I would never live anywhere else again. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Flat Rock. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. 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. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. 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. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Twitter The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). "source": "woocommerce", Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Median household income: $40,875. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. .right-sidebar .content-area { Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Davidson. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. 9. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. But it's far from the only one. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Here are a few of them. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! 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. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. @media (max-width: 767px) { You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. 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! You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). This area is considered to be one . Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. text-decoration: underline If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. 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. . This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. } Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of 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. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. North Conway, New Hampshire. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. There. Walk Score: 36/100. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. text-decoration: none There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. It's an outstanding alternative for those . It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Read More About Our Journey! At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin 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. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Facebook. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. 6. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 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 Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Its truly a unique experience. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. $( document.body ).append( '

' ); } Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). .content-area a { Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach as it is more affordable than the Outer Banks, which is the state's most popular coastal vacation spot. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. } Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. 14. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. } Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. } ); We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA For a mountain getaway the whole family will enjoy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal destination. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. } New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. .wp-show-posts a { 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. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. 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. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. Old Fort. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 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! } Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. 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 If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. 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.. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Black Mountain. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} } bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ text-decoration: underline There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older .

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