The Hendersonville Welcome Center/Henderson County Tourism Development Authority administration building will reopen August 27 after a $1.9 million renovation.
This milestone is a cause for celebration not only for visitors, but for locals as well. The fully modernized and remodeled facility will become an interactive showcase for all there is to see and do in Henderson County. It will also serve as the official trailhead for Hendersonville’s Ecusta Trail when the first section of this highly anticipated rail trail project opens in December.
The public is invited to the center’s grand reopening and open house on August 27 from 2 to 5 p.m.
“The space was designed to be available to people in any way they want to get information,” said Michelle Owens, executive director of the Henderson County TDA.
“For the tech-savvy, we have QR codes, an interactive touchscreen trip planner and a social media wall that shows visitors’ experiences in real time. For those who prefer something more traditional, we have visitor guides, trail maps and shelf maps of accommodations and attractions. Of course, guests can count on knowledgeable and friendly staff and volunteers always being on hand to answer questions and provide relevant information.”
Upon entering the building, the transformation is immediately noticeable, with vaulted ceilings and a video wall showcasing outdoor activities. The open floor plan features stations and exhibits on topics such as agritourism, art, family activities, outdoor adventure, Crest of the Blue Ridge wine region, and a variety of hiking trails, including the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail and the Hendersonville Cheers! Trail.
A particular highlight is the touchscreen trip planner, which displays the Visit Hendersonville website on its large screen, allowing visitors to explore the region, create an itinerary and text it to their mobile phone.
As local tourism continues to grow, Owens cited three reasons for investing in the Welcome Center at 201 S. Main St. in Hendersonville. First, there is a need for a larger, more comprehensive space to educate visitors and locals about the many attractions and activities throughout the county. Second, it is to create a more efficient and productive workspace for TDA staff. And third, it is to fit in with renovations on South Main Street that will connect downtown to the Ecusta Trail.
“We want to be a hub for Main Street and Ecusta Trail to seamlessly connect the two,” says Owens. “The arrival of the Ecusta Trail will take our operations to a new level.”
The project was underwritten by Cooper Construction of Hendersonville. The architects were Clark Nexsen of Asheville, and the interior design was done by Knight Strategies of Lake Lure. All of the project’s funding came from lodging taxes paid by overnight guests in Henderson County. No local tax dollars were involved.
“A big thank you goes out to the TDA Board for supporting this initiative and to TDA staff and volunteers for their dedication and patience throughout this process,” Owens said.
