In Flat Rock, 3 miles south, of Hendersonville, NC, "Connemara" is the last home of Carl Sandburg, famed poet, author, historian and Pulitzer prize winner. The 240-acre estate, now a National Historic Site, is administered by the National Park Service. Open to the public, guided tours of the house. Admission fee. (828) 693-4178.

HOLMES STATE FOREST

On Crab Creek Rd. 8 1/2 miles southwest of Hendersonville, NC, Holmes State Park is a picnicker's delight, with horseshoe and volleyball facilities, and offering several diversions for nature lovers of any age. Ranger-conducted educational programs are held in the amphitheater, and a favorite feature of the Forest is its well tended system of walking trails. (828) 692-0100.

LAKE LURE

On US 64 & 74, 1/2 mile beyond Chimney Rock. In a beautiful mountain setting. Lake Lure offers visitors a 27-mile shore line for boating, fishing and swimming.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Accessible just 12 miles north of Hendersonville, NC off US 25. The fabulous Parkway, America's most popular scenic road, presents spectacular vistas from scenic overlooks, and views of some of Western North Carolina's famous landmarks, including Mt. Mitchell, highest mountain east of the Rockies. (828) 259-0701 .

BILTMORE HOUSE & GARDENS

Entrance is on US 25, just north of I-40 in Asheville. This 250 room French Renaissance chateau, surrounded by 1 2,000 acres of landscaped grounds, was completed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt and contains priceless art and antiques. Tours of the building and the Biltmore Winery.
Admission charged. (828) 255-1770.

PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST

Entrance near Brevard where US 64 intersects US 276. Covering almost 491,000 acres of forest land, spreading over 12 Western North Carolina counties, the park offers camping and picnic areas, fishing, swimming holes, and for the more adventurous, a wet, rip-roaring ride down Sliding Rock. (828) 877-3350.

Few hometowns have remained as beautiful, vital and alive as Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC. You will discover the sounds of classical music, exquisiteseasonal plantings, boutiques and numerous antique, clothing and gift shops.

LOOKING GLASS FALLS

In Pisgah National Forest, this waterfall is a popular tourist attraction, visible and accessible from US 276.

CRADLE OF FORESTRY

Also in Pisgah National Forest on US 276. The site where scientific forestry was first practiced and taught in America over 90 years ago Attractions include a Visitor Center, self-guiding trails to restored or reconstructed original buildings, forestry exhibits, and a restored 1915 steam locomotive. Open May - October. (828) 877-3139.