Brevard is a hub for outdoor recreation, scenic drives, and culture. It’s a foodie town. A college town. And home of the “Land of Waterfalls.” It’s the capital of cool mountain towns in western North Carolina.
But don’t get me wrong – Asheville is the capital of cool cities in this part of the state. The town of art, culture, and breweries is about an hour to the north. Easy enough to visit on a day trip from Brevard.
But after learning about the things to do in Brevard, why would you want to leave to go anywhere else?
I’ve been visiting Brevard since my grandmother moved there in 2013. When I would visit, my time was primarily devoted to her. But we would go for scenic drives to the Blue Ridge Parkway, eat at local restaurants, and walk through the small downtown. And occasionally, I’d head out on a mini adventure chasing waterfalls or the elusive white squirrels.
After years of visiting, I’ve finally compiled a list of things to do in Brevard, North Carolina. And I’ve also included where to eat and stay.
Table of Contents
- Map of Things to Do in Brevard
- Brief History of Brevard, NC
- Getting to Brevard, NC
- Best Time to Visit Brevard
- Where to Eat
- Where to Stay
- Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Art Loeb Trail
- Looking Glass Falls
- Looking Glass Rock
- Sliding Rock
- Cradle of Forestry in America
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Brevard Music Center
- Transylvania Heritage Museum
- Downtown Brevard
- The Veterans History Museum
- Silvermont Mansion and Park
- Brevard Brewing Company
- Noblebräu Brewing
- Oskar Blues Brewery
- Ecusta Brewing Company
- Whistlestop Market & Wine
- DuPont State Recreational Forest
- Pretty Place Chapel
- Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
- Gorges State Park
- Upper Whitewater Falls
Map of Things to Do in Brevard
How to use this map | Click the icon in the top-left corner to open the Map Legend, then click on any of the legend items to display more information. If you have a Google account, click the (very faint) star at the end of the map’s name to save this map to your account, then access the map from your smartphone during your trip.
Brief History of Brevard, NC
Shortly after the Revolutionary War, Scots-Irish immigrants settled in the area. The fertile land between the French Broad River and the Blue Ridge Mountains was perfect for frontier farming.
In 1861, Representative Joseph Jordan introduced a bill in the North Carolina legislature to create a county for the growing population. He requested naming the county after his birth country – Transylvania.
Brevard was established as the county seat and incorporated in 1889. The town was named after Dr. Ephraim Brevard. He was one of Mecklenberg’s – now Charlotte’s – first physicians. Brevard tended to wounded Patriots during the Revolutionary War and was captured by the British at the Fall of Charleston in 1780. He’s buried at the Old Settler’s Cemetery in Uptown Charlotte.
When the Transylvania Railroad was completed in 1899, it connected Hendersonville and Lake Toxaway, passing through Brevard. Lumber was hauled out of the mountains on the train, and wealthy tourists were hauled in. By the early 1900s, Brevard was established as a tourist destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Brevard is a tiny town covering only 5 square miles. Fewer than 8,000 people call it home. But during the summer, the population swells into the thousands as people flock to one of the best outdoor recreation hubs in the western North Carolina mountains.
Getting to Brevard, NC
Brevard is a small town in western North Carolina. Fewer than 10,000 people call the town home, but the population swells with visitors during the summer. Brevard is one of the best hub towns for outdoor recreation in Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Interestingly, getting to Brevard is not straightforward. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, visitors must choose between a two-lane highway through several small towns or an indirect four-lane highway.
Here are your options for getting to Brevard and my recommended route.
Hendersonville. The most direct route to Brevard begins at Exit 49 on Interstate 26 in Hendersonville. U.S. Highway 64 passes along the edge of downtown. After leaving Hendersonville, the road passes through a few small towns with traffic lights and light congestion. The 22-mile route takes about 40-60 minutes but can take much more in the summer.
Upward Road. If traveling northbound on Interstate 26, take Exit 53 onto Upward Road. The route passes along the edge of downtown Hendersonville and connects with U.S. Highway 64. The 23-mile route takes about 40-60 minutes.
Airport Road. The quirky thing about getting to Brevard is that the longest route is usually the fastest. Exit 40 on Interstate 26 passes Asheville Regional Airport. It’s a four-lane highway through Mills River to Brevard that limits congestion.
If you’re traveling southbound on I-26, it’s a 19-mile route that takes about 30 minutes. If you’re traveling northbound, it’s a 29-mile route that takes about 35 minutes. This is still the fastest route, even after passing Hendersonville and driving an additional 9 miles on the interstate.
And it’s my preferred route.
Waynesville. If you’re ready for an adventurous drive, take U.S. Highway 276 from Waynesville. The road includes a series of twists and turns as it ascends the Blue Ridge Mountains. It crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway and descends through one of the most gorgeous routes in North Carolina. This 53-mile route takes about 60-90 minutes to travel.
Blue Ridge Parkway. At about halfway between Asheville and Cherokee, the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over U.S. Highway 276. It’s an opportunity to leave the parkway and spend the night in Brevard. The 19-mile drive takes about 30-45 minutes, and it’s one of the most beautiful drives in North Carolina.
Greenville, South Carolina. One of the most scenic routes into Brevard is the longest, but it’s worth the drive if you’re starting in South Carolina. From Greenville, U.S. Highway 276 passes through Traveler’s Rest – a hidden foodie town in the state’s Upcountry – before reaching the foothills of the mountains. The drive across Cedar Mountain offers several spectacular scenic overlooks for a quick stop. The 47-mile route on the two-lane road takes about 1.5 hours, though it can take longer during summer and autumn days.
Best Time to Visit Brevard
Brevard is a typical mountain town, so that may or may not be advantageous when planning a trip. The summers in Brevard are warm, humid, and wet. The winters are frigid and snowy. Spring and autumn are the Goldilocks periods with moderate temperatures, but it rains more in the spring than any other time.
May is the best time of the year to visit Brevard. Daytime highs reach the lower 70s with relatively low humidity, and overnight lows linger in the 50s. March is the wettest month of the year. By May, rainfall levels out for the rest of the year.
The local restaurants are open year-round. But some attractions, like the Cradle of Forestry in America and Sliding Rock, are closed during winter. But by May, all restaurants, attractions, and outdoor recreation are open for the season.
September is an alternative best time to visit Brevard. The daytime highs are slightly less than the summer, hovering around the mid-70s, and the overnight lows dip into the 50s. The average humidity plummets from a high of 63% in July to just 16% in September. And it’s the lull between the surge of summer visitors and autumn leaf peepers.
June, July, August, and October are the busiest months of the year in Brevard. Tourists flock to the small mountain town for abundant outdoor recreation, as a way stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and to experience the spectacular autumn colors.
No. 1
Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
The Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway through Pisgah National Forest is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in western North Carolina. The loop route follows an old logging railroad along U.S. Highway 276 from Pisgah Forest toward Waynesville, turning onto N.C. Highway 215 to Rosman, and then returning to Pisgah Forest along U.S. Highway 64.
The first 17 miles of the route are designated a national scenic byway because of its historic quality. The route passes the Cradle of Forestry in America, the site of the country’s first forestry school.
But it’s also a scenic route connecting outdoor recreation. The two-lane road winds past Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, two of the most popular waterfalls in the area. And it connects Brevard visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Pisgah. Summer and autumn are the best times of year to enjoy this drive.
The entire route takes about 2 hours to drive. The national scenic byway route takes about an hour out and back.
No. 2
Art Loeb Trail
The 30-mile Art Loeb Trail is one of the most strenuous hiking trails in North Carolina. And that’s what makes it so popular.
Bookmark | Art Loeb Trail on AllTrails
The trail is in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. The southern trailhead is at the Davidson River Campground, while the northern trailhead is at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp. Parking at the south end is better for extended hiking trips along the trail.
The trail crosses several mountains, making it such an infamous challenge. From Pisgah Forest, hikers ascend 3,800 feet to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The highest point on the trail is Black Balsam Knob – at 6,201 feet, it’s one of the Southern Sixers.
Hikers typically take 3-5 days to complete the hike in one direction.
National Park Week 2024
Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.
No. 3
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is the most iconic waterfall in North Carolina. You’ve likely already seen photos of the 60-foot free-falling waterfall.
Parallel parking along one side of U.S. Highway 276 has enough room for about a dozen vehicles. A sidewalk allows viewers to safely walk to the waterfall away from the road.
Read More | Easily View Looking Glass Falls in Brevard, North Carolina
A handicap-accessible overlook above the waterfall offers a rare chance for disabled visitors to see a waterfall. From there, a concrete staircase descends to the bottom of the waterfall. The shallow creek is easy to cross, and rounded boulders are perfect places to perch.
Looking Glass Falls is one of the exceptions to visiting waterfalls in the spring. This waterfall typically flows all year – and sometimes will freeze in the winter.
No. 4
Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in North Carolina. The 3,970-foot mountain towers above the local landscape. The exposed granite face of the gently sloped mountain makes it instantly recognizable.
Pro Travel Tip | The Skinny Dip Falls Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the best place to see Looking Glass Rock. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Brevard to the overlook.
The mountain is a favorite hiking destination in Pisgah National Forest along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. The 6.1-mile Looking Glass Rock Trail is a strenuous full-day hike. The trail ascends nearly 1,700 feet from the parking area on Forest Service Road 475. The trail ends with a spectacular view – one of the best in the state.
Bookmark | Looking Glass Rock Trail on AllTrails
It takes a full day to complete the hike across Looking Glass Rock. Fortunately, good food and comfortable lodging are only 20 minutes away in Brevard.
No. 5
Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is not exactly a waterfall. But it is a cool place to visit while exploring waterfalls around Brevard.
The small mountain creek flows across a wide, exposed granite slab sloped just enough to send the water tumbling downhill. After thousands of years, the granite is smooth and makes a perfect natural slide.
The Sliding Rock Recreation Area was developed in Pisgah National Forest to take advantage of the natural slide. After paying a small admission fee, you can park in the large, paved parking lot with enough room for personal cars and RVs. It’s a short walk along a wooden boardwalk to the waterfall.
Pro Travel Tip | The recreation area is maintained by Pisgah National Forest. An admission fee for parking must be paid as you enter the lot.
There are a couple of places to admire the waterfall – one above and one below. But if you want to take the plunge, you must get in line at the bottom. An iron handrail drilled into the granite provides a way to climb to the top. It can take almost twenty minutes to work through the line during the summer!
The slide down to the bottom, where sliders splash into a deep natural pool, takes less than a minute.
No. 6
Cradle of Forestry in America
In the early 1880s, George Vanderbilt, the grandson of railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, took his first trip to Asheville. He immediately fell in love with the surrounding Pisgah Forest, particularly the towering Mount Pisgah to the west. He decided to build a “little mountain escape” on a hill south of the city.
Construction began on the Biltmore Estate in 1889. Vanderbilt hired professionals like Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York City’s Central Park, and Gifford Pinchot, the first professional forester in America. In 1895, he hired Carl Schenck, a German native with a Ph.D. from a renowned forestry school in Germany.
Read More | Discover the Country’s First Forestry School at the Cradle of Forestry in America in Brevard, NC
In 1898, Schenck founded the Biltmore Forest School at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in an area called the Pink Beds. In 1964, the Cradle of Forestry in America was established to preserve and interpret nearly 6,500 acres surrounding America’s first forestry school.
Begin a half day at the Forest Discover Center. Explore the fascinating museum and watch the 30-minute introductory introductory film, First in Forestry: Carl Schenck at the Biltmore Forest School. Hike the 1-mile Biltmore Campus Trail, the 1.3-mile Forest Festival Trail, or the 1.3-mile Forest Discovery Trail.
No. 7
Blue Ridge Parkway
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is my favorite road trip route in the country. The national parkway connects the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, traveling across Virginia’s Highlands and the western North Carolina mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 23 miles between Asheville and U.S. Highway 276, the exit leading into Brevard. If you don’t stop at the numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and attractions, it takes at least an hour to drive the route.
Pro Travel Tip | It takes about 2-3 hours to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville. Brevard is near the middle of the route – a perfect place to spend the night while leisurely exploring the parkway.
The Mount Pisgah Overlook features one of the best sunset locations on the parkway. A short trail leads to the site of Vanderbilt’s hunting cabin. Nearby, the Pisgah Inn is one of the most sought-after overnight lodging on the parkway. The restaurant is open to travelers, though reservations are suggested on weekends and summer days.
Read More | 6-Day Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Graveyard Fields is one of the most fascinating places on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A 1925 forest fire scorched the area. A few years later, high winds topping 50 miles per hour toppled the charred tree trunks, leaving only the stumps that resembled graves. But the most mysterious thing about the area is that no trees ever grew again in the field.
No. 8
Brevard Music Center
The Brevard Music Center is the focal point of a beautiful 180-acre campus. The Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium is an open-air performance venue with seating for 1,800 visitors. Over 100 performances throughout the year entertain locals and visitors alike.
The music center works with Brevard College, a private college with fewer than 1,000 full-time students. Some of the college’s majors focus on music, music education, and musical theatre.
The cool mountain climate is perfect for outdoor concerts. Summer high temperatures average about 80 degrees.
National Park Week 2024
Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.
No. 9
Transylvania Heritage Museum
The Transylvania Heritage Museum is the town’s history museum. It’s in an interesting 1890s farmhouse built by Thomas England. The rooms throughout the first floor of the house feature exhibits about the county’s history.
No. 10
Downtown Brevard
Downtown Brevard is centered around the intersection of Main Street and Broad Street. It’s the highest point in town and a fitting place to build the courthouse in the late 1800s. Brevard is one of those small towns with free parking. Unfortunately, the surging popularity of the town makes it difficult to find available parking sometimes.
The sidewalks are kept clean and level, making it easy to explore downtown. It only takes about 20 minutes to walk in each direction, exploring the shops and restaurants along the way. Here’s what you’ll find depending on which way you walk.
West Main Street | The White Squirrel Shoppe sells shirts, jewelry, and home décor featuring Brevard’s famous white squirrels. Highland Books is a local bookstore with an excellent selection of local history and outdoor recreation books. Mantiques is a twist on the traditional antique store with vintage sports collectibles and décor geared toward men.
South Broad Street | O.P. Taylor’s has dominated this corner for decades. It’s a rare toy store that will thrill and excite adults just as much as children (I’ve always wanted the giant K’nex Ferris wheel in the display window). Penny Lane Exchange is a small boutique shop with clothing and collectibles. Rocky’s Corner Market features local baked goods and ingredients from nearby farms.
East Main Street | D.D. Bullwinkle’s is a locally owned outdoor store selling clothing and gear for nearby adventures. Earth Mountain Bicycle is a full-service repair shop and reseller of popular brands. It’s a great place to tune your mountain bike or buy one for the nearby trails.
No. 11
The Veterans History Museum
The Veterans History Museum eluded me for years after I began visiting Brevard. It’s a hidden museum beside the beautiful county courthouse.
The museum features the stories and history of North Carolina veterans of American wars since WWI. Exhibits include vehicles, uniforms, and weapons, describing how they played a role in different wars and eras.
National Park Week 2024
Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.
No. 12
Silvermont Mansion and Park
Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen moved to western North Carolina in 1902. Joseph was the first industrialist in the remote region. He founded a tannery in nearby Rosman, eventually expanding in lumber when he purchased 20,000 acres from George Vanderbilt.
In 1917, construction finished on a 33-room Colonial Revival house in Brevard. The home’s name, Silvermont, is a portmanteau of Joseph’s and Elizabeth’s surnames – Silversteen and Mount, respectively. The mansion was the family home until it was donated to Transylvania County in 1972.
After nearly a decade of restoration, the first floor of Silvermont Mansion was opened to the public in 1981. On New Year’s Day in 2011, the house museum opened on the second floor. The surrounding 8-acre property features tennis courts, a children’s play area, and a walking trail.
No. 13
Brevard Brewing Company
“Make sure you tell everyone we’re not a restaurant.” It was one of the first things I learned after visiting Brevard Brewing Company. Fortunately, they don’t mind if visitors bring outside food as long as you drink their craft beer.
Pro Travel Tip | Find a local restaurant with great take-out food with this travel guide to Brevard restaurants.
When Kyle Williams opened Transylvania County’s first brewery in 2012, he wanted to do something different. Instead of producing pilsners like the big corporations or pale ales like craft breweries, he decided to make my favorite beer: lagers. But don’t worry because he also brews pilsners and pale ales.
Lagers take twice as long to produce compared to pale ales, which is why many craft breweries shy away from German-style beer.
The Main Street location is convenient for local shopping and dining. The brewery typically keeps about five or six craft beers on tap. Some of their beers are available for purchase in canned six packs. You can also order a flight to sample their beers and find a new favorite.
Did You Know | In Brevard’s Social District, patrons can drink beer served from Brevard Brewing Company or restaurants. The district is bounded by England, Jordan, Gaston, and Probart Streets, surrounding Main and Broad Streets in the center of downtown.
No. 14
Noblebräu Brewing
In 2020, Cody Noble opened Brevard’s latest brewery in the Lumberyard District. Noblebräu Brewing is a microbrewery featuring German-style pilsners, IPAs, lagers, and porters. But he’s always open to trying something new.
The brewery is in a renovated warehouse, giving the lounge an industrial vibe. Comfortable seating invites visitors to spend some time sampling the cold craft beer and enjoying live music. If you’re hungry, 185 King Street next door serves giant Bavarian pretzels, chicken tenders, and seasoned fries.
No. 15
Oskar Blues Brewery
Dale Katechis opened Oskar Blues Original Grill in 1997 in Lyons, Colorado. Two years later, he began brewing beer in the small restaurant. In 2002, Dale’s Pale Ale was one of the first craft beers available in cans.
In 2013, a second location was opened in Brevard.
The small-batch brewery has an enormous, covered patio with long picnic tables. Live music typically fills the air on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery before ordering food.
The “CHUBwagon” is the brewery’s exclusive food truck parked at the brewery daily. Burgers are the most common item on the small menu. The CHUBurger is my favorite – 100% Angus beef, cheddar cheese, and house dressing. Other burgers are made with black beans, Pacific salmon filet, and ground Berkshire pork.
And everyone must order the Truck-Fried Fries.
No. 16
Ecusta Brewing Company
Ecusta Brewing Company is big on everything: craft beer selection, bold flavors, and their new taproom. In 2022, owner Justin Chambers bought a 1950s medical infirmary and converted it into a spacious lounge and beer production facility.
Chambers brews a bit of every kind of beer – pale ale, porter, sour, stout, and pilsner. About 20 craft beers are typically available on tap. Beer is available in canned six-packs or growlers if you bring your own.
Gordingo’s is an in-house restaurant providing food for hungry patrons. Nachos, tacos, and bowls are made to order every day of the week except Tuesday. But don’t worry about missing out on food – a food truck typically provides meals on Tuesdays.
No. 17
Whistlestop Market & Wine
Whistlestop Market & Wine is a roadside food stand on U.S. Highway 276, about ten minutes from downtown Brevard. It’s an excellent place to find local produce seasonally – strawberries in late spring, blueberries in the summer, and apples in the autumn, just to name a few.
The market also has a small selection of wine, local honey, and baked goods.
No. 18
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Since the first hiking trail opened in 2000, DuPont State Recreational Forest has become one of the most visited places in western North Carolina. Five of the most impressive waterfalls around Brevard are scattered throughout the 10,000-acre recreational area. Most trails are moderately easy, and restrooms are available at most trailheads.
Read More | The 16 Best Waterfalls in Brevard, NC + Trail Info and Parking
Hooker Falls is a spectacular waterfall in DuPont State Recreational Forest. The Little River spills over a 12-foot high ledge almost one hundred feet wide. The river at the bottom of the waterfall is deep enough to wade, making it a popular summer spot.
Triple Falls is a series of three cascading waterfalls on the Little River with a 120-foot total drop. It’s one of the most popular waterfalls in DuPont State Recreational Forest, so the trail is frequently cluttered with roundtrip hikers.
High Falls is the most iconic waterfall in DuPont State Recreational Forest. The 120-foot cascading waterfall is a thunderous experience in the peaceful woods.
Wintergreen Falls is a small, 15-foot cascading waterfall in DuPont State Recreational Forest. It’s one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the forest and is usually a peaceful hike on an easy trail.
If you watched the 1992 film Last of the Mohicans, you’ve already seen Bridal Veil Falls. The 120-foot cascading waterfall is one of the biggest and most beautiful in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
No. 19
Pretty Place Chapel
Fifteen years before I began a travel writer and photographer career, I visited Pretty Place Chapel. It’s one of the most gorgeous places in the country and is open to the public at no charge.
Officially the Fred W. Symmes Chapel, it’s been dubbed “Pretty Place” for decades. The open-air chapel was built in 1941 on a cliff overlooking the Blue Ridge Escarpment – the definitive edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a popular place for weddings, portraits, and selfies, with a backdrop of gentle mountain peaks and lush forests.
Pretty Place Chapel is on private property owned by YMCA Camp Greenville. The chapel is open to the public from sunrise until sunset, seven days a week, unless there is a private event. Check the current schedule before making the 30-minute drive from Brevard to visit.
No. 20
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is one of the most intriguing attractions in western North Carolina. In 1963, NASA built the Rosman Tracking Station to support the budding space program. During the Cold War, the Department of Defense used the site to intercept Russian satellite communications.
In 1998, the nonprofit PARI was founded when Don and Jo Cline purchased the derelict government site. The site expanded with a new optical telescope, planetarium, and science museum. The 200-acre campus was opened to summer camps, educating children with STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math.
Visitors must make an appointment before traveling to PARI. Use the contact form at the bottom of their website to email or call to book your visit.
No. 21
Gorges State Park
The 7,500-acre Gorges State Park is the westernmost state park in North Carolina, about 30 minutes from Brevard. Locally, it’s known as “Gorgeous State Park” because of the stunning scenery and hiking trails. There are 26 waterfalls in the park, but three stand out as some of the best.
Read More | The 16 Best Waterfalls in Brevard, NC + Trail Info and Parking
Bearwallow Falls is a nice waterfall to visit, but it’s at the end of a strenuous 0.5-mile trail with a 200-foot drop on a 15%.
The 3.9-mile hike on the Rainbow Falls trail includes three spectacular waterfalls: Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Drift Falls. The cascading waterfalls along the Horsepasture River are beautiful, and the hike is only moderately strenuous.
No. 22
Upper Whitewater Falls
Whitewater Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the southeastern United States. The 800-foot cascading waterfall is divided into two sections. Upper Whitewater Falls plunges 411 feet into the Jocassee Gorge near NC Highway 281. Lower Whitewater Falls drops another 400 feet into Lake Jocassee in South Carolina.
The U.S. Forest Service maintains an excellent parking lot and scenic overlook at Upper Whitewater Falls. Parking is $3, a fee that is well worth considering the overlook’s quality.
Read More | How to See Whitewater Falls in North Carolina and South Carolina
A 0.25-mile paved trail provides an accessible path to the upper scenic overlook. From here, it’s easy to see – and hear – the waterfall in the distance. Descend 154 steps to a lower overlook on a wooden observation deck for a better view.
Where to Eat
Brevard is a mountain town, a hub for outdoor recreation, and the home of the “Land of Waterfalls.” But one thing most visitors don’t realize until they’ve arrived is that Brevard is a foodie town. Seafood, burgers, pizza, and desserts – if you want it, there is most likely a restaurant in town that has it.
Continue below to see a summary of the best places to get food, or read my travel guide about the best restaurants in Brevard.
Pisgah Fish Camp has been a local staple since 1968, serving seafood, chicken entrees, and sandwiches.
Hawg Wild Smokehouse is the best place in town for savory barbecue and all the expected sides to go with a meal.
Pisgah Bakehouse serves various brick oven pizzas and sandwiches with freshly baked bread daily.
Corky’s Dawg House features gourmet hot dogs and handcrafted milkshakes in a 1960s diner atmosphere.
Brevard Diner is where the locals go for a ginormous menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.
The Sunrise Café is a small chain of restaurants in western North Carolina and Upcountry South Carolina serving breakfast and lunch.
Morning Social is open for breakfast and lunch, but the morning meal is their best with omelets, breakfast skillets, and biscuits & gravy.
Wild Morel is a farm-to-table chef-driven restaurant featuring French and Italian cuisine.
The Bohemian Restaurant is an opportunity to try savory foods from around the world with tapas, chicken, schnitzel, fish, pasta, and steak on the menu.
Blue Ridge Bakery has a small lunch menu with cold sandwiches, gyros, and salads.
Kilwins is a popular chain known for delicious chocolate sweets, fresh fudge, and homemade ice cream.
Jordan Street Café is a great place for wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and homemade desserts.
The Square Root is a charming restaurant with upscale entrees like sea bass and roasted duck.
Bracken Mountain Bakery features flatbreads for lunch to go along with savory desserts like cupcakes, turnovers, and muffins.
Quixote Fine Cuisine is an upscale version of Mexican food in one of the most beautiful restaurants in town.
The Falls Landing Restaurant offers seafood, burgers, and steak in a casual, upscale atmosphere.
Wine Down on Main is a cozy restaurant for sipping wine, ordering flatbreads, paninis, or building a custom meat and cheese board.
Sully’s Steamers is a small chain known for delicious, steamed bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
Big Mike’s is a pizza parlor with wings, subs, and stone-baked pizza with a thick crust and toppings piled high.
The Blind Mule is a chef-driven farm-to-table restaurant with appetizers, entrees, and a curated wine list.
Cedar Mountain Café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an impressive menu of omelets, burgers, steak, and chicken entrees.
Where to Stay
The mountains surrounded by Brevard are populated by hundreds of short-term vacation rentals, from one-room cabins to palatial multi-bedroom homes. Most of these rentals are best reserved for a week or long weekend.
But if you want something for just a few nights, you might want to try one of these hotels and B&Bs.
The Hampton Inn is hidden from sight behind a shopping center, but it’s utterly peaceful. Take advantage of this cozy hotel’s indoor swimming pool and complimentary hot breakfast. Book now with Booking.com or Expedia.com
Comfort Inn & Suites is indeed comfortable with spacious rooms, great bedding, and a few amenities like a complimentary hot breakfast. Book now with Booking.com or Expedia.com
Holiday Inn Express is closest to downtown Brevard and the most expensive hotel, but you get a few extra perks for the extra expense. Book now with Booking.com or Expedia.com
The Inn at Brevard is an interesting two-story colonial-style bed and breakfast. Guest rooms feature antique furniture and décor, making you feel at home while visiting Brevard. Book now with Expedia.com
