Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. "source": "woocommerce", Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Awesome to hear, Rebecca! .right-sidebar .content-area { 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. 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. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. } America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. }, false ); Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our Relocation Director, Karen Danner, who can assist you with every detail of your move to North Carolina. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. ), 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! If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. 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. 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. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. 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. Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. 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. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" } 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. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. 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. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. 3 Brevard at No. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. 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. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. ), 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). Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . 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! That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. Highlands, North Carolina. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. 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. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Read More About Our Journey! Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. .wp-show-posts a { Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. } They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. Black Mountain. The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . 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). We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. } padding-left: 10px; For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. 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. 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. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. 1 Sylva. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Ayden wasn't even in the top 40 cheapest places to live in North Carolina last year, so this jump up to the #2 spot is quite impressive. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. This area is considered to be one . My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. .generate-back-to-top:visited { 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 -. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. .archive .content-area a { Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. 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. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. 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! We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. 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. 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. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. .site-header .header-image { North Conway, New Hampshire. Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. 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. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. #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.