25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. 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. 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. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Black Mountain. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. .inside-article{ 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. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. 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. best places to live in south carolina mountains Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor 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. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) 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. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. 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. } 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) Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. 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. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. 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 .wp-block-button a { Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. 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. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 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. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. There. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. 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. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. 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. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. 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. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. 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. This area is considered to be one . 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. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. 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. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Hampstead NC. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. } ); Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. What about you, though? Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! 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 .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. .right-sidebar .content-area { Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. }); North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South Mount Airy, a.k.a. 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.". Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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 Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. @media (max-width: 767px) { document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Twitter Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Banner Elk. } . The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. 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. 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. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. #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. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. 5. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. 14. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. 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. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. .generate-back-to-top:visited { 3. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. } ); Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. } 4. #right-sidebar { Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! 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. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers.
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