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 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.. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. @media (max-width: 767px) { /***Move Back to Top Button***/ 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. 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. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. What about you, though? Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. 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. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 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. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. 4. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! 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! } Thanks for commenting. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! One of the top 10 arts communities . This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. This article may contain affiliate links. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. .archive .content-area a { Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { It makes an excellent base if the main purpose of your trip is to spend some time sightseeing in the mountains, or a good lunch stop if you are out on a day trip from Asheville or Hendersonville. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. 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. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . The shores of Lake Toxaway are known for beautiful properties which date back to the turn of the century when industry giants such as the Fords, Edisons and Rockefellers vacationed here. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. But it's far from the only one. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. 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. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. 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! We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). 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. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. 2. } Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} 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. 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. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). .sidebar a { The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. 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. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. 1. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. 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. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. 3 Brevard at No. 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). Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 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. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. 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. It's an outstanding alternative for those . 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. Advertisement. Banner Elk. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! 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. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. 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. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. 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. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). 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. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! 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. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. 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. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. text-decoration: none Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! 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. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. }); It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. } ); Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Mount Airy, a.k.a. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. 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. 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. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! 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. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Walk Score: 36/100. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). 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. 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. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. 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. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 . } ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. 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. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. padding-right: 10px; 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. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. . Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. 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. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Thank you, Lori! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. 2. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. #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. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. 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. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. 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Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. padding-left: 10px !important; Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. 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.