Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Great place to visit! We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Banner Elk. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Overall SnackAbility. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. } There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. 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. Loved Black Mountain! Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. 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. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. .wp-block-button a { Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. ), 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! Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. } You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. 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! Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Mitchell. } One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. text-decoration: underline Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. /***Underline Links***/ The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Hope you get to see them sometime! } That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. 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. 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 -. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. (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. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 14. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Taylor. 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 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. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. .right-sidebar .content-area { @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Hendersonville Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. There. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! 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. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. 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. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). 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. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). padding-right: 10px; .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. This article may contain affiliate links. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. 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. 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. Robbinsville NC. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 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. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. padding-left: 10px; Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. 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 . Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. 1. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. 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. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . 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. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. 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 town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. 3 Brevard at No. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! "version": "7.4.0", Median age: 44.7. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. 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. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Its truly a unique experience. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. 2. 1 Sylva. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. 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. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. 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. .content-area a { Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). 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. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. 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.. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes.
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