Insider’s Guide to Late Summer in Brevard

Breakfast

Your Favorite Ways to Start the Morning in Brevard

Slow mornings and strong coffee stood out as favorites when we asked how you like to start your day in Brevard. Cozy coffee shops topped the list, with several shout-outs for Cup & Saucer and its inviting atmosphere. Brunch came in a close second for those who prefer to ease into the day. Smokey Sunrise was mentioned as a laid-back bite that’s worth lingering over. Whether you’re sipping or savoring, there’s no rush here, just your kind of morning.

Morning Activity

Play In the Public Lands

Once breakfast is out of the way, it’s time to stretch your legs and soak up the mountain air. Several of the questions we asked pointed to the same thing: you guys love spending time in our public lands—from the trails and waterfalls of DuPont and Gorges to the adventures waiting in Pisgah. While swimming holes and river adventures were popular picks, plenty of you reminded us there’s just as much magic on land. Morning is the perfect time to relax by a waterfall, hike (or bike) to a scenic vista, or take a peaceful walk in the woods before the trails get busy. Rock climbing even got a shoutout—and we get it. The view from the top of Looking Glass Rock is hard to beat.

LUNCH

Go-To Lunch Spots in Brevard

Who’s hungry? Adventuring really works up an appetite, and we’ve got a ton of mouth-watering lunch options to satisfy your post-exploration cravings. We’ve got to say, y’all have good taste. A few of your go-to lunch spots included Smoke On BBQ, One More Thai, and Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop. Yum! Bonus tip: Smoke On BBQ is a convenient, drive-thru style place, so take your lunch to Sycamore Flats in Pisgah National Forest or a picnic table in Downtown Brevard.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITY

Get Out On the Water

Your responses made a splash—and confirmed what we’re all thinking: when it comes to late summer fun, the water is where it’s at. In your messages and open-ended responses, rivers and lakes were hands-down your favorite place to cool off. And honestly, we can’t blame you. There’s nothing better than a float, paddle, or dip to beat the heat and soak up the season.

Tubing, paddling, and Sliding Rock are classics for a reason, but if you’re up for something a little different, try river snorkeling or tracking down a hidden swimming hole. However you get out there, just don’t miss your chance to enjoy the water while it’s still warm.

Dinner

Post-Adventure Bites

Your favorite way to unwind after a day outside? Beer and tacos. Several of you slid up to shout out Gordingo’s at Ecusta Brewing. With flavorful food and a breezy patio, it’s the perfect spot to relax and refuel. We recommend going with whatever’s on special; it won’t let you down. Quixote Fine Cuisine got some love too; they use fresh ingredients to make home-style recipes straight from Guadalajara. Start your meal with a bowl of carrot soup (you’ll thank us later) and consider switching the beer for one of their delicious margaritas.

Ice cream wasn’t far behind, and if that’s more your style, Dolly’s Dairy Bar near the entrance to Pisgah is a must. It’s the kind of sweet finish that feels just right before chasing down a mountain sunset. If you’re closer to Downtown Brevard, stop by Kilwin’s Chocolate & Ice Cream for a scoop or two.

Sunset

A Little Golden Hour Magic

Now, let’s end this day right. Golden hour is something really special here, and when we asked where you’d want to be as the sun starts to dip, your answers were split, but in the best way. Brewery patios and scenic overlooks tied as your top picks, and don’t look to us for a tie breaker because we can’t choose a favorite either.

There’s nothing quite like golden hour with a cold drink in hand and live music in the air. Whether you head to Oskar Blues for a laid-back evening or catch a show at 185 King Street, you’ll find good vibes, great brews, and a welcoming crowd. Want even more options? Check out our full list of breweries and taprooms to plan your perfect night out.

Overlooks came up again and again across our polls, from bucket list spots to open-ended shoutouts. You really love a good mountain view, and golden hour is when they shine. Head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for sweeping sunset scenery—Pounding Mill Overlook is always a solid pick.

Wherever you end up at golden hour, Brevard evenings have a way of stealing the show. And if you hang around a little longer, don’t forget to look up. On a clear night, the stargazing here is just as epic as the sunset.

Insider Picks: This or That

It’s clear from your This-or-That picks that laid-back, water-filled days and mountain cabin stays top the list. Think late mornings, slow floats, breezy afternoons chasing waterfalls, and a brewery patio with live music just as the sun starts to set. That’s the magic of summer’s final stretch in Brevard.