A couple of weeks ago, I took you through a digital tour of the beautiful, historic coastal town of New Bern. For the next town featured, it’s only fair we head to the mountains and explore the charm of Western North Carolina.
Visit Waterfalls
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and located in Transylvania County – you’ll find a small town surrounded by some of the most majestic scenery in North Carolina. The quaint town of Brevard has a population of just 7,609 (2010 Census) making it idyllic, scenic, and a perfect place for a weekend visit.
Visit Waterfalls
Wikipedia
Maybe you’ve heard of Brevard for their famous mascot–the white squirrel. No, these little animals are not simply mountain myths. They’re real, true, white squirrels that even get their own annual festival Memorial Day weekend.
Wikipedia
Bread of Life ETC
The festival is a great time to explore this bustling small town to the fullest.There’s plenty of music, food, events, and squirrels. But if squirrels aren’t a thing of celebration for you…maybe try music?
Bread of Life ETC
Asheville Guidebook
The Brevard Music Center is an internationally known summer music institute and festival that hosts 400 students, age fourteen and up, to hone their talents and present them to the world.
Asheville Guidebook
Aside from the summer event and festival (that draws in visitors from around the world) the town has a thriving, year-round music scene. Kick back and catch some live bluegrass at a bar, or enjoy a summer concert on the lawn.
There’s always music in the air in this town…but sometimes that music is nature’s melody.
Flickr / Valerie
Just outside of Brevard, you’ll find some of most iconic, and picturesque scenery that defines the western region of North Carolina. Like the majestic Looking Glass Rock (pictured above).
Flickr / Valerie
But Transylvania County is indeed the land of waterfalls, with over two-hundred known falls.
Flickr / Kim Seng Like Looking Glass Falls.
Flickr / Angi English Moore Cove Falls.
Flickr / Lauren Hirsh The favorite summer adrenaline rush–Sliding Rock.
Flickr / Jim Dollar And the lovely Toms’ Creek Fall.
But the body of water in Brevard that rules all the land? The French Broad River. This beautiful river is the third-oldest in the world!
Flickr / Kim Seng
Like Looking Glass Falls.
Flickr / Angi English
Moore Cove Falls.
Flickr / Lauren Hirsh
The favorite summer adrenaline rush–Sliding Rock.
Flickr / Jim Dollar
And the lovely Toms’ Creek Fall.
The iconic French Broad makes water activities like canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, even taking a dip…completely accessible to those visiting Brevard.
Flickr / Melissa Wilkins
Besides massive bodies of water, Brevard is close to several natural hotspots like Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Gorges State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Nantahala National Forest.
Flickr / Melissa Wilkins
Flickr / Chris Delanay Winter is still a great time to explore snowy terrain. Just bundle up!
Get prepared for full days of biking in the morning, hiking at lunch, canoeing in the afternoon, and enjoying a gorgeous scenic sunset from the Blue Ridge Parkway to end a great day.
Flickr / Chris Delanay
Winter is still a great time to explore snowy terrain. Just bundle up!
But don’t forget to take a stroll through the beautiful, quaint downtown. Stop by charming shops to pick up unique gifts and personal finds.
Blue Ridge Travel Guide
Dine at delicious restaurants like Hobnob, Marco Trattoria, or Square Root (but make reservations early).
Blue Ridge Travel Guide
Best part, you can rent a cabin in the woods or stay right in town…hey, you can even do both!
You’ll have plenty of excuses to plan a trip and visit soon. Annually, Brevard hosts six festivals and three cycling events. Visit their website to find the perfect one for you!
Have you visited this lovely mountain town? Do you live there now? What fond memories do you have? Tell us in the comments!
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