Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. 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. 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. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. 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. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. 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. } Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. } .right-sidebar .content-area { 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. 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. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Its located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the French Broad River, making it a great jumping off point for some excursions into nature. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Spruce Pine is a nice spot throughout the year, but two events here are really coolthe NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and SPACE (Spruce Pine Alien Conference & Expo) in June. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Loved Black Mountain! Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you.
Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 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. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Median household income: $40,875. 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. .generate-back-to-top:visited { In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. } ); 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. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. 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. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. 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. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); padding-right: 10px !important; A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). 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). Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). text-decoration: none Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. People visiting the quaint town of Sylva are advised to walk up the 107 stairs to the Jackson County Courthouse, where they will witness the panoramic views over the countryside, downtown, and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. .search .content-area a { With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. }, false ); 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. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. text-decoration: none Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Here are a few of them. 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. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. #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. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { 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. } 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. 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. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. 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. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. 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. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. 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. 5. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. } .wp-show-posts a { Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Banner Elk. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 9. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Great place to visit! 2. 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. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. /***Underline Links***/ Hope you get to see them sometime! Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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. You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). text-decoration: underline Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. In summer, you may see people fishing. 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 . Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 4 Roxboro at No. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. #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. .generate-back-to-top, Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. } 1. 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.