They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). } Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. padding-left: 10px !important; 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. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. 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. padding-right: 10px; 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. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. 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. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. 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. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). .content-area a { .site-header .header-image { For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { .inside-article{ Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). 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. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. 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. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . 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. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! padding-right: 10px !important; 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. "version": "7.4.0", It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. 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. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit 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. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. } Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. 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.. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). 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. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. } Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! 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! This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Mitchell. Advertisement. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. The various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World I would never live anywhere else again. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. 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. ), 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. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); But it's far from the only one. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. 7. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Show Transcript. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. 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. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. 3 Brevard at No. .archive .content-area a { Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina 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. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Let us know in the comments section, as always. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. .search .content-area a { 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains 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. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. text-decoration: underline Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South 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 town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. } Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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. 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. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. 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. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Facebook. Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability 5. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube text-decoration: underline Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. 2 Marion at No. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. .generate-back-to-top, This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog 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. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} This article may contain affiliate links. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. } Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. text-decoration: none Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. 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. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. #right-sidebar { Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 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. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. 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. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. @media (max-width: 767px) { Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. .wp-show-posts a { Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. $( document.body ).append( '' ); 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. Twitter Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina 1. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Best Towns to Live in the Smoky Mountains - MountainJobs.com Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. }, false ); There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants.
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