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. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. 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. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. 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! Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. padding-right: 10px !important; As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. 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 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. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. Walk Score: 36/100. text-decoration: none 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. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. 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. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. But it's far from the only one. 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. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. @media (max-width: 767px) { It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. 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.. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. 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. padding-right: 10px; 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. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. .inside-footer-widgets a { 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. 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. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The Best Mountain Towns In NC - Plan Your Trip To The Mountains Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Taylor. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. 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. Facebook. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. 14. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. text-decoration: none You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} 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. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. 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. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. .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. Mount Airy, a.k.a. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit 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. I would never live anywhere else again. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) } Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. 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 downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. } And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. 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. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. /***Underline Links***/ Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family Davidson. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Median household income: $40,875. Thanks for commenting. 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina } Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina }, false ); Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. 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. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. 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. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. In summer, you may see people fishing. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Loved Black Mountain! best places to live in south carolina mountains .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} .sidebar a { 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 4. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . 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. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Black Mountain. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. height: 100%; Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). padding-left: 10px !important; 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! Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. 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. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Best Towns to Live in the Smoky Mountains - MountainJobs.com fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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 Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. #1 Best Places to Live in North Carolina Morrisville Suburb of Raleigh, NC 79 reviews Niche User: Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. 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! Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in 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) the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. } Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. 3 Brevard at No. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Banner Elk. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. 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. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today.