), these are the best mountain towns in America. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. There. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. } @media (max-width: 767px) { Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. 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 no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. 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. 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. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 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. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. 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. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. 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. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Great place to visit! Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Median household income: $40,875. 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. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). .generate-back-to-top, Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. 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. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! 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 As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. 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. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. 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. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. } Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More Loved Black Mountain! Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. 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. 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. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains 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. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. 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. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. 9. 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. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Read More About Our Journey! North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 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. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Mount Airy, a.k.a. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. 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 . .right-sidebar .content-area { The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. #right-sidebar { 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. 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. } ); Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Black Mountain. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. 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. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. 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. 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. 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. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Show Transcript. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. 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. .generate-back-to-top:visited { Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . padding-right: 10px; Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. This area is considered to be one . 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 massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { 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. 4 Roxboro at No. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. 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. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . I would never live anywhere else again. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. 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. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 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.". We have been writing about travel for the last decade. ), 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! .content-area a { This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. 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 } ); The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. 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. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina 2023 Compare Cities : Black Mountain, NC vs Elizabethtown, NC Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. One of the top 10 arts communities . .sidebar a { The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. What about you, though? best places to live in south carolina mountains With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. 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.