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. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Here are the best places to live near the mountains! 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: Sometimes, smaller is better. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. }, false ); .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} 12 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Southern Hospitality - Travel The downtown is chock full of charming shops, restaurants, and Brevard breweries. There are several ski resorts here if youre looking to hit the slopes and fantastic beer at Beech Mountain Resort. Grandfather Vineyard is one of many nice spots along the water. 80+ Great Small Towns in North Carolina (+ Top 10 Best) - NC Tripping .wp-show-posts a { Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. For example, its right on the outskirts of Pisgah National Forest and very close to Mount Mitchell (the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Art festivals are held here year-round and an impressive array of galleries and funky shops to browse. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. In summer, you may see people fishing. The Diamondback (NC-226) is also a popular road for tourists and motorcyclists alike, famed for its incredible views. Main Street is a mix of restaurants and retail shops, including a disproportionate number of bookstores considering the size of the town. 7. In Flat Rock, spend your days hiking the trails, saying hello to the many goats, and touring the house before heading downtown for some beers and barbecue from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? 9. text-decoration: none Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. Residents enjoy natural settings with a wellness center with a pool and tennis court, parks, playgrounds, trails, outdoor/indoor gathering spaces for community . This stunning area is home to nearly 520,000 acres of forested mountains. Regardless of your religious views, Fields of the Wood (a massive representation of the 10 Commandments) is an interesting place to visit. Several streams high in the Nantahala National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest feed the states largest private lake. The top of Lookout Mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Asheville lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest portion of the Appalachian Range. 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. We're also huge fans of Hillman Beer and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Best non-touristy mountain & coastal towns in North Carolina Often called the crown of the Blue Ridge, it boasts both the oldest tourist attraction and a current vibrant visitor scene. 17 Best Towns in Western North Carolina (in 2023) Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). There is a draw for every season, with plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to partake in. While much of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes during inclement winter weather, Otter Falls near Boone is a beautiful hike, especially if theres snow down there! With the smallest population of all, the town consists of just a few quaint shops. As such, it offers an amazing assortment of natural feats to discover. 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. Flat Rock is also where you can find one of the most popular places for apple picking in North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. Spruce Pine is about 15 minutes away from Little Switzerland and is full of fun to explore. My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. 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. The Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2022 If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20,000 people. Its largely known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, with those spirits practically married to our mountains (along with stock car racing). Make sure to get a taste of Hollywood at the Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. NC Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford to Live In - YouTube Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. Show Transcript. Set on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, its a tiny treasure trove for local art, as this community lives and breathes creativity. Tryon International Equestrian Center is a world-class facility for horse racing and riding. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. (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. 21 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA | U.S. News Travel If you are heading to the coast, you may want to have a read through our article on Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. A handful of breweries and Burntshirt Vineyards (one of the states best wineries) is also here and waiting for you to stop by. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. Beyond chasing tall hairy creatures, Marion is situated at the base of Mount Mitchell with many waterfalls nearby, such as Linville Falls and Toms Creek Falls. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! 13 Best Small Towns in Western North Carolina: - WNC Magazine South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Hendersonville hosts the annual NC Apple Festival. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. padding-right: 10px; Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. } Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy. You can view Fontana Lake in Graham County, too, though another spot is near Bryson Citys Road to Nowhere. At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. At 90-feet high, Pearsons Falls is an exciting natural attraction. In the fall, U-pick farms like Grandad's Apples N' Such open up and make a fun stop for families. Browse the bustling Main Street; brick sidewalks dotted with historic homes and many storefronts ideal for a day of shopping until you drop. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. The Wilkes Art Gallery is one of many reasons to visit NW, along with a variety of events happening throughout each year there. Read More: 25+ Beautiful North Carolina Road Trips (Scenic Byways and Highways). Median age: 44.7. Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. 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. Beyond ski season, we love hanging out in this town. Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC.

Leo Career Horoscope 2022, Loreto School Manchester, Bras With Plastic Hooks, Peter Wilkinson Rolling Stone, Articles B