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. But it's far from the only one. If you are looking for things to do, the TGIF Summer Concert Series features a wide variety of musicians playing free Friday night concerts in the main square. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Beyond the downtown, you will find lovely homes and streets with manicured yards and views in all directions. Take a horseback ride at Shady Grove Dude Ranch, see DeSoto Falls, and book a cabin rental to take in the mountain air. Read More: Hendersonville NC Map of Attractions (+ 5 Surrounding Counties!). 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. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. The thriving healthcare sector will give you access to all the medical resources you might need. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. There are many opportunities for phenomenal hikes, waterfalls, climbing, watersports, and winter sports to engage in here. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. Originally settled in the 1850's as a health resort, Asheville has an interesting history- in the late 1800 . 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). North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. You can turn in a circle to see the mountains. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. 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. This tiny North Carolina mountain town is a hidden gem of the high country. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium 500K - 1M Small 50K - 500K Average Rent < $500 -. The simple and slowed-down atmosphere of these magical enclaves makes for an ideal relaxing respite from the real world. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Here are some ideas to point you in the right direction. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC! Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. .inside-article{ Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. 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. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Youll also encounter a thriving art community through the Toe River Arts and awesome barn quilt trails! Include stops in Valdese (more on it later), Connelly Springs, and other great smaller towns. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Here are a few of them. Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport 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. Franklin is known as the gem capital of the world. 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) Rolling hills surround the town, and the Tuckasegee River runs through the middle. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. text-decoration: underline Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). 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. On the edge of the town is Soco Falls. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Mitchell. Boone is a haven of natural wonders offering an, Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States, click for interactive map of the Best North Carolina Mountain Towns, 15 Best Bryson City Restaurants You Need to Try! People dont just come here for that bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Take a walk down Main Street past the Swain County Heritage Museum and then turn up Everett Street to cross the bridge and look out over the river. Walk Score: 36/100. Best North Carolina Mountain Towns Guide Banner Elk Blowing Rock Boone Brevard Bryson City Burnsville Cherokee Franklin Hendersonville Hot Springs Morganton Murphy Sylva Weaverville West Jefferson Downtown Banner Elk NC, photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett 1. If youve heard of the Ashe County Cheese Factory, then you already know why West Jefferson is on this list. 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. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. The mountains of North Carolina are dotted with quaint towns but it seems that Highlands gets much of the acclaim. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" If you brought kids, theyll want to check out the fire engine outside! Charlotte is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for a few reasons. } Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. padding-left: 10px !important; Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. Waynesville is the largest town in Haywood County, home to adorable shops, amazing restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Take a peek at our exclusive Asheville Region community at The Cliffs. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Its a small town that harkens back to simpler times with vintage signs and brick buildings. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. "version": "7.4.0", Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. 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. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. Highlands, North Carolina. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). What about you, though? We have been writing about travel for the last decade. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. 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. Some describe the area like a country-club environment within a short drive of other amenities like shopping and dining. Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { 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 The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. The busy Main Street is lined with covered sidewalks, and is an ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. text-decoration: none } Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge on the privately-owned Grandfather Mountain attraction. text-decoration: none 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. 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. Waynesville is the largest town in its county and is a hopping spot to host any mountain traveler. These two streets are also home to numerous shops and restaurants. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Sit down and have a meal at a diner, or visit the Andy Griffith Museum! The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a newer attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill! My husband & I love West Jefferson. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. 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. 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 Grand Highlands is one of the dreamiest mountain communities in North Carolina. 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! // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Great place to visit! 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 downtown is packed with shops and restaurants galore (Old World Baking Company for starters), but theres also some outdoor fun to find here. There are many magnificent properties to select as a summer vacation home or a cozy winter getaway for the holidays to relax and recharge. Robbinsville NC. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Sylva is a special little destination of the North Carolina mountain towns that makes for a romantic trip in the state. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. .wp-show-posts a { With its very own beach, you can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a refreshing dip into the cool, shimmering waters. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Jump Off Rock is a great scenic overlook that sits in Laurel Park, 15 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville. 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 an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Its bustling with incredible restaurants, shops, and an iconic courthouse on a hill. 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. An all-natural water slide, you can rush down this smooth rapid for a refreshing thrill ride unlike any other. Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. Facebook. It is a popular tourist destination as well, so developing tourism . 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. }, false ); text-decoration: underline Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The first town on this list isn't a town at all; rather, it's an unincorporated area in the Wilmington Metropolitan area. This article may contain affiliate links.

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