Brevard, North Carolina, is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a popular vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Brevard, reasons to visit, the future of the town, and tourism stats. Brevard, NC is awesome because it offers a perfect combination of stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation. From the miles of hiking and biking trails in Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest to the charming downtown area with its galleries, studios, and locally owned businesses, there is something for everyone in Brevard. The town’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices and preserving its natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
History of Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard was founded in 1861 and was named after Judge Theophilus Brevard, a prominent figure in the American Revolution. The town was originally a hub for the logging industry, with several sawmills operating in the area. In the early 20th century, Brevard began to shift its focus towards tourism, with the opening of the Brevard Music Center in 1946 and the establishment of Pisgah National Forest in 1961.
Reasons to Visit Brevard
Brevard is known for its stunning natural beauty, with miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Brevard:
Outdoor Activities
Brevard is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and more. Some of the most popular outdoor destinations in Brevard include:
Pisgah National Forest: This 500,000-acre forest is home to some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the country. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and scenic drives.
Dupont State Forest: This 10,000-acre forest is famous for its stunning waterfalls, including Triple Falls and Hooker Falls. It is also a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
French Broad River: This scenic river offers opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and fishing.
Cultural Attractions
Brevard is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Visitors can explore the town’s many galleries and studios, attend concerts and performances at the Brevard Music Center, or learn about the history of the area at the Transylvania Heritage Museum.
Brevard, NC has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of music, theater, and spoken word events throughout the year. Here are some examples of the events you can expect to find in the area:
Brevard Music Center: This internationally acclaimed music venue hosts a summer festival featuring performances by world-renowned musicians, as well as year-round concerts, workshops, and educational programs.
Transylvania Community Arts Council: This nonprofit organization hosts a variety of art exhibits, workshops, and events, including the annual Art Spark Festival, which features live music, dance performances, and visual art exhibits.
Brevard Little Theatre: This community theater group puts on several productions each year, including dramas, comedies, and musicals.
The Porter Center at Brevard College: This performing arts venue hosts a wide range of events, from classical music concerts and ballet performances to comedy shows and spoken word events.
White Squirrel Festival: This annual event, held over Memorial Day weekend, features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a parade.
Mountain Song Festival: This three-day music festival, held in September, features bluegrass and Americana music, as well as workshops and other activities.
Food and Drink
Brevard is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and breweries. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, locally brewed beer, and artisanal coffee.
There are plenty of great options for ice cream, coffee, beer, and local cuisine in and around Brevard, NC. Here are some recommendations for the best places to try:
Ice Cream:
Dolly’s Dairy Bar: This popular ice cream shop in downtown Brevard has been serving up homemade ice cream since 2000, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla to unique creations like “Cherry Cheesecake Swirl.”
The Hop: Located in nearby Asheville, The Hop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. They offer a wide variety of flavors, including vegan and gluten-free options, and use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Coffee Shops:
Quotations Coffee Cafe: This cozy coffee shop in downtown Brevard offers a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Bracken Mountain Bakery: Not only does this bakery serve up delicious pastries and breads, but they also have a great selection of coffee drinks made with locally roasted beans.
Breweries:
Oskar Blues Brewery: This popular brewery, located in nearby Pisgah Forest, offers a taproom with a variety of beers on draft, as well as live music and events throughout the year.
Brevard Brewing Company: This family-owned brewery in downtown Brevard serves up a variety of traditional and experimental beers in a cozy atmosphere.
Local Restaurants:
The Square Root: This farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Brevard offers a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, as well as an extensive wine list.
Magpie Meat & Three: This casual eatery serves up classic Southern comfort food, with a focus on locally sourced meats and produce.
The Falls Landing: Located in nearby Saluda, this restaurant offers elevated American cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, a caffeine fix, a cold beer, or a delicious meal, there are plenty of great options to choose from in and around Brevard, NC.
The Future of Brevard
The future of Brevard looks bright, with continued growth and development in the tourism industry. The town is committed to preserving its natural beauty while also promoting sustainable tourism practices. Some of the initiatives underway in Brevard include:
Expanding access to public lands and trails
Promoting eco-tourism and outdoor recreation
Supporting local businesses and farmers
Investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as bike lanes and public transit
Tourism Stats about Brevard
Here are some statistics about tourism in Brevard:
In 2019, Brevard welcomed over 1.5 million visitors, generating over $200 million in revenue for the local economy.
The tourism industry in Brevard supports over 2,000 jobs.
The most popular activities for visitors to Brevard are hiking, sightseeing, and shopping.
The average length of stay for visitors to Brevard is three nights.
The majority of visitors to Brevard come from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Brevard, North Carolina, is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation. With its commitment to sustainable tourism practices and continued growth in the tourism industry, Brevard is poised to become a top vacation destination for years to come.
