Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. 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. } 20 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina - Home - Sunlight Living The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. 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. 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. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. 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. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. 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. text-decoration: underline Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. There are a few hiking trails there, too, which are among the best in the area. 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. After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. 15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More Taylor. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. .inside-footer-widgets a { Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit One of the top 10 arts communities . The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. 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. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! 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 . Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. 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. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Facebook. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. It is no secret that Boone is one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 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! Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! 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 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. } Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Blowing Rock's downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town's village atmosphere. 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. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. 11 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina - Trips To Discover Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. My name is Ellen Pitts and I am . If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Add to that a good selection of restaurants, many with outdoor patios in summer; hotels; and attractions; and it's not surprising you frequently hear people describing Hendersonville as the best small town in North Carolina. min-width: 310px; As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. @media (max-width: 767px) { Mitchell. Best Small Towns To Live In, North Carolina Edition ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. 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. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Conveniently located on the lake carrying the same name, this popular location is definitely one of the best mountain towns to live in California.Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains, it's known for nearby ski resorts, beautiful restaurants, cozy bars, and breathtaking lake views.. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Black Mountain. .sidebar a { text-decoration: none Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Valdese was settled by 19th-century Waldensians from Italy, giving it a unique identity apart from its neighbors. 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. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. 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 the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? This town nestled amongst the foothills is rich in history and architecture. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. The 20 Best Places to Live in the Mountains in the U.S. - Money Inc Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. .generate-back-to-top:visited { 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. 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). 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. Robbinsville NC. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. 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. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. Asheville, NC - One Of The Best Mountain Towns In NC Because Of Its Culture. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 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.. WRITER: WNC Staff PHOTOGRAPHER: WNC Staff ILLUSTRATOR: WNC Staff Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon Sometimes, smaller is better. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. 6. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. text-decoration: none 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. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. 3. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. 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 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. padding-left: 10px !important; Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. text-decoration: underline Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; 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. .content-area a { Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ 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. .wp-show-posts a { There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. The Best Places to Live in The Blue Ridge Mountains | The Cliffs Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? Its truly a unique experience. 22 BEST Small Towns In North Carolina - Lost In The Carolinas Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. 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. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. } Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. 1 Sylva. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). 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. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. Davidson. 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. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. Brevard is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in WNC, and it's for good reason. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. 4 Roxboro at No. Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. Below are the best North Carolina mountain towns for your next gorgeous getaway. I would never live anywhere else again. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. 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. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West. padding-right: 10px; It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. 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. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. Just above Murphy and Cherokee County along the western edge of NC is Graham County, home to Robbinsville. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com .generate-back-to-top, The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina.
Bridgeport Art Center Wedding The Knot, Articles B
Bridgeport Art Center Wedding The Knot, Articles B