Guide to Downtown Brevard NC

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Guide to Downtown Brevard, North Carolina

Brevard NC is truly one of the most extraordinary places to visit in North Carolina. Situated in the heart of beautiful Transylvania County, Brevard offers excellent access to some of the most incredible nature attractions in North Carolina and the Southeastern United States. Of course, Brevard isn’t just about enjoying singletrack trails, mountain vistas, countless waterfalls, and white squirrels – the Downtown area offers plenty to enjoy on your visit! This is your guide to Downtown Brevard, NC.

The Authenticity of Downtown Brevard

Prepare to be surprised! Downtown Brevard, NC, may seem quaint at first glance, but its charm unfolds like a hidden treasure map. Expect to adjust your plans to savor more time exploring its vibrant offerings.

You’ll discover some incredibly unique boutiques in the downtown area, but the shopping experience doesn’t end there. Many of the best antique shops in the area are located downtown, along with plenty of other choices for your shopping needs. From children’s toys to salvaged furniture – many shopping options are at your discretion.

In addition to shopping, you’ll find some incredible restaurants downtown. Brevard also provides an amazing live music scene with plenty of venues including the Brevard Music Center and 185 King Street. There’s no shortage of things to enjoy and the downtown area is sure to offer up many pleasant surprises.

History of Brevard

Brevard, NC has a deep history, starting with the Cherokee Tribe. The Tribe inhabited the area, using the Estatoe Path as a trading route from Transylvania County into South Carolina. In the early 1800s, Transylvania County was settled by Scots-Irish immigrants who chose the area for the abundance of natural resources and very rich soil. Many of the first settlers to the area were farmers and many of the forests found near Brevard today were actually farmland centuries ago.

In 1861, Transylvania County was established and the population has grown enough that a town near Rock Springs was created. The new town that was created was named Brevard, which was a tribute to Ephraim Brevard, a surgeon during the American Revolution. Brevard College was founded in 1853, and relocated to its current location in 1934.

The area saw a surge in growth when the Transylvania Railroad was established in 1899. The railroad brought passengers from Brevard to Hendersonville and allowed some of the wealthiest families to vacation at Lake Toxaway. Many industries became profitable because of the railroad and the tourist traffic.

Today Brevard has grown into the hub of Transylvania County, offering a quant small town charm with an eclectic mix of locals and mountain culture.

Brevard NC Pilot Cove

Things to do in Downtown Brevard, NC

While the charm of Downtown Brevard is found within the incredible restaurants and boutique shops, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy throughout the area, as well. Some of the top attractions found around Downtown Brevard include:

The surrounding area also offers numerous attractions, including some of the best antique and pottery galleries in the Southeast US. Throughout the year, Downtown Brevard also plays host to a number of excellent events including the White Squirrel Weekend, the July 4th Celebration, Halloweenfest, Mountain Song Festival, and the Christmas Parade & Twilight Tour. Downtown Brevard is home to WSQL 102.1, also known as White Squirrel Radio. Be sure to tune in to the station during your visit!

Shopping in Brevard

While you may come to Brevard for Pisgah National Forest or the Brevard Music Center, you’ll likely discover some of the incredible shops found throughout Downtown.

Some of our favorite places for shopping and art galleries include:

Downtown Brevard Restaurant

Restaurants in Downtown Brevard

Of course, after a long day of shopping or exploring the vast Pisgah National Forest, if you aren’t cooking a meal in your full kitchen at Pilot Cove, you’ll want to grab a meal! Downtown Brevard is home to some incredible restaurants with choices ranging from casual to fine dining. You’ll find pizza and sandwich shops, along with bars, grills and fine dining.

Some of the top choices for dining in downtown include:

In addition, the area surrounding downtown Brevard is home to many excellent breweries and taprooms. From Ecusta Brewing to HUB and Pisgah Tavern, Squatch Bikes and Brews to Brevard Brewing Company, and much more, make sure you check out the complete list!

Downtown Brevard Courthouse

Visiting Downtown Brevard, NC

When you arrive in Brevard, you may have an itinerary filled with waterfall hikes and other outdoor activities. While this is an excellent way to enjoy the area, don’t forget to plan some time for to enjoy downtown! From dining to shopping to live music, there’s plenty to enjoy in Downtown Brevard. Please be sure to check out the Heart of Brevard for a list of authentic locally-owned businesses to explore during your visit, including their excellent PDF dining and shopping guide!

Make Pilot Cove Your Basecamp

Pilot Cove is a premier hospitality resort for family fun and outdoor recreation tourism, and is the perfect basecamp for your adventures in Pisgah National Forest and Brevard, NC. Located adjacent to the vast Pisgah National Forest and its renowned trails and trophy waters, Pilot Cove is also a short drive or ride from Downtown Brevard, offering the perfect location for your next Western NC vacation.

Pilot Cove