Ayden wasn't even in the top 40 cheapest places to live in North Carolina last year, so this jump up to the #2 spot is quite impressive. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. .right-sidebar .content-area { Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. 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. Distance: 74.3 miles from Gatlinburg TN (2-hour drive) Robbinsville is a rural mountain town in the Smoky Mountain foothills that takes you back to a time of solitude and natural beauty. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. $( document.body ).append( '' ); We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. 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. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. 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 . Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! 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. 9. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Thank you, Lori! Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Robbinsville NC. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. 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. 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. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. text-decoration: none Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. 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. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Let us know in the comments section, as always. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! 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. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? 7. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. 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. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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.. Thanks for commenting. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. 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. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! padding-right: 10px !important; text-decoration: none 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 a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. 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! Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. 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. 5. 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. 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. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. 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. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 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. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. text-decoration: none 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. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. 2 Marion at No. 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. 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. 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. 4. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. Address: Pinehurst, NC, USA Address: Davidson, NC, USA Address: Winterville, NC, USA Address: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USA Address: Apex, NC, USA Address: Cary, NC, USA Address: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USA Address: Valdese, NC, USA Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. 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 Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. 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. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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. text-decoration: underline Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. 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. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. 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. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Great place to visit! You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. 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. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. } From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. Overall SnackAbility. 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 Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. 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. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. 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! But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. } Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Hampstead NC. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. . 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. Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). 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. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . .inside-article{ The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. 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. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views..