A lot of history for a small town!

Sitting at 2,231 feet above sea level and expanding 5.12 square miles, Brevard is a small town with a big-town feel. Established in 1861 with 50 donated acres to make up the town, it was not until 1868 that Brevard was incorporated and has since expanded.

Downtown showcases dozens of preserved historic buildings that still tower over Main Street and the center of Downtown, many of which are registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The next time you stroll through town, look for some of these historic buildings: Aethelwold Hotel, the Co-Ed Theatre, Brevard Banking, the Transylvania County Courthouse, and more.

One of the many reasons thousands of people visit Brevard each year is because of the cool temperatures in the summer months, which average around 71 degrees. Having a temperate rainforest climate brings rain and lots of it. Brevard can see 67 inches annually while Transylvania County receives over 100 inches annually. Higher elevation areas, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, will see more snow than Downtown Brevard but it is not uncommon for Brevard to receive an inch or two or sometimes, a record snowfall.

Today, shops, restaurants, galleries, and more line the streets of Downtown Brevard to entertain the locals and thousands of visitors each year. As the county seat for Transylvania County and home to over 250 waterfalls, Brevard has much to live up to. Not only is it home to Pisgah National Forest, which was the first national forest in the Eastern United States and comprises over 500,000 acres, Brevard is home to Gorges State Park, Headwaters State Forest, and shares pieces of DuPont State Forest with neighboring Henderson County. Fun fact, the French Broad River, which is the third oldest river in the world, twists and turns its way through Transylvania County, and is one of the few north-flowing rivers.

Interested in learning more about Transylvania County and Brevard, North Carolina? Be sure to stop by the Transylvania Heritage Museum, which is located at 189 W Main Street. In addition to the museum, you can also schedule a guided walking tour to learn more about specific neighborhoods, schools, ghost stories, and more!

“The mission of the Transylvania Heritage Museum is to protect and preserve the heritage of Transylvania County. Our interactive exhibits, multi-age educational programs, cultural events and special collections foster an understanding of local culture to ensure it is appreciated by people of today and preserved for those of tomorrow. “

Upcoming Events

Brevard Plein Air Festival – September 9-14

Brevard Plein Air Festival is an open-enrollment plein air painting event that concludes with a Wet Paint Show & Sale on Saturday, September 14th. It is held in conjunction with a downtown street festival featuring fine art vendors, local makers, food vendors, and more! The event celebrates the tradition of outdoor painting by welcoming artists from across the region to share their talents and the beauty of downtown Brevard and the surrounding areas.

Transylvania Farmers Market- Weekly on Saturdays

The Transylvania Farmers Market is a local favorite in Downtown Brevard. Held every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM (10 AM November through April) at 200 East Main Street. Browse several local vendors for handmade and baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, live music, and more! Check out the vendor schedule here.

Fall Concert Series – Fridays at 7 PM

The Fall Concert Series is held annually at the Transylvania County Library amphitheater at 212 S Gaston Street and begins on Friday, August 30th. Swing by and enjoy local and regional artists for an evening of fun!

Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center is a staple here in Brevard for concerts, festivals, and education. They host an annual Summer Festival that draws hundreds of music lovers to Brevard. Take a look at the remaining summer concerts and upcoming events here.