The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. Homes: $549K - $3.5M Lots: $69K - $450K. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. padding-right: 10px !important; You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. Asheville, Greensboro and Charlotte are among the best places to live in North Carolina, a state experiencing continual economic growth. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. } ); Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. The town's lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Mount Airy is a tiny town at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. Its not so much a town, and is definitely a city in North Carolina. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Since way back, Maggie Valley has been a mountain resort and maintains its allure through vintage motels and gift shops. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. The South's Best Mountain Towns 2022 - Southern Living 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!) As a former railroad outpost, the towns historic charm offers a vintage vibe, enhanced by establishments such as Paces General Store, the oldest grocery store in the state. (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. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. For such a small town, the selection and quality of restaurants is impressive. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; The town is an eastern equivalent of the many mountain resort towns that dot the American west, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. 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. 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. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. My favorite mountain town is Banner Elk. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Thank you, Lori! 9. 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. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. 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. While there's a bit of a dispute that we won't get into, Old Fort's Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! 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. 11 Top Places to Visit in the North Carolina Mountains Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. 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 Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Couples may want to book a room at the romantic B&B-style Bob Timberlake Inn, while families looking for more living space can opt for the Chetola Premium Condominiums. Best Places to Live Near the Mountains - Extra Space Storage } ); .ai-viewport-0 { display: none !important;} Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. 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). We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. 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. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina For 2022 - HomeSnacks 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 10 Best Rural Towns To Live In North Carolina - OnlyInYourState Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. 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. There. 1 Sylva. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor While its a rare admission-required waterfall, the area around the 90-foot falls remains well-maintained. 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. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. 1. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. There's a lot to do here, such as hiking the famous Appalachian Trail and rafting down the Cheoah River. 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. 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. 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. Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. Sylva is one of the most interesting and quaint NC mountain towns youll find. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies 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. The Best Mountain Towns In NC - Plan Your Trip To The Mountains The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Country Living For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. Visit the Old Fort Arrowhead Monument to get a peek into its interesting past. Lake Glenville is a very popular summer vacation spot with several vacation homes available in Glenville and in the nearby Cashiers and Highlands communities. 2 Marion at No. Best Mountain Communities in North Carolina - RomanticAsheville.com We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Take in the views overlooking the charming downtown from Sunset Rock. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { READ MORE: The Top 20 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC Best Western NC Small Towns Guide Weaverville Black Mountain Brevard Hendersonville Saluda Burnsville Hot Springs Morganton Chimney Rock Village Banner Elk Blowing Rock West Jefferson Elkin Sparta Boone Beech Mountain Bryson City Cherokee Maggie Valley Murphy Sylva Dillsboro Franklin Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. Enjoy beautiful vistas at The Switzerland Inn and hike to Grassy Creek Falls while youre there. There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing 5. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. } If you are looking for easy access to the Smoky Mountains, it doesn't . @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. North Carolina Mountain Towns To Escape the Summer Heat Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. 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. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . 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. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. .site-header .header-image { If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. .generate-back-to-top:visited { One of the top 10 arts communities . Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - WTOP News Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. So many great mountain towns to choose from! Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. I would never live anywhere else again. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. What about you, though? 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. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel Its a town with a rich cultural heritage and an amazing area to learn more about these native peoples. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bryson City. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. } There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. This classic mountain town is only 45 minutes from Asheville and is located right along Pisgah National Forest. . the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. The 40-foot falls await after a short walk from the parking lot. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Old Fort. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. /***Underline Links***/ 12 of the Best Towns and Cities Near Smoky Mountains National Park With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Dont forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Jacquelyn! Mica Gallery is one of a few spaces that showcase local artists from here and surrounding counties. There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, including Silver Run Falls and the Panthertown Valley Trail that leads to Schoolhouse Falls. 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. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. You can find works from hundreds of artists, all in this small scenic setting. 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. Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns - RomanticAsheville.com Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. } We have been writing about travel for the last decade. best places to live in south carolina mountains Flat Rock. Our NC travel map will help you visually plan, in case youre ready to start exploring! These affordable towns could be your next home or vacation home! This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Ride the trains through majestic mountains on the local railroad. If you are in town on a Friday, be sure to catch one of the free summer musical events taking place at Concerts on the Creek at the Bridge Park. Mitchell. 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. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. 3 North Carolina Lake Towns Among The Best To Live In The U.S. 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..