At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. } If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! This area is considered to be one . The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. 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. 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. $( document.body ).append( '' ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! 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. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Twitter Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Banner Elk. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. #right-sidebar { The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. 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. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Show Transcript. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. 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. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. 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. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Facebook. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. 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. } Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. } ); Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Thanks for commenting. Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. padding-right: 10px; Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Robbinsville NC. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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. Banner Elk. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. 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.". The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. 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. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. 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 You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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 -. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. 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. } For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. .site-header .header-image { Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! 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. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. .generate-back-to-top, Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our Relocation Director, Karen Danner, who can assist you with every detail of your move to North Carolina. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. 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. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. 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! The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. North Conway, New Hampshire. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). Great place to visit! At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. Hope you get to see them sometime! It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. } 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. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 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. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. 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! Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. .right-sidebar .content-area { There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport 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! Median age: 44.7. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. 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. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 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. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. #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. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. }, false ); 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. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. 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. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !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. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. height: 100%; Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! padding-left: 10px !important; 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. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit.