I love Brevard in June. How about you? There’s campers and canoes, waterfalls and woodwinds, and an Arts and Culture Celebration that stretches straight into July (oh my)! The level of excitement among the white squirrel trendsetters is literally off the charts.  And we haven’t even discussed either Sliding Rock or Opening Weekend at Brevard Music Center, yet.

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that summertime in Brevard is a truly magical time of year. You could pick one thrilling thing do every day and only hit a fraction of what’s out there. But I’ve put together a few places to start, no matter what your style of adventure looks like.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

The Adventurist

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that just about the only thing that makes a sunset more spectacular is when you can see it over a stunning mountain vista. This two-mile hike will wind up with a perfect 360-degree view of an unforgettable twilight experience. Then, after nightfall, learn a little about the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest from your naturalist guide.  Isn’t it romantic?

Enjoy a two-hour paddle down the historic French Broad River at twilight and then refresh yourself with a cold one and a brewery tour. This collaboration from Headwaters Outfitters and Oskar Blues promises an almost too-good-to-be-true combination with boats and brews every Friday night this summer. 21+. 

Looking for a chance to stroll the red carpet and check out some of your favorite Transylvania County locations on the big screen? You're warmly invited to attend the premiere of SuttleFilm's "The Evil Inside Her," which was shot in Brevard and Rosman, and then stick around for a Meet & Greet with star Eric Roberts and other members of the cast and crew. 

Come out and celebrate the beautiful French Broad River from Rosman’s scenic Champion Park. This all-day family-friendly, river-themed festival will feature live music, free tubing rides, vendors, food trucks, archery, scavenger hunt, and the start of the 20-mile Hellbender Paddle Relay Race. 

For over two decades, the folks at Brevard’s D. D. Bullwinkel’s have helped visitors and locals gear up for their next great expedition. They’re planning to celebrate the achievement with a party of epic proportion with live music, great food, raffles, demonstrations and lots of excellent family fun. 

The Brevard Music Center Summer Festival will kick off its 83rd season with a spectacular opening weekend featuring classical performances (an All-Tchaikovsky opening night extravaganza), stirring melodies (Resphigi’s Church Windows), a little bit of soul (The Temptations & The Four Tops), and great American songs (“That’s Entertainment” with Michael Feinstein). Grab a ticket, find a spot in or around the idyllic, open-air Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium, and enjoy a night of music from some of the best performers in the world. The festival runs until August 4th. 

Wander around downtown Brevard at dusk and enjoy the galleries, live music, extended boutique hours and an excellent opportunity to get to know the creative types that make Brevard such an inspiring place. Maybe drop by TC Arts for the opening of the Transylvania Art Guild’s Summer Showcase and find out about some of the other 90 local events that comprise the 2019 Arts & Culture Celebration, June 21-July 4. 

Also of note in June: