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Dear Traveler:
It seems like only yesterday I was lamenting the last of the falling leaves and bundling up for a cold winter ride. Now the forests are thick with new leaves, full of wildflowers and absolutely crying out for adventure. Judging from the number of happy faces I saw on the trails this last weekend, folks are heeding the call.
Time sure flies when you’re having fun. And fun is certainly not in short supply. Now that we’re in spring’s home stretch, it’s a great time to get some preliminary exploring in before we go (literally) splashing into summer (Sliding Rock opens Memorial Day. See you there). From famous festivals to thrilling expeditions and all the gorgeous spring scenery in between, the month of May has got your “Things To Do” category covered.
May The Force Be With You,
The Adventurist
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YOU OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES
Land of Waterfalls Camera Club
TC Arts
349 S Caldwell St, Brevard
May 8-29
Zoom in for a close up at this gallery show displaying the works of the many talented members of the Land of Waterfalls Camera Club. Meet some of the photographers themselves at an opening night reception, Friday, May 8th from 5-7pm and again at the 4th Friday Gallery Walk, on May 22nd. Photo by Nancy Dumville.
Point and click here for more.
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TOTALLY BOARD
Stand Up Paddling on Lake Julia
4469 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest
Friday, May 8
1-4pm
Need to find some balance? Looking for a new talent to impress your friends this summer? Join an experienced, fun-loving instructor for a lesson in Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) on the always lovely Lake Julia. All equipment provided, but you’re encouraged to pack a picnic lunch.
Float over here for more details.
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HOE DOWN
Garden Day
Cradle of Forestry
Saturday, May 9
9am-5pm
Springtime means high time to get your garden into peak condition. Learn National Wildlife Federation methods for turning lawns into meadows, making backyard gardens pollinator friendly and encouraging visits from butterflies with the “Make Way for the Monarchs” program.
Flutter on down for more details.
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HOOKED ON A FEELING
On the Water: Little River
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
Tuesday, May 12
10am-3pm
Anglers aged 12 and up can hone their skills alongside the beautiful Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest. On this fun, relaxing fishing excursion, you can learn about wading, reading the water, casting, knots, stream entomology and lots more just down river from the magnificent High Falls. Equipment and materials provided.
Reel in some more information here.
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GORGE OUT
Gorges Gratitude Day
Gorges State Park
Saturday, May 16
10am-6pm
Gorges State Park features some of the South’s most dramatic vistas, steep climbs, lush forests and spectacular waterfalls. It also has one of the coolest visitor’s centers around, which is where you’ll want to go for this all-day event, featuring music, food, special programs and lots more.
Park yourself here for more details.
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CLEAN-UP CRUISE
Annual French Broad River Clean-Up
Headwaters Outfitters, Rosman
Saturday, May 16
9:15am
As the old adage says, “No good deed goes un-breakfasted.” Join Headwaters staff and volunteers in this annual event to pick up trash on and along the French Broad River and enjoy a free meal (as well as some gorgeous riverside scenery) for all your worthwhile endeavors. Canoes provided. BYO: sturdy gloves, river shoes and trash-handling tools.
Grab your garbage bag and head over here for more info.
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BETTER HIGH TAIL IT!
The White Squirrel Festival
Downtown Brevard
May 22-24
It’s three days of great live music, delicious food, a 5K, arts and crafts vendors, loads of family-friendly activities, a Memorial Day parade, local brews and an unparalleled opportunity to hang out in downtown Brevard with some of the nicest squirrels folks around. This year’s headlining acts include Scythian, the Jeff Sipe Trio, Clint Roberts and Pisgah Pete, a local white squirrel hero.
More information (and a complete list of squirrel-themed shenanigans) squirreled away here.
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COMING SOON!
Brevard Music Center Summer Festival
June 18-August 2
Brevard Blues & BBQ Festival
June 5 and 6
June will be here before you know it. And you know what that means? Lots and lots of incredible music. The two-day Brevard Blues & BBQ Festival kicks off on Friday, June 5, and just two weeks later, the Brevard Music Center's Summer Festival opens on June 20th with acclaimed pianist, André Watts. Local superstars, the Steep Canyon Rangers, will take the stage at Whittington-Pfohl on Tuesday, June 30th for a not-to-be-missed BMC Presents show. In all, the Festival includes 80 fully-staged orchestral, chamber and opera performances. Peruse the schedule here and get your tickets for the Blues Festival and all Brevard Music Center Festival performances before these popular events sell out. You can also visit or call the Brevard Music Center box office at 828.862.2105.
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My Transylvania is a new regular feature, highlighting places and experiences that make the Land of Waterfalls so special. This month’s spotlight is on the Art Loeb Trail located in Pisgah National Forest.
ART LOEB TRAIL
What is it? An epic hike through Pisgah National Forest.
How long does it take? If you want to do the entire length of the trail, give yourself two days (with one night of camping) to make this trek. You can also structure simple out and back hikes depending on the amount of time you have.
What makes it special? Named after outdoors activist Art Loeb, this trail stretches 31 miles across what seems like the rim of the earth. In fact, that’s one of the delights of this trail: it’s a ridgeline route that offers up one exhilarating vista after another. Accessible from many points in Pisgah National Forest, the trail lends itself to a number of manageable loops. But if you want to go epic, park one car at Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp in Haywood County and another car at Davidson River Campground where your journey will begin. There are shelters along the way at Butter Gap and Deep Gap.
Distance: 30.1 miles
Trails: Art Loeb Trail (part of the Mountains to Sea trail)
Starting Point: Davidson River Campground
Directions to trailhead: From intersection of US-276/US-64/NC-280, enter Pisgah National Forest. Go 1.3 miles on US-276 to the Davidson River Campground.
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