Brevard getaway: Stay off-the-grid and explore North Carolina’s “land of waterfalls”

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.