Many people outside of North Carolina and South Carolina have never heard of Brevard, a little town I practically grew up in nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. While everyone spends their summers at the beach, I have always preferred playing outside in the mountains, specifically those in Brevard, for these 15 reasons.
1. There is no feeling in the world like looking out over a million-year-old mountain range.
Brevard is located right inside those blue Appalachian mountains that reach up to insane heights and roll amidst the valleys. Photos will never do them justice. If you're in Brevard, take a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway to check out some scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. White squirrels are real, and they are adorable.
There are approximately 1700 white squirrels in Brevard that reside mainly on Brevard College's campus downtown. The squirrels are famous in Brevard, and you'll find that you can buy some sort of white squirrel paraphernalia just about anywhere downtown, my favorite being the White Squirrel Sundae from Rocky's Soda Shop.
3. Rocky's Soda Shop has the best diner food I've ever eaten.
Madison Foster
Speaking of Rocky's Soda Shop... not only is the food amazing, but the atmosphere will literally transport you back to the 50s. They have classic burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes served in tall glasses.
4. Rocky's is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to quality restaurants in Brevard.
Madison Foster
Whether it's Mayberry's for Southern food, Quixote for Mexican food, Sora for Japanese food, Big Mike's for Italian food, The Square Root for something a little nicer, or dessert at Downtown Chocolates across the street, you're bound to find some restaurant that you'll love.
5. The locals are kind and hospitable.
GiphyEveryone here will greet you with a smile on their face and a "How are you, sweetheart?" Southern hospitality runs rampant here. You'll never meet a stranger.
6. There's an underground music venue.
Madison Foster
The DFR Room is quite literally underground and is located directly under Main Street. It's open Thursday-Saturday nights and features indie, alternative, and rock bands. You'll feel 200 times cooler just walking down the stone stairs that lead to this rocking venue.
7. The White Squirrel Festival
The White Squirrel Festival is a two-day tribute to Brevard's beloved white squirrels. It takes place downtown every year during the last weekend in May. The festival features amazing food, handmade art, kids activities (did someone say fair rides?), and fun events for all ages. How much cooler could this get?
8. Downtown Brevard closes its streets every holiday for a themed festival.
Whether it's the Fourth of July, Halloween, or Christmas, Brevard probably has a festival. Each one features tents similar to those at the White Squirrel Festival, but they are often tailored to fit the holiday they represent. For example, the Halloween festival has a costume contest!
9. The trees turn into rainbows in the fall.
Each tree sports a different shade of green, yellow, orange, red, and sometimes even purple. That's basically 85% of the rainbow. It's a sight to see.
10. The French Broad River
Madison Foster
This river is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or tubing down with your friends and family. It runs 213 miles from Rosman, N.C. to Knoxville, T.N., showcasing the beautiful mountainous landscape between the two states.
11. Camp
Madison Foster
There are over twenty summer camps in Brevard with staff and campers from all around the world. Coming to Brevard during the summer, you're bound to run into some fun people, and if you're lucky, you can find a summer job working at one of their camps.
12. Many scenes from "The Hunger Games" were filmed in Dupont State Forest.
GiphyDupont is gorgeous no matter what time of year, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, or viewing some amazing waterfalls. Plus, it's pretty cool to hike where Katniss Everdeen once started a revolution.
13. Looking Glass Rock
Whether you're hiking or climbing, this mountain and its rock are sure to impress.
14. No matter how old you are, you can be a kid again in O.P. Taylor's Toy Store.
Madison Foster
This two-story toy store has hundreds of toys and games, many of which you can test out right there in the store.
15. It is known as the "Land of the Waterfalls" for a reason.
Madison Foster
The sign that welcomes you into Brevard reads, "We Welcome You to the Land of the Waterfalls." In fact, there are over 200 beautiful waterfalls in Brevard including Hooker Falls, Rainbow Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Connestee Falls, and Courthouse Falls.
