Some would argue that the tiny, scenic hamlet of Cedar Mountain is not exactly a secret. Just a few miles southeast of Brevard, there’s more to Cedar Mountain than just sweet views and studios. It’s a great spot for a day trip along a ribbon of highway through a beautiful landscape, and a place to catch your breath on the doorstep of outdoor adventure.
You might start with a few of the shops and studios on
Scenic 276. You’re likely to discover some extraordinary arts, crafts and maybe the occasional bit of local lore. Duck Pond Pottery offers a wide variety of pottery, sculpture and architectural elements handcrafted by Nick Friedman. When the weather’s nice, stick around for Duck Pond at Dusk and hear great live musicians perform at this charming spot.
Next up, you might play a few holes at
Sherwood Forest Golf Club, which offers golfers a chance not only to play a gorgeous par 3, 18-hole, Audubon Sanctuary course, but to play with the assistance of llamas (yes, llamas) as caddies.
By now you should have worked up an appetite. Don't miss
Cedar Mountain Café, an excellent spot to grab a bite and catch up on all the local news, or swing by the
Whistle Stop Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods and fine wines. They're literally right next door to
DuPont State Recreational Forest, which offers over 10,000 acres where you can find your favorite kind of outdoor adventure. If it’s waterfalls you’re after, Cedar Mountain boasts quite a few. While the falls in DuPont are legendary, Connestee Falls, located off of Highway 276, has both spectacular sights and also an easily accessible viewing area.
After all that exploration, it’s time to wind down. Why not grab an ice cream, a healthy snack or a beer and unwind at the lively
Cedar Mountain Canteen? There you can compare notes with fellow travelers on a sunny patio as you plan your next Transylvania County adventure.
