Take a Drive that Encourages You to Slow Down
Hwy 276 from Brevard to Cedar Mountain is the kind of road that rewards slowing down. Small studios, tucked-away shops, good food, and the occasional live music set reveal themselves along the way. It’s ideal for visitors who like to wander and see where the day leads. It’s an easy half-day outing, or could turn into a day-long adventure when paired with time in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Clay, Glass, & Handcrafted Work
Mud Dabber’s Pottery
A working pottery studio creating functional, expressive pieces that feel personal and approachable. From mugs to bowls, each piece shows a clear connection to the maker and the surrounding landscape. Mud Dabber’s work has even earned national recognition—a shoutout on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—highlighting the unique character and creativity of this studio.
Woodhaven Glass
A glassblowing studio where you can watch molten glass transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces. The studio offers a rare glimpse into the craft, and if you want a more hands-on experience, lessons can be booked in advance.
Studio 276 Art & Co.
Located inside Cedar Mountain Moonshine, Studio 276 Art&Co. is known for its vibrant ShineART gallery wall. They are the only studio in the world that incorporates their own moonshine into the art, giving every piece a unique energy.
Judith Duff Pottery
Wood-fired and Shino ceramics crafted with attention to both form and function by Judith Duff are on display. You’ll also find work by Japanese potter Shozo Michikawa and Korean potter Sung Ho Yang, offering a small but thoughtful international selection alongside Judith’s creations.
Hemlocks Studio
A seasonal working studio (open June through October) led by a resident artist, Hemlocks Studio, primarily focuses on painting. The space is open to visitors, and the art itself invites a closer look, offering glimpses into the creative process as well as finished pieces.
Lizard’s Rock
A gallery of local art set among flowing gardens, Lizard’s Rock offers more than just a place to browse. Gathering spaces throughout the property are used for learning, reflection, and spiritual experiences, and the studio often hosts events like drum circles and sound baths.
Eclectic, Whimsical, & One-of-a-Kind Stops
Whimsical Wares
Curated curiosities for the artfully uncommon, Whimsical Wares celebrates creativity that delights in the unexpected. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted, transforming familiar forms into something wonderfully new.
Walter Cantrell’s Antiques
A dense, eclectic collection of antiques and vintage finds that invite exploration. Every shelf and display tells a story, offering everything from furniture and decor to unique objects that reflect history and craftsmanship
The McGaha Chapel
Built in 1872, McGaha Chapel is a small, historical site managed by the Transylvania Historical Society. It was established as a place of connection after the Civil War, in a community where neighbors had fought on opposing sides.
Batson Creek & Connestee Falls
Connestee Falls and Batson Creek Falls form a paired cascade where two creeks meet at a spot long known as the Silver Slip. Connestee Falls drops 85 feet while Batson Creek Falls tumbles down opposite it, creating a rare, twin-waterfall view accessible by a short, county‑maintained walkway and overlook
Where to Eat, Drink & Spend the Evening
Cedar Mountain Canteen
A zero-waste, employee-owned pub, bottle shop, and listening house that treats music with care. They care deeply about sustainability, and their weekly lineup of live performances is sure to delight.
Cedar Mountain Outpost
A modern gas station and restaurant that’s more than a pit stop. Grab a coffee, a made-to-order meal, or a beer and linger in the bright, welcoming space. Live music, yoga, and other community events make it a hub for locals and visitors alike.
Cedar Mountain Cafe
A local favorite serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed, welcoming space. Simple, made-from-scratch meals and hearty portions make it a reliable stop for refueling before or after exploring the corridor.
Cedar Mountain Moonshine
A small-batch distillery with a laid-back vibe and a summer music series featuring local and regional acts. Studio 276 Art&Co. is located onsite, and the CDR MTN Coffee Bar serves coffee from a food truck on the property.
A Simple Way to Spend the Day Along Hwy 276
The best way to experience the Hwy 276 Arts Corridor is to let the day unfold at your own pace. Start in Brevard and head south, stopping whenever something catches your eye. Connestee Falls is an easy pause along the way—a short walk to the overlook is a perfect reset before exploring more studios and galleries. Along the route, conversations with artists and time spent in their working spaces often become some of the most memorable moments.
As you move closer to Cedar Mountain, linger for a bit of live music, art, or coffee, or take a break at the shops and small gathering spaces along the way. For a dose of the outdoors, a short hike or waterfall visit at DuPont State Recreational Forest is an ideal complement.
The route works just as well in reverse or in pieces. The goal isn’t to see everything, but to leave room for what feels right, letting the mix of art, nature, and small-town character shape your day organically.
Discover More Art in Transylvania County
From Brevard to Cedar Mountain and beyond, explore local galleries and working studios to experience the creativity that thrives throughout the county.
