In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. }, false ); jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. } ); Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. 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. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! 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. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. 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. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website 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. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. } Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 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 . The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); 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. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Loved Black Mountain! This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. 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. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. 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. 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. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. 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. 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. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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. 2. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Overall SnackAbility. 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. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. 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. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. "source": "woocommerce", There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. #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. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! .wp-block-button a { 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. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . 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. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. 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. Hampstead NC. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. 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. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Let us know in the comments section, as always. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. 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. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. }); To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. .search .content-area a { 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. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Hope you get to see them sometime! South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. text-decoration: underline Advertisement. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. 1. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. 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. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Taylor. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. } Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. 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. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Thank you, Lori! Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. padding-right: 10px; The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. 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. Median age: 44.7. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! 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. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. 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. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. } 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. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Here are a few of them. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. Mount Airy, a.k.a. 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. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. In summer, you may see people fishing. 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. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. 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. } This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. 5. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. 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. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. 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. Sylva is a picturesque small town with a population of around 2500, and it's one of the best places to live in North Carolina. } Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. 14. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. 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. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. But it's far from the only one. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. 2 Marion at No. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. #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. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Old Fort. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. 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. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. 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! Great place to visit! Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. } That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. 3. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. 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.