Cupid’s Chronicle: Navigating February’s Love-filled Events Your go-to source for all things Valentines and Galentines As we step into the month of romance, this is your passport to a plethora of heartwarming experiences, ranging from intimate date nights at charming bookstores to spirited gal-pal gatherings like clothing swaps. Make this Valentine’s season truly special with our handpicked selection of love-infused events, delectable dining options, and thoughtful gifts that speak from the heart. Let the festivities begin, and let love guide your adventures! Event Lineup Friday & Saturday, February 9th & 10th, 5pm-8pm Date Night At The Bookstore Bring a date to Highland Books for a fun literary scavenger hunt in the bookstore… you might even learn something new about each other! The event is free, and there will be prizes. More Information Friday, February 9th, 7pm-9:30pm Valentine’s Viewing Evening at PARI Few things are as romantic as a night under the stars. Lose yourselves in the cosmic beauty of the heavens as knowledgeable astronomers guide your observations to ethereal sights. More Information Saturday, February 10th, 6pm-9pm Ghost Night Brevard Clay will be hosting a “Ghost Night” for couples to recreate the iconic pottery scene from the movie! It’s $75 per couple and please Bring Your Own Beverage. They are capping the event at 8 groups so call (828) 884- 2529 to sign up now! More Information Sunday, February 11th, 4pm-6pm Valentine’s Moss Framed Art & Wine Tasting Moss art is a unique and beautiful way to bring a... Read More
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,... Read More
Artful Adventures: Exploring the Arts in Brevard & Transylvania County Thanks to its surrounding natural beauty, Brevard has long attracted artists across every discipline, turning the area into a moveable feast of memorable art experiences. This month, the Adventurist sat down with Kathy King, Executive Director of the Transylvania Community Arts Council, to provide some insights into what makes our artistic community so special for residents and visitors alike. And since it’s getting to be “that time of year,” Kathy offered to provide some great shopping suggestions for those of you who are looking for that special something to slip under the Christmas tree. Q&A Q&A: Kathy, tell us a little about yourself. Kathy has a fascinating background. She’s been a corporate attorney, a wedding and fine art photographer, and an educator. All three disciplines provided her with the perfect background to take over the reins of the Arts Council in 2021. She says, “It just seems like everything I have been doing led me to this place. I absolutely love the Arts Council, its mission, and what I do every day. And I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t!” Q&A Q&A: What is the Transylvania Community Arts Council? “Transylvania Community Arts Council was formed over fifty years ago and, initially, its primary purpose was holding an annual “Festival of the Arts.” In 1983, we received our 501(c)3 status and really began to expand. Today, one of the most important things we do is advocate for the arts... Read More
Mountain Love Song Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt offer up their Valentine’s Day Tips If you’re looking for a sweet spot to spend your Valentine’s Day, then Transylvania County is the natural choice. The waterfalls. The high peaks. The windy paths, which can transition from thick evergreen foliage, even in winter, to quiet forest glades are about as close to fairytale romance as you’re going to get, absent animated bluebirds and a friendly unicorn. It’s pretty easy to fall in love in Transylvania County; it’s maybe even easier to fall in love with Transylvania County. Just ask the locals. Wife and husband Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt are widely known for their impressive multi-hyphenate artistic careers (she is a singer-songwriter as well as a celebrated visual artist; he is Grammy®-winning bluegrass musician, professional fly fisherman, and was a founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers). But at home in Brevard, they are also dedicated parents and passionate advocates for what makes the place they live so special. Q&A Q&A: With Valentine’s Day approaching, what are your favorite romantic spots around Transylvania County? Shannon: My idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day is heading into the woods or hitting a trail that leads to some wonderful water. Woody: I love the waterfalls and rivers, both the obvious and the more tucked away. Nearly every walk or hike you take in our county can lead you to a romantic location. photo: courtesy of Seyl Park Q&A Q&A: What makes a good date night in Brevard/Transylvania County?Any... Read More
Explore Brevard’s 48-Hour Winter Wonderland If you’re looking to escape the winter doldrums, there’s no better destination than Brevard and Transylvania County. Explore Brevard’s Winter Wonderland itinerary is perfect for a weekend (or weekday) getaway. Our handy accommodations finder and specials page will help you find a great deal and locate the perfect spot to hang your hat – or your wool stocking cap. Day 1 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, 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 you 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... Read More
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... Read More
8 Great Holiday Tips 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 17-Jan 1, then on weekends, Fri-Sun, after the holidays. They will also be closed on Jan 16th and February 20th 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 offers a little bit of... Read More
Something’s Brewing: Top 5 Best Breweries Near Brevard What’s on tap at Brevard’s local breweries The clean, clear and chilly water that runs down the mountains and fills Transylvania County’s streams, rivers and lakes has long been one of our greatest local resources. Water is also a critical component of excellent beer, which you can find on tap at all five of Brevard’s local breweries. These run the gamut in size, shape, and flavor profile, but all are must-stops for fans of a delicious pint, a welcoming atmosphere, and anyone curious to get a taste of what Brevard’s storied waters can do. 1 1 BREVARD BREWING Opened in 2012, this family-owned local brewery is Brevard’s oldest. Brewmaster Kyle Williams specializes in handcrafted lagers and pilsners, which are rare among North Carolina’s microbreweries. Using imported German barley, hops, yeast, and Brevard’s soft brewing water, he creates delicious beers. Brevard Brewing is in the heart of downtown on East Main Street. Truly a business with deep roots in the community, the brewery is located in the former Trantham’s Department store building, which was owned and operated by the family and their predecessors for three generations. Learn more about Brevard Brewing. 2 2 ECUSTA BREWING The Cherokee word “Ecusta” is what Transylvania County’s indigenous population called the Davidson River, which flows through Pisgah National Forest. Technically, the word means “Get Distant,” which Ecusta Brewing hopes will spur many adventurers to take the trail less traveled and drop by for one for their... Read More
Three Wonderful Winter Adventures Be A Cool Rider Cycling in winter months has long been a favorite activity of avid road bikers. There’s less traffic, fewer crowds and real camaraderie among cyclists in the local community. Winters around Brevard often mean lots of mild, sunny days — sometimes temperatures can soar up around 70 degrees — and great views. The Blue Ridge Parkway closes during the winter, which makes its scenic stretches ideal for cyclists. Remember your lights! front and rear lights are required to ride on the Parkway. Find easy access by taking 276 up through Pisgah National Forest. You can park for free at Wagon Road Gap, walk your bike through the gate, and ride like the wind! And if that wind gets a little chilly, no worries, just remember to dress in layers. Pick up cold-weather gear at one of Transylvania County’s many bike shops and outfitters, where you can also get firsthand tips from locals and check on mountain biking opportunities as well. Or join up with the Winter Bike League for group rides and all sorts of expert advice. Find Your Inspiration For arts and culture lovers, Brevard’s thriving local scene provides a little bit of everything for the creative soul. Downtown’s many galleries feature works of all styles, varieties and media no matter your taste. And while wandering around, you can enjoy the Sculpture Tour, which features more than twenty works scattered throughout downtown. A bit further afield, you’ll find wonderful pottery studios... Read More
Five Sensational Winter Activities 1 1 Take a hike One advantage of winter hikes? You can see everything. The subtle contour of the mountains. Long range views of neighboring states. And the ever-present green of our mountain rhododendron. In short, winter hikes are a favorite winter time activity in these parts. Hikes to John Rock and Looking Glass Rock are perennial favorites. You can find a wide selection of hikes here. X 2 2 Turn, turn, turn Ever wanted to learn how to throw a pot? Tie a fly? Build your own fly rod? In Transylvania County, local organizations and businesses offer lots of opportunities to learn (or hone) a craft. Our Calendar of Events is a great place to discover a new hobby. X 3 3 Check the thermometer for a deep freeze Typically, we get several hard freezes every winter. The result is one of the most dazzling sights you’ll ever behold: frozen waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls is one of the most easily accessible (on US 276), but there are plenty more options if you’re willing to take a short hike. Smaller waterfalls tend to freeze more frequently, so it’s worth the effort to check out places like Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah and Wintergreen Falls in DuPont. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn when conditions are right for this winter wonder phenomenon. X 4 4 Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway – without cars Wintry weather can also be a surprising gift when it... Read More
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