2. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. 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. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. 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. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. /***Underline Links***/ Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. } 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. 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. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. 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. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. Its truly a unique experience. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. "version": "7.4.0", Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Advertisement. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. 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. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. 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. .generate-back-to-top:visited { Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. (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. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. 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! Skiing in North Carolina: With elevations that exceed 5,000 feet and extensive snowmaking equipment, the mountains of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for skiing. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. text-decoration: none Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. 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. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Black Mountain. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Spruce Pine is a nice spot throughout the year, but two events here are really coolthe NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo) in June. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. 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. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. 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. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Mitchell. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. .content-area a { Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. I would never live anywhere else again. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. 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! Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Twitter 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. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. North Conway, New Hampshire. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Banner Elk. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Taylor. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. 2 Marion at No. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Great place to visit! Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. @media (max-width: 767px) { Median age: 44.7. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. 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. 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. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! Overall SnackAbility. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. .generate-back-to-top, 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! Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. .inside-footer-widgets a { Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. 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 . Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. } At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. padding-left: 10px !important; This area is considered to be one . Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. text-decoration: none At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities .right-sidebar .content-area { Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. 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. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Imagine waking up each morning to stunning 360-degree mountain views, the rushing sound of nearby waterfalls and in close proximity to some of the nations top hiking trails, prize fly fishing and a list of other pursuits. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Facebook. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. 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. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 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. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Let us know in the comments section, as always. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% 2. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. 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. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. 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. 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. text-decoration: underline 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 . Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse.