The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. .content-area a { The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. 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. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. } padding-left: 10px; Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. 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. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. padding-right: 10px !important; In summer, you may see people fishing. 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. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. 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. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. } My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. 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.". 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. Banner Elk. } ); 4. 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. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! #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. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more.
12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. 2. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage.
Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. 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 -. 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. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. 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! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. It's an outstanding alternative for those . The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. 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. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. } 5 Pinehurst at No. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock.
30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings.
The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport } The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. 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. 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. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center.
10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). 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. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. 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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. . You can take a side-trip to the not-mountain town of Charlotte and learn about its history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 9. I would never live anywhere else again. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! 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) You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Thank you, Lori! Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. 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. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Walk Score: 36/100. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Banner Elk. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . 14. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 Come explore the best mountain towns in NC!
A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle.
North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. There. 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.
North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. 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. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't .
The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked - Outside Online Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. 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. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. } Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular.