13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. 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. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. But beyond the dramatic summit of Mount Mitchell, there are also waterfalls near BurnsvilleCrabtree Falls joins two near the base of Mount Mitchell (Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Falls). Skiing in North Carolina: With elevations that exceed 5,000 feet and extensive snowmaking equipment, the mountains of North Carolina offer excellent opportunities for skiing. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. 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. 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. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. There's only one "big" city within an hour of the coast and that's Wilmington, with a pop of about 200,000 in New Hanover County, or 260,000+ in the Wilmington MSA.All the beach towns rely on a tourist-driven economy. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. 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. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { 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. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. @media (max-width: 767px) { Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. 3. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. (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. 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! If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. Flat Rock. /***Underline Links***/ Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. 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. padding-left: 10px !important; Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. 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 Median age: 44.7. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. This article may contain affiliate links. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Mount Airy, a.k.a. 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. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. }, false ); Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. #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.
Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. ), and one of our favorite North Carolina distilleries (Oak & Grist). Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. 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. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. text-decoration: none Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. 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 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. } Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. 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 . Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. 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.". Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. The town of Cashiers is centrally located in the Plateau region and attracts thousands of visitors between May to October each year. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 2 Marion at No. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! .inside-footer-widgets a { Advertisement. 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) Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. 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. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Hope you get to see them sometime! Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem.
.woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Davidson. As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. 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. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. ), 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). Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. 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. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! ), these are the best mountain towns in America. From stunning scenery to outdoor adventure to quirky shops and quaint eateries, the North Carolina mountain towns have plenty to offer visitors. 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. 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. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Its truly a unique experience. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. While in the area, dont miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Some are more touristy than others, but none of the NC beaches are as touristy as Myrtle Beach, SC.I like Beaufort, but it's not right on the beach. 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. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { 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. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Banner Elk.