Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. 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. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. } The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. 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. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. } // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Black Mountain. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com 4 Roxboro at No. Loved Black Mountain! You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. 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. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Best Lake Communities in North Carolina Advertisement. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. .search .content-area a { best places to live in south carolina mountains .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. 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. min-width: 310px; The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. 5 Pinehurst at No. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. 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. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. 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. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. What about you, though? Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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. 2. 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Median age: 44.7. text-decoration: none Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. 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. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. 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. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More 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. 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. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina 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! Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. ), 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). 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. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. 6. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. What Are the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family in America Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Read More About Our Journey! Highlands, North Carolina. 14. 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach as it is more affordable than the Outer Banks, which is the state's most popular coastal vacation spot. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. 5. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. } A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. 7. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. text-decoration: underline } 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. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). .archive .content-area a { Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! In summer, you may see people fishing. 30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} .site-header .header-image { 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. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. 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. .sidebar a { ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. text-decoration: underline For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. 1 Sylva. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. 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. } Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. 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. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} So many great mountain towns to choose from! .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Facebook. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. 3. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. 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. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Old Fort. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. 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. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Hampstead NC. 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. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 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. 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. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. 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 . Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 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. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. height: 100%; 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. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. }); Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). (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. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog 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. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! .wp-block-button a { 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. 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 proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Walk Score: 36/100. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? .wp-show-posts a { This article may contain affiliate links. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. .generate-back-to-top:visited { Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! 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. 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. This area is considered to be one . If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. 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. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country.
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best nc mountain towns to live