By Joanne O'Sullivan

Photos By Rimas Zailskas

These days, it’s not enough for a destination to be charming, historic, or a great place to shop: it’s got to have a brand. While Hendersonville has long been known as "The City of Four Seasons," and its fall festival is legendary, local shop owner Barbara Hughes thought there might be a way to put a little more polish on her adopted hometown’s apple. What slogan would highlight the city’s best asset—its people—while emphasizing its small-town appeal? This August, Hughes rolled out a new moniker that she’s hoping the town will get behind. Ladies and gentleman, welcome to "The Friendliest City in America." 

It’s a bold claim, to be sure, but spend a day in downtown Hendersonville, and you find they just might have the smiles, handshakes and "How y’all doin?’s" to back it up.

Walking down Main Street, you get the feeling that Hughes might just be on to something: it’s certainly pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks, outdoor dining, flower-filled planters and plenty of park benches that invite you to set a spell. On any given afternoon, there may be a crowd, but there’s no bustle—more of a sense that wherever you’re going will still be there when you arrive, so you might as well enjoy yourself along the way.

For many of the locals, the day-to-day social scene centers around the Black Bear Espresso Bar & Café (318 N. Main, 692-6333), a 15-year-old neighborhood hangout, where residents gather to sip their lattes at the sidewalk tables, peruse the paper while relaxing on one of the overstuffed sofas inside the shop and engage in conversation.

McFarlan Bake Shop (309 N. Main, 693-4256) is another fixture, serving up cookies and pastries since 1930, using the same tried-and-true recipes all along. On the other side of the street, skate shop 4 Down and fine lingerie boutique Pink Corsets (318 N. Main St., 696-2227) have recently brought some new flavor to the block.

That’s Hendersonville—old and new, small town and sophisticated, all cozied up together in a friendly embrace. The restaurant scene reflects that same mix of the fresh and the traditional. You can still get a burger, fries and a shake while sitting at the authentic soda fountain at Mike’s On Main (303 N. Main St., 698-1616). But if you’re looking for, say, black sea bass ceviche with arugula tostadas in Persian lime vinaigrette, just walk down the street to Never Blue (119 S. Main St., 693-4646), a bistro and tapas restaurant that opened earlier this year.

"It’s a fantastic time to be a foodie in Hendersonville," says local blogger The Hendersonville Epicurean (who prefers to remain anonymous to keep the reviews impartial). New restaurants in town have brought a wider variety of cuisine, such as wood-fired artisan pizzas, Thai, Jamaican and Japanese food, expanded menus and a greater emphasis on local, organic ingredients. The one commonality among all these diverse dining experiences is—you guessed it—a warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.

For a taste of true Hendersonville, just head to the Curb Market on North Church Street, a beloved tradition that’s been offering "old-fashioned hospitality since 1924." Locally-grown vegetables, home-baked goods and handmade crafts draw tourists and locals alike. "Most of us have had stalls here for generations," says Nancy Ball, who has sold products from her flower farm here at the market for decades. "We’re like a family here."

Hughes, whose Narnia Studios (315 N. Main St., 697-6393) features flowers and fantastical gifts, says that out-of-towners really take notice of that close-knit atmosphere in Hendersonville. "It’s something they’re not used to where they come from, so it really stands out. "

So much so that many Hendersonville visitors end up becoming residents. A slower pace of life and the small-town atmosphere continues to draw them to the area. And while Main Street isn’t exactly suffering from stroller gridlock yet, Hendersonville County Travel and Tourism spokesperson Karen Baker says more young families are moving here.

The seasons may change four times a year, but one thing’s constant: There’s always a warm welcome for tourists and transplants alike in "The Friendliest City in America."

There’s nothing small-town about the restaurant scene in Downtown Hendersonville. It’s a grazer’s paradise, with a surprising variety of epicurean delights. The smell from the wood-fired oven tempts passersby in to Flight Wood Grill and Wine Bar (401 N. Main St, 694-1030), but the array of grilled specialties and the extensive wine list keeps them there. The award-winning cuisine at the refined Inn on Church Street (201 Third Avenue West at Church, 693-3258) focuses on organic and locally grown ingredients. Hip and easygoing, The Grove Street Café (224 S. Grove St., 693-1222) also favors sustainable, regional sources.

For lighter fare, Square 1 Bistro (111 S. Main St., 698-5598) features local organic entrees and "small plates" in an upscale atmosphere. Bistro 502 (502 N. Main St, 697-5350) features inventive café cuisine. Terra Nova Café (133 4th Avenue East, 698-8584) has great sandwiches and baked goods with an Italian accent. Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe (103 3rd Ave. E, 692-0228) has been serving up soup and sandwiches for the lunchtime crowd since 1980—everybody seems to know everybody else here.

More exotic choices abound. If you have a yen for eastern flavors, try Umi (633 N. Main St, 698-8048) for beautifully presented Japanese fare, Thai Spice (220 S. King St., 693-7323) for curries and lemongrass soup or Champa (437 N. Main St., 696-9800) where you can enjoy either cuisine. Sinbad Restaurant (202 S. Washington St., 696-2039) features Mediterranean specialties. If Cajun and Creole is more your style, Cypress Cellar (321-C N. Main St., 698-1005) serves it up hot and tasty with a side dish of live music on weekends.

Hannah Flanagan’s (300-A N. Main St., 696-1665) is a favorite watering hole, offering more than 100 imported and domestic beers plus traditional pub grub in a chummy atmosphere. The creative wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and sleek, urbane ambiance at West First (101-B W. First Ave., 693-1080) have folks lining up. Or stop by newbie Mezzaluna Pizza Company (226 N. Main St., 697-6575) for pizza, pasta, subs or salad.

When it comes to getting caffeinated, amble over to The Black Bear (318 N. Main St., 692-6333) for gourmet java, freshly baked breads, pastry, sandwiches and a laid-back attitude. For a genteel experience, enjoy a traditional Victorian three-tier tray at the tearoom at Savannah’s on Main (117 S. Main St., 696-9052). White gloves are optional.

Shopping

Once you’ve fortified yourself at one of the nearby eateries, enjoy some retail therapy in the many charming specialty stores that dot downtown. The crafty shopper will enjoy My Garden of Beadin’ (433 N. Church St., 698-0715) which offers a plethora of fascinating beads along with finished jewelry and classes so that you can fashion your own. Portobello (530 N. Main St., 698-7290) offers sophisticated monogramming services, in addition to unique home decor.

If you’re in the mood for a new outfit, The Sanctuary (150 1st Ave. East, 698-2646) features Eileen Fisher’s fabulously comfortable, chic and understated essentials and offers private wardrobe consultations. Savannah’s has a selection of special occasion and cruise wear. Even those on a budget can indulge in some new acquisitions at The Beehive Resale Shop (449 N. Main St., 692-8882) specializing in nearly new, upscale clothing.

While you’re at it, spruce up your abode. Homestead Fine Linens (110 N. Main St, 697-8787) is stocked with the finer things for the home, be it your first or second. Purple Sage (416 N. Main St., 693-9555) has gadgets and tools for the experienced chef and classes for the novice and Rabbit & Co. (124 4th Ave. East, 692-6100) is a veritable toy store for the well-equipped cook. Delton & David Interiors (225 N. Main St., 450-0609) is filled with antiquities, jewelry, furniture, art, lighting and accessories.

Check the local forecast with Hendersonville’s own weatherman Paul Speranza at Speranza’s Weather House (100 6th Ave., 698-1952) and marvel at his array of thermometers, barometers and weather vanes.

Antiques

Hendersonville is renowned for its antiquing, and downtown offers several excellent options within easy walking distance. The Village Green Antique Mall (424 N. Main St, 692-9057) is a collector’s paradise, packed with American antiques, mostly from the 20th century. Jane Asher’s Antiques and Fine Traditions (344 N. Main St., 698-0018) is brimming with fine appointments: linens, china, glassware, silver and fascinating ephemera. The Stock Market (340 N. Main St, 697-2005) offers fine American and Asian antiques and unique pieces of architectural salvage. Seldom Ever Antiques (144 Third Ave W, 696-3660), which bills itself as "two floors of nothing in particular," is fun to browse for this and that.

Galleries

Western North Carolina is a wellspring of creativity, and Hendersonville’s galleries reflect that bounty. Red Step Art Works (142 3rd Ave. West, 697-1447) represents more than 30 regional artists in many disciplines. Wickwire (329 N. Main St, 692-6222) sums up itself up in one phrase: "the place where the heart finds art." Its blend of contemporary and traditional art and crafts includes artisan furniture, sculpture, painting, jewelry, and other handcrafts.

Stylish and sophisticated Silver Fox Gallery (508 N. Main St., 698-0601) offers contemporary art and crafts and revolving exhibitions. Visit their furniture gallery on the lower level. William Gordon Gallery (321-A N. Main St., 693-3456) exhibits fine art paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and ceramics. McCarter Gallery (451 N. Main St., 698-7117) celebrates the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with evocative original works and giclée prints.

To give your own works (created or purchased) the gallery touch, have them professionally mounted at Framing Arts (119 3rd Ave. West, 696-3818) or choose from the etchings, serigraphs and photography on exhibit.

Culture

Check out the best view in Henderson County from the newly restored Historic Henderson County Courthouse (One Historic Courthouse Square, 694-1619). The courthouse is home to the Henderson County Heritage Museum (693-4226) (free admission). Tours of the gold-domed cupola take off every Wednesday at 2pm.

The Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County (400 N. Main St., 698-1977) displays a variety of minerals and gemstones from North Carolina and around the world, and features several interactive displays.

Hands On! A Child’s Gallery (318 N. Main St., 697-8333) is not so much a gallery as a fun, interactive play space that introduces kids to art through a "hands on" approach.