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Meet Kristen
Hey, y’all! I’m Kristen Necessary — no, really — artist and owner of Starfangled Press in downtown Brevard. I make playful, down-to-earth paper goods drawn with an Appalachian accent, and I’ve called Brevard home for 13 years with my husband, our young son, a cat named Mr. Owl and several chickens. Between the waterfalls, independent shops, local artists, music, food and trails, I’m always finding new things to love about this small mountain town.
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Newfound Artisan
Newfound Artisan is my wonderful shop neighbor in downtown Brevard. They specialize in custom leather work and metal work made right there in the shop. You can order a custom belt, wallet or bag from owners Emma and Doug while you browse high-quality artisan-made goods in their stunning storefront. In spring and fall, they offer a variety of maker workshops. I've learned to make landscape paintings, hammered bracelets and traditional turkey wing brooms (my favorite) with them!
Gravy
If I’m in a browsing mood, I love to visit Gravy. It hosts nearly 40 artisan maker booths, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club. Supporting local artisans and local kids? Yes, please! You’re always sure to find something unique here, but if you visit around the winter holidays, you might find ornaments for sale handmade by the kids at the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club.
Noblebräu Brewing + 185 King Street
Going to Noblebräu Brewing + 185 King Street as a local feels like walking into the TV show “Cheers” — I’m bound to know someone there. Cody brews amazing beer, and I love to grab their seasonal salad when I don’t feel like cooking dinner. I usually get a non-alcoholic Guinness or Noblebräu’s Queen Jean dry Irish stout. They have a great selection of cocktails too. Plus, it’s my favorite live music venue in town with a really astounding lineup every week.
Sunset Motel
If you’re looking to stay somewhere with character, go with Sunset Motel. I love the retro vibes of this Brevard icon, a classic roadside motel. Added bonus, it’s a short walk to downtown, where many of the shops and restaurants are located. But if you want something with direct access to hiking and biking action, Pilot Cove at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest is your spot.
Cup & Saucer
I really only drink decaf these days, but Cup & Saucer is my favorite place to get a cup of coffee! I’m a black coffee kind of gal, but sometimes I’ll splurge on a Chai or Matcha Latte. And I love their chocolate chip cookies with a little bit of sea salt.
John Rock
A lot of folks choose to hike Looking Glass Rock, a moderate 6-mile hike that winds its way up to the top of the Looking Glass Rock, a natural granite pluton monolith in Pisgah National Forest. But my insider tip is that I prefer to hike nearby John Rock Trail, which is similar in length and effort, but gives you a view of Looking Glass Rock along with the breathtaking mountain vistas at the top.
Pisgah Social
After a day of playing in Pisgah National Forest, I’ll head over to the Cheef Eats Bar-B-Que at Pisgah Social, a food hall-style venue where you can choose from Cheef Eats or smash burgers from Smash NC, plus enjoy a full bar. Right now my favorite is the chopped chicken barbecue sandwich. Don’t forget to ask the Cheef for some Trailer Sauce! And tell him I sent you to say hello.
Bracken Mountain Bakery
Bracken Mountain Bakery is my main go-to for treats. My current favorite is a blackberry oat scone, but if you haven’t tried one of their cheese danishes, you have to start there. On the savory side, I love their olive flatbread. If I forget to pack my lunch, that’s usually where I’m headed.
Blue Ridge Parkway
In my humble opinion, going for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is an experience not to be missed. I love the feeling of being up in the clouds and looking across our ancient mountain ranges. I like to start in Pisgah Forest going up 276 and either take the Parkway north to Asheville or south toward Rosman, and then back to Brevard. Pull off at all the parking lot overlooks. If you’re headed south, stop at The Devil’s Courthouse for a short (but steep) hike with the reward of a truly spectacular view.
This insider authorship was produced in partnership with Explore Brevard.