A Cozy Winter Escape in Brevard

Day 1

Morning

The Enduring Appeal of Pisgah

Winters in Transylvania County are typically mild, which means that with the right clothing choices, you can be quite comfortable exploring the outdoors. Better yet, the winter views are generally spectacular, with the contours of the mountains even more pronounced. You’ll also see how prolific our evergreens, such as rhododendron, spruce, and mountain laurel, are – great swaths of dense green color provide an appealing contrast to the rest of the forest in its winter adornment.

On your first day, start in Pisgah National Forest. Here you’ll find multiple trails of varying lengths and features. Some to consider are Looking Glass Rock, John Rock, Moore Cove Falls and the Pink Beds. We recommend downloading the AllTrails app (free) as a handy way to determine which trails are most appropriate for your interests and fitness level. The Pisgah Forest Ranger Station is also a great resource for information on trails and insights into the local flora and fauna. While there, don’t miss the Andy Cove Trail. It’s a short (less than a mile) hike into a scenic cove, complete with boardwalks and a rustic swinging bridge. The bridge was highlighted in a story featuring many of Transylvania County’s swinging bridges in the September 2022 issue of Our State.

If you’re a mountain biker, we recommend stopping in one of several outstanding bike shops (see the list on this page). They can provide expert advice on where to ride and even set you up with a rental that’s perfect for you and your riding style.

Lunch

Hungry for More

A brisk winter hike or mountain bike ride is sure to work up an appetite. Near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, you’ll find plenty of great lunch spots to refuel and warm up. Grab wood-fired pizza or a sandwich from Pisgah Bakehouse, enjoy classic barbecue at Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom, or opt for something lighter like sushi and warm bowls at Sora Japanese Restaurant. For a casual, no-fuss lunch, local favorites like Corky’s Dawg House, CHUBwagon at Oskar Blues, or Gordingo’s at Ecusta Brewing all make for an easy stop before heading back out for the afternoon. Discover all our dining options here.

Afternoon

Get Your Feet on the Street

After lunch, head into Downtown Brevard to stretch your legs and ease into the afternoon. Wander through locally owned shops and boutiques, pop into galleries and studios filled with handcrafted art, and keep an eye out for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. When you’re ready to slow things down, enjoy a glass of wine at Territory Wine Market or Wine Down, or warm up with coffee or tea at one of downtown’s many inviting cafés.

Evening

A Taste of the Town

After a day of outdoor adventure and downtown strolling, it’s time to settle in for a cozy winter dinner. Enjoy seasonal, wood-fired dishes at Square Root, savor creative global cuisine at Quixote Fine Cuisine, or unwind with comforting Southern favorites at Falls Landing. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a relaxed night out after a full day, Brevard’s restaurants offer something for every mood and appetite. Discover more places to get your fill here.

The evening is also the perfect time to explore Brevard’s vibrant craft beer scene. Sample local stouts, ales, porters, pilsners, and IPAs at Oskar Blues, Brevard Brewing, Griffon & Sphynx, Ecusta Brewing, and Noblebrau Brewing.

Day 2

Morning

Breakfast in Brevard

Start your morning off right in Transylvania County, where a hearty breakfast is the perfect fuel for another day of winter adventure. In Brevard, local favorites like Morning Social, Smokey Sunrise, and Pescado’s & Sunrise serve up filling breakfast plates to warm you up on a crisp morning. For even more great options to kick off your day, check out our full breakfast guide.

North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls

Transylvania County is home to over 100,000 acres of spectacular public lands. On Day 2, explore further afield with options in DuPont State Recreational Forest and Gorges State Park. Either destination is perfect for waterfall hunting. In DuPont, be sure to check out this triumvirate: High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls. All three can be reached by easily accessible trails leaving from the Hooker Falls parking lot. Friends of DuPont Forest has a wonderful website that provides a full list of trails. They also provide regular trail updates.

If you opt for Gorges State Park, you have multiple trails from which to choose. We recommend the Upper Bearwallow Falls and Rainbow Falls trails if you’re looking to see some great waterfall action. Also be sure to check out Gorges’ beautiful visitor center, which will give you great insight into the geological marvels of this rugged and beautiful part of Transylvania County.

Lunch

The Hunger Games

DuPont was famously the location for this hit movie – and if you’re hungering for a bite to eat after your waterfall excursions, check out the nearby community of Cedar Mountain. On the doorstep of DuPont, Cedar Mountain offers a couple of great choices for dine-in or take-out, including Cedar Mountain Café and Cedar Mountain Outpost. For a local drink or a unique experience, stop by Cedar Mountain Moonshine, which also features CDR MTN Coffee Bar, or enjoy craft beverages and live music at Cedar Mountain Canteen, a zero-waste, employee-owned pub, bottle shop, and listening room.

If your adventures take you to Gorges State Park, be sure to refuel nearby. Grand Olde Station offers hearty, classic fare perfect after a morning on the trails, while Los Vaqueros serves up flavorful Mexican dishes overlooking Toxaway Falls.

Afternoon

Crafting a Memorable Experience

Ever wanted to learn how to throw a clay pot? Tie a fly? Paint a masterpiece? Brevard has loads of creative options where you can get in touch with your inner artist. A great place to start is the Transylvania Community Arts Council, which offers a wide assortment of instructional classes. If you’re more of an art admirer, TCARTS maintains an outstanding art gallery with multiple shows throughout the year. If you’re visiting downtown Brevard, you’ll find a host of wonderful galleries showcasing exceptional jewelry, paintings, sculpture, pottery, and glass.  Brevard also hosts a downtown Sculpture Walk. Or take a ride along Route 276 with its noted galleries and studios, where you can create your own special piece of art or take home the wears of our talented local artists.

And for those in the know about the art of fly fishing, Headwaters Outfitters offers Tuesday Night Fly Tying, and Davidson River Outfitters also offers fly-tying classes for every level of experience.

Evening

Farewell Dinner   

After a full day of winter adventures, Brevard offers plenty of cozy spots for a memorable dinner on night two. It’s the perfect time to warm up, savor a delicious meal, and reflect on your experiences so far. Consider stopping by Wood & Vine, Wild Morel, or The Bohemian, or explore the many other restaurants that make dining here such a treat.

Ending on a High Note

No matter what your musical interests, Brevard serves up some of the best live music experiences in western North Carolina. Brevard Music Center’s Fall and Winter Parker Concert Hall Series offers a wide variety of concert experiences. Also, check out Brevard Philharmonic’s schedule of events. In addition, there is always music somewhere in Brevard, which offers a host of live music venues and jam opportunities.  For more information, just tune in here.

With so much to see, taste, and hear, your winter getaway in Brevard is sure to be full of memorable moments. From cozy dinners and scenic adventures to world-class music, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the magic of the mountains. Take it all in, relax, and let Brevard’s unique blend of nature, culture, and community leave a lasting impression.