Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. North Carolina is bracing for severe weather headed our way. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Known as the home of the White Squirrel (and annual festival! Here are a few of them. Our weekly newsletter shares weekly updates and tips on upcoming events. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! The track winds its way through the forest and along the contours of the mountain and since you control the braking, the ride can be as thrilling or sedate as you choose. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. Downtown Blowing Rock is home to adorable shops and restaurants, as well as the only urban entrance to a waterfall that weve seen in North Carolina (Glen Burney). Dont forget Catawba Brewing is based here for a cold refreshing craft pint post-adventure. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. ), 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). Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. 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. 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 Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Best Lakes in North Carolina: Where Should You Buy Your Vacation Home? Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. 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. Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. 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. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. 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). Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a testament to this moniker, set in a 19th-century jailhouse. Experience a mountain resort atmosphere in Sapphire Valley. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. 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. 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. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. 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. Its truly a unique experience. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). ), 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby! .search .content-area a { Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. Facebook. Just outside of Hendersonville is the North Carolina mountain town of Flat Rock. They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Be sure to spot their most famous residents as well, the thriving population of White Squirrels. 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) The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. Thanks for commenting. The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. 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. Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. For local beer and live music, hit Nantahala Brewing, one of the best breweries in North Carolina, before enjoying some amazing Bryson City restaurants. 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. #right-sidebar { One of the town's major annual events is the Folkmoot International Dance & Music Festival, held over a 10-day stretch in July. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 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. Each of our 12 Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville has its own great Visitor's Center where you can plan your day. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. 2 Marion at No. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. 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. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. 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 Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. If you want to immerse yourself further in the scenery, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or head over to Linville Falls, about 30 minutes away. 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! ), these are the best mountain towns in America. 30+ of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit Now! - NC Tripping Old Fort. The Lovers Leap Trail offers sweeping views over the entire town. padding-right: 10px; Flat Rock. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. Close to lots of great waterfalls (like Soco Falls! 7. There is a happening scene of Boone breweries and Boone bistros to indulge in and an overarching focus on sustainability. Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). 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. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 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 Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Near Beech Mountain skiing and Grandfather Mountain hiking. 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.. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. 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. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. We mentioned Valdese earlier and thought you should know about this truly interesting place. Its downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. 6. Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. 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. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. 5 Pinehurst at No. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. 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. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. } ); 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. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. 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 . We love the latters overlooks almost as much as the Blue Ridge Parkway, if not more. Best Places to Live in Western North Carolina: Where & Why Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. Its also where you can see the spectacular Soco Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. 1 Sylva. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. 2022 Best Cities to Live in North Carolina - UpNest Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! 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. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S. - PureWow - PureWow: Women's A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Mountain Communities | Best Places to Retire in the Mountains 12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville Each year, they hold several celebrated events, like the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and the Mt. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. It's no wonder Asheville is consistently voted as one of the best places to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. } 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. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. Mountain town named top place for retirees in North Carolina At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. /***Underline Links***/ Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. } Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. North Conway, New Hampshire. 3. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. 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. Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. 4 Roxboro at No. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. 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. The 20 Best Places to Live in the Mountains in the U.S. - Money Inc text-decoration: none 2. Annual celebrations like the Elk Fest and Hillbilly Jamboree are reason enough to visit. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} The 25 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!) 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park } 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. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. } There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. 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. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report 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. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com Larry Lamb/Wikimedia. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. .content-area a { Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Maggie Valley. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation.