Brevard

Stretching for just over 30 miles between Haywood County and the Davidson River Campground just outside Brevard, the Art Loeb Trail is widely regarded as one of the best hikes in North America. The trail is typically hiked from south to north, and it crosses through the Black Balsam region and over four 6,000-foot mountain peaks, including the Black Balsam Knob, Grassy Cove Top, and the iconic Pilot Mountain. Hikers that want to traverse the entire trail should allow themselves at least two or three days, and there are several peaceful backcountry camping spots along the way.

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Brevard, the WNC Military History Museum tells the stories of veterans who have served in American military in the 20th and 21st centuries. Many of the items on display have been donated by veterans and their families, and each room of the museum is dedicated to a different war, including World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War, and the war on terror in Afghanistan. There's also a Special Exhibits room that features a rotating series of exhibits on various war-related topics. Admission is by donation, and the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.

21 E Main St, Brevard, NC 28712, Phone: 828-884-2141

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Slick Rock Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall named for the slippery rocks at its top and at its base. It's located down a gravel logging road, but once you get here, the falls themselves are only 50 feet back from the road. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful nature no matter what the time of year, but the waterfall is at its best during the spring and after a heavy rainfall. If you want to spend the night, there's a small camping area right across the road from the falls.

Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, NC

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The former home of the wealthy Silversteen family, Silvermont Park is a gorgeous 8-acre park with an elegant Colonial Revival mansion sitting at its heart. A lovely wheelchair-accessible path leads through the park's well-maintained gardens, and visitors are also welcome to use the park's basketball courts, tennis courts, children's playground, and picnic areas. Guided tours of the mansion are available on Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons between May and October, and every October, the park hosts the Pumpkin Fest, which features local musicians, family-friendly games and activities, food trucks, and a stunning display of carved pumpkins.

364 E Main St, Brevard, NC 28712-3835, Phone: 828-884-3156

Established in 2003, the Whistlestop Market is an excellent place to visit if you want to pick up some groceries or browse a wonderful selection of North Carolinian products. It originally started out as a farm-to-table produce stand, and although the local, seasonal produce sold here is still one of the biggest draws, there are plenty of other things available for purchase as well, with highlights including raw honey, high-quality meat and dairy products, and freshly baked bread made by one of the best bakeries in town. As a bonus, local wine and craft beer are usually sold here as well.

7825 Greenville Hwy, Brevard, NC 28712, Phone: 828-877-5081

Housed inside a historic house built at the end of the 19th century, the Transylvania Heritage Museum is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn about the history of Transylvania County. The main exhibit is rotated on a regular basis, and a diverse range of topics are covered, including everything from the methods used to create traditional handicrafts to how transportation has changed over the years. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday between March and mid-December, and between April and October, it also offers guided walking tours of Brevard once a month.

189 W Main St, Brevard, NC 28712, Phone: 828-884-2347

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Located in the artsy Lumberyard District, the Haen Gallery is a contemporary art gallery with a focus on large scale sculpture. The collection includes work by talented local, regional, and national artists, and visitors are always welcome regardless of whether or not they can afford to purchase a piece. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, but visitors can also make an appointment to visit outside of opening hours. If you'd like to take one of the many beautiful pieces of art home with you, the gallery also offers a sculpture installation service to make the process as easy as possible.

210 S Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712, Phone: 828-883-3268

Families don’t have to travel far to experience gem mining in Brevard. All they have to do is head over to Crystal Mountain Gem Mine in the downtown area to enjoy the unique activity of hunting for beautiful gemstones. Fun, easy, and great for all ages, visitors to Crystal Mountain Gem Mine can try their hand at searching for stones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, among many others, via a 58-foot-long water flume. Prospectors here can keep everything they find with guests taking home amethyst, obsidian, aquamarine, and possibly a 17,000-dollar ruby. The mine also has a rock and fossil shop to visit where patrons can purchase crystals and gems from all over the world, pick up great home décor, and other potential gifts for family and friends.

31 S Broad Street, Brevard, North Carolina 28712, Phone: 828-877-4700

Constructed in 1815, the Allison-Deaver House is the area's oldest standing frame house, and it offers a fascinating glimpse at the history of western North Carolina. The building was originally modeled after the row houses that were popular in England at the time, but it has undergone several changes over the years, most notably the double porches that were added in the 1850s. Visitors are welcome to stop by the house on weekend afternoons between early May and mid-October, and if you'd like to visit outside of this time, you might be able to arrange a special appointment.

2753 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC, Phone: 828-884-5137