North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. 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. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! text-decoration: underline 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. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Mitchell. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. The various festivals and several golf courses is what residents have come to love about Sapphire Valley along with the peaceful scenery that attracts many to the area. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. 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 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. If youre looking to explore the many waterfalls near Brevard, we recommend starting with Looking Glass Falls. 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. 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. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. 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. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! North Conway, New Hampshire. #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. The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked - Outside Online Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. I would never live anywhere else again. 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 is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. 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. text-decoration: underline Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. 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. 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 . This article may contain affiliate links. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 . text-decoration: none Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. text-decoration: underline Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. $( document.body ).append( '
' ); It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. padding-left: 10px; The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. 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. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns - Lost In The Carolinas Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living 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. }); Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. 14. 6. Murphy is loaded with natural wonders, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around it, and is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. 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 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. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. .sidebar a { They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's 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. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. This area is considered to be one . The last of the North Carolina mountain towns well mention is Wilkesboro. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! So many great mountain towns to choose from! Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). 5 Pinehurst at No. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. 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. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Whether you ski or not, this small town of approximately 1,000 people, is an appealing destination with a village atmosphere and plenty of reasons to visit. 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. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. text-decoration: none Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. 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.. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. 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. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Hope you get to see them sometime! To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. 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. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. 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. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 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! Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report Every time we visit, we dream of our next home on a hillside in the High Country! Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. 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. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. What about you, though? Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. 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 -. 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. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. 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 Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. /***Underline Links***/ .inside-article{ 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns.
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