It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. padding-right: 10px !important; Walk Score: 36/100. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. 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. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. So many great mountain towns to choose from! The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. } It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Read More About Our Journey! 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 . 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. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. 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. 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. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. 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. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. 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. NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. 3 Brevard at No. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Great place to visit! Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! 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. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . 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. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. 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. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. } Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. 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. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. .inside-article{ The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living There. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 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. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. 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. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. text-decoration: underline Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. 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! 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Mount Airy, a.k.a. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. /***Underline Links***/ 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. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. 14. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). 2. 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. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. 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. Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. 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.. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. 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. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. 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. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. 2023 Compare Cities : Black Mountain, NC vs Elizabethtown, NC Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Robbinsville NC. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. 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. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. 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.". Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. 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. Loved Black Mountain! The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. } Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare 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. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Here are a few of them. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. 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. 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! 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. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Thanks for commenting. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Twitter Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. 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. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. text-decoration: none padding-left: 10px !important; Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide In summer, you may see people fishing. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. 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 . The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. } ); 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. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. 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. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. 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. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. 2 Marion at No. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. North Conway, New Hampshire. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. text-decoration: none If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. 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. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. 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. 1 Sylva. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). 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. 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). You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. 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. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. 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. 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. text-decoration: underline document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); 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. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. 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. Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. 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. This area is considered to be one . It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) }, false ); 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. 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 -. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina.
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