Brevard is known as the land of waterfalls for good reason. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Waterfalls, crisp mountain air, fresh trout, local boutiques and chocolate. In Brevard, you get it all.
When I visited the town of about 8,000 people in April, I got all the seasons in a single day — from a snowy morning hike to a sunny afternoon stroll downtown.
Get oriented: Located about 125 miles west of Charlotte and 35 miles south of Asheville, Brevard is tucked away at the entrance of the lush Pisgah National Forest.
- Brevard’s nickname is “land of waterfalls,” so that gives you a good idea of what to expect. More than half of Transylvania County, which contains Brevard, is publicly owned and protected land.
- The town is also home to Brevard College and the national craft beer brand, Oskar Blues.
Downtown Brevard. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Where to stay: You’re 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 creek and unplug. I stayed at this teeny cabin with three friends, and it was just right for $52+ a night. Rent via Airbnb.
- Mid-range: Get 180-degree mountain views at this two-bedroom cabin just outside Brevard. Rent it via Airbnb for $210+ a night.
- Luxury: Stay right in town at the Bromfield Inn. The suite includes a soaking tub, bidet, complimentary wine and a three-course breakfast. Starts at $325 a night.
This cabin is basically camping without the tent, and I loved it. Photo courtesy Airbnb
Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Brevard.
FOOD + DRINK
Cup & Saucer: This coffee shop started as a mobile cart before expanding to its current brick and mortar location in 2019. Its beans are from Asheville’s Cooperative Coffee Roasters, plus guest roasters like Charlotte’s Night Swim. Order a latte and muffin. 36 E. Main St.
The Square Root: Everything (the trout, ahi tuna nachos and Brussels sprouts, especially) was so good I came back and ordered it all again. 33 Times Arcade Aly
Order the trout at The Square Root. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Brevard Brewing: Downtown microbrewery with a laid-back atmosphere and stellar red ale. BYO-food. 63 E. Main St.
Oskar Blues Brewery: The opposite of small-scale Brevard Brewing, Oskar Blues has a huge presence with taprooms in Texas and Colorado, too. Here, there’s plenty of covered and uncovered outdoor seating and a full menu with bar food. 342 Mountain Industrial Dr.
Wine Down on Main: If beer’s not your thing, head to this welcoming wine bar with over 35 varieties available by the glass, charcuterie boards, flat breads and more. 28 E. Main St.
Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop: Classic, old-school American joint with milkshakes (and a cherry on top), sandwiches and lots of nostalgia. 50 S. Broad St.
Photo: Emma Way/Axios
EXPLORE
Shop for a good cause at SAFE’s Attic. When you shop for clothes, home goods and more, you’re supporting SAFE’s mission to end domestic and sexual abuse with its support, prevention and outreach programs. 370 S. Broad St.
Go for a hike. There are enough hikes within an hour-radius around Brevard to last you a lifetime. I’d recommend sticking to Gorges State Park for waterfall spotting within 30 minutes of downtown.
- See Rainbow and Turtleback Falls on a 3.9-mile out and back hike. View on AllTrails.
- At Living Waters Ministry, you can see three waterfalls on a short mile-and-change hike. View on Tripadvisor.
Hey, it’s me in front of Rainbow Falls.
Chill out at Brevard Hemp. This woman-owned shop sells CBD and Delta 8 in oils, edibles, (D8 chocolate, anyone?), seltzer and more. 19 N. Caldwell St.
Put on your big boy pants and shop at MANtiques. The shop is filled with things like taxidermied moose heads, vintage grenades, guns and a 1929 Ford Model A car listed for $38,000. 68 W. Main St.
Find your next read at Highland Books. You’re on vacation; get yourself a vacation book. Find this nearly 50-year-old bookstore right on Main Street. 36 W. Main St.
Photo: Emma Way/Axios
