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! .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. 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. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! 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. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! 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. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability 2. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living 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 It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. 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. 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Facebook. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). } ); 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. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. } 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel .search .content-area a { 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. 1 Sylva. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. 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.". The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). 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. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. . Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. Mount Airy, a.k.a. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas #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. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the 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. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our Relocation Director, Karen Danner, who can assist you with every detail of your move to North Carolina. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. 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. 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. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. 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. } Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. 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. Thanks for commenting. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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. 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! 2. Old Fort. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. 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. 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville #right-sidebar { 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. 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.. 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. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. } In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. 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. 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. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. .inside-footer-widgets a { 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. 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. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. 5 Pinehurst at No. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. .wp-show-posts a { The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. 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. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. 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. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. There. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants 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 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. Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Thank you, Lori! ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. 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. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. 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. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. 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. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. 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 . Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? Loved Black Mountain! If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! In summer, you may see people fishing. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport 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. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. } Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. text-decoration: none 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. 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. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events.