Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. 4 Roxboro at No. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, This area is considered to be one . 5. } Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Just outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the small town of Cherokee, headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. } The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). padding-left: 10px; Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Located in western North Carolina on what is known as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands has been called "the Aspen of the East.". 1. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. These studios open twice a year for Weaverville Art Safari, for which art lovers and makers alike travel from all over to be a part of. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Great place to visit! Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Hope you get to see them sometime! Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. } The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. .generate-back-to-top:visited { Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. padding-right: 10px !important; Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Sylva is a picturesque small town with a population of around 2500, and it's one of the best places to live in North Carolina. min-width: 310px; 5. .generate-back-to-top, Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Boone is a haven of natural wonders offering an, Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, click for interactive map of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns, 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants You Need to Try! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. 3 Brevard at No. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. text-decoration: underline Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. Some small towns are lucky enough to be tucked into the mountains where people can explore on foot, bike and skis all with hardly another person in sight. North Conway, New Hampshire. This is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. .wp-block-button a { As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. I would never live anywhere else again. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. The median home price in Ayden is 127,400 and the median income is $53,317, giving Ayden a solid ratio of home price to income. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. There. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Ayden wasn't even in the top 40 cheapest places to live in North Carolina last year, so this jump up to the #2 spot is quite impressive. } Median household income: $40,875. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Thanks for commenting. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. }); The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. } Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. Its truly a unique experience. Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/