Just a 50-mile drive from central Greenville is the little town of Brevard, North Carolina. With unique shops, great restaurants, and a scenic drive, you might just find yourself penciling in this destination on your day-trip adventure list. Spend the day exploring Brevard, a mountain town with small-town vibes. You may even catch a glimpse of one of Brevard’s most prized residents: a white squirrel!
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Fall foliage isn’t the only incentive to make the trek from the Upstate to Brevard. The beauty of the mountains surrounds you long before you reach town. The scenic drive up Highway 25 is dotted with produce stands, pumpkins, and antique shops. Highway 64 through Hendersonville will carry you straight into downtown Brevard, NC. Though a bit longer, this route is preferable to Highway 276 for me as I’m not a fan of corkscrew-shaped roads.
If you’re planning a trip to WNC, use our handy guide to find things to do, places to visit, and where to eat on your WNC adventure!
Shopping on Main Street in Brevard
Once in Brevard, North Carolina, there’s no shortage of things to do. Main Street is lined with eccentric shops and unique eateries. There are no parking garages, but it’s rarely an issue. You’re allowed to park in the lots of just about every public building and business. You cannot imagine how convenient that is until you are looking for a place to put your car.
If you’re in need of new outdoor gear but want a more local experience, then D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors is the place to go. They have backpacks, shoes, clothes, and survival gear to help you prepare for your next adventure in Pisgah National Forest!
This mini-Gatlinburg is a haven for anyone who loves collectibles, trinkets, and unique finds you won’t find at your local mall. Brevard is home to the original O.P. Taylor’s store. Your kiddos will love the two-tier toy wonderland.
I can’t write an article about Brevard without mentioning the absolute coolest store on the block. It’s called The Children’s Center Emporium (TCC). TCC is a not-for-profit clothing store that supports children in Transylvania County who are at risk of being abused and/or neglected. This store is THE place to shop for the little members of your family. It’s a special place to find name-brand clothes and handmade gifts at lower prices.
Where to Eat in Brevard
Whether eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re certain to find something in Brevard, North Carolina to please the pickiest palate (bet you can’t say that five times fast). Our crew likes to eat a big breakfast before leaving on a day trip, so we usually snack for lunch and enjoy an early dinner. This brings me to my next recommendation.
Have you heard of The Square Root restaurant? I immediately fell in love with this back-alley surprise. In addition to the atmosphere, they have one of the most realistic children’s menus I’ve seen. Your kiddos can enjoy their PB&J or corn dog while the adults at the table savor a more upscale entrée. My personal favorite was the juicy cheeseburger with a pickle and a side of fries. Don’t forget to walk across the alley to Downtown Chocolates for dessert!
Maybe you need a pick-me-up after all that walking. Then, head to Cup and Saucer for a nice espresso and a sweet treat. They sell freshly baked goods, but also specialty coffee, beer, and wine.
You’ll also find several breweries in Brevard, so there is no shortage of beer if you’re looking for it. Ecusta Brewing Company is pretty well-known in the area, and they are close to Pisgah Forest, making it a nice stop after a day outdoors. Located right next to the forest entrance, The Hub is another option. Brevard Brewing Company is just down the street from O.P. Taylor’s if you’re looking for something within walking distance of the downtown area.
Outdoor Things to Do in Brevard, NC
In addition to all the food and merchandise, Brevard has historical sites you don’t want to miss and is practically in the backyard of Gorges State Park. The park offers regular activities and special events. You can visit their website for a full listing of family-friendly fun.
You can also make a quick drive out of town to Looking Glass Falls, one of the most accessible waterfalls near Greenville. Moore Cove Falls is just up the road and requires only a short hike from the parking area. You can even walk behind it. There are several waterfalls near Brevard (Brevard is known as the Land of Waterfalls), so you won’t have to travel far for an epic adventure after your day downtown.
One of our favorite adventures in Brevard is riding down the river with Brevard Tubing. You get to ride in a hot pink tube down the French Broad River, while being lazy and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Sounds like a plan! Just note that tubing is a summer activity: Brevard Tubing’s 2026 season ran from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so check the site for the current season before you go.
If you want to continue your outdoor adventure, we highly recommend the natural waterslide, Sliding Rock. Here, you can slide down a natural rock formation and plunge into the chilly mountain water below. We promise, your kids will want to do it over and over again, and you will too.
One of the best outdoor places in Brevard is at Dupont State Recreational Forest. Here you can hike, mountain bike, and even swim. There are multiple waterfalls, and did you know that they even filmed portions of the Hunger Games at Triple Falls?
If you’re heading to Brevard in October, be sure to check out Pumpkin Fest at Silvermont Park! Held annually by The Friends of Silvermont on the last four weekends in October (check the Pumpkin Fest website for this year’s dates), the festival offers a great adventure for little kids to enjoy the Halloween season while hunting for white squirrels along a paved trail lit up by carved pumpkins. There is also live music and food trucks. The money raised helps restore the Silvermont mansion and park.
Grab your binoculars and go on a sight hunt of Brevard’s most prized locals, the white squirrels. There is a large population of white squirrels in Brevard, and you’ll find everything named after them, from stores to souvenirs. Hopefully, you’ll catch a glimpse because they are super cute! You’ll find larger populations in Silvermont, around Brevard College, and Franklin Park, so pack a picnic.
Now that I have piqued your interest, it’s time for you and your family to plan your next road trip.
