There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. 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. 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. The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. To ease your search, weve organized these NC mountain towns in alphabetical order. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll find main streets lined with historic buildings, restaurants, family-owned stores and trendy shops. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . .archive .content-area a { The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. .wp-block-button a { Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. Linville Falls and High Shoal Falls are both close by and worth a visit. 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. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. 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. Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. } If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. 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. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. padding-right: 10px; Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} #right-sidebar { Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. Hi Marguerite, the goats are at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Right down the road from Maggie Valley is Lake Junaluska, a lovely community with a trail that takes you around its namesake lake. 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 Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. 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. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. 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. 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. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Banner Elk. 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. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. .content-area a { ), Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties! 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. Except here, you can taste delicious wine and take some home with you. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). .inside-article{ Let us know in the comments section, as always. } Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Table Rock Mountain is one of the best hikes around. Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. 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. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. } ); 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. 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 RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. Median age: 44.7. Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. 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. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. Awesome to hear, Donna, and thanks for sharing your favorite with us! Feel free to browse the available properties on our website and contact us if you see something you love. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. }, false ); Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. text-decoration: none They have a tiny population of residents but a vast number of visitors each year. Beautiful Boone, North Carolina, is easily one of the most popular NC mountain towns to visit. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Black Mountain has a little bit of something for everyone. 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. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be.
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