Field Notes: Off The Beaten Path: Arts, Culture, and History Stops

In a county full of trails, sometimes we like taking the path less traveled.

Beyond the scenic vistas and cascading waterfalls of Transylvania County, a vibrant undercurrent of arts, culture, and history breathes life into our communities. Passionate folks work tirelessly to tell our stories and chronicle our history. Artists paint, sculpt, and create beautiful pieces inspired by the culture and landscapes that make us unique. It’s really something special, and we think more people ought to check it out. So, consider this your road map to a few of our favorite hidden gems. Come with us off the beaten path to discover the arts, culture, and history of Transylvania County – along with a few well-known favorite stops in the area.

The streets of Brevard are bustling with eclectic shops and delicious eateries along with incredible stops for arts and history. Several art galleries line Brevard’s Main Street, along with whimsical sculptures that make the city’s Sculpture Tour. Be sure to stop by Canto 34 to grab a coffee before a day of gallery hopping. This coffee shop is located in a historic fire station, and it also features local art.

Brevard is also home to a number of interesting historical sites and museums. Just a short walk from the art galleries, you can explore the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas and the Transylvania Heritage Museum. Silvermont Park & Mansion is also a fun stop, especially if you have younger history buffs in tow. After all of that history and exploration, check out one of our great restaurants in town for lunch like Rocky's Grill and Soda Shop, a retro-style diner, or Morning Social, located in Brevard’s historic lumberyard district.

The Scenic 276 Arts Corridor weaves its way through the picturesque community of Cedar Mountain. Along the way, you’ll find scenic mountain vistas and a few must-see galleries like Studio 276, Lizards Rock and Mud Dabbers Pottery. Fuel up for the drive with lunch at Cedar Mountain Cafe.

While in Cedar Mountain, you’ll also want to check out McGaha Chapel. Finished in 1872, the McGaha Chapel remains in pristine condition, still containing some of its original hand-pressed glass windows, weatherboard siding, front-gable roof, and boxed eaves.

The communities in Transylvania County’s western region offer a unique assortment of arts and historical sites. The Lake Toxaway Art Guild hosts an annual art show, with this year’s event scheduled for October 5th. Nearby, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) welcomes private tour visitors eager to explore the next frontier—outer space.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Greystone Inn is a must. This historic lakeside retreat, dating back over a century, invites visitors to explore its stunning grounds, even if they aren’t overnight guests. Relax in an Adirondack chair with breathtaking views of Lake Toxaway or enjoy a meal at the Inn’s elegant restaurant, which features locally inspired cuisine.

If you're looking for a more casual option, head to the nearby Grand Olde Station. Housed in the former Train Depot, this beloved restaurant offers a delightful dining experience and is a treasure trove of Lake Toxaway history, with artifacts and stories from the region’s past adding to its charm. Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, the Grand Olde Station is as much a part of Lake Toxaway’s heritage as the Greystone Inn itself.

On the east side of Transylvania County, there are wonderful things to explore in the town of Pisgah Forest. Discover a unique and sustainable spin on art at Tiresquatch by Marcia Moore, who creates incredible sculptures using discarded materials from local bike shops. You can catch a glimpse of Tiresquatch while driving down Highway 280.

For a bit of history, swing by the Allison-Deaver House. Built in 1815, the Allison-Deaver house was purchased by the Transylvania County Historical Society after it was slated for demolition in 1987. Those interested in visiting the historic home can contact the Transylvania County Historical Society. And, we can’t talk about history without mentioning the Cradle of Forestry. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, the Cradle of Forestry was established to “preserve, develop, and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America.”

Before leaving Pisgah Forest, stop by Pisgah Fish Camp for lunch or dinner. These guys have been serving mouthwatering seafood to the community for over 50 years.

Trailblazers are those who forge their own path, both figuratively through life and literally out on the trail. They bring new visions to fruition, even when the “how” is unclear. Let us introduce you to these local folks — the ones who pour their hearts into the Transylvania County community to make it an authentic and welcoming place— the Trailblazers.