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 30th, 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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Take A Trip Into The Heart Of Romance Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter getaway or the ultimate romantic experience, Transylvania County has a keepsake box full of great ideas to help you show your sweetheart just how much you care. There’s no better place to up your romance game than in our area, especially in Brevard or historic Toxaway. Here are a few suggestions certain to score major points with your main squeeze. Snuggle Up From rustic cabins to luxury inns, our charming accommodations are sure to light your fire. A Great Gatsby-era, colonial revival treasure, The Bromfield Inn, just a short walk from downtown Brevard, offers luxurious accommodations in a beautiful park-like setting. For a wonderful massage nearby, Elements Wellness Spa in downtown is the perfect place to relax and refresh. If the Toxaway area is more your style, the lovely, historic Greystone Inn is a perfect getaway, where you can enjoy a side-by-side couple’s massage in the spa and then sit by the fire while over looking the lake. Brevard and Transylvania County offer a host of perfect love nests for your Valentine’s getaway. Click here to find your sweet spot, including our winter specials. Dinner Date A cozy, wonderful dinner is at the top of any Valentine’s celebration and for good reason. It’s a chance to connect and enjoy a special meal in a magical setting. If you’re in downtown Brevard, you’ll want to consider The Bohemian with its globally-inspired dishes, and Wild Morel with its French-and Italian-inspired rustic cuisine. In historic Toxaway,...
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Winter Weather Checklist Wintertime brings a host of exciting options to adventurers eager to get on the trails in the amazing forests of Brevard and Transylvania County. From more expansive views to ice climbing to a car-free Blue Ridge Parkway, the opportunities for experiencing our natural landscape in a whole new way are many. Like any season, winter comes with risks as well as rewards. Weather can change quickly. Temperatures drop at higher elevations. Knowing how to prepare yourself for cold weather is a critical component of how you can Leave It Better out on the trail, and it will keep you safe and worry-free on your next cold snap adventure. Here are a few tips so you don’t head out (snow) blind: 1 1 CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU GO. Many of Brevard and Transylvania’s public lands operate with smaller staffs during the winter months. That’s why it’s critically important to check on the status of trails, roads and landmarks before you go. Updated information can be found here: Pisgah National Forest | DuPont State Recreational Forest Gorges State Park | Blue Ridge Parkway 2 2 KNOW THE FORECAST. Understanding the local weather forecast goes a long way in knowing what type of conditions to anticipate. If the forecast calls for storms or dropping temperatures, consider rescheduling a long hike or a camping trip for milder conditions. Waterfalls can be particularly treacherous in winter due to freezing temps and require...
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7 Holiday Tips in the North Carolina Mountains For Having A Cool Yule in Brevard Whether it’s waterfalls, white squirrels, or a warm spot by a glowing fire, Brevard and Transylvania County have just about everything you need to make this holiday season unforgettable. We take “jolly” to a whole new level with charming, small-town magic, festive events, and plenty of opportunities for you to get out and explore acres of winter wonderland, jingle bells optional. 1 1 HAVE A THRILL ON THE HILL What could be more fun than an evening snow skiing or snow tubing with the family (weather permitting) at the Ski Sapphire Valley? They will be open Dec 14-Jan 1, then on weekends, Fri-Sun, after the holidays. They will also be closed on Jan 15th and February 19th for national holidays. 2 2 EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY Special holiday menu offerings from our local restaurants and seasonal selections from our extraordinary craft brewers and tap rooms give new meaning to the term “holiday cheer.” No matter what your taste buds fancy, we’ve got a table (or a bar stool) with your name on it. 3 3 GO TREE CRAZY. For many of us, Christmas is best evoked in the heady scent and furry limbs of a fresh evergreen tree decked with tinsel, lights, random ornaments both grand and sentimental. And then there are some of us who just can’t feel the holiday spirit until they bask in the glow of a neon pink, metallic tree. Fortunately, Transylvania County...
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Five Cool Things to Do in Rosman, Sapphire and Toxaway Travel southwest on Highway 64 from downtown Brevard and you’ll see a beautiful world unfolding before you. A temperate rainforest. The headwaters of the French Broad – one of the oldest rivers in the world. Spectacular, edge-the-world views from the Blue Ridge Escarpment, waterfalls and starry skies aplenty. These treasures and more are woven into the communities of Toxaway and Rosman, which offer visitors extraordinary opportunities for fun and unforgettable adventure. 1 1 HEADWATERS OUTFITTERS For more than 25 years, this family-owned outfitter has served as an outpost for all things French Broad River-related from paddling, tubing, and fishing to gearing up for your adventure or just hanging out after a good long float at their onsite Forks of the River taproom. Headwaters also plays host to live music, food trucks and special events, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on their goings-on when you plan your trip. Learn more about Headwaters Outfitters. 2 2 PARI This 200-acre Space Age Educational Center in Rosman was once a NASA relay station and a Department of Defense tracking station. These days, PARI hosts programs and events that welcome guests of all ages to explore the universe via their telescopes, museum, gallery, and Certified Dark Sky Park. With cabins on premises and special overnight packages on weekends, would-be astronomers can have a celestial experience at a truly out-of-this-world place. Learn more about PARI. 3 3 GORGES STATE PARK With...
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