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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! Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. }, false ); Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Great place to visit! North Conway, New Hampshire. } .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. 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.. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we cant get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). text-decoration: none height: 100%; Facebook. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. } ); #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. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? 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. 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. } Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Banner Elk. 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. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. 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. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Overall SnackAbility. 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. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. 5. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. 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. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. 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. 5. padding-right: 10px; Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. 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. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. 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. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. .wp-block-button a { Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). #right-sidebar { Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. 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 . 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. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. 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. 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 . There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. } It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. #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. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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! } 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. 7. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. 3 Brevard at No. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. 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. But it's far from the only one. 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. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? .archive .content-area a { Loved Black Mountain! Mount Airy, a.k.a. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Banner Elk. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. 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. } Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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 boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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 Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. 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. .content-area a { Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Imagine waking up each morning to stunning 360-degree mountain views, the rushing sound of nearby waterfalls and in close proximity to some of the nations top hiking trails, prize fly fishing and a list of other pursuits. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. 4 Roxboro at No. 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. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. 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.