15 Fun Things To Do In Brevard, North Carolina

Stunning natural beauty, world-class performing arts, and outdoor adventure come together in this small mountain town.

When you’re in the mood for a mountain adventure, set your sights on Western North Carolina. Few mountain towns are quite as charming as Brevard, a spot with music, arts, and culture, as well as strong brewing and cycling scenes. Add all of that to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state, and you have all of the makings of a perfect weekend adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner followed by a concert or a hike followed by a lounge in a wind-nudged hammock, Brevard has just the thing for you.

Stunning natural beauty, world-class performing arts, and outdoor adventure come together in this small mountain town, which is home to fewer than 8,000 people. It's a gorgeous spot any time of year, but things get particularly exciting (and busy) during the warmer months, when the region's summer camps fill with campers and the Brevard Music Center kicks off its popular summer season. Shop downtown. Go waterfall-watching. Stock up on locally-made breads and pastries. Marvel at overlooks. Glimpse white squirrels. Come for the fun, stay for the magic of the mountains–it’s all waiting for you.

Explore Pisgah National Forest

Take a Hike in Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is Brevard’s playground. It stretches over more than 500,000 acres of dense forest, much of it criss-crossed with hiking trails, overlooks, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. You can find more information on Pisgah hiking areas here.

See Looking Glass Falls

One of the jewels of Pisgah National Forest is Looking Glass Falls, a popular road trip stop and photo op. The 60-foot-tall cascade is easily accessible from U.S. 276. A stretch of gravel parking lies along the roadway, and a boardwalk with stairs leads down to the base of the falls. Brevard is smack-dab in the middle of waterfall country. Once you’ve seen Looking Glass Falls, keep searching. With hundreds of waterfalls in the area, you won’t have to wander far to find more dramatic cascades.

Make a Splash at Sliding Rock

Farther into the forest is Sliding Rock, a natural water slide that stretches along 60 feet of cascading cool water. Adventurous visitors can take a turn (or several) on the water slide, which will deposit you in a bracingly cold pool at the bottom of the falls. The recreation area is staffed by lifeguards during the summer months.

Shop Downtown

Outfit Yourself with Outdoor Gear

For years, D.D. Bullwinkel’s has been the place where locals and visitors alike ready themselves for outdoor activities. At the big downtown shop, you can find camping gear like tents and sleeping bags as well as kayaks, hammocks, shoes, and apparel that can stand up to whatever your next adventure has in store.

Explore Artful Paper Goods at Starfangled Press

Brevard’s premiere printmaking studio and gallery is Starfangled Press, a bright and cheery space filled with artful paper goods made with a myriad of printing methods. According to the shop, “Inspired by life in the mountains of Central Appalachia and rooted in the creation of handmade original prints, Starfangled Press is heavily influenced by the techniques of traditional printmaking such as woodcut, etching, screenprint, and letterpress.” Each piece is handmade, with the perspectives of the artists impressed in every one.

Find a Local Souvenir at Newfound Artisan

Handcrafted is the name of the game at Newfound Artisan, a shop for people who care about the craftsmanship behind what they buy. The shelves here are filled with artisan-made goods, and the space also hosts workshops that teach the processes behind the pieces they sell, from leather and woodwork to metal and clay practice.

Weekend Like a Local

Select a Loaf from Bracken Mountain Bakery

Everyone within a fifty-mile radius knows where to go for Brevard’s best breads. Bracken Mountain Bakery has been turning out delicious, scratch-made baked goods downtown for years, and it’s a must-visit spot while you’re in town. Choose from pillowy loaves to take home for later, or pick from the delicious rows of scones and danishes beckoning in the pastry case. 

Have a Memorable Meal

There’s no shortage of great restaurant food–and great dining experiences–to find in Brevard. For an upscale meal, make a reservation at Wild Morel, which serves French- and Italian-inspired dishes with fresh and local ingredients. Also try The Bohemian Restaurant, which is located next door.

See a Performance at the Brevard Music Center

If you visit Brevard during the summer months, you’ll no doubt be drawn down Music Camp Road and Andante Lane to the Brevard Music Center. There, you can enjoy concerts spanning genres including classical, opera, pops, and jazz during BMC’s Summer Institute & Festival. Beyond the summer season, you can experience other performances and concert series here throughout the year.

Glimpse White Squirrels

During your trip to Brevard, it won’t take long for you to encounter one of the town’s most famous residents. The area’s population of white squirrels has become a favorite mascot for the town. Find them emblazoned on hats and t-shirts at downtown gift shops. (According to local legend, the squirrels originated from an escapee pair brought to town by a carnival.)

Book a Stay in the Trees at Pilot Cove Forest Lodging

If a typical hotel just won’t cut it, book a stay at Pilot Cove, which offers modern cabin rentals just outside of town. Located close to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest, the cabins are well-outfitted, with big covered porches, forest views, kitchens, and a hammock included in each–perfect for lounging in the mountain breezes.

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway curves along the opposite side of Pisgah National Forest from Brevard, making it easily accessible for a day trip. Drive through the forest via U.S. 276, emerge on the other side, and you’ll find yourself on the parkway. Take a right towards Asheville, or continue left to stop at overlooks over the Pisgah National Forest and see Looking Glass Rock (pictured above) rising out of the forest.

Try a Regional Brew

Savor a Cup of Coffee

Mornings in Brevard are slow–unless you’re up early for a bike ride or want to get to Bracken Mountain Bakery right when they open for a loaf of your favorite bread. Take it easy and have breakfast at Morning Social–either indoors or out–or grab a cup of coffee downtown at Cup & Saucer.

Frequent a Brewery

This slice of Western North Carolina is known for brews as well as bikes and music. You’ll find a few great breweries here, including Ecusta Brewing; Noblebräu Brewing; Brevard Brewing Co., which is located downtown; Oskar Blues Brewery, which has live music and mountain views from its open-air taproom.

Grab a Seat at The Hub and Pisgah Tavern

You’ll have your pick of great Brevard breweries when you’re in town. The Hub and Pisgah Tavern is a longtime favorite located just a stone’s throw from Pilot Cove Forest Lodging and the Pisgah Forest, so you’ll be well positioned for an adventure or an end to the night. Shop in The Hub for gear, and tune-up your bicycle while you’re at it. Bikes, outdoor gear, and beer–what else could you need?

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