Try New Artistic, Outdoor & Culinary Experiences on Your Mountain Vacation
Brevard is a hub of activity and artistry in Western North Carolina. The originality here is contagious, inspiring visitors to get their own creative juices flowing through one of the many hands-on experiences available in our corner of the mountains. Are you feeling inspired? Maybe it’s time to tap into the vibrancy with your own creative retreat, or try something for the first time. There are so many ways to add a hands-on excursion to your upcoming vacation, whether you’re taking a pottery class, tasting wine, learning to dance, or exploring the forest.
Food & Drink Experiences
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tasty experience in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls. Kilwins offers a delicious chocolate experience, and Killer Bees has honey tastings that are sure to satisfy your craving. Or, go straight to the source at Queens Berry Farm, where you can grab a basket and pick your own in-season berries.
If you’d rather take your fruit fermented, a wine tasting is just what you need to add an elevated activity to your trip. Check out Key Falls Inn, Territory Wine, Wine Down on Main, or Broad Street Wines—all offer carefully curated wine tastings.
Art, Culture & Creative Classes
Brevard is a haven for folks seeking creative retreats in North Carolina. It’s the perfect place to try a new artistic pursuit with one of the area’s many art classes, like the ones at Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio. Get behind the wheel with a pottery class or drop in to paint your own pottery at Brevard Clay. Check out some of the classes at Newfound Artisan to try your hand at crafts like jewelry-making and leatherwork. For a truly unique experience, head to Woodhaven Glass for a glassblowing class. If you’d rather get into a less delicate kind of artistry, Earthshine Lodge offers a blacksmithing and brews workshop—no previous experience necessary.
Transylvania County is also a place that lives and breathes music and movement. Let the music move you, too, at a dance class with Audancity. If you’re someone who would rather make the music, then head to a local jam session at Oskar Blues Brewing or Cedar Mountain Moonshine.
Outdoor Adventures & Nature Experiences
Brevard is surrounded by lofty peaks and lush forests just waiting to be explored. Exploring the outdoors is naturally hands-on, but here, there are plenty of ways to add a creative twist to your adventure.
Go rock climbing, or waterfall chasing on a guided tour, or take a hike with a llama at Earthshine Lodge. For a little pep in your forest trek, take a coffee hike with Nero Experiences. Valley Bear Farms also offers day passes to explore their grounds, including a creek-fed pond and wood-fired sauna, as well as volleyball and pickleball courts, and a disc golf course. Get to know the National Forest at the Cradle of Forestry, where you can explore interpretive trails, a steam engine, and learn about early American forestry.
Feeling starry-eyed? The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) can give you a view of the cosmos unlike any other—just make sure you call ahead or go to their website to reserve a tour. You can also take your night sky viewing to another level and go stargazing to get amazing shots with WNC Photo Tours.
Of course, the great outdoors doesn’t have to be wild all the time. Experience a more laid back adventure with a day at the range at Fore U Golf.
Create Your Own Creative Retreat
The best part about a hands-on retreat to Brevard is that there are no rules—just use your imagination to create an amazing creative escape. We recommend mixing and matching experiences to customize a trip that works for you and your crew.
Planning a writer’s retreat? Bring a journal to trails and overlooks while you explore. You never know when the next great idea will come to you. Get some story inspiration by browsing a local bookstore to find the perfect hammock read.
Maybe you just need a creative getaway. Flex your muscles in a variety of ways through photography classes, dancing, or even blacksmithing. To really immerse yourself in the creative process, consider booking a stay in the forest to get inspired by nature.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Get energy out and avoid screens with your little explorer. There are so many ways to get your kids involved with a trip in Brevard, whether you’re exploring the Veterans Museum or finding a swimming hole in the forest. Discover even more ways to get them excited with seven family-friendly activities.
Romantic & Hands-On Experiences
For the adventurous couples out there, Brevard is an ideal spot to plan your escape. Plan a perfect retreat with your special someone here. Here’s a sweet tip. . . we think a wine tasting and pottery class are a good place to start.
Get more inspiration for your romantic getaway with our romantic getaway itinerary.
Plan Your Hands-On Adventure to the Blue Ridge Mountains
Ready to book your next hands-on adventure in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls? Check out local guides and places to stay in the area to get started. Remember while exploring the area to Be Waterfall Wise and Leave It Better so that generations to come can enjoy the beauty of our natural resources. We’ll see you soon!
