Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. There.
NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube 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 -. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. .inside-article{
Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. 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.
17 Terrific Cities & Towns Near Asheville, NC To Visit Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. 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. .wp-show-posts a { Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. .content-area a { Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do.
The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 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. 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. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. 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. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Black Mountain. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around.
Moving to North Carolina | Living in North Carolina - Livability The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. 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. 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 Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . Overall SnackAbility. This quaint mountain village at 3,700 feet elevation has great restaurants, breweries, shops, Wildcat Lake beach, and many events including the Woolly Worm Festival in October. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! 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 . Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car.
North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South 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. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown.
25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). text-decoration: none Mount Airy, a.k.a. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! 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. 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.
12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. 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. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. 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. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} 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. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway.
Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com Facebook. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina.
The Best Mountain Towns In NC - Plan Your Trip To The Mountains 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. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. 5. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. 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.
Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. 2. 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. 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. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. If youve heard the saying From Murphy to Manteo, then you might already know that the former is the western end of US-64 in North Carolina. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. } padding-right: 10px !important; .sidebar a { The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip.
America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Great place to visit! The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. But it's far from the only one. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. } max-width: calc(100% - 320px); There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. } Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. It's an outstanding alternative for those .
11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock.
Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere.
12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. Robbinsville NC. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX.
3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. 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 city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. } With only about 500 people living here, its main draw is the eponymous natural thermal mineral baths. ), Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon), 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley, 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails, Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events), Craggy Gardens: A Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Stop, People of NC: Merlefest Director B Townes, Mingo Falls In Cherokee NC (a Great Waterfall + Easy Hike). One of the top 10 arts communities . The heart of the area is the quaint town square.
17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 2 Marion at No. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Hope you get to see them sometime! An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other.
22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. "source": "woocommerce", One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Highlands, North Carolina. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Here are the best places to live near the mountains!
A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. }, false ); 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. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Its truly a unique experience. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! 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. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country.
12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel } So many great mountain towns to choose from! Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. 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. 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. padding-left: 10px; Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. 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. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. 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 Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Let us know in the comments section, as always. There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts.
15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake.
The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water.
best places to live in south carolina mountains The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! 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. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. This is a haven for hikers to set off on the trails of either Gorges State Park or in a portion of the Panthertown Valley. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home.