} ); 5. 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. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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 -. } 4. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities 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. text-decoration: none bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking.
10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! 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. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days.
Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). .right-sidebar .content-area { Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. 2. 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. 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. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit.
17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops.
The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. 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.".
The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip Banner Elk. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. #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. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley.
21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. 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. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. 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 max-width: calc(100% - 320px); For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton.
10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Twitter
While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. 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. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns.
22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas 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. Great place to visit! The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States?
20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. 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.. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events). #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. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation.
Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com 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. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum.
12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville .generate-back-to-top:visited {
Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road.
North Carolina: Live Skycams as severe weather moves in The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. 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. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. 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. Hope you get to see them sometime! Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. You'll find the Great Smoky Mountains on the Eastern side of Tennessee. 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. text-decoration: underline Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors.
11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains .archive .content-area a { Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 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. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. 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. 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 Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. But more and more businesses, tourists and residents are putting down roots in still-affordable Leadville. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. 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. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. 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. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. 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. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. } If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. 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. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . 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). @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { 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. 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. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. 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. Black Mountain. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts.
There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. Davidson. 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. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. So many great mountain towns to choose from! 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. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination.
Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing.
2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. What about you, though? 5. Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. 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. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. But it's far from the only one. Thank you, Lori! We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores.
Best Lake Communities in North Carolina Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. 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. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock.
Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Advertisement. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason.
best places to live in south carolina mountains My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. 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. 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. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. 9. 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. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. .site-header .header-image { @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. 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. This article may contain affiliate links. .content-area a { 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. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. height: 100%; Thanks for commenting. } Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers.
3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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! A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina.
13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. 3 Brevard at No. Robbinsville NC. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! } /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Median household income: $40,875. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1.