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. 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. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. 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! 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 . An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. } 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. 3. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 4 Roxboro at No. 3 Brevard at No. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. 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. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. } Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. . There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. }, false ); Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! 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. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. 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. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. 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. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. } Mitchell. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Banner Elk. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. .right-sidebar .content-area { This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. @media (max-width: 767px) { Located in western North Carolina on what is known as the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands has been called "the Aspen of the East.". 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). 1. 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. 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. Robbinsville NC. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Great place to visit! 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. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. .content-area a { Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. 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. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. } Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. 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. .sidebar a { Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. 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. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Thank you, Lori! 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. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. Twitter Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. 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. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. 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 -. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). .generate-back-to-top, 2 Marion at No. 5 Pinehurst at No. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! It's an outstanding alternative for those . This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. 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. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Show Transcript. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. 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. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. 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. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. 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. padding-left: 10px; Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, 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! !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? 7. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. .generate-back-to-top:visited { There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. 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.