Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! text-decoration: none Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living 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. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. 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. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? 4 Roxboro at No. 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. 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. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. 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! Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable } A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. } 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. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. 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. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. 1. 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. } Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. 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. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! 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. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. .generate-back-to-top, There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Hampstead NC. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). best places to live in south carolina mountains .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. .inside-footer-widgets a { Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. 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 -. What about you, though? Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News } Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. .wp-block-button a { "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. These studios open twice a year for Weaverville Art Safari, for which art lovers and makers alike travel from all over to be a part of. 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. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. .site-header .header-image { 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. text-decoration: none 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. 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. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. 2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? 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.. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. .wp-show-posts a { 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. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. } It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. 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! Mitchell. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. 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. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; My husband & I love West Jefferson. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 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. ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Taylor. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Banner Elk. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Black Mountain. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. } ); With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. 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 . This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. 1 Sylva. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. .content-area a { Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! } 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. padding-right: 10px !important; With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. /***Underline Links***/ Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. } 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. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. 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. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants.
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