Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. } Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. North Conway might be best known as a ski townand that's a legitimate distinction with Cranmore Mountain Resort 's steeps and glades just a mile from . This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. text-decoration: none Show Transcript. @media (max-width: 767px) { The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. } 1. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. 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! /***Move Back to Top Button***/ One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Hope you get to see them sometime! 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. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Median household income: $40,875. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Banner Elk. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. } } ); Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Taylor. 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. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. padding-left: 10px !important; 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 As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. 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. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Davidson. 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. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. 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. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Black Mountain. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. 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 Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? 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.". It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. 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. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. 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. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. 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 . Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. 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. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. . With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Thank you, Lori! It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. 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. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? 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! Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. 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. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). 3 Brevard at No. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. 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. 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. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. 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. 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. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! 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. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. 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. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. 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. 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. 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. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! 5. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. 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. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). 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. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. 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. Its truly a unique experience. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! 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. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. } It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. 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. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. 3. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { 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. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. 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. } Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. 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. Flat Rock. 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. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. } ); 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.. 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. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. }); There. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. 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. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. .archive .content-area a { 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! 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. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Twitter This article may contain affiliate links. 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.