Weekend: Brevard, North Carolina

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Stith, Mark G

Think downtowns are dead? You haven't been to this town in the North Carolina mountains.

I don't know many big cities that offer as much in their downtowns as proud little Brevard, North Carolina. There are no worldclass museums, dazzling theme parks, or mega-shopping malls in this idyllic mountain town of 7,100. Yet there is enough to see and do here and in the surrounding area to satisfy the most discerning visitor.

Downtown consists of an easily walkable, several-block area centered around Main and Broad Streets. Fine restaurants, upscale art galleries, and down-home stores and antiques shops surround the pretty Transylvania County courthouse, edged in flowers and accompanied by an old-fashioned gazebo.

I like to park my car and wander, after getting updated on current events at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at 35 West Main. They have a free pamphlet mapping out shops and stops in the area. The ever-- scenic Blue Ridge Parkway lies just a few miles away, as does the Cradle of Forestry in America National Historic Site, where America's first school of forestry was built.

A few doors up from the visitors center sits the Heritage Antique Mall of Brevard, one of my favorite antiques shops anywhere. They've got a good selection of old fishing gear, including rods, reels, and just neat stuff. Around the corner awaits O.P Taylor's, one of my top toy shops (there's still a lot of kid in me). O.P's delights everyone with its two-- story wonderland of trains, trucks, planes, dolls, and other toys.

I'm always on the lookout for something special for my little house, and Brevard gives me lots of possibilities. Gallery On Main has paintings and photography from North Carolina artists. Main Street Ltd. tempts me with gift baskets and home accessories.

Because I'm a musician, I have to play at least one or two of the acoustic guitars for sale at Celestial Mountain Music & Folk Art. Speaking of music, I've come to the right place: Brevard Music Center is renowned for its Brevard Music Festival, which is held from late June to early August.

For a pick-me-up, I've got several options. I can sip cappuccino at The Essence of Thyme Cafe, a popular hangout, and enjoy a sandwich or salad. There's a cozy room in the back and live music on weekends. Or I can step back in time at Rocky's Soda Shop & Grill. Sure enough, a soda fountain and lunch counter take up the right side of this eatery. I can't leave without getting an ice-- cream cone.

After lunch, I'll hit the street again. The Forest Place, on the corner near Bracken Mountain Bakery, offers guidebooks, T-shirts, stuffed animals, hiking maps, and many other outdoor-related items. It is operated by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association, an organization dedicated to service projects in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.

Among the many other unique places I like in Brevard is the Jim Bob Tinsley Museum & Research Center. Jim Bob is a rootin'-tootin', singin'-shootin' cowboy from right here. His colorful life (he worked with the likes of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry) is told in photographs and memorabilia. And for dinner, I'll head to Jordan Street Cafe, thank you.

For more information: Transylvania Tourism Development Authority, 1-800-- 648-4523 or visitwaterfalls.com.