Brevard, North Carolina is known for its mountain backdrops, easy access to outdoor activities, and a thriving arts scene. But its most unique claim to fame is its colony of white squirrels. Spotting one of these snowy-coated cuties can feel like a challenge, especially when it’s chilly, but I’ve got some good places for you to look. And while you’re in town, make sure to pop into the Transylvanian Heritage Museum — during the festive season, they have a display of vintage aluminum trees.
How Did Brevard End Up With White Squirrels?
The facts are fuzzy, but the story goes that in 1949, a pair of white squirrels escaped an overturned carnival truck and were eventually given as a gift to a young girl in Brevard. When she moved away in 1951, the squirrels were released into the wild, and their descendants multiplied. A less fun theory is that these squirrels are simply the result of a genetic mutation as they are the white variant of the eastern gray squirrel. These are not albino — their white fur is caused by a recessive gene and their eye color remains dark.
Regardless of how they got here, Brevard has fully embraced their white squirrel population. The town enacted a “no-kill” ordinance to protect them, and you’ll see white squirrel depictions everywhere, from streetlights to shop windows. Brevard even hosts an annual White Squirrel Festival on the weekend before Memorial Day, featuring live music, art vendors, food trucks, and the rescue white squirrel mascot, Pisgah Pete.
Where to Spot the White Squirrels
My boyfriend and I were told that the hot spots for white squirrels were Franklin Park, Silvermont Park, and the Brevard College Campus. I don’t doubt these are usually safe bets, but we scoped out all three and saw exactly zero white squirrels there. Not even a flash of white fur. I figured it was the cold November weather but just as I was ready to give up, we drove by our first sighting — a white squirrel hanging out by an Ingles dumpster. We’d unwittingly hit the white squirrel jackpot! We spotted over a dozen white squirrels around Ingles’ dumpsters and the perimeter woods. I still haven’t recovered from the extreme cuteness of these little guys! So, if you want to see white squirrels in Brevard and the parks are coming up empty, head for Ingles. 😂
- Franklin Park: 109 Lakeview Ave, Brevard, NC 28712
- Silvermont Park: 364 E Main St, Brevard, NC 28712
- Brevard College: 1 Brevard College Dr, Brevard, NC 28712
- Ingles: 684 N Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712
The Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum
If you’re lucky enough to visit Brevard during the holiday season, don’t miss your chance to step back in time at the Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) within the Transylvania Heritage Museum! This exhibit runs weekends from early November through December and celebrates the mid-century glory of aluminum Christmas trees. To me, the most beautiful Christmas tree is a white aluminum tree with a color wheel. When we visited, they even had a spread of 1960s-inspired hors d’oeuvres to complete the retro vibe.
Location: 189 West Main Street in the heart of Brevard, NC
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free! Donations appreciated. 🎄
This 1963 Sears description says it the best: “This exquisite tree is sure to be the talk of your neighborhood. High luster aluminum gives a dazzling brilliance. Shimmering silvery branches are swirled and tapered to a handsome realistic fullness. It’s really durable . . . Fireproof.”
What’s Nearby?
No matter which way you’re headed, Brevard is an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the western side of the Carolinas.
- Looking Glass Falls: a picture-perfect roadside waterfall in Brevard. There’s a viewing platform above and stairs you can take down for a closer view. Great stop on the way to Asheville.
- Bald Rock Heritage Preserve: a graffitied granite outcrop offering panoramic views. Great stop on the way to Greenville.
Beyond white squirrels and pure holiday magic, Brevard offers plenty to see and do. Our visit was brief but I also enjoyed brunch at Morning Social and walking around Downtown and the Farmers’ Market.
That’s a really interesting origin story of the white squirrel in that area! I love this blog so much. It’s so great reading about all the cool hidden gems.
This is so sweet of you to say, Amber. OF COURSE you too are interested in circus squirrels.😆