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. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. 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. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. 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. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. 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. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. } The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. . 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. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. 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. 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 . Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? 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. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. ), 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 main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. .inside-footer-widgets a { 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. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. 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. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. 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. } For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. 2 Marion at No. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! 4 Roxboro at No. text-decoration: none You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. 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. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. 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! Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. 5 Pinehurst at No. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. 2. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. 6. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! 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. 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 Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. } ); Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Here are a few of them. Great place to visit! Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Banner Elk. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. .wp-block-button a { ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. 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 n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. 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. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Twitter 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 Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. min-width: 310px; Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. One of the top 10 arts communities . Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. }, false ); Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. padding-right: 10px; We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Walk Score: 36/100. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! } 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! ), 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). It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, 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. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} 5. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. .generate-back-to-top, Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. .generate-back-to-top:visited { 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. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. 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. Thanks for commenting. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. 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. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. 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 -. 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 are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Banner Elk. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" 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! Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Hope you get to see them sometime! 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. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. 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. padding-left: 10px !important; Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Davidson. 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. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Black Mountain. 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. Robbinsville NC. I would never live anywhere else again. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. 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. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. 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. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. }); The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. padding-left: 10px; You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! 3. $( document.body ).append( '' ); The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Taylor. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. 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. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Hampstead NC. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Mitchell. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! 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. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. 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.