Its truly a unique experience. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 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. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. 5. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. 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. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. 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. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. } ); 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. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. What about you, though? Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 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. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. $( document.body ).append( '

' ); It's an outstanding alternative for those . Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. 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. There. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. .site-header .header-image { Highlands, North Carolina. 4. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. 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. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! 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 @media (max-width: 767px) { The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. 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. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. .archive .content-area a { All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. 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. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. .sidebar a { This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). /***Underline Links***/ Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. 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. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. 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. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. 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. 2 Marion at No. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Banner Elk. Here are a few of them. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. 2. 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. 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. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 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. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Twitter The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. 3 Brevard at No. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. Mount Airy, a.k.a. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Show Transcript. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Some small towns are lucky enough to be tucked into the mountains where people can explore on foot, bike and skis all with hardly another person in sight. . Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. } Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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! New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. Flat Rock. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. 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. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. One of the top 10 arts communities . There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ 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. 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 Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. } Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). padding-left: 10px !important; Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! In summer, you may see people fishing. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. text-decoration: underline With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Facebook. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. 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. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. 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. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Black Mountain. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. .search .content-area a { Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. 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. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. 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