For me, moving to a new college meant moving to a new community! I wanted to get plugged into the “local” way of life as soon as possible. I set out to find the best restaurants, coffee shops, and places to hang out. The best place to start is the Gallatin Square. It is super cute and filled with locally owned eateries and shops. The Streets of Indian Lake in Hendersonville is also a great place to shop or go to the movies. It is also home to the famous Brixx Pizza.
As a freshman, you will want to find off-campus places to gather with your friends and classmates. Inviting someone to grab a cup of coffee is a wonderful first move to find and make new friends. Hendersonville offers more of the popular places that you know and love. From shopping to the movies, Hendersonville has you covered! This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you a great start to finding the “aesthetic” places to hang out in Gallatin and Hendersonville.
GALLATIN
Swaney Swift’s is definitely a Welch favorite. Swaney’s is known for its monster-sized burgers and delicious house-made shakes!! 10/10
Lime Street Deli is a great locally owned deli in the Square. It is perfect for a light lunch with friends. I loved the Fajita Hot Sandwich 😊 8/10
Filly’s is literally the coolest. It is a really fun place to stop in and hang out. They have a full arcade, pool table, and the most amazing Philly cheesesteaks. 9/10
Black Press Coffee Shop is the perfect place if you’re trying to feel extra hipster. It is a super great place to vibe or study with your pals. 9/10
No. 1 Chinese is a Welch favorite AND they have a door dash. The egg drop soup alone deserves a 10/10.
Top Hog BBQ is a little taste of home for this North Carolina girl. Their famous burgers, catfish, and BBQ have made them a hot spot in Gallatin. 7.5/10
Los Toritos is highly recommended by our culinary expert professors. I would trust them with my life but mainly with my food recommendations. Credit: Russell Houske, Chris Talbot, and Jesse Owens. 8/10
Mama’s Kitchen is homey and absolutely delicious! Their country cooking is just what the doctor ordered when you are getting a little homesick. One of my favorite places to eat!!!! 10/10
Casa Vieja is the typical choice for Sunday lunch and is always there with good deals and good salsa. Students debate whether Casa is overrated or not, but I think you will just have to figure that out for yourself. 11/10
HENDERSONVILLE
Pie Five is kinda basic, but I still think it’s really good. If you find yourself at Pie 5 you MUST get the cinnamon twist. Trust me; this is a pro tip. 8/20
Koi Japanese Hibachi and Sushi has literally the best sushi around. They have a two roll deal that is reasonably priced and a great portion size. 10/10 would totally recommend it.
The Lost Cajun is the perfect place if you are looking for some gumbo. LOL that’s all. 7/10
Chicken Salad Chick is a great place to get a pick two deal. I go in and get the Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad Sandwich and a side of the Loaded Potato Soup. So yummy! 9.5/10
The Taco restaurants I would check out in Hendersonville are as follows in ranking from best to still amazing: 1. Blue Coast Burritos 2. El Trompo Tacos 3. La Fondita Taqueria (Mr. Houske top pick). 10/10, 9/10, 8/10
Slim Chickens is the biggest bro eatery. It is literally chicken tenders and fries; a must check out spot in Hendersonville. 10/10
First Watch is the place to be if you are feeling a little hipster. It has delicious Instagram-worthy meals, and from personal experience, I strongly recommend the chickichanga (Jesse Owens top pick)….trust me. 45/10
Kave Express is a great little drive-through coffee shop. If you are trying to rush back to class with a Cuban, this is the place for you. 7/10
Stompin Grounds is a personal favorite. It has a great environment to hang out and chat with friends or lounge around and read! Their Crème brûlée coffee is to die for! 30/10
I hope this is helpful, and remember, once you come to Welch you will find other places to hang out that can be added to your own list! As far as places to hang out, I love being in the parks surrounding the campus or driving out to Drake’s Creek. You should also check out the historical sites around like the Douglas Clark House, Historical Rock Castle, or drive out to the Hermitage if you’re feeling extra historical.
