Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). text-decoration: none Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. 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. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. 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. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. The town itself is nice for a stroll from the county courthouse. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. 9. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} North Carolina's 6 Best Mountain Towns - This Is My South Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? 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). 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Flat Rock. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. padding-left: 10px; Here are a few of them. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. Black Mountain. My husband & I love West Jefferson. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. 5. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} 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. 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. Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. 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. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. 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. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. At, For a relatively small town, there are some fantastic restaurants in Waynesville, North Carolina. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. The 20 Best Places to Live in the Mountains in the U.S. - Money Inc From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. 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. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. This article may contain affiliate links. 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! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Walk Score: 36/100. 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. 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. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in 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. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. #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. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport .content-area a { . 14. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina | PlanetWare Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). What Are the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family in America 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. 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. 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. This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. }, false ); 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! 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. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. text-decoration: none Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. 2. 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. A Short List of the Best Mountain Towns to Raise a Family The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. 5. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. 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. One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. text-decoration: underline Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. } There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. 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. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. Bakersville is the Mitchell County seat and one of many arts-heavy communities in the area. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Venture out and explore the rest of Burke County, hike to Hawksbill Mountains peak, Linville Falls, the nearby Wisemans View in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and High Shoals Falls inside South Mountains State Park. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat