The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. 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). Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. ), 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! ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. min-width: 310px; North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. 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. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. .inside-footer-widgets a { 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. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. 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. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. 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. 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. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. One of the top 10 arts communities . Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. 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. } 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. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies 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. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { 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. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. } 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Taylor. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. 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. This area is considered to be one . 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. #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. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. padding-left: 10px !important; Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare 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! Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. 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. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . 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. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. 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. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. } ); } This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. 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. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. 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. Here are a few of them. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! But it's far from the only one. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. } North Conway, New Hampshire. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! 30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain 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. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. In summer, you may see people fishing. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. 2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Loved Black Mountain! Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. 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. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. 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. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. padding-left: 10px; Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). 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. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. 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. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. 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. 5 Pinehurst at No. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. } Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. 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. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. padding-right: 10px !important; But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com } Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. 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. } 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.body ).append( '
' ); 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. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? 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. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch!How To Scan Multiple Pages Into One Pdf Epson,
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