Brevard, NC: Land of Waterfalls Written by Meg Hale Brunton

Known as North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, Brevard is the place to go if you are seeking endless outdoor recreational opportunities while enjoying quaint, small town surroundings. Located along scenic Highway 64 between Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest and Gorges State Park, Brevard entices tourists with outdoor fun, a charming downtown scene, and many, many waterfalls. For such a small mountain town, Brevard has also distinguished itself culturally and musically and carries a rich artistic heritage. 

Outdoor Adventures 

Looking Glass Falls

Transylvania County has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the country. One of the most popular waterfalls is Looking Glass Falls located right off of U.S. 276, about five miles past the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. This waterfall site is easily accessible, making it a great attraction for those with mobility or walking challenges. “Looking Glass” originates from Looking Glass Rock where water freezes on the sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror. The site is always open, and there is no admission fee. 

Fly Fishing 

Whether you prefer dry flies, nymphs, or artificial lures, you’re sure to find a whopper of a great time fishing in Brevard. Known as a fishing enthusiast’s paradise, Brevard is surrounded by 500 miles of the best trout fishing streams in the country, including the Davidson River, Little River, Mills River and Avery’s Creek. Just be sure to purchase a fishing license and a Trout Stamp. And if you need any help or gear, stop in at Davidson River Outfitters, or Headwaters Outfitters.

Historic Sites & Tours

Transylvania Heritage Museum

For such a small mountain town, Brevard has distinguished itself culturally and musically. You can learn all about the history of the area at the Transylvania Heritage Museum. The Heritage Museum is the perfect place to find out about the county, including photos, artifacts, heirlooms, and a Genealogy Research room, all in one location in a quaint 19th Century house. The museum also offers a variety of annual events and interactive programs, as well as a gift shop. 

Food & Beer

Brevard Brewing Company

This family-owned brewery, located right on Main Street in Brevard, specializes in hand-crafted lagers. Its goal is to create beer that is just as drinkable as it is flavorful. While lagers are the true love of brewmaster and owner Kyle Williams, Brevard Brewing Company also offers other styles of beers, including ales, pilsners, and IPAs.   

The Square Root

Voted #1 Best Restaurant in Brevard for eleven years in a row, there is no denying that The Square Root is not to be missed if your tummy is rumbling. For ambiance, diners can choose from their artistically decorated indoor dining area, their covered outdoor patio, or their handcrafted wood bar. Their menu was designed to suit everyone from the adventurous, to the picky eater, including Rabbit Gumbo, Crispy Roasted Duck a l’Orange, and Duck-Bacon and Sweet Corn Wontons. They also serve a variety of wines, cocktails, local beers, and even locally-roasted coffee, all in their beautifully restored historic building in the heart of downtown.

Arts 

ArtLab

Founder Cindi Spillman created ArtLab as a safe space for budding artists to discover, experiment and create art, after encouraging her mother to try her hand at painting. Even people who do not consider themselves artistically-talented are encouraged to come to ArtLab to try something new and collaborate with others at all experience levels. ArtLab’s classes include everything from knitting, to journaling, to watercolors. Find out if there’s a little artist in you at ArtLab!

Number 7 Arts

A cooperative art gallery created as a program by the Transylvania Community Arts Council, Number 7 Arts boasts the largest collection of local art in the area. Their selection of local artwork (including paintings, photography, pottery, woven arts, jewelry, and stained glass) is constantly changing, so they encourage patrons to stop in often and support the local art community. 

Transylvania Community Arts Council

With the goal of promoting art and providing opportunities for local artists, as well as educating the public on all things artistic, the Transylvania Arts Council has been generating art in Brevard  and the surrounding area since 1985. With a plethora of art classes, programs, special events, and exhibitions, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any artistic expression happening within the county that TCAC doesn’t have a hand in.

Downtown Events & Shops 

Brevard’s downtown scene also hosts several enjoyable festivals each year including Halloweenfest, Twilight Tour, and The White Squirrel Festival. As the name of the festival suggests, Brevard has an unusually large population of white squirrels. 

The White Squirrel Festival

Brevard is also known for its signature population of white squirrels, originating from a carnival animal truck in 1949. There are estimated to be over 1,600 in the town alone. The town of Brevard has dedicated an entire weekend in June (and maybe the rest of the year, too) to celebrating the adorable, elusive creatures. The festival features music, food, arts & crafts, and family fun! Check it out this year for a very nutty time!

Brevard Music Festival

Put on by the Brevard Music Center, the Brevard Music Festival is a series of traveling concerts for music lovers of all kinds that takes place every Summer. Their events range from opera, to orchestra, chamber, jazz and symphony, sure to delight anyone with ears. 

Theophilus

Describing itself as ‘A Collection of Favorite Things,’ Theophilus was founded by Martha Carlton twenty years ago. With fabulous finds of all kinds from fashion, to home decor, to gifts, Theophilus prides itself on being customer centric and offering an inviting place to shop in historic downtown Brevard.

The White Squirrel Shoppe

They really do exist! And so does a store where you can find everything to do with white squirrels, including ornaments, magnets, tees, hats and stuffed toys. Besides white squirrel merchandise, the shoppe also features furniture, apparel, books, and home decor items. Located on Main Street, the shoppe is considered as much of a treasure to downtown Brevard as is the white squirrel itself. 

Whether your jam is fine dining, nature exploration, soaking up some culture, or celebrating a melanin-challenged rodent, Brevard really does have it all! Whatever sort of adventure you’re up for, Brevard can certainly meet the challenge.

Photo credit of “Courtesy of Explore Brevard” must be included with any use.