10 Awesome Things To Do In Henderson, NC

1. Watch a movie at Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

If you want to have a unique movie-going experience, head to the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre! It is one of the only six drive-in theaters left in operation in North Carolina, and past visitors have raved about its lovely retro ambiance. On top of that, the concession stand at the theater serves a dizzying array of scrumptious finger food for you to choose from, including Philly cheesesteaks, corn dogs, nachos, fries, chicken tenders, and more. So enjoy a movie with your family and friends in the comfort of your car when you visit the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre!

Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

Address: 3336 Raleigh Rd, Henderson, NC 27537-7461

Website: Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

2. Catch up on a performance at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson is a world-class facility for live entertainment. Since its opening in 2016, this center has hosted popular Grammy winners to local artists. This state of the art theater with advanced audio, visual as well as lighting system has a capacity of 1,000 people. The stage as well as other amenities like the orchestra pit and rigging system are perfect for Broadway shows as well. This center has become ‘the place’ for social meet ups and cultural interactions. It hosts around 20 major events in a year. The seats are super-comfortable too. Furthermore, the theater building also has a public library. Besides, there is plenty of parking space available around the center.

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Address: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, NC 27536

Website: McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

3. Play a game of golf at Kerr Lake Country Club

More than 50 years old, Kerr Lake Country Club offer its guests beautiful lush green golf courses among the pines. For over years, this club has been providing opportunities of entertainment and competition to its guests. This club provides something for everyone. For professional golfers, there are amazing membership plans. The not so regular players can improve their golfing skills at reasonable rates. And for all those who don’t play golf at all, they can enjoy in the large swimming pool. Or you can simply take a walk around and relish the carpet of green over the rolling hills of the golf course.

The vibrant green color as well as the smell of freshly cut grass completely soothe the senses. They will definitely invoke the Tiger Woods in you. Moreover, you can even organize an event at their colossal banquet hall. Besides, they keep organizing events like poolside pizza party, ladies club meetings, and more. This club has been rated as Vance County’s Best Golf Course for more than 10 years.

Kerr Lake Country Club

Address: 600 Hedrick Dr, Henderson, NC 27537

Website: Kerr Lake Country Club

4. Camp at Kerr Lake

Kerr Lake is one of the top Henderson attractions. This huge reservoir was formed between North Carolina and Virginia due to John H Kerr Dam. The area around the shoreline of this lake, also known as the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, is popular for camping activities. You will find hundreds of camping sites like ‘Camp Kerr Lake’, and 'Bullocksville Campground’ in this area. Some of these campsites are free to access whereas most are chargeable. Most of these campsites have a website which talks about the facilities offered by these sites such as showers, restrooms, etc. You can refer to those while choosing a camping facility in this area.

There are a number of camping options to choose from, from wooden tents to recreational vehicles, from the ones with electricity or the ones without them. There are plenty of beaches where you can enjoy swimming in the sun. There are also ramps provided to enable you to take your private boats on a boating trip. Besides, you can also enjoy water sports like jet-skiing or sailing while camping around this lake. This lake also provides immense fishing opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. So, just go on a fishing trip, roast your fresh catch on a campfire and savor it by the lakeside. Feels rewarding, doesn’t it?

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Address: 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson, NC 27537

Website: Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

5. Pay a visit to Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Regional Farmers Market is generally open in the peak season from May to October every year on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In April and December, it is open only on Saturdays. In this market, not only will you find a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, but also handicrafts, jams, jellies, baked delicacies, as well as fresh eggs and poultry. Besides, you can also get some valuable tips from knowledgeable farmers about summer and spring plantations available for sale in the market. It’s a refreshing feeling to see vibrantly colored and farm-fresh goods all around you.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Address: 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536

Website: Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Kenrick

6. Have fun bowling at Carolina Lanes

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

Be awesome and own the bowling alley! Here at Carolina Lanes, you can spend some quality time hitting those pins with a bowling ball. Bowling at this place is much better with family or friends. Plus, there are special rates depending on the day. Feeling competitive? Carolina Lanes keeps a record of the best bowlers in each category. They even hand out special prizes to those who rise to the top. On top of that, they rent out the place for events and celebrations. So, you can reserve a birthday party with them and ensure the best night for your celebrant and your guests.

Carolina Lanes

Address: 85 US 158 Bypass, Henderson, NC 27537

Website: Carolina Lanes

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 2pm - 10pm

7. Dine at Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

Savor the offering of North Carolina’s homegrown fast-food chain, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. When you walk through the door of the restaurant, courteous staff will greet you. They will personally attend to your needs - delivering your meals and even refilling your drinks. You can choose from any of the meal combos available on site. If hungry, opt for the large Bar-B-Q pork platter and satisfy your hungry tummy. Not into pork? The restaurant also serves a shrimp platter which you can try with their selection of sauces. For the best experience, upgrade your fried chicken platter with the restaurant’s signature Bar B-Q chicken.

Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

Address: 100 Exchange Street, Henderson, North Carolina 27536

Website: Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

8. Camp the night away at Tobacco Farm Camp

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Need a good place to camp for the night? Lamplight Inn’s Tobacco Farm Camp offers its place to RV campers and retreat seekers. The camp is located inside a 150-year-old tobacco field owned by Lamplight Inn. Kerr Lake is 1.5 mi (2.41 km) away from the camp and has boating ramps for those bringing their boats for the weekend. The camp has all the modern-day amenities that one can ask for. There’s free WiFi, water and electricity hookup, and propane grills. The camp is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, offering respite to visitors with its picnic tables, hammocks, and cabins that can be rented for the night.

Tobacco Farm Camp

Address: 1680 Flemingtown Rd , Henderson, NC 27537

Website: Tobacco Farm Camp

9. Play games at Adventure Island

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

People of all ages will have the time of their lives on Adventure Island. They have a lot to offer on-site which will guarantee a fun time for the whole family. The entertainment park has an 18-hole miniature golf course, where dads can practice their putting skills and enjoy. Meanwhile, moms can take a ride on bumper boats and have fun in the water. Competitive and sports-inclined? Put your skills to the test in their batting cage or the laser tag arena. There’s also a playroom for younger kids. Should the whole family feel peckish, the park’s snack bar offers a variety of pizzas, nachos, soft pretzels, and more.

Adventure Island

Address: 1211 Coble Blvd. Henderson, NC 27536

Website: Adventure Island

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 12pm - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

10. Marvel at Reminiscing: The Giant Legs of Henderson

Editor’s note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing

Once in a while, tourists come across an eccentric piece of art installation. Some of these art installations may generate a feeling of awe, while others may instill disgust. The art installation entitled “Reminiscing” is as odd as it gets. It is literally a giant leg of a woman spread over a grassy area. The creator of the art, Ricky Pearce, based the legs on the famous Hollywood celebrity, Marilyn Monroe. The art installation requires one to be open-minded. Elsewhere, visitors will also find a pair of giant high-heel shoes that fit the giant legs well.

Reminiscing: The Giant Legs of Henderson

Address: Welcome Avenue, Henderson, NC 27536

Experience the small US town charm in Henderson

If you want to experience what it is like to live in a small town in the US, then Henderson will definitely will give you some idea. Come and experience the charm of this wonderful town which offers one plenty of ‘me time’ along with a number of fascinating local recreation options.