Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. So many great mountain towns to choose from! The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. There. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. .archive .content-area a { The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. 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. 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. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Taylor. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . 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 } Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Here are a few of them. Great place to visit! It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. text-decoration: underline 2. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. .inside-footer-widgets a { An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. .search .content-area a { Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip best places to live in south carolina mountains This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. 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. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! 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. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? 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. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Overall SnackAbility. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. #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. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 9. 2023 Compare Cities : Black Mountain, NC vs Elizabethtown, NC Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. 5 Pinehurst at No. 30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping } Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. 2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? 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.". Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 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. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. 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. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. 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. 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. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. This article may contain affiliate links. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. } The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. 5. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine.