Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). min-width: 310px; Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. ), 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). 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. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ text-decoration: none Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. 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 . Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through 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. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. 3 Brevard at No. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. 14. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Great place to visit! Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. Hope you get to see them sometime! 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. 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. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. 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 Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. 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. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. text-decoration: none This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. padding-right: 10px !important; Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. padding-right: 10px; Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Show Transcript. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Overall SnackAbility. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! 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. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. 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. 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. 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. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. 5. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. 2. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. } Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. /***Underline Links***/ Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. 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. 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. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Hendersonville Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! 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 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. } 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. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. 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. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; 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. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. 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. } 9. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). 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 . Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Robbinsville NC. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. .archive .content-area a { 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. 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. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. 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. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. (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. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. 4 Roxboro at No. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. } Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. . Here are the best places to live near the mountains! It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. 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. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. 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. "version": "7.4.0", You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). 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. 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! Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. 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. .sidebar a { ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Ayden wasn't even in the top 40 cheapest places to live in North Carolina last year, so this jump up to the #2 spot is quite impressive. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. } Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! 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. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Banner Elk. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling.
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