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“Leave It Better” And Be Like Trashsquatch

“Leave It Better” And Be Like Trashsquatch

“Leave It Better” And Be Like Trashsquatch We love Brevard and Transylvania County. And we know that you do, too. That’s why we introduced our “Leave It Better” initiative several years ago. It has been the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority’s (TCTDA) most ambitious and wide-ranging effort to make a profound difference when it comes to protecting the natural resources that bring so much joy and relaxation to visitors. The TCTDA sustainability committee, Transylvania Always, inspired by the “Leave No Trace” principles, developed the “Leave It Better” campaign. Each year, millions of pounds of garbage are left behind in America’s forests, streams and rivers as visitors enjoy public lands. The “Leave It Better” initiative is designed to educate and encourage people to take responsibility for protecting and preserving these fragile natural assets. Transylvania County is over 50% public land, and is home to Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Headwaters State Forest, and Gorges State Park. With the Transylvania Always “Leave It Better” campaign, the TCTDA hopes the public continues to help keep these public lands beautiful and accessible to everyone for years to come.   TS TS MEET TRASHSQUATCH The TCTDA’s Transylvania Always committee has its very own forest steward roaming our county. Trashsquatch, a mythical forest dweller, developed out of litter left by visitors to his home, asks public land users to “Leave It Better” and make trash as difficult to find as he is. While you may not see him in the woods, Trashsquatch has... Read More
Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas

Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas

Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas In 2017, the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas opened in downtown Brevard. The museum is dedicated to honoring the veterans of our armed services from World War I to the present. In the six years since its opening, the museum has grown from a modest initiative to a truly impressive and ever-growing collection of valuable and meaningful military artifacts – from uniforms, medals and citations to a restored 1943 Willy’s Army jeep set against the backdrop of a military APO (American Post Office). We recently caught up with Emmett Casciato, founder and curator of the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas for an insightful Q & A. Q&A Q&A: Emmett, how did you become interested in collecting military memorabilia? I’ve always been engrossed with military history, but I started collecting in 2000. I was teaching school in Florida and my daughter was in the Junior ROTC. I never served a day in my life. It was one of my major regrets. My dad served in WWII and my daughter served in Afghanistan after graduating from West Point. My son-in-law was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. I said to myself, ‘If I didn’t serve, at least I can serve now in some way. Q&A Q&A: When did you make the decision to open a museum? It was about three years after I started collecting. My house had already become almost like a museum. One of my buddies, his father had served in the China-Burma-India... Read More
Permission Granted: The Art of Extreme Self-Care

Permission Granted: The Art of Extreme Self-Care

June 17th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ~ Permission Granted: The Art & Science of Self-Care ~ a one-day mini-retreat led by nationally-recognized self-care author/retreat facilitator Renee Trudeau. Are you in transition and asking, “What is uniquely mine to do?” Are you interested in learning the art/science of self-care? Would you like space to envision the summer your soul desires? Join me. Register by June 14th; pre-registration is required. Location: Downtown Brevard, NC. More details will be provided once registered.... Read More
Wild Souls Community Song Circle

Wild Souls Community Song Circle

Wild Souls Community Song Circle: **Spring Equinox** Monday, March 20th 6:30-8 p.m. All are welcome. No singing experience required. Singing to feel good! Donation-based $15-20. Dunn’s Rock Community Center. www.ReneeTrudeau.com/WildSouls... Read More
Leave it Better

Leave it Better

Leave it Better As you venture forth into our woods and waterways during the Year of the Trail, we invite you to learn more about our “Leave It Better” program. Based on the national “Leave No Trace” principles, “Leave It Better” is designed to inspire explorers of our bountiful natural wonders to leave the land and water better than they found it. This easy-to-follow six-step checklist is something you can put into practice anywhere you roam. Happy trails! 1 1 Pick It Up. Pick up not just what you packed in, but all that you see. Millions of pounds of trash are left behind in our public lands every year. Keep an eye out for litter and be sure to come prepared with gloves and trash bags to assist with safe collection. 2 2 Pitch In. For every 10 hours you spend in the great outdoors, give one hour of service, or donate to an organization that supports public lands. Balancing the amount of time spent enjoying the outdoors with time spent giving back will not only reduce your impact, but also the impact of others. Find a local organization that focuses on an issue that resonates with you, and volunteer or provide a donation to make a difference. 3 3 Prepare Yourself. Leaving it better starts before your visit. Educate yourself on local rules, safety regulations, and trail policies before you visit public lands. Prepare yourself by checking trail closures and weather on the day of your trip. Pack... Read More
Kid Friendly

Kid Friendly

Kid Friendly Transylvania County is an ideal vacation destination for families. And if you’re looking to celebrate North Carolina’s Year of the Trail with your young ones, we’ve got some terrific family-friendly hikes that are short in distance but long on rewards. Each of the following short treks makes for a great introduction to the wonders of our natural environment. 1 1 Moore Cove FallsPisgah National Forest Cruise across small streams and amid hillsides covered in ferns to this lovely grotto-like waterfall. There’s very little elevation gain on this trail, making it a perfect option for families with young adventurers. Note: This is a popular hike with limited parking. On summer and fall weekends we recommend hiking this one earlier in the morning (before 10 am) or later in the afternoon (after 4 pm). Distance: 1.2 miles (Out and back)Starting point: Moore Cove Falls Trailhead Directions to Trailhead: From the intersection of US 276, NC 280 and US 64 in Pisgah Forest, head north on US 276 for 6.7 miles to the parking area on the right. Hike a footbridge over the Davidson River and follow a well-marked trail to the falls. All Trails Link 2 2 Andy Cove Nature TrailPisgah National Forest This little gem of a trail is a pure delight, no matter how young or old you are. After a short initial climb, the trail winds its way back into scenic Andy Cove via a footpath and several cantilevered boardwalks. Mid-way, you’ll reach a cool 30-foot... Read More
Taps & Trails

Taps & Trails

Taps & Trails Brevard and Transylvania County serve up incredible mountain biking and amazing craft beers. So, what better way to ring in North Carolina’s Year of the Trail than with a “Taps and Trails” pairing.  We’ve picked five trails and matched them with five brews that share similar characteristics. We called on avid mountain biker and in-the-know beer connoisseur Ben Hardy to help us out. 1 1 Pairing #1 Brewery: Brevard Brewing CompanyBeer: Bohemian Pilsner, 4.9% ABVTrail: Ridgeline, DuPont State Recreational Forest Why they go well together:“Ridgeline is a classic local trail in DuPont. It’s probably on the top five list of anyone who’s ever ridden around Brevard, and you’ll quickly understand why. Ridgeline is all fun and flow. Riders of any skill level should find plenty of enjoyment. The trail has enough whoops and berms to keep it exciting, but it’s smooth and gentle all the way down.” “BBC’s Bohemian Pilsner is a classic style brewed with respect to tradition. It’s the perfect refresher after a day of riding, guaranteed to keep the fun rolling. Just like Ridgeline, this beer is a smooth character, packed with flavor, but not over the top. You’ll want to keep it flowin’.” About Ridgeline About Brevard Brewing Company: Opened in 2012, BBC holds the distinction of being Brevard’s first craft brewery. It’s also notable for the dedication and passion owner and brew master Kyle Williams brings to all his creations. He has a special soft spot for German lagers and pilsners... Read More
Horsin’ Around

Horsin’ Around

Horsin’ Around  Mount Up For A Great Equestrian Experience in Brevard Brevard and Transylvania County’s extensive trail systems have famously offered both cyclists and hikers a whole world of exciting paths to take and places to explore. You don’t, however, always need hiking boots or handlebars to celebrate the Year of the Trail in Brevard’s forests. The equestrian-inclined will find multiple opportunities to get their tails on the trails with the help of four-footed friends, who rarely say “neigh” to a little exploring.   Experienced riders have celebrated Brevard’s multiple equestrian options for years, but novices will also find many opportunities to enjoy getting in on the “mane” event.  All three of the area’s public lands — Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park — have horse-friendly trails. By and large, the trails are clearly marked, but it’s recommended that you do a little research in advance on where horses are welcome before you hoof it into the wilderness.   Left your pony at home? No worries. Several local stables will be happy to help you find a suitable horse, gear, and a trail guide to lead you. These include:   Pisgah Forest Stables  |  Rusty Spur Trail Rides  |  Whitewater Equestrian Center       Once you hit the trail, here are some tips to keep in mind whether you are hiking, biking,or horsing around: 1 1 Everyone: Be friendly and aware. That means keeping an eye ahead and an ear on your surroundings.... Read More
Mountain Love Song

Mountain Love Song

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