From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — Hendersonville has once again made a “best of” list, this time as No. 34 among the top U.S. downtowns for fall shopping and strolling, the Hendersonville Lightning reported on Oct. 31.

MarketBeat, a financial media company, polled 3,007 respondents to identify the best main streets for the season, ranking shopping districts on atmosphere, independent retail strength and local events. 

“Hendersonville is known for its Blue Ridge Mountains fall color, popular mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, bakeries and taprooms and outdoor events like the Rhythm & Brews concert series and Bearfootin’ Bear auction,” the Lightning noted.

In the past, Hendersonville has been cited as a top destination for Christmas sights and sounds, retirement living and medical doctors per capita.

The MarketBeat survey championed three North Carolina main streets. Besides Main Street, Hendersonville, other N.C. destinations ranked in the top 100 were Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, which was rated No. 24, and King Street, Boone, which finished at No. 39.