Brevard, North Carolina, has several claims to fame, including the "Land of Waterfalls," named for the 250 cascades dotting its landscape; the summer camp capital of the country; and a habitat of white squirrels, a rare variant of the Eastern gray squirrel that is said to have arrived in Brevard via an overturned carnival truck.
What to do
Create your own summer camp-style adventure with excursions in nearby Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, which boast memorable hikes and waterfalls and epic mountain biking trails.
Located just off of Highway 276, Looking Glass Falls is the most easily accessible waterfall in the area, as well as the most visited — both in the Land of Waterfalls and the U.S. Take the short hike down the stairs to the base, or enjoy a pretty good view of the falls from the road.
Sliding Rock is a perfect natural waterslide that's an ideal way to cool off on a hot day. At around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, the water is better described as cold than cool and shoots down the 60-foot rock at about 11,000 gallons per minute. Sliding Rock is open from late April or early May until late October, there's a fee of $5 per person, and there are restrooms on-site and a lifeguard on duty. The parking lot fills quickly, so it's best to arrive as early as possible.
Hike to the top of Looking Glass Rock, a 6-mile jaunt that takes around four hours roundtrip. Gaining about 1,700 feet in elevation, this hike is steep in parts but suitable for most ages and abilities. You'll want to start this activity early to avoid sharing the stunning views from the open cliff face at the top with a crowd.
Getty Images / Brevards Main Street is full of shops to explore.
Take a self-guided tour of waterfalls featured in "The Hunger Games," filmed in 2011 in DuPont State Recreational Forest at Bridal Veil Falls, Triple Falls and the covered bridge at High Falls.
It wouldn't be summer camp without arts and crafts, and luckily, Brevard is rich with culture for a small mountain town. The world-class Brevard Music Center hosts 400 musicians every summer to study, train and perform 80 concerts for the public. Visit the plethora of art galleries lining Main Street when they host gallery walks on Friday nights.
Among downtown Brevard's charming stores is O.P. Taylor's, a dream of a toy shop that's a must-stop for kids and kids at heart. Filling 6,000 square feet and two stories, the store has a remarkable selection of puzzles, stuffed animals and Legos, as well as almost any other toy and game you can imagine. For kids who have grown up without visiting a genuine toy store where they can see, touch and play with the merchandise, O.P. Taylor's is an experience they won't soon forget. For those who grew up begging their parents to stop by K.B. Toys or Toys R Us, it's a welcome dose of nostalgia.
Getty Images / Rockys Grill and Soda Shop is a Brevard experience not to be missed.
Eat & Drink
After a day outdoors, stop at Oskar Blues Brewery Brevard for beer, food-truck burgers and live music. Tour the brewery or just enjoy the pet- and kid-friendly covered outdoor patio.
Rocky's Grill and Soda Shop is an old-fashioned diner known for its milkshakes, chili dogs and grilled sandwiches. This roadside stop sometimes has a wait, but it's worth it for the fun atmosphere, and the food comes out fairly quickly.
Stay
The architect-designed cabins at Pilot Cove: Forest Lodging feature back decks overlooking Pisgah National Forest, which borders the 64-acre property. Every cabin has a washer and dryer and full kitchen. The property is located next to The Hub, where you can grab a bite from a food truck, rent or purchase gear from the bike shop or stop by the Pisgah Tavern for a beer.
If a luxurious bed and breakfast is more your speed, the Bromfield Inn offers a comfortable stay a short walk from downtown. Previous guests rave about the soft sheets, delicious breakfast and afternoon wine.
Getty Images / O.P. Taylors, a local toy shop, is a must-stop destination for kids and kids at heart.