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Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; 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. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. 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. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. 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 . This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. 9. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. One of the top 10 arts communities . The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. 5. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 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. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Advertisement. 1 Sylva. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Median age: 44.7. Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. 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. 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. }); In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. 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. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. 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. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. In summer, you may see people fishing. 3. 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. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. } The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. 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. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! .sidebar a { Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. } /***Move Back to Top Button***/ .site-header .header-image { We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! 2 Marion at No. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. 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. } Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . Hampstead NC. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} 3 Brevard at No. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! My husband & I love West Jefferson. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Boone is a haven of natural wonders offering an, Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, click for interactive map of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns, 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants You Need to Try! If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. 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. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Overall SnackAbility. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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). There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. .generate-back-to-top, At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! 14. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. This area is considered to be one . Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. 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. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. 5. .wp-block-button a { Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. 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 the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. } ); Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. 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. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } min-width: 310px; 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. 2. .content-area a { The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. 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. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 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.