Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN
Top attractions, recreation areas and events in Hendersonville, TN
A suburb of Nashville, Hendersonville, TN has grown to become one of the largest and most dynamic communities in Middle Tennessee. Houses in Hendersonville cost much less than they do in other Nashville suburbs, but the city’s package of lifestyle amenities including restaurants, parks and entertainment options rivals any nearby areas. Many of the top employers in Hendersonville chose their location because of the great quality of life the city offers. Those living in Hendersonville experience the best of all four seasons, close proximity to Music City and all its big-city fun, and the calm and quiet of a community that still has rural charm. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Hendersonville.
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Jump in the Lake
Few cities in Middle Tennessee are positioned to offer the natural amenities that Hendersonville does. Old Hickory Lake is among the biggest draws when it comes to outdoor recreation. Hendersonville features more than 25 miles of shoreline along the lake, with a pair of peninsulas jutting into the water. The lake provides opportunities to fish, water ski, sail, canoe and kayak. Created by a dam on the Cumberland River, Old Hickory Lake includes several back channels that have created the perfect habitat for bass, crappie and catfish.
TAKE THE PLUNGE: Find more great lakes and streams in and around Nashville.
Restaurants in Hendersonville
Perhaps best known for its Southern cuisine and popular meat-and-threes, Hendersonville’s restaurant scene has become more diverse in recent years. One of the most popular places to eat in Hendersonville is Cafe Rakka, which serves Mediterranean foods. Rakka’s hummus, yogurt and cheeses are prepared from scratch, based on recipes that date back to the beginning of modern civilization. El Grullense Taqueria offers authentic Mexican food, while The Lost Cajun, as you might guess, specializes in Creole and Cajun cooking.
There are still plenty of traditional American restaurants, like Jumbo & Delicious, which features half- and three-quarter-pound burgers along with hot wings and huge sandwiches. Then there’s Center Point Barbecue, which was seen on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Longtime diners at Center Point, a family-run restaurant that dates back to the 1960s, claim the pulled pork is the best in the South.
MUSIC CITY EATS: Discover the best places to eat in Nashville.
Historic Sites
The more than 200-year-old limestone home known as Rock Castle draws hundreds of visitors each year. Built by Daniel Smith in 1784, the home and surrounding land have stood the test of time. Rock Castle rests on 18 acres of original property, which includes a smokehouse and family cemetery.
Spring Haven Mansion, a plantation home constructed before the Civil War, has been fully restored and now serves as a venue for weddings, family reunions and other elegant events. Monthaven delights both art lovers and history buffs. The 1800s home hosts art exhibits, concerts, classes and workshops.
Parks in Hendersonville
The city of Hendersonville oversees more than 500 acres of parkland, including greenways and trails. The primary greenway links the Hendersonville High School area with Indian Lake and Veterans Park, winding through sections of the city and shore along Old Hickory Lake. The Warrior Bike Trail was constructed by citizens and offers 1.5 miles of trail in a wooded area for mountain biking. Parks such at Drakes Creek, Memorial and Sanders Ferry offer a variety of facilities that range from an 18-hole disc golf course and model airplane field to lighted tennis courts, football fields and playgrounds.
Shopping in Hendersonville
Scattered around town are a variety of independent and chain stores that provide residents with plenty of places to shop. Among the newest shopping centers is The Streets of Indian Lake, which includes Barnes & Noble, Gymboree, Justice, Rack Room Shoes and Victoria’s Secret, just to name a few stores. The center is also home to a 16-screen cinema. Glenbrook Shopping Center is anchored by Target, Kohl’s, World Market and Stein Mart.
MUSIC CITY: Find more things to do in Nashville, just a 10-minute drive away.