The Village of Flat Rock has long been called “The Little Charleston of the Mountains.” During the 19th century, the community was an oasis for affluent land owners from the South Carolina Lowcountry who built English-style summer estates there to escape the heat.
Today, the entire district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is still as charming as ever! The village is filled with art studios, specialty shops, and unique entertainment options.
Next time you’re in the area, take a moment to enjoy the scenic vistas of the village’s byways. While you’re there, stop and experience all that Flat Rock has to offer. Here are three great entertainment opportunities to add to your itinerary.
Carl Sandburg Home
One of Flat Rock’s biggest attractions is the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Built in 1838, this 264-acre working farm is the former estate of poet and author Carl Sandburg and his wife, Lilian “Paula” Sandburg. Sandburg spent the last 22 years of his life on the estate, known as Connemara, and wrote more than a third of his works here. A collection of Sandburg’s 10,000 books, papers, and notes are on display, and five miles of hiking trails meander through the estate. Descendants of Paula’s prize-winning goats still live on the farm.
Learn more about Connemara and the legacy of the Sandburgs:
Flat Rock Playhouse
The Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s state theatre, is located in the heart of the Historic Village of Flat Rock. Enjoy Broadway-quality musicals, comedies, dramas, and theatre for young audiences at this community touchstone. The Playhouse has gained national recognition for its professional performing company and theatre training programs. Their season runs year round, with more than 100,000 patrons attending shows each year. For several years, the theatre also operated a second location on Main Street in Hendersonville.
Learn more about the history of Flat Rock Playhouse and how it contributes to the area’s arts culture:
The Fruits of Apple Country
Did you know that Henderson County ranks seventh in apple production among all the counties in the United States? The county grows 85% of all the apples grown in North Carolina, making it a $15–24 million crop. Among the many delicious products that stem from the industry is hard cider, which brings together the area’s rich history of agriculture with our exciting craft beverage scene. Places like Flat Rock Cider Works have taken root nearby, while others have branched out across the region.
Learn more about each step of the hard cider process, from the orchard to the glass:
See the beauty of Flat Rock for yourself!
Read more about Flat Rock, see more photos, or search for homes in the area from our Beverly-Hanks Flat Rock community page.