An Unforgettable Trip That Won’t Break the Bank
Need a getaway, but don’t need the headache of draining your wallet? Set your sights on Brevard, NC. North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls is a must-visit destination for folks who want a vacation itinerary where they can splurge a little and save a lot. From family trips to solo escapes, you won’t have to sacrifice fun for funds around here. Start planning your budget-friendly mountain trip today.
Budget-Friendly Lodging, Dining & Adventures
Where to Stay
Brevard and Transylvania County have a range of relaxing lodging options for every price point. Collecting points from your favorite national brands? You can do that here. Planning a camping or glamping trip with the family? Check out Davidson River Campground or DuPont Yurts. If you’d rather reset in a woodsy cabin or a comfortable hotel room, we’ve got those, too. However you rest your head for the night, there are plenty of budget-friendly lodging options in Brevard. If you want to stay close to the action, try the Hampton Inn near the Pisgah National Forest entrance, Sunset Motel near Downtown Brevard’s restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, or Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping for affordable cabins near Cedar Mountain and DuPont State Recreational Forest. If you want to stay right between Pisgah and DuPont, Foggy Bottom Cabins is a great option. Many accommodations in the area also run special offers, which you can find on our Lodging Specials page.
Where to Eat
Delicious doesn’t mean extravagant prices in Transylvania County. To fuel your adventure, you’ll find plenty of low-cost options without sacrificing quality and flavor, including Mexican restaurants, pizza joints, and classic diners.
Stop by HomeSlyce for mouthwatering pizza and Slyce Happy Hours, where you can get a $4 slice from 3-4 pm and 7-8 pm daily. Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop, Cardinal Drive-In, and Corky’s Dawg House will satisfy your cravings for classic American Fare. Grab a tasty meal from DuPont Canteen after an adventure in the forest, or get your fill of locally-loved tacos from Casa Mexicana Taqueria. And barbecue folks, stop by Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom for indulgent, smoky goodness. Throughout Brevard, you’ll also find familiar fast food options for inexpensive meals in between your adventures. Visit the Eat & Drink page for more restaurants.
What to Do
Explore Public Lands
Over half of Transylvania County is public land, and there’s no entry fee to explore our corner of the great outdoors. That means you don’t have to pay extra to. . .
- Hike Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest
- Explore Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park
- Discover the hidden swimming holes across the county
- Cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Chase waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest
Our public lands are nature’s playground, with plenty of trails, rivers, and elevation for hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and rock climbing.
Discover Art
Brevard’s vibrant art scene is something that’s easily enjoyed without spending a dime. Stroll through Downtown Brevard to see a multitude of murals, or take in the town by following the Sculpture Walk. While exploring, you’ll also pass by several galleries, so stop in for a browse. Outside the City of Brevard, there are also several stops to see along the Scenic 276 Arts Corridor.
Listen to the Music
Live music is a staple here. Across the county, you’ll find free or low-cost ways to get into the rhythm at live jams, festivals, and outdoor concerts throughout the year. To find live music opportunities during your stay, visit our Events Calendar page for more info.
Traveling With Kids
Transylvania County is a kid-friendly destination with many affordable activities to do with your little explorers. Our corner of the mountains is an outdoor playground with tons of easy hikes and accessible trails, including the Andy Cove Nature Trail that starts at the ranger station in Pisgah National Forest and Hooker Falls Trail in DuPont State Recreational Forest. You can also let them explore at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest. For a family bike ride, the Estatoe Trail is a scenic, paved greenway that connects Downtown Brevard to Pisgah National Forest.
Spending time outside can be pretty tiring. For a laid-back day, take the kids to the Co-Ed Cinema in Downtown Brevard. Every Thursday and Saturday at 10 am, they offer free kids’ movies. See what’s playing here. Discover more free and low-cost activities in our Affordable Family Adventures blog.
Traveling Solo
Solo travel can be a relaxing way to reset, and in Brevard, these trips can be easy on the wallet. Have a local brew and mingle with the locals at 185 King Street or Oskar Blues Brewery, and stick around for their live music and bluegrass jams. After a bite, stroll through Downtown Brevard along the self-guided sculpture walk, or head to Silvermont Mansion to find a white squirrel. For a scenic evening, get delicious takeout from Smoke On BBQ and relax at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you’ll have a prime seat for nighttime stargazing.
Insider Tip
We asked our Instagram friends to tell us their favorite activities for an affordable trip, here’s what they said:
What’s your favorite low-cost activity in Brevard?
75%
Going on a hike
6%
Reading a book in a peaceful spot
12%
Looking for white squirrels
6%
Listening to live music
