You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website 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. .content-area a { Read More About Our Journey! Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. 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 In summer, you may see people fishing. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. padding-left: 10px; 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. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. 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. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. 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.. 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. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here.
Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! Thanks for commenting. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 3. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 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. 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. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. 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. 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. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. 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. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. 3 Brevard at No. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. Old Fort. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 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 -. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. 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. 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. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Walk Score: 36/100. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. }, false ); Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Hope you get to see them sometime! The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. 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. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Mitchell. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. 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. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. 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. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 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. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. #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. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! text-decoration: none } 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. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 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. Advertisement. 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. 7. $( document.body ).append( '' ); Here are the best places to live near the mountains! There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Robbinsville NC. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Thank you, Lori! Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! 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 . The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Facebook. Show Transcript. 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. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. 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. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Banner Elk. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. 4. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. . 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. Taylor. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. 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. } Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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. Black Mountain. } There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. 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. Banner Elk. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. 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. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. 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 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. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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.". Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home.
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Kevin Comes Husband Of Lisa Osteen, Articles B