The Village of Flat Rock has long been called “The Little Charleston of the Mountains.” During the 19th century, the community was an oasis for affluent land owners from the South Carolina Lowcountry who built English-style summer estates there to escape the heat.
Today, the entire district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is still as charming as ever! In fact, it’s even home to a “little rainbow row” in homage to Charleston, SC. The village is also filled with art studios, specialty shops, and unique entertainment options.
Next time you’re in the area, stop and experience all the village has to offer. Here are three fun activities for book lovers in Flat Rock, NC.
Carl Sandburg Home
One of Flat Rock’s biggest attractions is the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Built in 1838, this 264-acre working farm is the former estate of poet and author Carl Sandburg and his wife, Lilian “Paula” Sandburg. Sandburg spent the last 22 years of his life on the estate, known as Connemara, and wrote more than a third of his works here. A collection of Sandburg’s 10,000 books, papers, and notes are on display for those who tour the house. But many people stop through just to enjoy the five miles of hiking trails that meander through the estate. Descendants of Paula’s prize-winning goats still live on the farm, making baby goat season a popular time to visit.
Read more: 5 Fun Facts about Carl Sandburg’s Home at Connemara
Flat Rock Playhouse
Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s state theater, is located in the heart of the Historic Village of Flat Rock. With roots reaching back to 1937, the Playhouse has earned national recognition for its professional performing company and theater training programs. Theater lovers from kindergarteners to adults take advantage of their year-round classes and workshops. But many locals just go to enjoy a great show! The Playhouse operates a nine-month season of plays that include Broadway-quality musicals, comedies, dramas, and theater for young audiences—many with literary ties. More than 100,000 patrons attend shows at this community touchstone each year.
Discover a Local Author
With a population of only 3,500, you wouldn’t expect to find dozens of local authors in this small town. From children’s authors to local historians to award-winning fiction writers, the town attracts and inspires locals to put pen to paper in creative ways. It’s entirely possible that you may run into a Flat Rock author while enjoying a glass of freshly pressed apple cider. Or a plate of whole-hog barbecue. But for guaranteed encounters, we recommend checking out a local bookstore. Joy of Books, on Main Street in nearby Hendersonville, is just one spot that offers a welcoming atmosphere and a carefully curated selection of titles.
Learn More about Asheville’s Literary History on the AVL Lit Tour
Flat Rock is a great destination for book lovers. But it’s no match for the rich literary history of downtown Asheville, NC!
Learn more about Asheville’s greatest authors, including Thomas Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and lots of living legends, on the next AVL Lit Tour. We cover dozens of stories about Asheville-area authors from the 19th century to the present while taking in the sights of the city.