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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Protected: Rise and Shine: Breakfast in Transylvania County Transylvania County’s many authentic, independent eateries offer a mouthwatering variety of food and beverages to sweeten your stay, no matter the time of day. When it comes to starting your day with a delicious breakfast, we know how to do it right with an assortment of great spots to get you going — whether you’re heading out on the trail, hitting the town, or just hanging out. Here are some top breakfast spots across the county. Photo Courtesy of Morning Social, Cup & Saucer, Smokey Mountain Sunrise Brevard Brevard is a haven for breakfast lovers, offering a diverse array of options to suit any craving. Find high-quality breakfast and lunch all day in the historic Lumberyard District at Morning Social, which serves up locally sourced, made-from-scratch classics, hearty bowls, brunch favorites, and specialty drinks. Smokey Sunrise in Downtown Brevard specializes in high-quality brunch and lunch options with a distinct culinary flare. If you’re looking for a quick and fresh-baked bite with your coffee in a cafe setting, Bracken Mountain Bakery, Blue Ridge Bakery, Cup & Saucer, and Quotations Coffee Spot are all excellent choices. For classic breakfast favorites, head to Sunrise Cafe or Brevard Diner, where you can enjoy traditional dishes in a cozy setting. And if you’re on the go, Henry’s and Sully’s Steamers offer quick and satisfying breakfast options to grab and go. Photo Courtesy of Cedar Mountain Cafe Cedar Mountain Tucked into the homey mountain community of...
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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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Earthshine offers many different summer adventures that are open to the general public and included with an overnight stay at Earthshine Lodge. We do ask that reservations be made ahead of time and can be made by phone or on the website (www.EarthshineNC.com) Creek Hike Put on your water shoes and bathing suits, and join us for a creek exploration – hiking up one of our favorite creeks! Embrace summer by cooling off and going on an aquatic adventure together. Highlights include gem mining along the way in the creek and an Earthshine sliding rock experience. A fun summer outing for...
Read MoreEarthshine offers many different summer adventures that are open to the general public and included with an overnight stay at Earthshine Lodge. We do ask that reservations be made ahead of time and can be made by phone or on the website (www.EarthshineNC.com) Creek Hike Put on your water shoes and bathing suits, and join us for a creek exploration – hiking up one of our favorite creeks! Embrace summer by cooling off and going on an aquatic adventure together. Highlights include gem mining along the way in the creek and an Earthshine sliding rock experience. A fun summer outing for...
Read MoreEarthshine offers many different summer adventures that are open to the general public and included with an overnight stay at Earthshine Lodge. We do ask that reservations be made ahead of time and can be made by phone or on the website (www.EarthshineNC.com) Creek Hike Put on your water shoes and bathing suits, and join us for a creek exploration – hiking up one of our favorite creeks! Embrace summer by cooling off and going on an aquatic adventure together. Highlights include gem mining along the way in the creek and an Earthshine sliding rock experience. A fun summer outing for...
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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 MoreEnjoy 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 MoreEnjoy 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...
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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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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...
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