In Hendersonville, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do. Immerse yourself in the local history and see the best tourist attractions in this wonderful city.
Organize your schedule now so you’ll be ready to go when you arrive. Planning to visit Hendersonville, Tennessee, with your children, friends or colleagues? Are you looking for memorable outdoor activities? Better yet, do you want to move to Tennessee?
If so, we have some tips to ensure you have the time of your life
With that in mind, a trip to Hendersonville, TN, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the wonderful benefits of being outdoors.
Some undiscovered gems and treasures around Hendersonville will give you everything you need regarding peace, quiet and tranquillity.
Exploring Hendersonville’s natural attractions helps you bond with family, rejuvenate, and escape everyday life’s stresses.
Located in Sumner County, Tennessee, Hendersonville is just 28 miles from Nashville, the country music capital.
Hendersonville is home to several country music stars. It might interest you to know that Thomas Rhett and Taylor Swift started country music in Nashville.
In the 1960s, music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash also lived in Hendersonville.
Hendersonville is called the “City by the Lake” due to its 25 miles of shoreline on Old Hickory Lake. Locals also nickname Hendersonville “America’s Friendliest City,” and Money magazine ranked it as the 16th best place to live in 2021-2022.
Hendersonville, Tennessee’s breathtaking parks, forests, marinas, and campgrounds offer many activities for kids and adults alike.
If you’re planning a trip to Hendersonville, you can check out the following things to do in Hendersonville.
Fun Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN
1. Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals
The main goal of Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals was to provide explorers with an unforgettable experience.
Founded in 2012, it served as an opportunity for visitors to explore Old Hickory Lake and get out on the water.
Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals offers the best in boating equipment and ensures it is in good condition before assigning it to guests.
They also offer boats for hire at affordable prices, rental offices open daily at 9 am and must be returned the same day.
Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals collects a security deposit at the time of rental, which is refundable at the end of the rental period.
2. Enjoy a fun day at Drakes Creek Park in Hendersonville, Tennessee
Are you a sports fan looking to have a sports day in Hendersonville, TN? If so, Drakes Creek Park Athletic Complex is a huge sports-oriented park that has so much to offer to sports enthusiasts like you.
The athletic complex along Drakes Creek includes more than 7 miles of paved trails.
Several sports are held at Drakes Creek Park Multi-Purpose Athletic Complex.
The park boasts several floodlit fields and courts, including:
- Baseball and softball fields
- Basketball courts
- Football fields
- Sand volleyball court
- Football fields
- Practice terrain areas
- You can also explore the Drakes Creek Park South trail on two wheels if you enjoy biking.
The 1.7-mile trail winds its way through the park and alongside the creek.
It connects to the Hendersonville Greenway as well.
You can also take in the scenery while walking or running along the trail.
The terrain is suitable for all skill levels because it is flat and gentle. The park has large open playgrounds and group shelters for family fun.
Some shelters and picnic tables include grills, while others do not. Your kids will definitely enjoy watching the fish and turtles in the stream.
Even avid bird watchers can enjoy bird watching. There is also a dog park nearby!
3. Explore Virtual Reality in Adventure Alley
Virtual reality is one of the most popular trends in the global entertainment industry.
Adventure Alley is the place to go in a lakeside town for cutting-edge virtual reality entertainment.
Adventure Alley is Sumner County’s largest indoor amusement complex in Hendersonville, Tennessee. When it opened in 1976, it was Hendersonville’s first bowling alley.
Adventure Alley, formerly known as the Holder Family Fun Center, is a popular destination for families of all ages.
A short drive to Adventure Alley on West Main Street allows you to experience some of the best VR gaming in Hendersonville, TN.
In addition to the VR systems and 36 lanes of state-of-the-art Brunswick bowling equipment, the center also offers other fun activities and equipment at the SpeedWay Entertainment Center.
The Adventure Alley Arcade and Redemption Center also feature some of the latest video arcade games as well as redemption games with a payout counter.
Adventure Alley is a fun party venue in Hendersonville, TN, for birthdays, corporate events, fundraisers, and other special occasions.
Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN, at Night
1. Trinity Music City
If you enjoy listening to music, Trinity Music City is one of the best things to do in Hendersonville.
It was popular for its memorial garden, elegant Christmas decorations, and the Conway Twitty mansion; the complex was sold to Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) at auction after Conway died in 1993.
It was converted into a Christian music venue; services or wakes are now held and open to the public.
Trinity Music City features a life-size replica of the old city of Jerusalem, where people come to watch short films about Jesus.
2. Maria’s Magical Place
For the differently abled, there is something for you, Mary’s Magical Place in Hendersonville, created for those with physical challenges.
Mary’s Magical Place was founded in honor of Mary Elizabeth McAuley, who died when she was just fourteen years old in September 2015.
She died of complications from cerebral palsy, and Mary was loved by everyone and won many hearts with her magical smile.
Even though she never spoke a word, Mary was an inspiration to many people. Following her death, this park was built with the entire community’s help, with enough funds raised to honor Maria’s life.
The playground has a special surface that allows children with physical challenges easy access to the fun. Mary’s Magical Place includes play equipment for children in wheelchairs and other disabilities to have fun while stressing themselves out.
There is also an area for parents who use mobile devices to come with their children and join in the fun.
3. Half-Batch Cooking
A trip to Hendersonville would be incomplete without visiting some of the city’s best breweries.
Half Batch Brewing is realizing Nathan Newton’s long-held dream, having brewed his first beer while still in college in 1995. He decided to turn it into a business; despite all vicissitudes, he continued brewing with the goal of brewing the best beer possible.
Half Batch Brewing officially began brewing in Hendersonville in 2017 and has produced a variety of beers.
It has become a favorite spot for beer lovers thanks to its impressive collection of beers, including street sweepers IPA, Cowboy Oatmeal, Two-foot, Passionfoot, Get Crackin’, Downpatrick Irish Red, Only at Night, big fluke, and more.
Half Batch Brewing is open Wednesdays from 4-8 pm, Thursdays from 4-10 pm, Fridays from 4-10 pm, Saturdays from 2-10 pm, and Sundays from 2-7 pm.
Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN, For Couples
1. Historic Rock Castle
Step back in time when you visit the Historic Rock Castle in Hendersonville, an eighteen-acre historical site.
Historic Rock Castle is designated as one of the oldest and most permanent homes in the city; construction of the building began in 1784 but was completed in 1796 due to delays caused by conflicts with the Native American area.
Daniel Smith, who played a vital role in the founding of Tennessee, lived in this house with his wife, Sarah Smith.
He independently gave Tennessee its name, explored the frontier region, and drew the first map of the state.
The historic Rock Castle is on the Middle Tennessee National Register of Historic Places, and you can tour the house, the family cemetery, and the historic smokehouse.
2. Family Fun Center Holder
When you visit the Holder Family Fun Center, that’s just the beginning of the fun and excitement; there are many interesting activities.
The Holder Family Fun Center features thirty-six bowling lanes, 18-hole indoor miniature golf, spin zone bumpers, and more.
Experience roller skating, bungee jumper, two-story laser tag with 32 guns, rock climbing, thunderbolt indoor go-karts, toddler soft play, spin zone cars, and gyro extreme.
There is a recreation and arcade center where you can enjoy various fascinating games and win prizes.
After all the fun, the Holder Family Fun Center has a snack bar where you can check out and enjoy a delicious burger, fries, or even a pizza.
3. Old Hickory Dam
If casting lines is something you enjoy, one of the best things to do in Hendersonville is to visit Old Hickory Reservoir.
Old Hickory Reservoir is a reservoir that covers approximately twenty-two thousand five hundred acres of land.
It offers forty-four public sites for boat access without any fees, boat rentals, food, and eleven marinas with gas.
You will find fish such as walleye, channel catfish, striped bass, and cappy that live in the water. Apart from fishing and boating, there are other activities that you can do because of the long recreational season and mild climate.
Some of the activities include hunting, camping, water skiing, picnicking, and more; you can choose what you want. Old Hickory Reservoir is home to many species of wildlife, like waders and waterfowl; an ideal place to study nature and take incredible pictures.
Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN, for Kids
1. Strike & Spare Family Entertainment Center
Are you in the mood for crazy fun? The Strike & Spare Family Fun Center is a fun thing to do in Hendersonville.
The Strike & Spare Family Fun Center is a great place to spend time with family or friends.
This is one of the best bowling alleys in town, providing you with an unforgettable bowling experience with your friends.
They also have fun arcade games where guests can win great prizes. Other games like bumper cars, roller skating, and laser tag are available for everyone.
Strike & Spare Family Entertainment Center consists of Conway’s Bar & Grill; you can check it out after the game and enjoy a cold glass of beer, cocktails, and delicious food.
It is also a venue for events, including birthday parties, company parties, school and nursery trips, and more.
2. Memorial Park
Memorial Park should be added to your list of things to do in Hendersonville with your traveling companions. Whether you’re searching for a good time or just want to sit back and relax, this is the place to be.
Memorial Park includes a multi-purpose athletic field and tennis courts for those who would like to practice sports.
There are several playgrounds for children to explore and enjoy, picnic areas with shelters, a gazebo, picnic tables, and grills.
The hiking trails are top-notch; walk with your pet, companions, or just by yourself; Memorial Park is the best location if you want to burn some calories or spend time with your loved ones.
3. Rockland Recreation Area
How does it sound to spend the day in a place surrounded by nature? Fun, right? Come to Rockland Recreation Area with your family and friends.
With several picnic shelters, Rockland Recreation Area is an excellent location for beautiful picnics and gatherings.
It offers many nature trails that are ideal for peaceful walks alone or with your companions while enjoying the beautiful nature.
Rockland Recreation Area also has a volleyball court; you can try archery or horseshoe games. The riparian forests have boating and fishing areas; you can also go fishing or boating all you want.
Rockland Recreation Area is a stunning and fantastic place to sit and enjoy the amazing view of Old Hickory Lake.
Indoor Activities to Do in Hendersonville, TN
1. FitRev Training
Exercise is highly recommended whether you are an athlete or not; contributes to your health and mental well-being.
FitRev is one of the best fitness centers in Hendersonville because people come from other surrounding areas, including Madison, the White House, Mt. Juliet, Nashville, and more.
FitRev Training offers high-intensity interval training, private and group training, kickboxing classes, fitness workshops, pilates, TRX training, boxing classes, and much more.
They have every equipment you need to train and use modern methods to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit.
The trainers are professionals and promote training that only promotes a stronger body, higher endurance, and a healthy heart.
2. Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home
If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax in Hendersonville, you’ve just found it.
Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home was originally known as Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery East and opened in 1967.
It is a ninety-acre landscape that was purchased by James and Alex Anderson and later sold to the Harpeth family in 2002; they erected an adjacent funeral home and gave it its present name.
Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home is where Johnny Cash was buried, along with many stars in the country music world, including members of the Carter family of music.
It is a great place for reflection and meditation; walking through the property will be worth it.
3. Monthaven Arts and Culture Center
A visit to the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center should be on your list of top things to do in Hendersonville.
The Art Centre is a six hundred and forty-acre facility. Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center was named by Nashville resident and Washington Manufacturing Company Vice President, Mont Bliss Comer; bought in 1936.
The land was initially gifted to Henry Ruyle as a form of recognition for his service during the American Revolution.
Later, in 1850, he sold it to Leonard B. Fite, who then sold it to Mont Bliss Comer after he left the site when his home was turned into a field hospital by Union Soldiers.
He loved the place so much that his family started calling the house “Monts Haven”. since the city uses it only for art, a development company bought it and gave it to Hendersonville in 1986.
The Monthaven Art and Culture Center offers classes in watercolors, clay sculpting, and anime drawings for children and adults; local experts, teach these courses and programs.
The center allowed people to learn more about different cultures and appreciate art.
With things to do in Hendersonville, TN, for fun, add to your list of places to visit in Hendersonville.
Romantic Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN
1. Go on a Water Adventure at Scenic Old Hickory Lake
The US Army Corps of Engineers built Old Hickory Lake between 1952 and 1957. Since then, it has become the gift that keeps on giving.
As one of the most popular recreation areas in the state, Old Hickory Lake offers outdoor recreation opportunities to the millions of visitors and vacationers who visit Middle Tennessee each year.
The beautiful Old Hickory Lake is located in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The lake has over 22,500 acres and 500 miles of shoreline in Sumner and surrounding counties.
The shores of Old Hickory Lake are home to fun marina restaurants where you can enjoy a sun-drenched afternoon filled with savory food, drinks, and music.
In addition to restaurants, this major tourist attraction also offers a quiet fishing spot where you can indulge in solo introspection.
If you don’t have a boat, there are fishing piers at Sanders Ferry and Rockland, where you can catch fish from the shore.
The fish species include largemouth bass, black bass, striped bass, white bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, walleye, and sauger.
When you’re longing for a beach vacation but don’t have time to get away, diving into the water activities at Old Hickory Lake can give you the thrill you need.
Old Hickory Lake also has several water activities for water fanatics, including:
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Hose
- Stand paddling
- Cruise
- canoeing
- Jet skis
2. Casual Cruises on the Lake
Old Hickory Lake also offers great opportunities for avid bird watchers. You will be able to spot wading birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.
For this reason, you can busy yourself with nature study and photography while visiting Old Hickory Lake.
There are many wonderful attractions and things to do in Hendersonville, TN, such as boating, scenic views, bodies of water, museums, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, state parks, and forest views.
Hendersonville, TN, also has amazing places to eat and drink and an excellent variety of accommodations.
You’ll have a meaningful and memorable experience with family, friends, or colleagues because there are so many attractions to choose from.
In addition to the attractions, Hendersonville, TN, allows you to experience our close-knit community atmosphere at Durham Farms.
You’ll love the beautiful weather, easy access to amenities, and social events. Be sure to check out our website for more information on things to do in Hendersonville, TN.
3. Twist Painting
Twist Painting in Hendersonville is an excellent place for both adults and children interested in painting.
Located off Indian Lake Boulevard within a shopping center, it offers fun and easy-to-follow painting classes for individuals or groups.
Twist painting helps bring your imagination to life in pictures, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Students will be given step-by-step procedures to help them master painting skills using canvas and wood with acrylic paints as media.
The teachers are professional and well qualified; they cultivate and enhance the artistic talents of their pupils.
Twist Painting is open Wednesday through Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 9 p.m.
Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN, For Free
1. Riverboat Cruises
A wonderful and very affordable way to spend a day or weekend on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville.
If you’re interested to take a boat trip, a visit to RiverShip Cruises should be on your list of top things to do in Hendersonville, TN.
Riverboat Cruises started operations in 2007 and has since hosted many tourists and locals for boat rentals, events, and trips on the Cumberland River.
They are open for various occasions such as corporate events, weddings, social gatherings, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and others.
Riverboat Cruises caters to all your needs and ensures an unforgettable time, starting with music, fully equipped kitchens, air-conditioned interiors, and more.
For your next family gatherings, reunions, birthdays, and other events, RiverShip Cruises is always ready to welcome you.
2. Sanders Ferry Park
A day at the famous Sanders Ferry Park is one of the awesome things to do in Hendersonville; it has a variety of entertainment facilities that ensure an unforgettable experience.
Explore all of the exciting activities available at Sanders Ferry Park, where you can also fly your model airplanes.
Sanders Ferry Park has various playgrounds that are well equipped and a basketball court for basketball lovers.
The park also has a fishing pier or handicap boat, a hole-in-the-wall disc golf course, and a model airplane field.
There are several picnic shelters that can hold forty to fifty people, with a large pavilion that can hold up to two hundred and fifty people.
Sanders Ferry Park has enough space to accommodate everyone, so don’t worry about the crowds. There are also picnic tables with grills.
3. Bluegrass Bar and Grill
Bluegrass bar and grill is a highly esteemed bar in Hendersonville that serves delectable delicacies. The meals are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, so the dishes are tasty and fresh.
Bluegrass Bar and Grill serves an impressive selection of dishes, including crispy chicken, spaghetti meatballs, salads, wings, and a separate kids’ menu such as butter noodles, chicken nuggets with fries and penne alfredo, and chicken fries with fries.
Their special pizzas come with a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, pineapple, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, sausage, green olives, sundried tomatoes, spicy chicken, and more.
Bluegrass Bar and Grill are open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m, Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cheap Things to Do in Hendersonville, TN
1. Country Hills Golf Course
Golf is a pastime in Hendersonville. The golfing experience is so much better when you play at Country Hills Golf Course.
Country Hills Golf Course is a classic 18-hole course owned and operated by the City of Hendersonville.
Established in 1990, it spans over six thousand one hundred and forty-seven yards and is open to all and affordable.
This smooth par 70 golf course is not challenging, making it a great place for both beginners and experts to have an unforgettable experience.
Country Hills Golf Course has a pro shop stocked with everything you need for golf; stop by the golf club for cold drinks and snacks after your game.
2. Salt MedSpa
Between all the fun and stress, you need to relax and be free from all the hustle and bustle of the world.
Salt MedSpa is your number one destination in Hendersonville if you want to give your body the best pampering it deserves.
There are many great services on offer that benefit the health, mind, and body; you don’t have to do anything, just relax and enjoy.
Salt MedSpa offers the best halotherapy, hydrafacials, facials, infrared sauna, waxing, and lashes.
The staff is experienced and pleasant; they will also educate and answer your questions about products, and services and help you feel comfortable.
3. Veterans Park
Next on our checklist of fun things to do in Hendersonville, TN., is Exploring Veterans Park with your friends and family.
Veterans’ Park is a park that has been loved by many children and adults alike; many entertainment facilities are available.
Softball or baseball fields and inline hockey fields are open to everyone, regardless of skill level.
Veterans’ Park consists of beautiful play areas with exciting play equipment for the little ones to have great fun.
There are designated picnic areas with large picnic shelters that are ideal for large families, just bring plenty of food, snacks, and drinks and prepare for an amazing picnic.
If you can’t bring food or snacks, don’t worry; there are concession stands that offer tasty snacks. Veterans’ Park offers biking and walking trails, a skate park, and clean, comfortable restrooms.
Cool Places to Visit in Hendersonville, TN
1. Drakes Creek Park
Drakes Creek Park is an exceptional park in Hendersonville with several sports facilities.
The park has soccer fields, baseball/softball, and basketball fields, so if you’re a ball sports player and visiting Drakes Creek Park, it should be on your list of top things to do in Hendersonville.
There are sand volleyball courts and practice courts; this park is simply perfect for athletes and non-athletes.
Drakes Creek Park also features a playground and nice picnic areas with shelters, picnic tables, and grills.
There are walking trails; you could walk around the facility and enjoy the beautiful and clean environment.
2. Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden
If you haven’t checked out Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden in Hendersonville, you’re missing out.
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden were built by Ethel M in honor of her mother, using her special 1910 recipes to make each chocolate.
These chocolates are delicious and fresh, made in small batches and without preservatives; they will be the best you’ve ever had.
There is milk chocolate and almond butter crisp, English caramel, cupcakes, white chocolate, brownies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, turtles, maple fudge, chocolate puck, Frappuccino, and more.
Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden offers tours of their garden, which contains over three hundred varieties of cacti.
3. Indian Lake Street
The place to spend a few hours or even a whole day meeting and interacting with locals in Hendersonville is the Streets of Indian Lake.
The Streets of Indian Lake is a community lifestyle center and a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.
It is an open mall consisting of many shops and retailers such as Chico’s, Francesca’s Collections, Cache, Jos. A. Banks, Lane Bryant, Coldwater Creek, and many more.
There are also places to eat, including Buffalo Wild Wings or Kohana Japanese, Brixx Pizza, and many more.
The Streets of Indian Lake hosts exciting family-friendly events that bring the community together, such as a pumpkin patch, dog dazzle, and an annual family fun day.
Conclusion
Bravo!
We’ve successfully shown you 27 perfect additions to your list of things to do in Hendersonville, TN.
We hope you have the best time in Hendersonville, TN.
