We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. max-width: calc(100% - 320px); Great place to visit! Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! Saluda is a popular spot for rafting and tubing along the Green River. .content-area a { The median home price in Ayden is 127,400 and the median income is $53,317, giving Ayden a solid ratio of home price to income. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. 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. Median age: 44.7. ), 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! } .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Davidson. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 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. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). 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. 3 Brevard at No. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. }, false ); Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. } For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). 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 Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. 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. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Burnsville is an authentic mountain experience with an artistic flair. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. 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 . Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. This article may contain affiliate links. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home.
Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. 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. .inside-article{ While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Banner Elk. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. You can also walk to Blannahassett Island and fish or enjoy views of the French Broad River. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. 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. My husband & I love West Jefferson. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. Wilmington is one of the best places to live in North Carolina near the beach as it is more affordable than the Outer Banks, which is the state's most popular coastal vacation spot. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. 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. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. Mount Airy, a.k.a. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! The Jackson County Courthouse stands proudly on the hill at the end of Main Street in the quaint town of Sylva. But it's far from the only one. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. 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. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Dont forget to visit our favorite waterfalls in Cherokee: Mingo Falls and nearby Soco Falls. Shown below in no particular order are 12 of our favorites. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. 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. text-decoration: none North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). 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. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. 2. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. height: 100%; Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. 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 . In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. text-decoration: underline You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. 9. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. 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! Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. /***Underline Links***/ .sidebar a { Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. ), 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). Get the latest Severe Weather Alerts. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. 3. 1. Robbinsville NC. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. 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. text-decoration: none Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Overall SnackAbility. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. 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.". Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. Its also home to New River Brewing for the finest craft beer and pub grub. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. padding-right: 10px; Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, you can expect some of the most breathtaking views from this mountain town. Just 15 minutes from two of the best ski resorts in North Carolina, Banner Elk is a popular winter destination. There are several opportunities for guests to learn about the history and culture of the tribe. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 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. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Set on the edge of the Yadkin Valley, there are also an array of award-winning wineries nearby. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. Its easy to spend a week here at a coxy Asheville cabin and never get bored! Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. }); If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Thank you, Lori! That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). 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. We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ This vacation destination is located on the eastern edge of the Plateau region near Sapphire Valley. .wp-show-posts a { The university, one of the more popular ones in the North Carolina system, has brought more and more young people to the area, so there's always something cultural to do on the weekends. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. 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. 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. n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Here are a few of them. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. 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! Dont forget that Burnsville is home to a great restaurant scene, which you can explore downtown and beyond! Loved Black Mountain! The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. 14. Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. 2. 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. With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. Sapphire Valley is tucked away in a scenic niche of the North Carolina mountains but offers visitors an experience like none other. 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. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Twitter
#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. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. The Valdese Recreation Department oversees five parks in the area but we think you must visit McGalliard Falls. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! 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. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. 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. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. padding-left: 10px !important; Read More: How to Find 20+ Haywood County Artists on Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Read More About Our Journey! Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. 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. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. text-decoration: underline 5. 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.