Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. North Conway, New Hampshire. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. 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. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. 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. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. .inside-article{ Flat Rock. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. 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. .archive .content-area a { padding-left: 10px !important; text-decoration: none Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Greenville, South Carolina From fine dining and shopping to live music and festivals, downtown Greenville has it all. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. Show Transcript. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. 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. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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. 1. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 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. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. My husband & I love West Jefferson. }); We mentioned Lake Junaluska earlier and thought you should know that it is only 3 miles away from Waynesville. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. 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. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! 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. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. } Highlands attracts those looking for a quaint atmosphere, in this hidden mountain gem. ), downtown Brevard is charming and boasts the best toy store in North Carolina, O.P. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% /***Underline Links***/ Let us know in the comments section, as always. But it's far from the only one. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. It's an outstanding alternative for those . From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. 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. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). 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. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. 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. Great place to visit! The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Median household income: $40,875. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. 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. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. .generate-back-to-top:visited { Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. 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. Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bay City, MI, 16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Brattleboro, VT, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism, North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in 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. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 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. 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 Twitter 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). There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. 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. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 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. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. } 5 Pinehurst at No. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. 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. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. } Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. 6. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 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.". 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! Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown.