View From the Top View From The Top Transylvania County’s most notable Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic ribbon of road that weaves through Virginia and North Carolina, has been providing drivers, cyclists, hikers, and lovers of panoramic views an unmissable destination for decades. It is called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and the 24 miles that run through Transylvania County are arguably among the most scenic. The Parkway can be easily accessed in Transylvania County two ways. The first is NC 215, along which you’ll also find two worthy stops: Forks of the River Taproom at Headwaters Outfitters and Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The other route is US 276 through Pisgah National Forest, which boasts iconic spots like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, as well as the birthplace of forest conservation, the Cradle of Forestry, located just four miles from the parkway. Here are a few of our favorite places on the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop, explore, relax, and take in the views. Photo provided courtesy of Pisgah Inn Best Spot for a Picnic You’ll find picnic tables at several of the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Transylvania County. One of our favorites is Mt. Pisgah at Milepost 408.6 with 50 picnic sites. In this general area you’ll also find a small grocery store and restrooms (open seasonally) with nearby trails. Best Views (and where to see magnificent sunsets/sunrises) There are twelve Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks in Transylvania County (between Mileposts 406.9 and 423.5) and each of them offers... Read More
Top Hiking Trails to Explore near Brevard, NC Transylvania County is a hiker’s paradise. Fortunately, each seasons offers wonderful reasons to get out on the trail. Winter’s long range views. Spring’s wildflowers. Summer’s dense green canopy. And autumn’s spectacular color. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite hikes for your next adventure. Since these are our favorites, they also happen to be the favorites of a few other folks as well, which means they can get busy. We recommend tackling these trails in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enhance your enjoyment. To help you decide, we’ve broken them out by category. Some of these trails have the added benefit of taking you to some of our spectacular waterfalls. While everyone loves our famous cascades, they can also be dangerous. We’ve put together a list of easy tips to follow that will help you be Waterfall Wise. And don’t forget to learn how you can Be like Trashsquatch and Leave it Better. All of us here in Transylvania County are passionate about protecting our woods and water. When you practice Leave It Better principles, you’re doing your part to ensure that these special places are here to enjoy for future generations. Kid Friendly Andy Cove Trail: This gem of a trail winds its way back into scenic Andy Cove via a footpath and several cantilevered board walks. Mid-way, you reach a cool 30-foot suspension bridge. You’ll also encounter two small streams while looping back... Read More
Escape the Ordinary: Unusual Outdoor Experiences and Stays Adventure opportunities of every kind abound in Brevard and Transylvania County. But there is a whole host of under-the-radar experiences awaiting your discovery. Here are some exciting ways to create new memories in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls. Dive into a new adventure Oxbow River Snorkling offers a different way of seeing the natural world: an underwater tour of our mountain rivers and streams. Best of all, you’ll be guided by a freshwater biologist who will help you identify a fascinating variety of native species, including the Eastern Hellbender Salamander. This unique aquatic adventure is best experienced during the spring, summer, and fall. Escape the daily grind If you love coffee and you love hiking, Nero Coffee’s Guided Coffee Hikes might be just the thing. This Brevard-based business offers four different hikes and all of them end with a freshly brewed cup of joe perked up especially for you right beside a waterfall. Hungering for an even more satisfying experience? Nero Coffee Hikes has also partnered up with Food for Adventures to offer meals cooked by a waterfall. Book a llama, mañana Looking for something truly unique? Then try a llama hike offered by Earthshine Lodge. Their experienced guides will match you and you group up with friendly llamas that you can lead on a 1 ½ hour excursion in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Star light, star bright Transylvania County is renowned for the dark sky conditions that make star gazing here an... 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
Forest Bathing: How To Cleanse Your Spirit As a part of North Carolina’s Year of The Trail celebration, “Wellness and Trails” is the theme for August. In conjunction with that theme, this month’s blog is about Forest Bathing, which has become a popular activity for folks who love the outdoors. If you’re new to the concept, you’ll enjoy this fascinating interview we conducted with Dr. Mattie Decker, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, mindfulness teacher and a retired professor of education. Q&A Q&A: Mattie, tell us a little about yourself. “I’m a lifelong educator who grew up in Savannah, Georgia. I got my teaching degree from Georgia State University and then went on to teach in rural Appalachia in northeast Georgia. Later, I spent ten years in Colorado. I’ve always had a deep connection with nature, and Colorado deepened that relationship. Ultimately, we moved to Arkansas where I finished my master’s thesis. I then went on to pursue my doctorate at the University of Memphis. Over the years, I’ve also spent a great amount of time in Finland, studying and researching their innovative teacher education program. In Norway, I became a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide.” Q&A Q&A: What is forest bathing and how long has it been around? “Forest bathing is derived from the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, which means forest bath. It was developed in the 80’s when Japan was in the midst of their tech boom. People were dying from a wide range of diseases in unprecedented numbers.... Read More
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails. Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are... Read More
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails. Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are... Read More
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails. Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are... Read More
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails. Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are... Read More
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails. Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are... Read More
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails. Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are... Read More
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