As winter has faded away, welcoming in its place warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to picnic. Picnics blend three of the best things in life – good food, being outdoors, and your sweetheart. We’ve compiled a list of our top favorite romantic picnic spots around and near Hendersonville. So grab your picnic baskets and blankets, and enjoy a wonderful meal outside under the sun or stars!
What could be more romantic than having a picnic near a waterfall? Just under a half hour away from 1898 Waverly Inn is Pearson’s Falls and Glen, a spot where you can eat lunch while taking in the splendor of one of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls. A short ¼ mile trail will bring you to the waterfall that is about 90 feet tall! After eating, enjoy walking the trails through the preserve which has over 270 acres of deciduous forest with beautiful streams, wildflowers, and plants.
For a gorgeous and close spot to picnic, 1.8 miles away from us is Rhododendron Lake Nature Park. This local Hendersonville park has a picnic spot with a charcoal grill that you can use to step up your picnic game to the next level by cooking something fresh and hot! While you are there, enjoy a nice walk along the water, cast a line in the fishing pond, and read about the fun history of this nature-in-town spot, originally created in 1909.
About 25 miles west of Waverly Inn, just off of the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway (Hwy 276), is Sycamore Flats, a large shaded picnic shelter in the Pisgah National Forest named for its beautiful Sycamore trees. Make sure you bring a swimsuit! With access to the Davidson River, you and your sweetheart can go swimming, tubing, or fly fishing before or after your picnic.
Our second waterfall on the list, Triple Falls, is another must-see for Western North Carolina. This remarkable waterfall is a natural 120-ft staircase of water nestled between the trees of the DuPont State Recreational Forest. Located less than a ½ mile from the parking area, this is a great spot to enjoy your lunch without breaking too much of a sweat! But if you are looking for a longer hike, there is a famous three-mile route in which you can add two more waterfalls to your bucket list, Hooker Falls and High Falls.
A quick ten minute drive northeast of the inn is Bullington Gardens, a gorgeous botanical garden and horticulture education center that encompasses 12 acres of land and is donation-based. Eat in one of the many themed gardens, including the butterfly garden, herb garden, and dahlia garden. If you venture over to the reflection garden, there is a beautiful woodland gazebo surrounded by azaleas that you can set your picnic blanket down in. With plenty of unique flowers and trees, you will be taking lots of photographs at this picnic spot.
For a picnic spot with some American history woven in, head over to the Carl Sandburg Home. See the residence of the famous Pulitzer-prize winning author and poet and then enjoy your picnic on the verdant front lawn or at the picnic area near a serene lake. You can also bring your picnic basket (and journals!) to Sandburg’s Rock, one of the key places where Mr. Sandburg would write because of it’s beautiful and quiet location nestled in the woods.
Ready to explore Hendersonville’s many picturesque picnic spots? Book a room today at the historic 1898 Waverly Inn for a romantic stay that will provide you with both luxury and comfort. With 15 unique rooms to choose from and walking distance from the many shops, restaurants, and galleries of downtown Hendersonville, 1898 Waverly Inn is a great choice for your Western North Carolina travel.
