If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. text-decoration: none People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. } Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. North Conway, New Hampshire. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). 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. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% It's an outstanding alternative for those . My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. 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. Flat Rock. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. }, false ); 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park 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. The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. 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. 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. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. The 20 Best Places to Live in the Mountains in the U.S. - Money Inc Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. In summer, you may see people fishing. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). 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.". Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Walk Score: 36/100. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. 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. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. 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! 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState 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. } Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . 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. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. padding-right: 10px !important; Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. text-decoration: none Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. 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. (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. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. 5. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. text-decoration: underline The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. 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. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . Mount Airy, a.k.a. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 3 Brevard at No. Mitchell. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 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. } 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. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Show Transcript. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. } Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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. } Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina 2. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. 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. .site-header .header-image { There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? 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. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. #right-sidebar { 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. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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. The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip 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. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Let us know in the comments section, as always. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. 14. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Highlands, North Carolina. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. 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. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. 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. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. 3. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. ), 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! .inside-article{ This is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Best Towns to Live in the Smoky Mountains - MountainJobs.com Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Davidson. 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. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. 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. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. 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. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. #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. Great place to visit! 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. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. padding-left: 10px !important; And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. 2023 Compare Cities : Black Mountain, NC vs Elizabethtown, NC In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Imagine waking up each morning to stunning 360-degree mountain views, the rushing sound of nearby waterfalls and in close proximity to some of the nations top hiking trails, prize fly fishing and a list of other pursuits. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two.
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