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. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities in North Carolina. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. Hope you get to see them sometime! 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. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. #right-sidebar { Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. }, false ); The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! padding-left: 10px !important; - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. North Conway, New Hampshire. This area is considered to be one . 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 Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. 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. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Median age: 44.7. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Taylor. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. .wp-block-button a { .wp-show-posts a { Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ 2. North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. 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. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine 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 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Its truly a unique experience. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. .sidebar a { 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. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 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 The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. 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. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} 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. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Robbinsville NC. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. 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. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Show Transcript. 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. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? 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. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. The Most Beautiful Towns in North Carolina - Culture Trip } Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). 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 .search .content-area a { If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. .generate-back-to-top, } Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. The town is also a junction for the Appalachian Trail, which winds through downtown. Great place to visit! A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions 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. Mount Airy, a.k.a. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} My husband & I love West Jefferson. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Lake Glenville Lake Glenville is hidden away in the mountains of western North Carolina, surrounded by hiking trails that wind through natural mountain beauty to waterfalls. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. 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 any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. Median household income: $40,875. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. 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. With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. 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! Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Trails are abundant for hiking and mountain biking to take in the scenic landscape. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. } Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 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.. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Our Favorite Small Towns in North Carolina - Southern Living 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. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. 12 Adorable North Carolina Mountain Towns You Should Visit - TheTravel These studios open twice a year for Weaverville Art Safari, for which art lovers and makers alike travel from all over to be a part of. 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns You Must Visit Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. 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. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} #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 unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Read More About Our Journey! The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. 2022 Best Places to Live in North Carolina - Niche Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. 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. 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. I would never live anywhere else again. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. 10 Best Cities to Retire in North Carolina in 2023 - Retirable Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. Next on our list of the best cities to live in North Carolina is the Inner Banks community of Greenville. 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. Banner Elk. Walk Score: 36/100. The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? 1. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living 7. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Read More: Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views!). Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. } the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Advertisement. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Top 9 Mountain Towns to Live in Tennessee - ezhomesearch.com text-decoration: none height: 100%; Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. 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. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. 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. Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. 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. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. } Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. 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. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. } ); Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville.