Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Overall SnackAbility. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 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. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. 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. 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. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Loved Black Mountain! There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. 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. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 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! The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. .wp-block-button a { 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. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. 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. At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Robbinsville NC. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park 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. Twitter Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Banner Elk. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. 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 The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} 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. 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. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! 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. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat } Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. 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. Old Fort. Black Mountain. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. height: 100%; The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Boone is a haven of natural wonders offering an, Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, click for interactive map of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns, 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants You Need to Try! Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. 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. 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. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). .archive .content-area a { 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. Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability 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. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. .search .content-area a { The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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. 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. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. In summer, you may see people fishing. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. What about you, though? Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). 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. "version": "7.4.0", } The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. 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. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. 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. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { 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. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 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. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. 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. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. 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! Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. . Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. 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. } Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. text-decoration: underline Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. 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. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. } Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. .content-area a { 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.

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