.ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Hope you get to see them sometime! Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. best places to live in south carolina mountains The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit 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.". Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. 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. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. 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. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Advertisement. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit .wp-block-button a { The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! So many great mountain towns to choose from! Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. 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. 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 Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. This article may contain affiliate links. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. 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 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. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. 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. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. 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. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. 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. text-decoration: underline Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. 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. .inside-article{ 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. 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. I would never live anywhere else again. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. 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. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South Great place to visit! If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. ), 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). Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. 5. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? Mount Airy, a.k.a. Taylor. 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. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. .generate-back-to-top:visited { 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.. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. 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. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. This is also a popular area for trout fishing in North Carolina, particularly in the fall, with the Watauga River presenting a great opportunity for anglers. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! 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. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Banner Elk. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. $( document.body ).append( '
' ); 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. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. 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.. .generate-back-to-top, Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. 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. 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. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. 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. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . 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. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. text-decoration: none } Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. .sidebar a { The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities 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. Let us know in the comments section, as always. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. @media (max-width: 767px) { From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. } 9. text-decoration: underline #right-sidebar { North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 4 Roxboro at No. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. What about you, though? Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. 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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