best nc mountain towns to live

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. .archive .content-area a { padding-left: 10px; And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. 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. Known as a culinary hot spot in the mountains of North Carolina, Banner Elk offers a charming place to simply relax, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in some fine dining. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Flat Rock. 2 Marion at No. 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. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. 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. Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Thank you, Lori! It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. 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. 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. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. In summer, you may see people fishing. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. 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. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. 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 . document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. 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! Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. .wp-show-posts a { 9. 1. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. 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. 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. 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.. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. 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. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. 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. Home of the Davidson College Wildcats, Lake Norman, and great prices on real estate, the #3 best place to live in North Carolina, Davidson, is one of the Tar Heel State's best kept secrets. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. } The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina, Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed), 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More! Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. 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! You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. ), 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! Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. 4. As many of the stately properties in this mountain area also enjoy stunning waterfront views, its the best of both worlds to be surrounded by the natural beauty. 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. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 2. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. 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. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee While Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis may grab all the attention, Tennessee has some incredible, more rustic places to live. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. #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. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Its truly a unique experience. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. 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. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. 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. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. 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. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. min-width: 310px; 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. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Great place to visit! Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. What about you, though? padding-right: 10px; Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Banner Elk. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Highlands, North Carolina. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. 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 The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. @media (max-width: 767px) { Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. } There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. (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. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. . Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Facebook. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. 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. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. 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. 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. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. 5. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. } 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. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. 2. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. 7. #right-sidebar { .inside-footer-widgets a { Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town.

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