But the big deal is the N.C. Apple Festival on Labor Day weekend, when Hendersonville's downtown launches the fall harvest with three days of apple-themed fun. you can stroll a street fair featuring arts-and-crafts and food vendors, exhibits and activities for kids. There's live music daily at the Historic Courthouse. Headliners take the stage at 7:30; 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (The Caribbean Cowboys and The Mighty Kicks, respectively) and 5:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday (Still Cruzin'; The Legacy). What you can hear ranges from bluegrass to beach to Motown.
Monday afternoon - Labor Day - is when action focuses on the King Apple Parade; up to 60,000 people are expected.
Admission: Some events are free; others require nominal admission. Get specifics online.
Target audience: Families. Pets not allowed.
Directions: Take Interstate 85 South to U.S. 74 Bypass (at Kings Mountain); take U.S. 74 Bypass West to I-26 (at Columbus); take I-26 northwest briefly to exit 49B (U.S. 64 West), just outside Hendersonville - and keep your eyes peeled for apple-stand signs.
Travel time from Charlotte: Two hours.