How is it already May? It seems like just yesterday I was trying to find a pair of gloves to wear on a chilly winter’s hike, and the next thing you know it’s nearly time to pull out the bathing suit for my first turn down Sliding Rock this season. We’re not quite at full-on summer yet, but on a clear day, you can see it from here. 

What does that mean in Transylvania County? Well, lots of fun for sure. We’ve got some of our favorite local festivals, live music, glorious art, long, lazy evenings, sunny days for all your expeditions and ample opportunity to explore what all those April showers did to both the May flowers and the waterfalls (hint: it’s pretty spectacular). Come enjoy this back half of spring with us, and plan for all your adventures ahead this summer,

Catch you on the trail, 
The Adventurist

As the old adage says, “No good deed goes unfed.” Join Headwaters Staff of volunteers in this annual event to pick up trash on and along the French Broad River and enjoy breakfast and lunch  (as well as some gorgeous riverside scenery) for your worthwhile endeavors. Canoes and trash bags provided. BYO: sturdy gloves, river shoes and trash-handling tools.

The high elevation, winding, scenic trails, and storybook waterfalls have long made Gorges a popular destination among those looking for the art of nature. This fine art show hosted at Gorges visitors center will focus on wildlife and nature and feature works from some of Western North Carolina’s most talented artists. Painting by Sue Gouse

Now in its second year, the Songsmith Festival brings a two-stage line-up of some of the great songwriters across genres for a full-day of unforgettable performances at the scenic Brevard Music Center. This year’s line-up includes David Crosby, Mipso, Hush Kids, Sarah Siskind and many more. A wide variety of food and beverage options will also be available to keep you going throughout this extraordinary event. Pictured: David Crosby

Explore Pisgah National Forest’s most magnificent waterfalls on this informative tour. And after you’ve whetted your appetite on the history and unique geology at a few of Transylvania County’s most spectacular landmarks, come back to downtown Brevard to sample some wine at Broad Street Wines.

While there’s never a bad time to be a white squirrel, late May in Brevard is basically peak season for appreciation of Transylvania County’s fluffiest mascot with three-days of incredible live music by the likes of Sister Sparrow, Jamie Laval, Clint Roberts, Po Ramblin’ Boys, Lovers Leap, Chatham Rabbits and so many more at what just might be the best free street festival in Western North Carolina. And while you might come for the tunes, stick around for the memorial parade, the road race, the photo contest, delicious food, beer, and plenty of stuff for the kids.

What lurks in the shadows once the lights go low? Could it be an owl? A coyote? A firefly? All three? Naturalist Bryan Suson can help you riddle it all out on this enjoyable family-friendly late-night trek through Andy Cove. Kids are warmly welcome. But please leave the pets at home. 

Also of note in May:

How to Float your Boat