Look Homeward, Hendersonville

The mayor of Hendersonville recently declared it to be "The Friendliest
City for Retirees in America!" We think it’s pretty friendly to most
everybody. During sweltering summers in the 1800s, residents from the
Low Country of South Carolina would journey up the mountain to find
relief in the cool air. There were so many Charlestonians that spent
summers here that it became known as Little Charleston.

It is often said, "you can’t go home again." In fact, Thomas Wolfe from
nearby Asheville wrote a book about it and was further inspired by an
Italian marble angel in Oakdale Cemetery to pen Look Homeward Angel.

Walking just a short distance down Main Street, you’ll feel right at
home in Downtown Hendersonville. And you’ll be walking in the footsteps
of many famous visitors like George Vanderbilt, who stayed in
Hendersonville part of the time while the Biltmore Estate was being
built. Built in 1905, The Syndicate Building has hosted civic groups,
shoppers, and even hosted a "turkey drop," and today it extends an
invitation to you to wander back in time.

Parking

Parking is free on Main Street and the avenues that are cross streets to Main. Time restrictions are posted. There are several surface lots that are easily accessible to Main Street where you can park for a fee (pay at the kiosk, meter, or via the Park Mobile App). Parking is enforced Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Parking on Sundays is free.

If you have questions about parking, please call 828-697-3050. For information about parking a motorcoach or an RV, contact Visit Hendersonville at 800-828-4244.

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Plan Your Visit

Hendersonville is a retreat from the heat for many people from the lowlands. Sometimes called “Little Charleston,” you may see some grand homes reminiscent of that area. While you’re visiting, take in a show at NC’s official state theatre, catch a concert on Main Street, or take part in some hands-on activities for the whole family.

Flat Rock Playhouse

Visit Hendersonville

NC Travel & Tourism

Area Events

Local Flavor

The Story Behind the Store

The city of Hendersonville is known as The City of Four Seasons. The building located on Main Street that is now home to the Mast General Store was constructed during a tremendous growth spurt for the city. Up until the late 1890s, most of the structures along Main Street were frame structures, private homes, and even vacant lots.

The Syndicate Building was constructed in the early 1900s, ca. 1909, and has been home to a number of different businesses. Maxwell Brown's Fancy Grocery was its first tenant. From looking at old photographs, Mr. Brown was meticulous in his merchandising. All shelves were perfectly stocked with cans and other goods. At that point in time, customers would bring a list to the counter to be filled by the clerk.

Old Hendersonville Store

Maxwell's Fancy Grocery in Downtown Hendersonville circa 1910, in the Syndicate Building. From the Barber Collection.

Later tenants included Freeze Drug, Potts 5¢ and 10¢, a ladies' dress shop, and First Citizen's Bank. Inside you can still see the original tin ceiling that was long hidden by the drop ceiling panels and parts of the wood floor.

In the 1920s, the Woodmen of the World held their meetings upstairs. The WOW was a fraternal order that provided, and still provides, life insurance to those in their order.

We're sure you've heard of the infamous Turkey Drop performed on the 80s TV show WKRP in Cincinnati. Well, a turkey drop was hosted by this store in the early part of the 20th century.

The Mast Store opened its doors in Hendersonville in 1995.

Mast Store Hendersonville Storefront

The Mast Store in Downtown Hendersonville circa today.

Community Partners

In a time when general stores dotted the landscape, business was a mutually beneficial agreement, and it was done with a handshake. That could easily describe our relationship with our Community Partners. The Mast Store supports many groups in its local areas that help meet human needs, champion the arts, promote conservation, and contribute to moving the community forward. These are just a few of the organizations we support locally.

Conserving Carolina

Manna Foodbank

The Pisgah Conservancy