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Brevard, North Carolina is known for many things. It’s a mountain biker’s paradise with over 300 miles of biking trails throughout the forests in Transylvania County. It’s also right in the middle of the Land of Waterfalls. But not many people new to Brevard would ever guess it is also home to white squirrels. Needless to say, there are so many unique things to do in Brevard, North Carolina, a.k.a. the White Squirrel Capital of the World.

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Did you know North Carolina is home to the white squirrel capital of the world? Have you ever been to Brevard – and if you have, did you see a white squirrel? Share your photos in the comments, or post them to our North Carolina Nature Lovers group. We’d love to see them!

Check out a short video of an adorable White Squirrel in action when you watch the brief video below:

While you’re in the region scoping out the white squirrels or checking out the White Squirrel Weekend, set aside some time to hit up one of the many many waterfalls in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, too. As you can see, there are so many unique things to do in Brevard, North Carolina!

More to Explore

Beth C. | March 22, 2023

What are the best mountain towns in North Carolina?

One of the best things about living in or traveling to North Carolina is getting to experience the mountains. North Carolina offers so much in the way of mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and scenic, high-altitude drives. Not to mention all the small towns located in the mountains. Some of our favorite mountain towns in North Carolina include the following:

Does North Carolina have any hidden gems?

North Carolina has lots of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Some of them include the following:

Curious to check out these off-the-radar destinations? Check out our list of the best hidden gems to visit in North Carolina.

It is a must-visit eatery in Brevard; a restaurant built on old-timey nostalgia, to-die-for hot dogs and even better malts and milkshakes.

Kids spin on old-school counter stools as their parents soak in the charm and atmosphere.

The simple menu and old drugstore counter feel is highly rated by fickle social media critics and adored by locals.

And now after 28 years as an icon on Broad Street, Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop is set to close.

Founder and owner Dee Dee Perkins broke the difficult news to her 21-person staff on July 19 that the venerated diner will close its doors on Aug. 5 though the adjacent Corner Market will remain open.

(Perkins explains what brought her to this junction in an essay on the editorial page of today’s T. Times.)

Perkins, age 64, said the decision was in the works for the better part of a year and in the end appears to have boiled down to this: it was just time.

“It has come to the time when running this small business is all consuming,” she said. “You have to love it on its worst days as much as to love it on its best days.”

To hear the emotions in her voice, it was not a decision made lightly or quickly. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep over it,” but Perkins is “at peace with my decision.”

Although she said she is 95% certain this is the right choice and there’s no turning back, “There’s still that little fraction of me that goes ‘Oh my goodness, this has been me for 28 years.’ Managing Rocky’s is a full-time job and we have other businesses that need our attention.”

The closing of the famed diner comes at a time when it is as popular and successful as ever.

Perkins said in peak summer months customers routinely wait 45 minutes to an hour for a prized booth or table; but even so, her mind was made up.

“Everything has a beginning and an end,” she said. “It mirrors our lives. There are more things I want to do. I have mountains to climb and trails to ride. The creative side of me loves to paint and I want more time for that creative expression right now.”

If she doesn’t create time for herself, there may not be time to travel or enjoy those things she put on the back burner because of the daily demands of running a restaurant.

Doing so “is just not easy. A restaurant is your spouse. You are married to it and if you’re a small independent restaurant owner, you know that,” lamented Perkins. “This place is also my baby. It needs constant attention, constant feeding and changing. I’ve given it huge amounts of time, energy and commitment. I’ll admit, it’s really tough to let it go.”

She believes some of her downtown business cohorts will recognize “the same conflicted feelings. I think that my neighbors will, at the same time, be very sad about Rocky’s closing.”

The upheaval the pandemic caused for many stores — and restaurants in particular — was a partial factor in Perkins’ decision, but even without the challenges of COVID-19 she said she would have reached the same decision. Not that Perkins is hanging up her apron or business acumen for good.

She has larger plans for her outdoor store on Main Street, D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors and MooseTracks Footwear. “We have another businesses around the corner that we created a strategic plan for and I’d like to see some of those goals and visions transpire. Those stores have tremendous potential for growth and they really need some time and attention. We can’t get there because of the attention and needs of a small restaurant.”

Perkins founded Rocky’s and D.D. Bullwinkel’s in 1994 in the former Varner’s Drug Store space. Back then Brevard had 14 empty store fronts and Perkins saw the potential for revitalizing the soda fountain and diner.

She drew her inspiration from an old hardware store in Asheville and imported the vibe to Rocky’s after six months of renovations. Rocky’s sandwiches were created on fresh bread baked next door at the newly opened Bracken Mountain Bakery.

She estimated more than 400 local high students got their first paychecks working the grill, waiting tables or serving ice cream delights. The most difficult thing for Perkins is telling her employees the sad news. “I am proud of our team and credit them with all of our successes. Without their hard work and sacrifice, none of our accomplishments would have been possible.”

She knows the disappointment it will cause to locals and out-of-towners who see Rocky’s as a cornerstone of downtown business in Brevard. Returning visitors regularly tell her “Our kids want to go to Rocky’s first,” and Perkins will miss those interactions.

Now down to being open only five days a week rather than the usual seven due to staffing issues, Perkins lamented, “I watch people walk up to the door and you see disappointment on their face that we’re not open. For me, I hate disappointing people. It is all about creating a special experience when you come in.”

Are you looking for the perfect place to tube with your family in Western North Carolina? We think that you should check out the Davidson River just outside Brevard, NC. Pick up your tube for a small fee at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and a full day of floating fun awaits. If you’re looking to do a little summer tubing, Brevard, NC is a great place to be.

Looking for more?

Here’s a giant list of places to go tubing near Greenville.

What to expect when you go tubing at Davidson River

The water is cool (chilly even!), the river is calm, the rocks are smooth, the depth is shallow (to your knees), and the forest scenery is beautifully serene. There is no need to worry about tumbling falls or sharp curves, with mom or dad nearby, even the littlest ones will enjoy the leisure ride. Expect minor bumps and the occasional need to get unstuck.

We spent the afternoon making two trips down the river with four adults and five kids five-and-under. My boys had a blast in the small dips and spins! We giggled and thrilled the whole time, us first-timers, while the seasoned tubers gently spun and floated past. When we got to our exit point, it was unanimous: Can we do that AGAIN?!!

What You Need to Know About Tubing at Davidson River

Let’s talk logistics. Tubes come in several different sizes and options, including a cooler tube that has a bottom (great for a snuggly baby and parent) or a double tube (nice for a parent and a couple of kiddos, or two older kids). They can be rented at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest, and you can hop into the river wherever you’d like and take a trip for as long as you want. Rentals are for 24 hours.

It is best to take two cars – leaving one where you’ll start and one where you’ll end – to make shuffling people and rafts quick and simple. If you can’t take two cars, you could bring along a bike or scooter to leave at the bottom. That way, one lucky winner can bike their way back to the top and drive the car back down to do the shuffle.

Expect it to be wet and chilly – even in July! The mountain forest is already several degrees cooler than the Greenville area, plus it tends to drizzle. Bring along water shoes, plenty of towels, change of clothes, food & drinks, and Ziplocs or waterproof containers for your dry stuff.

More Summer Things to Do in Brevard, NC

There is so much to do in the area while you’re out there! The river flows right through the Davidson River Campground, if you camp there, you can keep your tubes with you and hop into the river any time you’d like!

There are also hundreds of waterfalls, Sliding Rock, the Pisgah Ranger Station, the Cradle of Forestry, the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education (currently closed). Not to mention the delicious ice cream and dining options in neighboring Brevard, NC. Of course, we ended our trip with a stop at the ice cream shop, a memorable mecca we can’t wait to repeat.

Renting Tubes at Davidson River

Get your tubes at Davidson River Rafting Tube Rental, next to Dolly’s Dairy Bar. Davidson River Tubing (opens Memorial Day weekend)128 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NCOpen daily 10 am – 7 pm$8/tube, cash only828.676.5383

Places to Stay in Brevard, NC

Look for places to stay near Brevard using this map from STAY22. Kidding Around earns when you book through these links.

Have you ever taken your kids tubing at the Davidson River?

Want to float on down a cool, lazy river over the summer? Then Brevard Tubing in Brevard, NC, about 90 minutes from Greenville, SC is just the place to do it. Thank you to Brevard Tubing for inviting us out to try tubing with them!

River tubing is a true favorite activity for my family over the summer and we go to Brevard, North Carolina often since it’s less than 90 minutes away and has some incredible waterfalls and hiking trails. I was thrilled to learn of Brevard Tubing, a new tubing outfitter who opened the summer of 2023, and couldn’t wait to try out tubing with them in the French Broad River.

About Brevard Tubing

The tubing outfitter is brand new, only having opened in May 2023, but is already on their way to becoming a favorite of families and those looking for a fun time on the river during the summer due to its ideal location, all-access tubing pass, and family-friendliness.

Brevard Tubing was started by the same guy who founded Zion Tubing out in the national park in Utah. I had no idea this existed so now I’ve got a new goal whenever I can travel out to Zion National Park!

Ideal Location

Brevard Tubing is located right along a calm section of the French Broad River not even a ten-minute drive from the entrance to Pisgah Forest. I really loved this because it’s not far from my favorite waterfalls, hiking trails, and brewery, which I’ll get to in a bit.

When you’re driving to Brevard Tubing, look for the big, pink tube at the gravel driveway and turn there. You’ll park in the small parking area, sign your waiver, get your life jacket if you want one (they are mandatory for kids ages 12 and under but adults can wear them if they want), and then get on the bus for the short drive to the put-in location on the river.

Also, I was impressed with how the owners of Brevard Tubing considered safety. The weather was pretty iffy the day we went with rain on and off but they checked the weather apps for lightening or any inclement weather right up until we got in the water. The weather held out for us but I appreciated how the owners took safety seriously.

Tubing the French Broad

I’ve tubed at a lot of places and this run was very calm. The rapids were really small and easy. There was only one larger one, which was more like some faster water over a few big rocks. If you’ve tubed the Green River, this was the complete opposite. This section of the French Broad is more like a lazy river. And the tubes all have bottoms so while you may get splashed, you won’t be in the water if you don’t want to be.

Both sides of the river during your tube run is on private property so you have to stay in the river except for the confluence of where the Davidson River pours into the French Broad. There’s a little rocky beach and swimming area that you can hang out at. You can also walk up the Davidson a little ways if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

The river, for the most part, was pretty shallow, about up to our waists. The initial drop in part was probably one of the deepest. Our kids fell in (or rather, intentionally tipped their tubes over) many times and were able to touch the bottom. Either way, kids have to wear a life jacket if they are 12 and under.

We didn’t see much wildlife except for a beautiful Blue Heron that checked us and then flew over the river behind us. There are probably turtles around and *gasp* snakes (because, well, it’s the outdoors) but we didn’t see any. The water is chilly but not freezing. It felt great when we were in the direct sun and heat.

The entire tubing trip took us a little over an hour. Depending on river conditions, it could be more or less. But Brevard Tubing allows you to tube as many times as you want the day you go!

Booking Your Tubing Trip

You don’t need to book your trip beforehand. You can just show up, sign your waiver, pay, and get on the river. If you have a bigger group, give Brevard Tubing a call (828.515.3556) so they can prep the tubes and life jackets.

Kids need to be 4-years-old to get on the river and kids ages 12 and under need to have a life jacket. Sandals or sneakers – basically shoes that will stay on your feet – are also required.

Based on our tubing experiences, it’s best to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a change of clothes. As of now, there aren’t changing rooms on site but they do have a porta-potty.

Tickets are $30/person and includes unlimited shuttle and tube rides. If you’re tubing on July 4th weekend or Labor Day Weekend, tickets are $35/person. If you’re a NC local, your ticket is $25/person.

Hours are 9:30 am – 5 pm daily. The last tube drop is at 4 pm.

Things to do Nearby

There’s a lot to do nearby if you want to make it a day trip.

This roadside waterfall is a favorite of ours. Lots of people swim in the chilly waters so bring a towel and change of clothes if you’re feeling adventurous. There is no hiking to get here but there are lots of steps to go to the bottom.

Highway 276, Brevard, NC

This super popular natural waterslide gets packed over the summer. You slide down the slippery rockface into a pool below and then do it as many times as your cold body allows. They are open 10 am – 6 pm daily from May 25-September 4, 2023 and there are bathrooms, changing rooms, and lifeguards on site. During opening hours when staff is present, the cost is $5/person and kids under 3 are free.

Highway 276, Brevard, NC

We love this cool spot in Pisgah Forest because you can learn all about the natural environment, history of the area, and explore hands-on activities. There is also a one-room schoolhouse and small village outdoors. Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $6/ages 13+, $3/ages 4-12, $3/federal pass, and half price if you have the America the Beautiful Pass. For special events, sometimes there are extra fees and sometimes they are free. They are open Wednesday-Monday 10 am – 5 pm.

11250 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC

The Biltmore of breweries, Sierra Nevada is very family-friendly with a small play area for kids outdoors, cornhole, lots of covered spaces to relax and enjoy music or the views, and delicious food and brews. It’s a little over 20 minutes from Brevard Tubing. Hours are Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 9 pm, and Friday – Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm.

100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC

You can shop, go gem mining, or explore the original O.P. Taylors in downtown Brevard. The town is downright adorable and is one of our favorites to wander around in.

Brevard Tubing44-98 Everett Road, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Have you been tubing yet with Brevard Tubing?

Ernie’s Rock Shop still bears the sign of the business that once resided there, though the enterprise closed their doors last year. Some may not realize how long the business had been a familiar sight on the Rosman Highway in the vicinity of the Sunset Motel and other downtown Brevard locations. The store was a treasure trove of interesting rocks, gems, minerals, fossils and more curated by owner and enthusiast Ernie Roth.

The building was constructed in 1983 and was originally a Long John Silver’s. The “widow’s walk” style roof and boardwalk-style railings are reminiscent of the nautical theme of those restaurants. The enterprise wasn’t long-lived, however, and was closed in 1987. The owners sold the building back to the bank, and then Ernest A. Roth, otherwise known as Ernie, bought the building in 1989. By 1990 Ernie opened his business under the name Ernie’s Western Carolina Mountain Rock Shop before simplifying it to Ernie’s Rock Shop by the next year.

Roth was a Hungarian immigrant who moved to the United States with his family at the age of 3. He was born on Sept. 24, 1910, in Budapest, but spent much of his youth in Peoria, Illinois.

He graduated from the University of Florida Law School in 1937, began to gain job experience in a law firm and then was drafted into the army during World War II. Later he opened his own law practice in Miami, Florida, had a full career and retired from the profession after 46 years. During that time, Ernie married Cornelia Richardson and had four children: Stephen, Robert, Linda and Gail. Cornelia passed away in 1981.

Ernie moved to Transylvania County in the late 1980s, where the Rock Shop was opened as a type of passion project for his love of minerals, gems and rockhounding. He ran the store until he passed away in 2000, at which time his daughter Linda took over the business.

She operated under the same name in his memory for another 20 years before finally closing the business in 2022. New owners have purchased the building, but there is no public information about the next purpose for the property.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. This article was written by Local History Librarian Laura Sperry.

For more information, comments, or suggestions, contact NC Room staff at [email protected] or (828) 884-1820.