You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. 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. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. It is no wonder that Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. But it's far from the only one. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). } These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. 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. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. 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! 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. ), Maggie Valley draws tons of tourists each year. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! For example, here are some facts about Crestline in the San Bernardino Mountains: Population: 10,770. 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. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! 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. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The lake, actually a reservoir near Cashiers, is home to a number of sought after fish like Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. 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 is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. Do you have a favorite place you like to go or is there one that stands out among the rest? RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Banner Elk Avery County NC Official Website The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. 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 Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. text-decoration: none Maggie Valley is a true tourist town just over 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with all kinds of accommodation, including campgrounds, and a number of things to do. To help narrow down that search, one website has chosen three cities in North Carolina as some of the best lake towns in the country to live in. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. 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. 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. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). Let us know in the comments section, as always. Walk Score: 36/100. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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. Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. Dillsboro is one of the coolest mountain towns to discover. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. The heart of the area is the quaint town square. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Mount Airy, a.k.a. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. 4 Roxboro at No. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. ), 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! !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. You can track severe weather with us by checking out these WXII . n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; 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. Just off I-40 and not far from Asheville, is Black Mountain, a treat of a small town! Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. 2 Marion at No. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. 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. If youre feeling adventurous, you can even visit the nearby ghost town of Henry River. .generate-back-to-top, 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. 3 Brevard at No. It's famous for its' "all American" Main Street, but it offers so much more. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. 5. About Catawba Falls, we think youll love the 2.3-mile hike that leads to the 100-ft tall waterfall with beautiful cascades. text-decoration: underline Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. 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. Set on a high plateau, some of its surrounding peaks boast breathtaking views. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Show Transcript. 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. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. Just a few miles from Sylva (see below) is Dillsboro, an artist community that is one of the coolest North Carolina mountain towns. One of the top 10 arts communities . Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 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. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. shaka wear graphic tees is candy digital publicly traded ellen lawson wife of ted lawson best places to live in south carolina mountains 25 Feb/23 (No Ratings Yet) 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. Home - North Carolina - NC Mountains - 32 BEST North Carolina Mountain Towns. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. There. The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. 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. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. 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. Madison County seat Marshall sits just north of Asheville and Buncombe County. } Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. text-decoration: none Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. 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. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Stately homes can be found along the residential streets, a few of which have been converted into romantic B&Bs. 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.. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. 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. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 9. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. text-decoration: none 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. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. text-decoration: underline Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. 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. Thank you, Lori! Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. 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. - 5/13/2022 I lived in Black Mountain for about ten years and loved it! .right-sidebar .content-area { Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. A glistening lakefront community in North Carolina, Connestee Falls is home to an 18-hole golf course and other established lifestyle amenities that are fully owned and operated by the residents. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. 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. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. 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. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Ensconced at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, youll discover the beauty of Brevard in its bounty of waterfalls. One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. 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. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Asheville is one of the coolest mountain towns in NC and by population, its the biggest in this guide. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Thanks for commenting. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside!