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. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. 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. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. 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. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. text-decoration: underline Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Banner Elk. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). 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. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! 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. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { 4. 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.
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. } The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. } Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. } Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ 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 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. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. height: 100%; Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. min-width: 310px; Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. One of the top 10 arts communities . Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. 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. 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. 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). One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Thanks for commenting. } Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. 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. text-decoration: none #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. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. 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. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! 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. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. 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. 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. Mitchell. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. 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. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. 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. 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. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. #right-sidebar { Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. 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 -. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Great place to visit! Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? 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. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. 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. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. } Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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.