/***Move Back to Top Button***/ If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . 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. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Overall SnackAbility. padding-right: 10px !important; } Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. 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. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? 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. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. 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. Thanks for commenting. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. 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. Mount Airy, a.k.a. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina's most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls.. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. } Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. 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. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). 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. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. 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. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. 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. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Mitchell. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. Skiing in North Carolina: With elevations that exceed 5,000 feet and extensive snowmaking equipment, the mountains of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for skiing. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Banner Elk. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. 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 For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. 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. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. 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. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. 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. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ 1. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide 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. 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. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Some small towns are lucky enough to be tucked into the mountains where people can explore on foot, bike and skis all with hardly another person in sight. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. }, false ); Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. 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. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. 7. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. 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! } Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. 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. I would never live anywhere else again. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. 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. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. text-decoration: none Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. padding-left: 10px !important; The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. .inside-footer-widgets a { Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. 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. 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. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach as it is more affordable than the Outer Banks, which is the state's most popular coastal vacation spot. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. 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. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. } ); Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism .
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