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. } If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. text-decoration: none Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. 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 A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. 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. @media (max-width: 767px) { 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. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . It's an outstanding alternative for those . For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. I would never live anywhere else again. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. Median age: 44.7. padding-right: 10px; Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} So many great mountain towns to choose from! This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. What about you, though? Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. 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. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. .search .content-area a { Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. 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! Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. text-decoration: none 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. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. 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! n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. 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. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. padding-left: 10px !important; 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. 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 Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. 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. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. 2. 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. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. 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. 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. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. 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. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Flat Rock. } You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Show Transcript. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. ), 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! Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. Old Fort. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. 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. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. 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. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Hampstead NC. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. Taylor. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. } There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. 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. 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. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . .wp-show-posts a { } 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. The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. .site-header .header-image { For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Highlands, North Carolina. } ); Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Here are a few of them. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls.
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