Handcrafted Holidays: Shop Local Makers in Transylvania County This holiday season, consider skipping the big-box stores and giving gifts that are as unique as the people on your list. Transylvania County is home to a vibrant community of makers, artisans, and small businesses offering one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you’re shopping in person or browsing online, there’s no better way to support local creativity and craftsmanship. From handcrafted pottery and art to locally made home décor and jewelry, the Land of Waterfalls is the perfect place to find meaningful gifts that tell a story. Where to Shop Transylvania County Artisans: The Outpost at Lake Toxaway A treasure trove of locally made goods, The Outpost features work from regional artisans, offering everything from hand-carved wood pieces to unique jewelry and home décor. It’s the perfect stop for finding gifts with a true sense of place. Mud Dabbers Pottery Known for its beautiful, functional pottery, Mud Dabbers offers handcrafted ceramics that make perfect gifts for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for mugs, vases, or one-of-a-kind pieces, this local studio’s creations are sure to impress. Purchase gift cards online. Starfangled Press For those who appreciate the art of printmaking, Starfangled Press is a must-visit. This charming shop offers handmade prints, greeting cards, and stationery—perfect for sending a personal note or giving a meaningful gift. Shop products and gift cards online. Newfound Artisan A curated collection of goods from local and regional artisans, Newfound Artisan showcases handcrafted home décor, jewelry, and clothing made in the USA. It’s...
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12 Days of Holiday Cheer Photo Contest Celebrate the magic of the season with us and showcase your holiday spirit in Transylvania County! How to Participate Submit a photo inspired by our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer campaign or share your own expression of holiday joy. Whether it’s a twinkling light display, a festive moment in Downtown Brevard, or a cherished memory from years past, we want to see it! Deadline: Midnight on December 18th, 2024Winner Announcement: December 20th, 2024 Guidelines Photo Location: Must be taken in Transylvania County. When: Photos can be from any year. Dig into your archives for those “Christmas past” treasures! The Prize The winner will receive a gift basket valued at $400+ including: Brevard swag A cuddly white squirrel stuffed animal An 8×10 metal print of your winning photo $250 in gift cards to local businesses Important Notes By submitting your photo, you agree to be added to our Adventurist email list. Full terms and conditions detailed during photo contest submission. Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Submit Your Photo Below! Enter the...
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12 Days of Holiday Cheer Ring in the holidays, Brevard-style! We’ve curated 12 ways to be merry and bright in Transylvania County this holiday season, and we’re inviting you along for this sleigh ride. Join us on our social media pages as we uncover 12 Days of Holiday Cheer with a new video every day or two, right here in the Land of Waterfalls. It’s sure to be fa-la-la-la-lots of fun! Enter our 12 days inspired photo contest to win a $400 gift basket! Enter the Photo Contest A NEW POST WILL BE REVEALED EACH DAY!FOLLOW ALONG TO SEE ALL 12 DAYS: An Aluminum Christmas Tree 🌲✨ Take a step back in time and marvel at the wonders of Christmas Trees from the 1960s at the Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum, better known as ATOM. This exhibit, featuring a land of vintage wonders, runs through the holiday season, so there’s plenty of time to stop by and take a gander. November 9 – January 17 Thursday-Saturday from noon to 4pmat Transylvania Heritage Museum Visit ATOM Watch Video Light Up The Night 🌟 Find yourself feeling merry and bright with a magical evening at Light Up the Night in Downtown Brevard. Enjoy browsing vendors at the Merry Maker’s Market, live music, performances, food trucks, ice skating, and hayrides. It’s a full day of holiday fun! December 7 from 11am – 7pmin Downtown Brevard Join The Fun Watch Video A Christmas Parade A full day of festive fun awaits...
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Five Ways to Find Yourself in Brevard this Winter We want to let you in on a little secret — winter is an underrated time in the Land of Waterfalls. Downtown Brevard sparkles in the light of the holidays. The forests and parks have smaller crowds. Everything seems a bit more peaceful and quieter. Winter adventures are some of our favorites, and we believe you ought to be in the know about all that this season has to offer. Check out five of our favorite ways to explore Brevard, North Carolina during the season. Get in the Spirit of the Season Downtown Brevard comes to life with a myriad of holiday celebrations throughout the month of December. The Holiday Windows Competition and Walking Tour brings downtown businesses to life with a little bit of friendly decorating competitiveness. December 7th is the annual Christmas Parade and you will want to stick around for Light Up the Night. It is a fun, festive evening of wonder, twinkling lights, live music, performances, vendors, food trucks, and Brevard’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. See the Stars Twinkle Like Never Before Speaking of twinkling lights, did you know that the night sky is especially beautiful in our neck of the woods? Transylvania County is home to a designated Dark Sky place, meaning we have minimal light pollution, making our mountains an incredible destination to view the full beauty of the night sky. The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a designated Dark Sky Park, one of...
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Take a Drive In Brevard This Fall Fall is a stunning time to visit Transylvania County, and we are ready to welcome you! So, whether you’re cruising in a sleek convertible or packing the family into the minivan, a fall drive through Transylvania County is an experience you won’t want to miss. Now more than ever, it is important for you to Explore Responsibly by being mindful of your footprint and making choices that support our community. Make sure to stop by our locally owned shops, restaurants, and attractions, all eager to provide you with a warm and memorable experience. We encourage you to book a night or two in one of our many lodging options. PISGAH HIGHWAY TO CRADLE OF FORESTRY AND BACK Pisgah Highway, US 276, serves as both a wonderful introduction to the county and a splendid opportunity to see fall color thanks to the dramatic elevation changes along the route. To start, enter the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest on US 276 and begin heading north. You’ll encounter several great attractions and stops, including the Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center, Looking Glass Falls, and the Cradle of Forestry. Sliding Rock Recreational Area is currently closed for the season. Once you reach the Cradle of Forestry, a 6,500-acre site nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, you can stop by the Discovery Center to learn about the history of forest conservation and management in Pisgah National Forest. It is filled with informative and interactive displays...
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Explore The Cradle of Forestry With the Ghost of Tommy Hodges Photo Courtesy of FIND Outdoors Let’s hear a little about you, Tommy. I’m Tommy Hodges, and if you’ve heard my name before, you probably know it’s tied to one of the biggest mysteries ever to come out of Biltmore Forest School. You see, back in October of 1903, I vanished without a trace, and no one’s been able to figure out what happened to me since. I was just a regular student, full of curiosity, generosity, eager to lend a helping hand and always entertaining folks by telling stories. That crisp fall morning started like any other, full of wonder and I decided to take a walk along the familiar trails near the campus. Little did I know that this ordinary stroll would turn into something that would baffle everyone and become a part of school legend. Now, here I am, a name in a story that’s captivated imaginations and sparked all sorts of theories. No one really knows where I went or why I never came back. But if there’s one thing I can say for sure, it’s that my disappearance has left behind a mystery that no one seems to be able to solve. How am I speaking with you now, over a hundred years since my disappearance? Well, that’s just another piece of the mystery. Inside the Biltmore Forest School Tell us about The Cradle of Forestry. The Cradle of Forestry in America is...
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Gear Up for Adventure Shopping Guide for Hitting the Outdoors What’s your favorite way to play in Transylvania County? Maybe that’s not a fair question. After all, it can be tough picking your favorite activity in an outdoor adventure mecca. Our corner of the mountains has some of the top rock climbing and mountain biking in the Southeast, renowned fly fishing, and scenic hikes that are always worth the trek. It doesn’t get much better than that! Well, it can get a little bit better with the right gear. With premiere outdoor adventures come top-notch outdoor outfitters, ready to help you gear up for any excursion. We’ve paired up a few of our favorite adventures in Transylvania County with local, knowledgeable outfitters to set you up for success in the outdoors. Mountain Biking Transylvania County is one of the premier destinations in the country for mountain biking. A lesser-known gem for going off-road is the Bracken Mountain Preserve, which has approximately 9 miles of multi-use trails. The adventurous single track of Bracken acts as a kind of connector between the bustling town of Brevard and the wide-open spaces of Pisgah National Forest, making it a perfect spot for mountain biking. Gear Up: Earth Mountain Bicycles No bike? No problem! Rent quality bikes from Earth Mountain Bicycle. They also offer bicycle repairs, retail, coffee, and local beer. Plus, they’re the only bike shop on Main Street in Downtown Brevard. The Hub Get the biking gear, rentals, outdoor equipment, and cold...
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Relax, Unwind, and Be Well in Transylvania County Breathe in… and breathe out. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of life’s hectic moments melting away in the peaceful mountain oasis that is Transylvania County. Here, you can find calm moments in the company of nature as you take in the awe of an unending vista, soak up the sunlit canopy of the forests, and find your balance through movement and relaxation. Ready to find your inner peace? Let’s go. Find your zen outside. With 100,000+ acres of public lands to explore in the county, there’s plenty of room to spread out and find your moments of zen in nature. One increasingly popular way to enjoy the calm and rich, sensory experience of the outdoors is through forest bathing. Forest bathing is a practice that engages your senses to find a deeper connection with nature. To get the most out of this relaxing experience, make sure to turn off your devices to decrease distractions, move slowly along a trail, take deep breaths, and check in often to observe what is around you. You can also find serenity while admiring Transylvania’s naturally beautiful views. Of course, the Land of Waterfalls has many cascades to explore. If a mountain vista sounds more like your idea of peace, there are several incredible overlooks that await. Maybe the river is calling your name. Whether you decide to cast a line or paddle your way through mountain streams, our rivers are sure to help you decompress. Mindful...
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Listen to the Music: Live Music in Transylvania County The hills are alive with the sound of music — the Appalachian hills, that is! Corner to corner, Transylvania County is filled with the sounds of live music. From cover bands at breweries playing your favorite classic rock and country songs to the sweeping sounds of a symphony orchestra, whatever genre you’re looking for, you can find it here. Live Music Wherever you roam in Transylvania County, you’re never far from a live music venue. Our communities have many different music venues to check out, from wine bars and restaurants to art galleries and community centers. Each one offers up their own flare and specialty that you need to experience for yourself! Photo Courtesy of 185 King Street Brevard The little town at the heart of adventure in Transylvania County has its fair share of wonderful, and sometimes unexpected, music venues. From the bustling streets of Downtown Brevard to unique spots on the outskirts of town, there are several great spots to check out for music. 185 King Street DFR Room Wine Down on Main Cathey’s Creek Community Center Brevard Philharmonic Duckpond Pottery Transylvania County Library Quixote Fine Cuisine Blue Ridge Bakery Canto 34 Lizards Rock Silvermont Mansion & Park Sundaze Gardens Just a short drive from Downtown Brevard, the Brevard Music Center is a unique place that lives and breathes music, calling itself “at once a place, an institute, and a festival.” Its campus is host to a summer...
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Destination Trip Tips Discover the Best of Transylvania County with Trip Tips from Catalina Noreña Catalina Noreña, Photo by Juan Diego Reyes. Catalina Noreña is a hiker, camping enthusiast, and mountain biker and the leader of Club de Exploradores, a free, bi-lingual outreach program that recruits middle school aged students from the Hispanic communities of Transylvania County and surrounding areas to go on monthly, all-day adventures in Pisgah National Forest. Read on for her recommendations of notable spots to visit and tips for visiting Transylvania County. Trip Tip Host: Catalina Noreña Outdoor Passion: Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking North Carolina Location: Pisgah Forest, NC Paved path at the Cradle of Forestry What’s one of the most overlooked areas to recreate? The Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest. It is a beautiful site full of fun educational programs for all ages. One thing I really like about it is the accessibility piece; it has paved trails with moderate inclines that take you to beautiful historical buildings and sites. Fun for the whole family and it’s right by the Pink Beds picnic area which is another one of my favorite places to visit with friends and family. What’s your favorite season to recreate in NC and why? I love all seasons here but I gotta say, there’s something very special about winter time in this area. The views are pretty spectacular without the foliage. Catalina with Club de Exploradores, Photo by Juan Diego Reyes What level of experience is needed...
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Explore Responsibly 8 Ways to Be a Mindful Traveler While Visiting Brevard and Transylvania County As you plan your travels, have you thought about how you can journey with more intention? There are plenty of ways to reduce your footprint while amplifying your experience. We all carry the responsibility to explore with reverence— to look out for each other, and to cherish our lands. While you’re here, we invite you to explore responsibly using the guide below. Leave It Better Pick It Up. Bring a trash bag and pick up not just what you packed in, but all that you see. Pitch In. For every 10 hours you spend in the great outdoors give one hour of service or make a donation to an organization that supports public lands. Prepare Yourself. Educate yourself on local rules, safety regulations, and trial policies before you visit public lands. Protect Habitats. Avoid disturbing any natural habitats or wildlife. Politeness, Please. Be courteous and patient with others you may encounter on the trail with a focus on being a shining example of your user group. Preach What You Practice. Teach others to Leave It Better by being an advocate in person and on social media. To learn more about Leave It Better, click here. Then, explore the 7 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles here. Support Local Businesses Dine. Seek out local flavors and cuisine at restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks. Sip. Grab a drink at one of our cafes, breweries, taprooms,...
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The Ultimate Guide to Water Activities in Brevard & Transylvania County, NC Summer approaching means warmer temperatures and a corresponding urge to cool off. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to do just that in the Land of Waterfalls. The Adventurist invites you to discover the many ways you can paddle, fish, swim, tube, slide, and generally have the time of your life in our refreshing rivers, stocked streams, and alluring lakes. Read on to learn what it takes to go with the flow. Waterfall Hunting Waterfalls abound throughout the county thanks to numerous tributaries that flow down from some of the highest peaks east of the Rocky Mountains. Consider Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park as sensible starting points. For an overview of the most popular falls in each public land, click here. You can also pick up a copy of our Adventure Guide and Waterfall Map at the Visitor Center on 175 East Main Street in downtown Brevard, or access it here. And please remember while our waterfalls are beautiful, the areas around them can be dangerous. Protect yourself and your loved ones by learning how to Be Waterfall Wise. Paddling & Paddleboarding The French Broad, the third oldest river in the world, offers multiple ways to travel as far as your heart and paddle will take you and is the ideal place to build your paddling skills. Its consistent current and gentle rapids make for an ideal day on the water, whether you’re a...
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