Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. 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! Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. If you prefer to spend your day being pampered, there are some excellent spas in the area. At Lake Lure, get the best of mountain and lake life by going boating, biking the trails at Buffalo Creek Park, or climbing to the top of Chimney Rock. Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. Asheville is a city thats well known across the country for its charismatic charm, fantastic breweries, grand estate, proximity to waterfalls, and delicious restaurants. 1 Sylva. The town offers a surprising amount of accommodation and has a number of family-focused attractions. This gives the area a hip youthfulness that many find appealing. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. #right-sidebar { There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. } Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Many people come to this waterfall every year as the trail is an almost entirely flat gravel road. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morganton. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. In Highlands you will also find high-end dining and bustling boutiques downtown. Hampstead NC. We are captivated by the Plateaus beauty and special charm and are passionate to share it with others looking to make the area home. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Cities across North Carolina round out the top 10, including several in the western part of the state: Hickory at No. You can tour exciting educational museums and villages and browse many locally hand-made arts and crafts. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. } 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. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { padding-left: 10px; 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. Its easy to relocate to North Carolina and youll be convinced of that after talking to our. Old Fort. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. 2 Marion at No. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. I would never live anywhere else again. Grand Highlands encompasses 300 acres of woodlands and meadows. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. 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. Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina. The old brick buildings have been restored in a thriving downtown that offers all the amenities you could need. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. ), 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). The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning seven days a week from spring through fall. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. My husband & I love West Jefferson. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Can some one tell me where the goats are in the Flat Rock picture? Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Just outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the small town of Cherokee, headquarters of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Come explore the best mountain towns in NC! Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. Lake Louise Park and Main Street Nature Park are beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy the local wilderness here. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Today, Cashiers is home to only a few hundred full-time residents but is a much sought out vacation destination. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. 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. 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. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Were ending this list of beautiful mountains towns in NC with perhaps the most well known Asheville. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. The main street is designed with tourists in mind, and is lined with cute shops, galleries, and covered walkways. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain towns Banner Elk. .wp-block-button a { .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. 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. We are surrounded by wonderful small towns throughout North Carolina (especially historic ones! 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. The 3,800-acre development has nearly half the land set aside in conservation areas including lakes, waterfalls, woodlands and hiking trails. This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. 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. Robbinsville NC. You'll also find some of the best retirement communities 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. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. 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. Morganton is one of the easternmost North Carolina mountain towns well mention. fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for the idyllic neighborhood his show was set in, Mayberry. 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. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Read More: How to See the EPIC Rainbow Falls. In summer, you may see people fishing. 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. Hike the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowheretheres endless fun in Bryson City! Its also home to the only fly-fishing trail in the country on the Tuckasegee River, making this activity quite a draw. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. 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. Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. .wp-show-posts a { Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). "version": "7.4.0", Livability Asheville, NC Read the Magazine. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. text-decoration: underline Each village brings its own delightful draws and unique allure. We enjoyed renting a cabin house with our grandson & children, the young children walking in the New River & my husband & I kayking. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. } 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. text-decoration: underline document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. text-decoration: none For rare historical mountain artifacts, check out Swain County Heritage Museum. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. Its a hotspot for entertainment, with music at the Folkmoot, the acclaimed HART Theater, and Mountain Street Dances every Friday night. Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. Its all here and Landmark Realty can help find your dream North Carolina mountain home. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. } Hope you get to see them sometime! Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. padding-right: 10px; 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. 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. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Read More: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Maggie Valley. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Each town has its own vibe and many unique outdoorsy things to do. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . The old-fashioned charm of Maggie Valley is a refreshing escape to a slowed-down era of simplicity. You'll find everything from t-shirt shops to ski outfitters and restaurants here. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. ), The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! For a mixture of small-town roots and modern comforts, Boone is a great balance of the two. 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.