You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Blowing Rock and Boone are often talked about together because they are so closebut so different! Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. } Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. 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. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. } Walk Score: 36/100. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . Written by Lana Law Updated Jun 23, 2021We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Whether drawn to the fresh mountain air, top dining, award-winning art galleries and unique shopping boutiques all and more can be found in the mountains of North Carolina. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. Burnsville is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns for exploring the outdoors. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. 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! 1. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. .wp-block-button a { Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. 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. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Bald Head Island, NC 28461, USA. If you simply want a relaxing getaway, you can find it here any time of year. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. 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. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Median household income: $40,875. Sitting on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns! Its a setting rich with rocks and minerals, ideal for any geology buffs looking for a scenic retreat. My favorite is Spruce Pine that is my home town but I also love Maggie Valley Boone and Cherokee. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders that surround Highlands. Ashe County might sound familiar if you like yummy cheese. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. 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. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. 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. 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. Fishing in North Carolina: The mountains are also a great place for fishing. 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. You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! North Carolina is home to over 250 waterfalls with a number of them located in the Plateau region. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. I hope Waynesville stays relatively small in comparison to Asheville which is getting very crowded. With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. 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. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. 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. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. 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. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. .right-sidebar .content-area { Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. 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. Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. 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. Taylor. Then there is The Cullasaja Falls, about nine miles outside of Highlands, which is only visible by car. 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. You can visually plan your adventures around these NC mountain towns with our travel map or keep reading our individual spotlights on these places. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. 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. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. 7. 2 Marion at No. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. #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. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. ), 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways), Max Patch Trail (A Short Hike to Beautiful 360-Degree Views! You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! 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.". Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 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. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "version": "7.4.0", RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. A walk around the Village Green reveals gardens, outdoor sculptures, and a plethora of pleasing storefronts. 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. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. This article may contain affiliate links. 1 Sylva. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; } The selection and quality of its culinary scene are impressive given its size, so be ready to enjoy some fine foodie fares during your stay here. Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Retail shops and restaurants can be found on Sylva's Main Street. Of course, they can serve as the perfect base for some of the best hiking trails and the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. 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. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. } 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. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. 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. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. (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. .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;}