HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A city with a small-town feel, Hendersonville has a rich history that many Western North Carolina residents might not know about.

That’s something Mary Jo Padgett is trying to change.

Journalist, public relations consultant, former associate editor at Mother Earth News magazine, former Hendersonville City Council member — these are just a few of the titles the Western North Carolina native holds on her long resume. Padgett brings this wealth of local knowledge and experience to her Hendersonville History Walks, which take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings from spring to fall. The upcoming guided walk, taking place on Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m., will center around ‘Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs.’

Participants will meet in front of the Historic Courthouse on Main Street before heading off on an excursion downtown to learn the stories behind more than six murals, a mosaic made with 250,000 small pieces of glass and numerous ghost signs — old, hand-painted advertising signs — “barely hiding in plain sight on old buildings,” a press release from Padgett notes.

“We’ll step back in time through the interesting history and architecture of Hendersonville,” Padgett says in one of her press releases for the events. “Hendersonville has its own unique culture and spirit, which actually began with the lifestyle of the Native Americans, grew into a farming area due to fertile soil, and blossomed as a popular destination during the heyday of railroads. Our lives here today are influenced by all of that.”

Padgett tells 828newsNOW she’s been offering these walking tours since the fall of 2015. For this upcoming walk, she says she was inspired by all of the artistry — both new and old — she would see while giving other tours.

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“I’m inspired by the murals scattered about downtown and love to tell their histories, the mosaic on Main St. has a fantastic story but many people don’t even see it – so I want to have an excuse to talk about it, and I started noticing the Ghost Signs on buildings while I was giving my other walks and I felt people would like them to be pointed out,” she says.

Making sure people notice all that’s around them is just one of Padgett’s goals with these history walks.

“I love pointing out the Ghost Signs on the old buildings because people drive by them every day but just don’t notice them,” she says.

The cost for each tour is $10 per person 10 years and older. Children under 10 are free with a paid adult. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Padgett at 828-545-3179 or email maryjo@maryjopadgett.com to make a reservation. Private tours for groups can be arranged anytime.

If you’re not able to attend this weekend’s walk, don’t worry! More walks are planned through October. CLICK HERE to view the entire 2024 schedule.

  • What: Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs – Hendersonville NC Guided History Walk
  • Where: Historic Henderson County Courthouse located on Main Street – 1 Historic Courthouse Sq, Hendersonville, NC
  • When: Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.