The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. text-decoration: none If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Old Fort. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. What Are the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family in America 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. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { 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 -. These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! 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. 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. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. . New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). North Conway, New Hampshire. 2. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. These studios open twice a year for Weaverville Art Safari, for which art lovers and makers alike travel from all over to be a part of. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. So many great mountain towns to choose from! 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. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. 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. #right-sidebar { Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. 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. } We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. 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. (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. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . 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. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. 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. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. In summer, you may see people fishing. 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. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 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. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. 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. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. 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. } RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. 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 Twitter Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! 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 . 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. } Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. 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. 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park text-decoration: underline 14. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. 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. This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. ), 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! Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. max-width: calc(100% - 320px);