. This article may contain affiliate links. The city is named after pioneer Daniel Boone and has breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hot Springs is one of the most adorable North Carolina mountain communities, best known for its hot mineral springs. This is an isolated outpost at a high elevation and a hidden gem of the high country. 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. Notably, Flat Rock also has the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, the famed Pulitzer Prize authors home. 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! Its known as the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains. 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. I would never live anywhere else again. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. The median home price in Ayden is 127,400 and the median income is $53,317, giving Ayden a solid ratio of home price to income. 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. Its truly a unique experience. Stowe, Vt Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport Back to Wilkesboro, of course, which is love for so many things but above all, the iconic Merlefest. 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. 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. Affiliate links linking to products we love may be found in our articles. For a flatter road, check out the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton. In summer, you might want to head to the coast to experience the best beaches in North Carolina or have some fun in the Outer Banks. There are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops. Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. Read More: How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips). (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. The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! 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. 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. 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. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. 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. 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. And while private, the close proximity to explore other North Carolina mountain towns is a plus. Just outside of the Great Smoky National Park sits the home of the eastern band of the indigenous Cherokee tribe. The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. "source": "woocommerce", This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! You can see Table Rock Mountain, one of the most incredible hikes in the area, from downtown Morganton. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. This family-friendly gated community in South Asheville is situated among 1000 acres of preserved forest and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is home to awesome views but also, some pretty great ski resorts. RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. The annual Rhododendron Festival is what brings many visitors to this town today. height: 100%; Home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October, we can't get enough of this town, the amazing restaurants and shops here, and its gorgeous surroundings. Down the road from Banner Elk is Sugar Mountain, home to one of our best ski resorts. Mitchell Crafts Fair and the Burnsville Metric, a popular bike ride held in late April. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town. Climb to the top of Mount Jefferson to take in the views overlooking the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). 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. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. 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. Downtown, youll find vintage motels, lots of motorcyclists, and the best pancakes of your life at Joeys Pancake House! Surrounded by rolling hills, it has many hikes for sweeping sights, such as the Nantahala Gorge. Be sure to wander up and down Boone's restored downtown, where you'll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you've probably never even heard of (what's up, Hamburg? Black Mountain. 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). 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. Tourists travel from all over to soak in the waters. #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. text-decoration: underline The fresh air calls most outside to enjoy nature. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! 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. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). There are three breweries making some of the finest mountain drafts around. Its one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. Its a lovely scene, as the falls join a recreated grist mill, perfect to watch during a picnic. This mountain town in NCs Main St is lined with studios and galleries, great restaurants (including Zuma Coffee), and lovely shops. Check out the shops filled with local crafts and popular tourist attractions like Harrahs Casino. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { 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. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. text-decoration: none All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. You can enjoy an array of eateries, breweries, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street, and the historic buildings add an additional old-school charm. 9. Head here for one of the most romantic weekends in North Carolina. Highlands, North Carolina. The Murphy River Walk is an idyllic stroll around the scenic town. Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA. Cashiers is in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest and provides a front row view to the spectacular annual fall foliage. It has just enough diversity within its quaint downtown to attract plenty of visitors, from eclectic eateries to art studios to specialty shops. 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. Its also home to one of the coolest distilleries in the state, Oak & Grist. 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. 3 Brevard at No. Catch some incredible views from Lovers Leap, a 2-mile loop with a gain of 500 feet in elevation. Night or day, this city never ceases to amaze. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Known as the apple capital of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville is a great central stop for all the scenery of the area. 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.