In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. "version": "7.4.0", 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. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Davidson. 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. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { ), 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! 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. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. 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. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. Advertisement. Hampstead NC. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. 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. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. 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. } /***Underline Links***/ Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Facebook. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. text-decoration: underline The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin Banner Elk. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. 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. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. 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. .generate-back-to-top:visited { } The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. 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. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. 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. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. 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. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. .wp-block-button a { Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. 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. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. 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. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. .search .content-area a { The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. padding-left: 10px !important; Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 7. So many great mountain towns to choose from! 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. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. My husband & I love West Jefferson. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. 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. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. padding-left: 10px; Located in western North Carolina on what is known as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands has been called "the Aspen of the East.". One of the top 10 arts communities . All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Thanks for commenting. 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. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. 2. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Banner Elk. } ); Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. } 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. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. #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. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. 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. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. } ); Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" } Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Loved Black Mountain! Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? 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. 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. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. 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. } In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. 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. 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. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. 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. Median age: 44.7. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. 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. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { $( document.body ).append( '' ); .inside-footer-widgets a { The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. .generate-back-to-top, Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. 5. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? } Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. In summer, you may see people fishing. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). 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. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. 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. Read More: National Parks Sites 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. 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. 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. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. 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 . The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. .sidebar a { 4 Roxboro at No. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. .content-area a { Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. 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. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. text-decoration: none The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. (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. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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.