The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. North Conway, New Hampshire. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. 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. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. 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. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. 1 Sylva. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. 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. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. ), 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). Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. 4 Roxboro at No. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" 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. 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. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. . We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. As many of the stately properties in this mountain area also enjoy stunning waterfront views, its the best of both worlds to be surrounded by the natural beauty. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. Taylor. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! text-decoration: none But it's far from the only one. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. padding-left: 10px !important; This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. 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. This article may contain affiliate links. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. } Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. } Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! .generate-back-to-top:visited { With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. 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. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. padding-right: 10px; Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. 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. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Here are a few of them. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. 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. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. 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. 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. 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! The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Hampstead NC. 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. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! 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. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. 3. 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. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. 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. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Black Mountain. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Show Transcript. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. #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. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. .site-header .header-image { You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. 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 gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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). 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.. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ 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. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. .generate-back-to-top, Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. @media (max-width: 767px) { 2 Marion at No. 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. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! 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. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. padding-left: 10px; fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { 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. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 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. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Facebook. 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. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. }, false ); 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. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. 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 Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Let us know in the comments section, as always. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. 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. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. In summer, you may see people fishing. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Overall SnackAbility. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Loved Black Mountain! 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. My husband & I love West Jefferson. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. 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. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. } We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! 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. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. Robbinsville NC. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC!
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