Boodas Brewing Company is an excellent brew pub that boasts its own brick-and-mortar kitchen. Boodas has a rotating selection of 24 brews showcasing its own craft beers and a curated selection of guest taps. The taproom has seating indoors and outdoors, with a pet-friendly covered outdoor patio. Boodas’ kitchen menu offers a variety of options, from burgers and nachos to a charcuterie board to loaded potatoes. Conveniently located in downtown Hendersonville.

Cognative Café is a cozy, community-focused coffee shop in Hendersonville, North Carolina, offering a welcoming atmosphere for all. The café serves local craft coffee, espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, baked goods, and light bites. Guests can enjoy their beverages in a comfortable indoor space or relax by the outdoor firepit. The café is fully handicap accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all customers. Additionally, Cognative Café partners with local vendors for their offerings, supporting the local community with each purchase. The retail area features Cognative MTB house brand of mountain bike, cycling, and outdoor apparel.

Crate Wine Market & Project is a boutique wine shop offering a curated selection of traditional, biodynamic, and organic wines from the U.S. and abroad, catering to all palates and price points. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your journey, the knowledgeable team is ready to help find the perfect bottle. The shop also provides personalized wine pairing recommendations, event planning assistance, and a monthly wine club called "Crate Loot." Pet-friendly and welcoming, Crate Wine Market & Project is a great stop for wine lovers exploring the area.

Dixie Diner is a beloved local eatery in Hendersonville, North Carolina, known for its classic American breakfast and lunch offerings. The diner features a variety of dishes, including pancakes, omelets, quiches, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. It's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking a hearty meal in a friendly, casual setting.

On the southern edge of downtown Hendersonville, Dry Falls converted an old auto body shop into an industrial-chic taproom serving approachable beers created by a father-son brewing team. Craft beer lovers flock to Dry Falls where guests can grab a pint or choose their own personal flight, then order from the rotating food truck parked out front and settle into a pleasant tasting experience.

Ecusta Market & Café is a vibrant community hub right alongside the Ecusta Trail, combining a casual café atmosphere with a local market. Here, you can grab freshly made breakfast burritos, pastries, and specialty drinks, or pick up locally sourced produce, meats, and artisanal pantry goods. With both indoor seating and a charming outdoor trail‑side area, it's an ideal spot to fuel up before or relax and refuel after a ride.

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville offers a hands-on gem mining experience where visitors can uncover real gemstones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and quartz crystals. The facility features both indoor and outdoor covered flumes, allowing for year-round mining regardless of weather. In addition to gem mining, guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including feeding goats and chickens at the on-site farm, exploring the exotic bird sanctuary, and navigating the kids' obstacle course. The property also boasts a gift shop, picnic areas, and a taproom offering local brews. No reservations are required, and all mining equipment is provided.

The outpost is Guidon’s second location, a rustic taproom at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine. Just like the original location, Guidon Brewing Outpost 1 is a veteran-owned, German-American brewery. Guests choose from Guidon beers, as well as wines and local ciders. Together, the outpost and gem mine comprise a pet-friendly Basecamp that includes outdoor fire pits, a food truck, gem mining, shopping, a goat barn, an aviary and an outdoor adventure area for children.

Marino’s Pizza House offers a delicious taste of Mediterranean-style pizza and Italian favorites in a laid-back, welcoming setting. This family-run Pizzeria & Café uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft everything from thin-crust pizzas and strombolis to Greek salads, pasta dishes, and hearty subs. With rave reviews for its flavorful pies, generous toppings, and warm, friendly service, it’s a great spot for dine-in, takeout, or catering—and a tasty addition to your Ecusta Trail adventure!

Packa’s Place in Horse Shoe, NC, is a family-friendly farm and seasonal beer garden offering a relaxed atmosphere with local craft brews, wines, ciders, and mimosas. The on-site beer garden, known as The BARn, features indoor, outdoor, and covered seating, making it a great spot to enjoy drinks and live music. The farm also hosts food trucks and live music events.

Root & Bone offers an elevated take on Southern comfort food in a vibrant setting. Helmed by James Beard-nominated chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, the restaurant showcases dishes like Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken, Braised Brisket Meatloaf, and Grilled Peach & Tomato Caprese Salad. The venue features a Rock 'n Roll-themed bar, an outdoor deck, and The Little Root Market & Café, which serves locally sourced coffee and pastries.

Southern Streams CoffeeHouse is a cozy, family-owned café nestled alongside the Ecusta Trail in Laurel Park, Hendersonville. Known for its organic, fair-trade coffee and espresso, the shop offers a variety of delicious drinks, as well as in-house made pastries and breakfast and lunch items. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's the perfect spot to relax after a walk or ride. The café also features a charming event space available for rent during business hours and evenings.

Trailside Brewing is the anchor tenant in a restored mill in the Lennox Park complex situated along the soon-to-be opened Ecusta Trail, a rails-to-trail greenway. Stop in to taste beers brewed on-site as well as from partner breweries, grab a snack from the rotating food truck, and enjoy live music in the spacious, outdoor beer garden. Adjacent to Trailside in Lennox Park are a coffee shop, food market and café.

Whit’s Frozen Custard is made fresh every day with four flavors always available: vanilla, chocolate, flavor of the day and flavor of the week. The daily flavor can range from black raspberry chip to chocolate covered strawberry to candy bar explosion. For those unfamiliar, custard is denser and creamier than ice cream and stays cold longer. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and low-sugar options are available, as are sundaes, custard cakes, pies and custard-and-cookie sandwiches. A popular item is the Hendersonville Gem (vanilla custard with hot fudge, hot caramel and pecans). Whit’s has indoor seating, including a sunroom, plus outdoor seating on a three-tier deck.