Discover the Heart of Adventure 24 HOURS in NORTH CAROLINA’S LAND of WATERFALLS
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Discover the Heart of Adventure 24 HOURS IN NORTH CAROLINA’S LAND OF WATERFALLS revard and Transylvania County, North Carolina are dinner in the dining room, and finish up with a nightcap by B truly the heart of adventure. Surrounded by four the fireplace or weather permitting, on the lawn under the state and national forests and home to 250 waterfalls, this stars alongside a wonderful fire pit. buzzing, authentic western North Carolina community has long been celebrated as a mecca for outdoor sports and CONSIDER THE SOURCE exploration, vibrant arts and culture, a charming mountain Start the following morning with breakfast on the patio town, and travelers looking for the perfect escape. by the lake and a ride back down 64 to Highway 215. At the intersection, pause to check out the headwaters of the A ROOM WITH A VIEW French Broad River, one of the oldest rivers in the world. To start your journey, wind up Highway 64 from downtown Home to aptly named Headwaters Outfitters, a beloved Brevard, climbing the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. local institution providing a full range of guide services, You’ll find spectacular views atLake Toxaway, a resort you’ll discover a terrific menu of outdoor opportunities, community with Gilded Age roots at what feels like the top including paddling, kayaking, tubing and fly-fishing trips. of the world. There you’ll find the historicGreystone Inn, a Afternoons and evenings are often lively at Headwaters’ luxurious waterside hotel with 30 rooms and suites featuring Forks of the River taproom, where adventurers can enjoy a world-class amenities and gorgeous views of the lake. Once variety of local draughts and mouth-watering snacks from you check in, relax on a terrace and enjoy the scenery or avail an array of local food trucks. yourself of a relaxing treatment at the Inn’s Water’s Edge Spa. Once mellowed, head out for an evening cocktail aboard FALLS ALL AROUND Miss Lucy, the Inn’s 26-passenger vintage mahogany boat as After traveling 9.2 miles north on 215, you’ll reach Living you watch the sun set over the mountains. Enjoy a delicious Waters, a retreat center that offers easy access to three 250 Waterfalls 300 Miles of 1,000 Miles 100,000 Acres of Largest Granite Single Track of Trails Outdoor Adventure Monolith East of the Mississippi Nathan Jordan | [email protected] | (828) 398-5251 Karen Tessier | [email protected] | (828) 398-5250 Clark Lovelace | [email protected] | (828) 884-8900 of Transylvania’s beautiful waterfalls. Park on the shoulder cliff is visible from the road with an easily accessible just past the center and take a short hike up to French Broad overlook, if you’re inclined to park. If you have a little extra Falls and Mill Shoals Falls, which are side by side behind the time, you might sneak in a 1.2-mile hike to Moore Cove Falls buildings. A bit further downstream, you’ll find Cathedral for a view of the towering 50-foot, free flowing waterfall. Falls, a lovely waterfall located beside a stunning rock face. If And for the young at heart, there’s always Sliding Rock, the you have extra time, take 215 up to gravel Forest Road 140 to ever popular 60 foot “natural water slide” that plays host to the trailhead for picturesque Courthouse Falls, as well. hundreds of thrill seekers during the warmer months. DRIVE ON TOP OF THE WORLD FIND YOUR SWEET SPOT Continue up 215 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This gorgeous As you wind out of Pisgah National Forest, you might be in the ribbon of scenic highway runs 469 miles through Virginia mood for a treat or a cold beverage (or maybe both). A favorite and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah National Park to the local haunt, Dolly’s offers wonderful ice cream and hot dogs Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The section that runs and is located just past the entrance to the forest. Across the through Transylvania County offers stunning panoramas and street and around the corner, you’ll findEcusta Brewing, a local some truly unforgettable natural landmarks, overlooks, and brewery with an always delicious selection on tap. Food trucks a wealth of recreational opportunities. Shortly after turning are usually on hand for a late lunch, but those looking for table onto the Parkway, you’ll spy the grizzled, stony side of Devil’s service might consider barbecue at Hawg Wild or fresh trout Courthouse, a rock-faced mountain that abuts the Parkway and hushpuppies at Pisgah Fish Camp. from the road. Those looking for a great view might consider taking a short hike to its rocky peak from the adjacent overlook. TALK OF THE TOWN In late afternoon, you can stroll around historic downtown Continue north up the parkway enjoying the vistas. You’ll find Brevard, where you’ll find a host of shops and local galleries, a few more “can’t-miss” sights at the Pounding Mill Overlook. both in downtown proper and a few blocks away in the lively From there, you’ll have a fantastic view of Looking Glass Rock, Lumberyard Arts District. There’s a wide variety of dining a massive monolith nestled amid the blue peaks, named for the options as well, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. way its enormous granite face reflects the sunlight. MOUNTAIN MELODIES INTO THE WOODS Brevard’s local music scene offers a little something for Turn right off the Parkway at Highway 276, and descend everyone, from intimate blues and rock at 185 King to once again into the lush, green wonderland of Pisgah bluegrass jams throughout the town to world-class classical, National Forest. There are plenty of things to do and sights rock, pop and jazz performers during the summer at the to see along or just off the road when headed down the Brevard Music Center. No matter your taste, you’ll find mountain. The Cradle of Forestry, which commemorates the the toe-tapping rhythms, bluegrass jams or the swell of a first Forestry School in North America, offers informative symphony to soundtrack your perfect weekend, and to send exhibits, unique events, and some beautiful trails on premise. you off with sweet dreams when you tuck in for the night Looking Glass Falls, a breathtaking cascade over a towering back at the Greystone Inn. Insider tips, itineraries and more at ExploreBrevard.com @explorebrevardnc @Explore Brevard @Explore_Brevard.