Ask Brevard NC

08/31/2026

WHO’S BEEN TO Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom IN BREVARD/PISGAH FOREST?

I haven’t made it here yet, but I’m planning to change that VERY soon. Thinking we’ll hit a few waterfalls before summer officially gets away from us, work up an appetite, and then go see what Hawg Wild is all about.

I did a little homework first… and now I’m hungry.

Hawg Wild has been around since 1997, with local owners Alex and Crystal taking over in 2023. They’re sitting right at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, which makes this almost too easy for a waterfalls + BBQ + b**r kind of day.

The menu is straight-up BBQ comfort food: Eastern vinegar-based pork, Western tomato-based pork, smoked chicken, brisket, baby back ribs, pork skins, fried green tomatoes, hush puppies and all the sides. And because it’s a Smokehouse & Taproom, there’s b**r to go with it, including craft and regional selections.

The reviews definitely caught my attention. People repeatedly mention the Eastern-style BBQ, brisket, ribs, sauces and friendly service.

And THEN there’s dessert.

Right across the road is Dolly's Dairy Bar — basically setting us up for BBQ → ICE CREAM → FOOD COMA. 🍦😂 Dolly’s is a longtime Pisgah Forest tradition with a huge ice cream selection and that classic post-hike vibe; reviewers literally talk about walking over after eating at Hawg Wild.

So tell me before I go: Who’s eaten at Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom, what should I order, and what BBQ style wins — Eastern or Western?

08/21/2026

Thanks to Cedar Mountain Moonshine, Brevard NC gets on this distillery list! 😍🥃

Too Much B**r? W**e Time Is Over? Let’s Try Something Different.

Western North Carolina knows how to pour a drink. We’ve got incredible breweries, fantastic w**eries, and enough craft b**r trails to keep you busy for years. But maybe you’ve done the brewery thing. Maybe w**e just isn’t calling your name today.

So how about a distillery?

We put together an Asheville & Western North Carolina 7 Distillery Experience that you can actually do on your own—and have one heck of an adventure along the way!

This journey takes you from Hickory through Newton, Marion, Old Fort, Black Mountain and Asheville, before finishing near Brevard in Cedar Mountain.

Seven distilleries. Seven completely different experiences. One beautiful trip through Western North Carolina.

Make it a weekend, bring a designated driver, explore some mountain towns, eat some great food, and discover what WNC is putting in the bottle.

Ready? Let’s hit the distillery trail!

https://toashevilleandbeyond.com/take-a-7-distillery-tour-of-asheville-western-north-carolina/

07/22/2026

No, Dolly's Dairy Bar isn't affiliated with Dolly Parton... but it is one of the sweetest stops you'll make in Western North Carolina! 🍦⛰️

If you're headed toward Brevard to chase waterfalls, do yourself a favor and make a stop at Dolly's Dairy Bar. We spent a little time hanging out, sampled their delicious sweet ricotta ice cream (trust me, it's worth trying), along with several other fantastic flavors, and even bumped into a bunch of campers fueling up before another day of adventure.

The best part? You're surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural attractions in North Carolina. Looking Glass Falls is just down the road, Triple Falls is always worth the hike, and Ho**er Falls remains one of the area's favorite swimming holes when the weather is right.

That's what makes this part of WNC so special—you can spend the day exploring waterfalls, hiking through Pisgah National Forest, cooling off in mountain streams, and then reward yourself with some incredible homemade ice cream.

Get outside. Explore the mountains. Chase a few waterfalls. And don't forget the ice cream.



music: AHC8BR3CVMACZ7CH

07/22/2026

Summer road trip season is almost here!

If you're looking for incredible mountain views, charming small towns, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, history, and unforgettable adventures, these 10 North Carolina towns should be on your travel list.

See which destinations were ranked among America's favorites for 2026 and start planning your next getaway.

👉 https://toashevilleandbeyond.com/10-north-carolina-towns-ranked-among-americas-favorites-for-2026/

05/22/2026

White Squirrel Weekend officially kicks off TODAY in Brevard NC!

And YES… we know it’s raining a little...

But around here, White Squirrel Weekend is absolutely a rain or shine kind of festival.

That mountain-town energy isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Live music, local vendors, food, family fun, and one of WNC’s most unique traditions are taking over downtown Brevard all weekend long.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or planning your first trip, this is the perfect excuse for a mountain getaway.

We broke down why everyone loves this iconic festival right here: 🐿️ https://toashevilleandbeyond.com/white-squirrel-weekend-is-back-heres-why-everyone-loves-this-wildly-unique-wnc-festival/

05/18/2026

Big congratulations to Sully's Steamers in beautiful Brevard on 6 amazing years in the community! 🎉🥯🔥

What started as a unique sandwich concept has turned into one of the most talked about comfort food spots in the Southeast. Sully’s built its name around something simple but wildly different… steamed bagel sandwiches packed with fresh ingredients, melted flavors, and serious creativity. Their famous “Steamers” helped separate them from the traditional bagel shop experience and created a cult following across the Carolinas and beyond.

Founded originally in Greenville, South Carolina around 2013, Sully’s grew by focusing on bold flavors, fun menu creations, and an experience that feels casual, welcoming, and unforgettable. Instead of trying to be fancy, they leaned into being flavorful, messy, comforting, and community-driven — and people absolutely loved it.

The Brevard location has become a favorite stop for locals, outdoor adventurers, students, families, and visitors exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina. From breakfast sandwiches to loaded specialty steamers, Sully’s continues bringing energy and originality to downtown Brevard while helping create the kind of locally loved atmosphere that makes small mountain towns special.

Here’s to 6 years of great food, smiling faces, hardworking teams, and building community one steamed bagel at a time. Congratulations from all of us in WNC — and cheers to many more years ahead! 🥯❤️🔥

03/09/2026

The White Squirrel Festival is back in Brevard! 🎉🐿️

Get ready for one of Western North Carolina’s most unique and fun festivals — the 22nd Annual White Squirrel Weekend in beautiful Downtown Brevard, NC!

📅 May 22–24, 2026
📍 Downtown Brevard (Main Street)

This beloved festival celebrates Brevard’s famous rare white squirrels and brings the whole town to life with an incredible weekend of music, shopping, food, and family fun.

What to expect:
🎶 Live music on the main stage, including performances by Mountain Grass Unit
🍺 A lively b**r garden
🛍️ 80+ local vendors and over 100 independent downtown businesses to explore
🏴‍☠️ Family activities including a pirate ship escape room and fun for kids

Whether you’re coming for the music, the local makers, the food, or just hoping to spot one of Brevard’s famous white squirrels, this is a can’t-miss WNC event.

Plan your visit and learn more here:
https://explorebrevard.com/event/white-squirrel-weekend/
https://brevardnc.org/event/2026-white-squirrel-weekend/

Mark your calendars and start planning your Memorial Day weekend in Brevard!

03/04/2026

Spring is in the air, Asheville 🌸

And if you’re looking for the perfect nearby escape, Brevard, NC should be at the top of your list this season.

https://toashevilleandbeyond.com/brevard-north-carolina/

Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard is home to more than 250 waterfalls — making it one of the most beautiful places to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature in Western North Carolina. Whether you’re chasing iconic falls, hiking through Pisgah National Forest, or just sitting by the water soaking in the sound, it’s the kind of reset we all need.

But Brevard is more than just waterfalls.

Downtown is full of charm — locally owned restaurants, cozy cafés, craft breweries, art galleries, and unique little shops that make strolling Main Street just as memorable as the trails. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town atmosphere.

So as the weather warms up and everything turns green again, make your plans now.

Spring & Summer 2026 are calling — and Brevard is always a great answer.

Have a favorite waterfall or downtown spot in Brevard? Drop it in the comments 👇

03/03/2026

Think you’ve seen all North Carolina has to offer? Think again.

According to This is Raleigh, these are the 10 Most Underrated Destinations in North Carolina — and they deserve way more love.

From charming waterfront towns to mountain escapes and hidden arts communities, these spots prove you don’t have to follow the crowds to find something special.

Here’s why each one made the list:

1️⃣ Washington, NC

Known as “Little Washington,” this waterfront gem along the Pamlico River is full of historic charm, boating culture, and laid-back coastal vibes without the beach crowds.

2️⃣ Brevard, NC

A mountain town famous for its 250+ waterfalls, white squirrels, and thriving arts scene — plus easy access to Pisgah National Forest.

3️⃣ Edenton, NC

One of the prettiest small towns in the South, Edenton is packed with colonial history, scenic waterfront views, and postcard-worthy architecture.

4️⃣ Bryson City, NC

A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City delivers scenic train rides, outdoor adventure, and cozy small-town mountain charm.

5️⃣ West Jefferson, NC

A creative mountain town known for its murals, local art galleries, craft breweries, and Blue Ridge Parkway access.

6️⃣ Morganton, NC

Where mountains meet history — Morganton offers a revitalized downtown, w**eries, hiking trails, and easy access to Lake James.

7️⃣ Southern Pines, NC

Classic Carolina charm with equestrian roots, pine-lined streets, boutique shopping, and a relaxed upscale feel.

8️⃣ Pittsboro, NC

A hidden gem near the Triangle, Pittsboro blends small-town warmth with a growing food scene, local farms, and creative community energy.

9️⃣ New Bern, NC

Rich in colonial history and riverfront beauty, New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi and one of the state’s most scenic coastal towns.

🔟 Beaufort, NC

A coastal treasure with historic homes, wild horses nearby, waterfront dining, and classic Crystal Coast charm.

North Carolina is full of places that quietly steal your heart.

Have you ever lived in or visited any of these towns?
Which one would you add to the list?


music: TFOZDAPENLZBLS28