The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. 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. .inside-article{ Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. 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. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} 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. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Imagine waking up each morning to stunning 360-degree mountain views, the rushing sound of nearby waterfalls and in close proximity to some of the nations top hiking trails, prize fly fishing and a list of other pursuits. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. 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. 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. 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. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. 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. }); We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 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. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. 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. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); text-decoration: underline Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Mitchell. Median age: 44.7. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. 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. 14. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. 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). 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. 5. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Read More About Our Journey! You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. 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. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. 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. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. . 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. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. } 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. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! padding-left: 10px; Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. 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. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. 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. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! /***Move Back to Top Button***/ The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. 1. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. 4 Roxboro at No. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. .search .content-area a { Great place to visit! Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. #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. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. This article may contain affiliate links. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. 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. NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. text-decoration: none A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. 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. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. 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. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South Awesome to hear, Rebecca! 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Hampstead NC. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. 9. 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. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. 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. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. 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. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day.