LOCAL
EXPERIENCES
Discovering Transylvania County
Beyond the Trail
You might have come for the breathtaking views and thrilling trails, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. From quaint shops and vibrant art galleries to fascinating museums and live music basically every night of the week, Transylvania County bursts with local culture waiting to be explored. While our public lands may have drawn you in, it’s the unique experiences and warm hospitality that will make you want to stay. Join in our local traditions and experience true cultural immersion as you uncover the heart and soul of this community. Come and find out what makes us truly special.
Fun For All Ages
Family Outings
Looking for family fun? You’ve come to the right place! We’re the heart of adventure with plenty to explore off the trails. Step back in time at the Cradle of Forestry, stroll through historic buildings, and enjoy cool exhibits. Spot White Squirrels at Silvermont Mansion & Park for a whimsical touch. For some friendly competition, visit the White Squirrel Arcade. Feeling adventurous? Try climbing at Brevard Rock Gym or go on a llama hike at Earthshine Lodge. There’s something for everyone here.
Get Crafty & Creative
Add a splash of artistic flair to your visit! Paint pottery at local studios, take creative classes, and explore various art mediums. You can also visit vibrant galleries showcasing works from artists near and far. In Transylvania County, creative opportunities are endless — unleash your inner artist and enjoy!
Authentic Communities
In Transylvania County, our small towns offer a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Here, you can immerse yourself in rich history and experience the warm hospitality that defines our community. Each town has its own distinct character, yet they all share breathtaking scenery, engaging activities, and, most importantly, friendly locals who make you feel right at home. Discover a town that resonates with you and enjoy the beauty and warmth of Transylvania County.
Explore Brevard Like a Local
What is Brevard, NC close to?
Brevard is close to many natural wonders and attractions, including 250 waterfalls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking trails, the headwaters of the French Broad River, and more. However, there’s even more to discover beyond the trails, such as shopping and dining, live music, art galleries, and entertainment venues. Downtown Brevard is 27 miles from Downtown Asheville, and 8 miles from the South Carolina border. Transylvania County’s nearby communities of Pisgah Forest, Penrose, Cedar Mountain, Rosman, and Toxaway/Sapphire each have their own unique flavor of authentic mountain adventure.
Does Brevard, NC have a downtown?
Yes! Brevard’s downtown is the charming centerpiece of our community. With stunning mountain views, local shops, restaurants, taprooms, and wine bars, you can spend a full day (or more) perusing our walkable downtown. We highly recommend sitting outside with a meal or a beverage to fully enjoy your experience. Plus, in the Brevard Social District, you can sip and walk to your heart’s content. Plan your visit to Downtown Brevard today.
What local shops should I visit in downtown Brevard?
There are dozens of shops to explore when visiting Downtown Brevard. You can gear up for the forest at local outdoor outfitters, glance at handmade goods inspired by the mountains, satisfy your sweet tooth with crafted chocolates, and take a look at curated boutiques. Start planning your mountain shopping experience on our Shopping page.
Why is Brevard known for white squirrels?
We love our local mascot! So much so that we have dedicated February 2nd as White Squirrel Day, and we celebrate them over an entire weekend festival in May. Brevard is one of the few places in the U.S. where white squirrels have a large population – there are over 2,000 of them in the county! Brevard’s white squirrels make up one-third of the city’s squirrel population and have been around since the 1940s. Read more about the history of Brevard’s white squirrels.
What is the history of Brevard, NC?
Does Brevard have an arts or music scene?
The arts and live music are alive and well in our corner of the mountains. Transylvania County’s live music scene is vast, including a variety of venues and genres across the county, from jams at local breweries to grand symphonies at the Brevard Music Center. Our corner of the mountains has inspired such acts as the Steep Canyon Rangers. And, take a look at how our community celebrates the arts through events, murals, sculptures, galleries, and more. Several local artists have studios in Brevard. Many credit Brevard’s natural beauty and the surrounding mountains as inspiration for their incredible creations.
What are fun things to do in Brevard?
Well, what do you like to do? There’s a wide variety of things to do, see, and experience in Brevard and Transylvania County. A few of our favorites include shopping in Downtown Brevard, watching some live music, enjoying a spa day, exploring museums, kid-friendly fun, catching a movie—and that’s just the indoorsy stuff. There’s even more to do and see out in the public lands that surround our mountain town, including hiking trails (such as Moore Cove Falls, John Rock, Art Loeb, just to name a few), waterfalls (Looking Glass Falls, Rainbow Falls, Triple Falls, and more), scenic drives, camping, fly-fishing, and paddling.
Get Inspired
Dive into our blogs for inspiring stories, helpful tips, and ideas to enhance your visit.
Be Prepared
Dive into our resources for safe and mindful exploration of our beloved mountain oasis.