4 Roxboro at No. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. .wp-block-button a { Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022-2023 - U.S. News & World Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Twitter .content-area a { 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. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} 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. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. text-decoration: none Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? 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 Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. 3 Brevard at No. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. 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. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. 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. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide Overall SnackAbility. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. 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. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. 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. 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.. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. 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. 1. 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. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit ), 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! Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. 1 Sylva. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. 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. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. .generate-back-to-top:visited { The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Have you ever seen Bigfoot? 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. 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. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. 2. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability .right-sidebar .content-area { Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. text-decoration: underline The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. 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. }, false ); } Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Black Mountain. } This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. .inside-article{ The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. 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. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. 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.. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina 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. .inside-footer-widgets a { Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website 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. Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% 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. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. padding-right: 10px; Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 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 the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); 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 There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Walk Score: 36/100. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. .site-header .header-image { Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition 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. Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Read More About Our Journey! You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. 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. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). 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. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ 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. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} text-decoration: none 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. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. 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. } There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. 7. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family 2 Marion at No. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. 5. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. Sylva is a picturesque small town with a population of around 2500, and it's one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. .sidebar a { The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. 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. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. I would never live anywhere else again. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. .archive .content-area a { The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. 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. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. "version": "7.4.0", Great place to visit! 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas 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 is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. Advertisement. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. 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. .generate-back-to-top, Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic 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. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!)