Median household income: $40,875. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. 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. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Median age: 44.7. 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. Here are a few of them. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. 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 Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. 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.. padding-right: 10px !important; Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. 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. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. 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. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. 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. 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. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. 6. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. } #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA For a mountain getaway the whole family will enjoy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal destination. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. 9. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! 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. 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.. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. #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. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Loved Black Mountain! Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. 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. 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! Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. 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. Hampstead NC. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! 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. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ 5. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. } 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. 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. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. 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! Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. 2. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! 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. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). } Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. 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. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. 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. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. 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! An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. .generate-back-to-top:visited { Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! ), these are the best mountain towns in America. 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. text-decoration: none Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. "source": "woocommerce", The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. 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. 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. 3 Brevard at No. 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. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. 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 . Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. 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. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. 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 -. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. 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 various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. 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. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. 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! Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. Spruce Pine is a nice spot throughout the year, but two events here are really coolthe NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo) in June. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Black Mountain. 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. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport } The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Show Transcript. 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. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. }, false ); Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. 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. 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. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! 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. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. 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. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . 1 Sylva. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. 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. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ 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. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Mount Airy, a.k.a. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. text-decoration: none text-decoration: underline Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. 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. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. 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. 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.

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