Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com 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. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. 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 NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube 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. 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. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . 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. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. .search .content-area a { If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. There. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs Highlands, North Carolina. text-decoration: none Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. 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. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. 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. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Advertisement. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. 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 Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. .content-area a { 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. 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. } 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. 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. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). }); Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . North Conway, New Hampshire. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. ), 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). Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 4 Roxboro at No. 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. The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked - Outside Online You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. 5. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. 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. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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 . Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. } The 20 Best Places to Live in the Mountains in the U.S. - Money Inc The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) #right-sidebar { It's an outstanding alternative for those . Banner Elk. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. } "version": "7.4.0", This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World 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. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Here are a few of them. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! 3. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Awesome to hear, Rebecca! Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report 1. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). }, false ); } Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. 6. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. 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. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { 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 Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living 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. 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. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Black Mountain. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. 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. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! 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. 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 Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Mitchell. 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. 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. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Hampstead NC. min-width: 310px; Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage 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. ), 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! text-decoration: none The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip What about you, though? 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. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South 5. 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 can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. Facebook. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. padding-left: 10px; The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. 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. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. } You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. height: 100%; With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. .right-sidebar .content-area { Just outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the small town of Cherokee, headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor 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.
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