North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. #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. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. 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. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage 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. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Mount Airy, a.k.a. 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. Twitter Pearsons Falls is also nearby. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. ), these are the best mountain towns in America. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. 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. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 3. Boone is a no-brainer when it comes to top mountain towns in North Carolina, as this lively university town is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Here are a few of them. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. } Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. } Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Flat Rock. Great place to visit! This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . 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. Robbinsville NC. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. 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 The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. 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 . Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. 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. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! 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. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our Relocation Director, Karen Danner, who can assist you with every detail of your move to North Carolina. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. 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. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). 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. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. 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 Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. 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! Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability 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. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. 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. 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. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. 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! 2. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. } If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's #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. 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. North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. 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. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity.