Things to do in Brevard, NC

When we first meet people who are new to the Brevard area, there are two things they always comment about. One is how nice the people are and the other is how beautiful the area is. Of course, they're right on both counts.

With over 250 wateralls, pristine hiking trails, and clear clean mountain rivers and lakes, there is natual beauty everywhere you look. And because Transylvania County is home to two State forests - DuPont and Gorges, and the Pisgah National forest, the area is naturally protected from ever being over developed.

The Cradle of Forestry is a great place to learn more about the area's rich history of forest conservation. The Cradle of Forestry is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people achieve a better understanding of the area's ecology through education, information, and events for all ages. According to the organization's website, "The 6,500-acre Cradle of Forestry Historic Site in the Pink Beds valley, NC, was established by Congress in 1968 and contains the first official school for forestry in America – the Biltmore Forest School. After purchasing land in the Asheville, NC area in the mid to late 1800's, George Vanderbilt was prompted by Frederick Law Olmsted to hire a forester to maintain his property. Vanderbilt selected Gifford Pinchot to restore and manage his massive expanse of lands. It was during this time that Forestry in America began."

If you're vacationing in the area,the Cradle of Forestry it's a great place to bring the kids. For instance, on August 7, celebrate Smokey the Bear's Birthday! Smokey is 66 years old this year and you can help him celebrate with cake and tons of fun activities. This fall, there is the Cradle Crafters Creative Connections - a display featuring the Cradle of Forestry's volunteers and their creations of fiber, wood, iron and more. In October, there is the Forest Festival Day where more than 50 traditional craftsmen, exhibitors and entertainers gather to celebrate our forests and forest heritage with live music, wood carvers, weavers, blacksmith, and a John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen's Meet. This lumberjack-style event is organized by Haywood Community College.

When you're in downtown Brevard, be sure to stop at the Forest Place Gift Shop at 66 South Broad Street. You'll find books, maps, great t-shirts, and other fun forest related products. Proceeds help the Cradle of Forestry continue their great work!

For more information about the Brevard area, visit us online at BrevardNCproperty.com.