Activities

Brevard, NC a small mountain town near the Blue Ridge Parkway is big on activity and entertainment. Whatever your interests or age, you'll find Brevard a fun place to vacation. From biking to hiking, bluegrass and opera, you'll be entertained. Be as busy as you want to be or relax on the porch with a good book and enjoy the fresh mountain air. For more information about events and activities visit www.visitwaterfalls.com or www.whitesquirrels.com. We've mentioned a few of the activities we enjoy and services or retailers that offer exclusive discounts for Red House Inn guests.

Outdoor Activities

Mountain Biking

Transylvania County is home to some of the best single track mountain biking trails in the country. Ask Daniel at the Red House for trail recommendations. He'll even come along for the ride if the housekeeping schedule allows. Sycamore Cycles, WNC Outdoors, Pisgah Area SORBA, and Upstate SORBA also offer detailed information and services for bikers.

Road biking

The road riding in the area is exceptional with steep climbing, fast descents, and rolling valleys. The Assault on the Carolinas route passes right by the Red House Inn front door. For road riding information and services, contact Sycamore Cycles or Back Country Outdoors or give Daniel a call for suggestions.

Hiking

Of course all these trails are accessible to hikers as well. WNC Outdoors website has well-organized information about trails in the Brevard area. Daniel and Tracie are knowledgeable about the trails and can offer recommendations in addition to the loan of trail maps and guide books. Combine a hike with a dip in a secluded river swimming hole or mountain lake for a refreshing afternoon adventure.  Read the latest news about the Blue Ridge Mountains and outdoor pursuits online in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.

Waterfalls

Transylvania County is home to 260 waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible by car or short walks. We have a number of books and guides available at the Red House Inn for guest use and we are always happy to give directions to waterfalls. Craig Miller of Miller's Land of Waterfalls offers tours of unique waterfalls, many on private land. 1-800-809-1401, (828)-884-8982.

Water sports

There are a variety of opportunities for water sports in the area including flat water float trips, white water boating, touring kayaking on nearby lakes and fly fishing. Find out more about these opportunities from the following businesses. For fly fishing trips and equipment  Davidson River Outfitters.  For boating on the French Broad River contact Headwater Outfitters 828-877-3106.   Joe at Pura Vida Adventures can help you organize a river or canyoneering adventure

Rock climbing

Looking Glass Rock is well-known in climbing circles for its granite face offering two- to eight-stage climbs up to 600 ft. In the same vicinity is Cedar Rock, which also offers a variety of climbs. For advise or equipment contact Looking Glass Outfitters.  For guided trips, contact Patrick Weaver at Appalachian Mountain Institute,  Fox Mountain Guides  or Pura Vida Adventures.   For more information about climbing around Brevard visit www.southeastclimbing.com and click on North Carolina. Brevard Rock Gym also offers indoor opportunities for beginners and experienced climbers to practice.

Horseback riding

The wooded trails of Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest offer miles of horseback riding. Pisgah Forest Stables offers one- and two-hour guided trail rides leave hourly throughout the day for riders ages 7 and up. Call for details about longer trips 828-883-8258. Find the stables in Pisgah National Forest 1 mile north of the Ranger Station on U.S. 276 North. Whitewater Equestrian Center also offers guided rides. Children must be 7 and up to ride solo, but 6-year-olds can ride on a lead. Younger children can enjoy pony rides on the grounds. For more information call 828-966-9646.

Golfing

Several golf courses are just a few miles away from the Red House Inn. Glen Cannon and Connestee Falls, both semi-public courses with full service pro shops and club houses, offer discounts to Red House Inn guests. We'll be happy to book a tee time for you.

Family fun

For the kids, recreational and educational opportunities abound. Transylvania County is known for its summer camps. As well as traditional overnight camp, many day camps operate in the summer offering activities ranging from pottery to soccer to mountain climbing.

The Cradle of Forestry and Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education are great indoor and outdoor opportunities for children of all ages to learn about our natural history and have fun. In town, the Brevard Rock Gym or the Co-Ed Cinema , Strikes Again, and OP Taylor toy store offer rainy day opportunities for the whole family to play and shop.

Performing Arts

During the summer the Brevard Music Center offers world class concerts in their open air auditorium that have kept people coming back to Brevard for decades. Just a walk through the campus listening to rehearsals and student recitals will give you a taste of the talent the center attracts. The Porter Center for Performing Arts on the Brevard College campus offers performances year-round ranging from classical to bluegrass to comedy.

The famous Flat Rock Playhouse is about a thirty minute drive and closer to home is the Brevard Little Theatre. Both offer a variety of performances through the year.

Shopping

Downtown Brevard has a range of opportunities for retail therapy. There are a number of antique stores and gift shops, specialty food shops, outfitters and jewelers. Under one roof of the Hollingsworth Building one can shop, eat and relax.  Main Street Ltd offers shopping for the whole family including CampPacs for kids. For a detailed list of businesses, visit the Land of Waterfalls website. As an added benefit for guests of the Red House Inn, we provide a selection of exclusive coupons that provide discounts at area shops and restaurants.

Art

The art community in Transylvania County is thriving. Visitors can plan a whole trip around the numerous galleries and artist studios that are open to the public in and around Brevard. The Red House Inn features photographic artwork provided by the Blue Wood Gallery on Jordan Street in the heart of Brevard. The gallery also provides a discount coupon for our Inn guests. For events and information about artists in the area visit TC Arts or  www.artsofbrevard.org  featuring information about local artists and up-to-date events calendar.

Dining

A wide range of restaurants in Brevard, many of which are within walking distance from the Red House Inn, offer fantastic dining experiences. Restaurants that provide discount coupons for Inn guests are Hob Nob, Jordan Street Cafe, The Square Root, and The Quarry. An afternoon scone and cup of coffee from Bracken Mountain Bakery shouldn’t be missed and Poppies Market is a great place to pick up snacks or lunch before heading out for a hike.

Relax

If you find you just need to relax after all the fun, treat yourself to a spa experience. Elements and La Petite Spa are both full service day spas downtown Brevard.

Pets

If you are traveling with your pet, the Red House Inn does have a pet-friendly room. If it’s not available, Paws in Motion can accommodate your pet for a slumber party, and you can still take your dog hiking with you. Or arrange a walk or hike for your dog while you enjoy town.

Shuttle service

For a car from area airports or to arrange a shuttle to or from a trailhead, call Harry (828)231-1053 at Asheville Airport Shuttle.