Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. 2 Marion at No. What about you, though? .wp-show-posts a { 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. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. padding-left: 10px; Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. 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. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Walk Score: 36/100. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. 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. Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. 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! The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. 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. Mount Airy, a.k.a. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. 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. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. 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. 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. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. .archive .content-area a { Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. text-decoration: none Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. 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. 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. } jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" 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. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. 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. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Black Mountain. 5 Pinehurst at No. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. Taylor. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. There. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! padding-left: 10px !important; Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Here are a few of them. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. 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. /***Underline Links***/ You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! 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. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 5. 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. } ); 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. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. 1 Sylva. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. } Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. text-decoration: none One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. 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. #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. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. 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. Old Fort. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. 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. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. Flat Rock. It's an outstanding alternative for those . !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. 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. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. 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 . A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Thanks for commenting. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. 9. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, .content-area a { } ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 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 -. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! .wp-block-button a { Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. 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. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. } My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. 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. .inside-footer-widgets a { Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. 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. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. #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. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. 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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