In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. } ); The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. This area is considered to be one . From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Banner Elk. Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. 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. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? /***Underline Links***/ Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. } Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. 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. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. 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. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. } Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. One of the top 10 arts communities . With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. } 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 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. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. 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. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. 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. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. $( document.body ).append( '' ); } 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. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. 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. North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. Advertisement. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Just outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the small town of Cherokee, headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. padding-right: 10px !important; ), these are the best mountain towns in America. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. 4 Roxboro at No. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Taylor. 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. } 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 Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. 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. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. } Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? 6. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. 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. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! 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. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. .site-header .header-image { Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! 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. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! 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. } Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA Awesome to hear, Rebecca! Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Here are the best places to live near the mountains! max-width: calc(100% - 320px); .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. 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. 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. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 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. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. text-decoration: none Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. 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. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . 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. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 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. 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. 2. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. 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. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. .wp-block-button a { Old Fort. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Davidson. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). 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. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. .sidebar a { Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. 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! 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. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. height: 100%; 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). The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Loved Black Mountain! Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. 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) Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. min-width: 310px; Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. 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). As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Median household income: $40,875. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. 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. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! My husband & I love West Jefferson. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Facebook. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. padding-left: 10px; text-decoration: none The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. text-decoration: underline We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. } 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. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Hope you get to see them sometime! Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision.