For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. 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. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! 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. 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. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. 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. 9. 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. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. 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. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. text-decoration: underline There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . 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. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. ), 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! } Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. .search .content-area a { Spruce Pine is a nice spot throughout the year, but two events here are really coolthe NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo) in June. Old Fort. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. 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. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. }); For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. 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. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. 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. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. 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 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. 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.". You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). } .inside-article{ ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. "source": "woocommerce", Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. 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. Loved Black Mountain! Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. 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. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. 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. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). padding-left: 10px; Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. . .right-sidebar .content-area { .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. 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. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. But it's far from the only one. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. .archive .content-area a { Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. 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. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. 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. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } North Conway, New Hampshire. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. .content-area a { Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. text-decoration: none Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. padding-right: 10px; Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). 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. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. } The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. .site-header .header-image { 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! 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). Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. 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. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! This article may contain affiliate links. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. height: 100%; Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 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. #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. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. text-decoration: underline 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 . Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. } ); /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Awesome to hear, Rebecca! My favorite mountain town is 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. 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. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Show Transcript. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 3. 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 . 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. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. text-decoration: none Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. 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. So many great mountain towns to choose from! 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 Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. .wp-show-posts a { Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. It's an outstanding alternative for those . 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. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 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.
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