Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. } 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. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Here are a few of them. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. What about you, though? 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. Median household income: $40,875. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport 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. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). @media (max-width: 767px) { Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why 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. 4 Roxboro at No. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { 30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Facebook. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. } Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina text-decoration: underline Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. 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. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); 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. 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. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. . .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. 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. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} }); padding-left: 10px; Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. 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 the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. 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. }, false ); Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. .inside-article{ Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Thanks for commenting. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. 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. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina I would never live anywhere else again. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. 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. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. 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 For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Read More About Our Journey! 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. This article may contain affiliate links. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Advertisement. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. 7. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! Banner Elk. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 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. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. 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. 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. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. .wp-show-posts a { Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. 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. 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. text-decoration: underline The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. 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. Show Transcript. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. 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. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. } Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. 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. #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. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. This area is considered to be one . Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. padding-left: 10px !important; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure.