Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. } Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). 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. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. 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. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. 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. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. .archive .content-area a { ), these are the best mountain towns in America. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. 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 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. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. 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. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine 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. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare .right-sidebar .content-area { Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. What about you, though? .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Median household income: $40,875. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. 2. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. 7. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. .generate-back-to-top, Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. min-width: 310px; Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Taylor. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Great place to visit! The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Thank you, Lori! Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. 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. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. 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. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. I would never live anywhere else again. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition } ); Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. 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.". Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Banner Elk is a very interesting town with quaint little stores, wineries, and restaurants! The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? These studios open twice a year for Weaverville Art Safari, for which art lovers and makers alike travel from all over to be a part of. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. 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. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. .wp-block-button a { padding-left: 10px; Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. } The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. best places to live in south carolina mountains The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked - Outside Online 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. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Advertisement. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. 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. It's an outstanding alternative for those . Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 1 Sylva. 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 Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! 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 @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. text-decoration: underline Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. 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 -. . While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Hope you get to see them sometime! There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. padding-left: 10px !important; The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs

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