It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. As many of the stately properties in this mountain area also enjoy stunning waterfront views, its the best of both worlds to be surrounded by the natural beauty. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide 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. North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. best places to live in south carolina mountains ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. 9. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. 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. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. } 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. Overall SnackAbility. 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville 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. North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South 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. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Great place to visit! 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). min-width: 310px; The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. } Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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 . 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. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! height: 100%; That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. 1. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. 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. 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. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. What about you, though? The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 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 The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. } 4 Roxboro at No. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 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. North Conway, New Hampshire. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. 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. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. 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. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5 Pinehurst at No. 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. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. text-decoration: underline Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Black Mountain. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. 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. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. There. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping 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). At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Twitter Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. 5. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! 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. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. } As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. 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. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. /***Underline Links***/ Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. 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. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). 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. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. 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. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina 30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Mount Airy, a.k.a. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. 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. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. } This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 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. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 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. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. 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. Thanks for commenting. 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. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. }); And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? 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. Show Transcript. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. 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. 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. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden.
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