Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville 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 } For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. .right-sidebar .content-area { Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. 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! 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. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. 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. text-decoration: underline Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? @media (max-width: 767px) { Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. 7. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. 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.. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. 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. Best Lake Communities in North Carolina This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. This article may contain affiliate links. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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 . Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. 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. 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. 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 } This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. text-decoration: none Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. 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. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. } The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. 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. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. 17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! 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. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. Banner Elk. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. padding-right: 10px; It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. 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. The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) 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. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. ), 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! 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. 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). Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. best places to live in south carolina mountains For a tasty and unique treat any time, stop in at the Toasted and Rolled Ice Cream and Bakery, where you can watch your custom ice-cream creation being made right in front of you. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. 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. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! 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. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! . These 10 Towns Are Among The Safest Cities In North Carolina We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. What Are the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family in America Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 16 Best Smoky Mountain Small Towns In Tennessee & North Carolina /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. 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. Here are a few of them. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. 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. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Hope you get to see them sometime! We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Great place to visit! } ); The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Hendersonville Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. One of the top 10 arts communities . 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. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { text-decoration: underline The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. 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.