Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; ), 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! Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. text-decoration: underline Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} 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. 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. 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 . Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. This area is considered to be one . You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. 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. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} 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. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. 14. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Old Fort. Show Transcript. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. 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! 5 Pinehurst at No. 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. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. } Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. } What about you, though? Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 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. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. 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. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). } To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); 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. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! } /***Move Back to Top Button***/ #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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Hope you get to see them sometime! They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. min-width: 310px; We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. 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! Banner Elk. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! text-decoration: none Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. One of the top 10 arts communities . One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! } Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Twitter Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. 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 Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Davidson. 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. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 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. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. height: 100%; Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Median age: 44.7. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. .inside-footer-widgets a { Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. 3. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. text-decoration: underline The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ } After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. .generate-back-to-top, The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. text-decoration: none $( document.body ).append( '
' ); Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. } Let us know in the comments section, as always. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. 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. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. (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. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Hampstead NC. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. "source": "woocommerce", } 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. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% 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 Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. 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. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. #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. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. . But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. 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. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, North Conway, New Hampshire. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). 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 . Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} .archive .content-area a { Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 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. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. 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. 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. In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. 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. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. 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. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Loved Black Mountain! Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. 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. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon.Who Is Still Alive From Hogan's Heroes,
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