These days, Halloween lasts approximately six weeks, by our wager. It’s become the autumnal version of Christmas, and if you can’t beat it with a witch’s broom, you might as well hop on and enjoy the ride. Starting this Friday, area counties celebrate the start of the season with the opening of various haunted houses, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.
But another October-long event, sponsored by local historian Mary Jo Padgett, takes advantage of WNC’s most beautiful month in a less frightful way. Padgett’s “Guided History Walks” shed a little fall light on some of the lesser-known facts about downtown Hendersonville.
Occurring rain or shine, the 90-minute tours will reveal how the town got its name, the dates of historic buildings, and where early teens used to hang out.
Reached by phone, Padgett offered a few teasers:
“Where did the Dummy trolley line to Laurel Park and Rainbow Lake begin?”
“Where was ‘Underground Hendersonville’ located?”
“What famous people stayed at the Skyland Hotel?”
Starting point is 142 Third Avenue West (Once Upon a Sign/Trolley Company). October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. 9:30am signup. $10 for age 10 and over. 828-545-3179 or e-mail maryjo@maryjopadgett.com. boldlife.com/event/history-walks
