Paradise is proud to announce its recent selection as the Agency of Record (AOR) for the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA), the official destination marketing organization for Henderson County, North Carolina under the Visit Hendersonville brand.

The HCTDA drives economic growth for the area by promoting Henderson County as a premier destination for visitors from the Southeast and beyond. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Henderson County is home to renowned outdoor recreation throughout the 10,000 acres of forest, trails and waterfalls, endless culinary adventures, agritourism discoveries, and unique cultural experiences.

As HCTDA’s agency partner, Paradise will provide brand development and evolution, strategic marketing, destination intelligence, creative development and media buying services to raise the profile of Henderson County as a unique tourism destination in western North Carolina.

“Thanks to outstanding outdoor activities and our rich Blue Ridge heritage, Henderson County has seen remarkable growth in its visitation numbers over the last two years. We’re excited to work in partnership with the talented team at Paradise to showcase the natural beauty, fascinating history and incredible experiences here in the heart of North Carolina.”

Michelle Owens, executive director of the HCTDA

Founded in 1838, this rain forest-like region situated on the Eastern Continental Divide grew quickly, with a burgeoning economy laden with farming crops such as corn, wheat, rye, and most importantly, apples. Today, Henderson County is the largest apple producer in the state and among the top 10 counties nationwide in apple production. The county has become North Carolina’s newest wine region, with the area known as The Crest of the Blue Ridge earning federal recognition in 2019 as an American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Hendersonville celebrates its history and heritage each September with the four-day North Carolina Apple Festival. It is home to the Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre of North Carolina, as well as the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the former residence of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. More recently, Hendersonville and nearby DuPont State Recreational Forest have become famous among film buffs as the shooting locations for blockbuster movies The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans.

Food fans and music lovers will find more than enough to tickle their taste buds and set their toes tapping. Hendersonville hosts a half-dozen trails to entice adventurers to explore everything from art and apples to craft beer and quilting. Restaurants such as Postero and Shine invite visitors to dine where the locals love to go. Bluegrass and country music are staples of the region’s heritage, and easily found on weekends at numerous dance halls and playhouses around Hendersonville as well as in the streets during arts festivals in downtown.

“Henderson County is a treasure trove of delightful discoveries. We adore partnerships that push our team to authentically showcase a destination’s wonders. Guiding the brand, delivering innovative solutions and achieving success for the Henderson County stakeholders and communities through tourism will hopefully make our team the apple of our client’s eye for a long time to come.”

Barbara Karasek, CEO and Co-owner of Paradise