It’s almost August out there. How can that be? Summer seems to have just begun, and here we are at almost the end. Time sure flies when you’re having fun. We’ve certainly been having fun this summer.  Just ask the white squirrels, they’re still going on about the Fourth of July. 

I’ve always thought August was underrated for a month that boasts many warm, sunny days. And this month’s bevy of thrilling activities and opportunities for solid, late-summer fun in Transylvania County certainly backs me up on that opinion. So get on out there and make the most of the season. That last trip down Sliding Rock this summer is not going to make itself.

Stay cool, friends! 
The Adventurist

Not all hikes require water shoes and swimsuits, but then again not all hikes assume that you’ll spend most of your walking time at least partially in the water. This fun, family-friendly event combines creekside exploration, gem mining, and a ride down a sliding rock into a perfect post-picnic outing. 

There’s a secret garden high above Lake Toxaway, filled with some of the most gorgeous flowers, plant life and views around. It’s called the Southern Highlands Reserve. And for a few days every year, they open the gates to visitors who may enjoy guided tours through its many beautiful mountaintop gardens. Bring your lunch and stick around for a picnic following your tour.

It’s a truth universally known that a stellar line-up of live bands, a wide variety of mountain sports, and plenty of ice cold beer will bring out the party animals during the dog days of summer.  Oskar Blues’ beloved Burning Can festival features performances by acts such as Moon Taxi, Here Come The Mummies, Tauk, Los Colognes and Empire Strikes Brass (pictured). 

What do you do to celebrate the birthday of the legend? Up at the Cradle of Forestry, they’ll be bringing in a marching band, serving birthday cake, playing games, and offering kids of all ages the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite furry preventer of forest fires (as well as some live animals courtesy of naturalist Carlton Burke). 

For the second year, 15-time Grammy award-winning legend Béla Fleck brings his intensive Banjo Camp back to Brevard. And once again, he will conclude with an unforgettable performance featuring an all-star line-up of banjo virtuosos including Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson, Alan Munde, and Noam Pikelny.

Though the urge to get wet this time of year can be pretty strong (it’s hot out there), the instructors at Headwaters Outfitters are dedicated to giving you all the tools you need you stay on top of the water in this informative beginners workshop on safety tips, PFDs, and paddling strokes for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.  

Also of note in August: