Brevard is known as the land of waterfalls for good reason. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Waterfalls, fresh mountain air, fresh trout, local shops and chocolate. At Brevard, you get it all.
When I visited the city of about 8,000 people in April, I experienced all seasons in one day – from a snowy morning hike to a sunny afternoon stroll downtown.
Orient yourself: Located approximately 125 miles west of Charlotte and 35 miles south of Asheville, Brevard is nestled at the entrance to the lush Pisgah National Forest.
- Brevard’s nickname is “waterfall country”, which gives you a good idea of what to expect. More than half of Transylvania County, which contains Brevard, is public and protected land.
- The city is also home to Brevard College and the national craft beer brand, Oskar’s Blues.
Downtown Brévard. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Where to stay: You are in the mountains. Stick to the theme and rent a cabin in the woods.
- Bare bones: No running water? No cell service? No problem. Just listen to the babbling of the creek and unplug. I stayed at this little cabin with three friends, and it was only $52+ a night. Rent through Airbnb.
- Midrange : Enjoy 180 degree mountain views from this two bedroom cabin just outside Brevard. Rent it through Airbnb for $210+ a night.
- Luxury: Stay in town at Bromfield Inn. The suite includes a bathtub, bidet, complimentary wine and a three-course breakfast. From $325 per night.
This cabin is essentially camping without the tent, and I loved that. Photo courtesy of Airbnb
Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Brevard.
FOOD + DRINK
Cup and Saucer: This cafe started out as a mobile cart before expanding to its current brick-and-mortar location in 2019. Its beans are sourced from Cooperative Coffee Roasters in Asheville, as well as guest roasters like Charlotte’s Night Swim. Order a latte and a muffin. 36 E. Main St.
The square root: Everything (the trout, ahi tuna nachos, and Brussels sprouts, in particular) was so good that I came back and ordered everything again. 33 times Arcade Aly
Order the trout at The Square Root. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Brewery Brevard: Downtown microbrewery with a laid-back atmosphere and stellar red beer. BYO-food. 63 E.Main St.
Oskar Blues Brewery: In stark contrast to the small-scale Brevard Brewery, Oskar Blues also has a huge presence with taprooms in Texas and Colorado. Here there is plenty of covered and uncovered outdoor seating and an extensive menu with bar food. 342 Mountain Industrial Dr.
Wine on Main: If beer isn’t your thing, head to this welcoming wine bar with over 35 varieties available by the glass, charcuterie boards, flatbreads and more. 28 E. Main St.
Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop: Classic, old-school American restaurant with milkshakes (and icing on the cake), sandwiches, and lots of nostalgia. 50 S. Broad Street
Photo: Emma Way/Axios
TO EXPLORE
Shop for a good cause at SAFE’s attic. When you buy clothing, home goods and more, you support SAFE’s mission to end domestic and sexual abuse through its support, prevention and awareness programs. 370 S. Broad Street
Go on a hike. There are enough hikes within an hour of Brevard to last a lifetime. I recommend sticking to Gorge State Park to view the waterfalls less than 30 minutes from downtown.
- Admire Rainbow and Turtleback Falls on a 6 km round trip hike. View on AllTrails.
- At the Living Waters Ministry, you can see three waterfalls on a short 1.5 mile hike. See on Tripadvisor.
Hey, that’s me in front of Rainbow Falls.
Relax at Brévard hemp. This woman-owned shop sells CBD and Delta 8 in oils, edibles (D8 chocolate, anyone?), seltzer and more. 19 N. Caldwell Street
Put on your big boy pants and shop at MANtics. The store is stocked with things like stuffed moose heads, vintage grenades, guns and a 1929 Ford Model A car listed for $38,000. 68 Main Street West.
Find your next read on Highland Books. You’re on vacation; get a holiday diary. Find this nearly 50-year-old bookstore on Main Street. 36 Main Street West.
Photo: Emma Way/Axios
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