You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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 an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. ), 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! We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! .archive .content-area a { @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { Median household income: $40,875. This area is considered to be one . } Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. 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. This article may contain affiliate links. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! } 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. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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. 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. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. 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. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. 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. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Old Fort. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. "source": "woocommerce", There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. 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 most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. padding-left: 10px !important; Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. .site-header .header-image { Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Advertisement. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. } Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. 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. 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. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ 6. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. 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). It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. 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. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. .generate-back-to-top, Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. 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. 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. 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. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. 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. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Mount Airy, a.k.a. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. 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. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. } Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 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! Twitter
Spruce Pine is a nice spot throughout the year, but two events here are really coolthe NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo) in June. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. 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. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Let us know in the comments section, as always. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. 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. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Loved Black Mountain! We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. 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. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Black Mountain. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. 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. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! 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. 3 Brevard at No. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} 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. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. }, false ); .inside-footer-widgets a { From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC.