizza, Hen Dough
Others: Dolly’s in Brevard for ice cream, the Chuck Wagon in the gas station parking lot in Zirconia for a burger, the bakery on Hendersonville’s Main Street for a treat.
Explore Main Street.
That’s where you will find the local flavor. If you are lucky, a Mast General Store may be there too. Candy anyone?
Stop by the local antique stores.
While the kids can go gem mining, stop into the antique and resale stores for the best deals on unique finds. Hendersonville has several all around the downtown area. I found some great NC pottery, and came home with a beautiful blue vase to remind me of my trip. $6!!
Where is your favorite road trip destination? Tell me in the comments! You can read about more of ours here. Also, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more fun finds.
Thank you got the recommendations. I always prefer to eat local when I visit an area. The best food is there.
Me too! We always say to go a few streets away from the main hub in busy cities if you want to find the good food!