It’s Official: North Carolina’s Very Own Brevard Is One Of The Country’s Best Small Towns To Visit This Year

The power of the pandemic may have kept us at bay from traveling for a few years, but now, more than ever, it's imperative to explore the world. And North Carolina's small towns are a wonderful place to begin. In 2021, the Smithsonian Magazine listed 10 small towns in North America that belong on your travel bucket list, and Brevard, North Carolina made the list! So plan a trip and come visit Brevard, North Carolina.

For a wonderful getaway close to home, hit the road to the small town of Brevard, North Carolina.

Incorporated in 1889 as the county seat of Transylvania County, Brevard is loaded with must-see sights and attractions, wonderful places to spend a night (or longer), loads of shops and galleries, and lots of restaurants.

Of course, no visit to Brevard would be quite complete without perusing the number one toy store in the South: O.P. Taylors.

No matter the age, every patron here feels like a kid again browsing through the 6,000 square feet of fun merchandise in the original O.P. Taylor's location. (The store also has locations in Asheville and Greenville, South Carolina.)

After, head over to a wonderful pottery stop.

At Mud Dabber's Pottery, you'll find a world of creative concoctions made out of clay. Pick out something to help you always remember your trip and a gift or two for friends.

Brevard is known as The Land of Waterfalls, so be sure to carve out some time to go see some of them.

Slick Rock Falls, a 30-foot monstrosity found in the half-million-acre Pisgah National Forest belongs on that bucket list. Take a short 0.9-mile hike to find yourself standing at its base.

For those who love to explore even longer trails, the nearby Art Loeb Trail is a must.

It spans 30 miles and is one of the longest trails in the state... and positively stunning.

Want to kick back and rest after a day of exploring all Brevard has to offer?

Deerwoode Reserve Lodge and Cabins is located on 170 acres along the French Broad River. Enjoy the rustic accommodations and kayak or canoe on the river. Mountain bike, hike, fish, and more all from your home away from home.

Prefer to stay nearer to the action in downtown Brevard?

Editors note: The Red House Inn unfortunately has been sold and is now a private residence.

Red House Inn, situated a convenient block off West Main Street, offers accommodations in their historic inn as well as nearby vacation homes where you have the entire house. Enjoy the spoils of being downtown while hunkering down in a cozy bed and breakfast at the Red House Inn.

Folks love the options for dining out in Brevard. That's the beauty of a tourist town; many choices for dining!

Mayberry's at 30 West Main Street offers a casual atmosphere with delicious sandwiches and more. The food always gets rave reviews across the Internet, and the menu is varied enough for there to be something to please everyone.

If you are looking for something a little more upscale for a meal, Then you will want to try The Falls Landing.

The Falls Landing is on the other end of Main Street (18 East Main Street). Steaks and seafood are the main theme here. The eatery also offers vegetarian and vegan options as well as seating outside on the tree-lined Main Street.

Best of all? Brevard is enjoyable every single season! Go in the snow, make it point to go when the leaves are peaking in color, or get out of the heat of the summer with a visit to this mountain town nestled down in a valley on top of the mountains. For more about Brevard, check out the official visit Brevard, North Carolina, tourism website for the city

Also, keep reading to learn how Brevard is the best town for antiquing in North Carolina and to learn a very cool secret most people don't realize about Brevard!