Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 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. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; 4. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. 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. 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. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. 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. }); This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. One of the top 10 arts communities . .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. "version": "7.4.0", Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). 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. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. 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. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. 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. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. 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. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Taylor. } Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. What about you, though? . Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). 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. 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. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. 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. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! 3. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Hope you get to see them sometime! You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . This area is considered to be one . Thanks for commenting. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Read More About Our Journey! We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Hampstead NC. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. 7. 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. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. }, false ); The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Show Transcript. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. } Twitter We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). } 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 is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. 5. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). 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. 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. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. But it's far from the only one. Banner Elk. 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.. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. I would never live anywhere else again. 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. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. 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. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. 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. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. 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. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. 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. Loved Black Mountain! It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Its truly a unique experience. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. 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. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. 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. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. } text-decoration: underline 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. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. text-decoration: none 14. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. 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. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! 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. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. 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. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. .content-area a { 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 . .generate-back-to-top, With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Great place to visit! We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. 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. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. 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. .inside-footer-widgets a { Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! 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.
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