North Carolina is home to some of the most amazing mountain towns. Deciding where to go may be a challenge if you aren’t familiar with what the state as to offer. The list below will help aid in deciding where to go if you aren’t quite sure where to begin. Here are 10 of North Carolina’s best mountain towns.
Brevard, NC, is located in the heart of the ‘land of waterfalls’ which is known for its 250 waterfalls. Some of the area’s waterfalls have starred in blockbusters like The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. Others offer more secluded spots to reflect and re-energize during a memorable hike. You can access Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Gorges State Park in Brevard all apart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Be sure to make time to explore Brevard’s art scene. If you’re in town in the summer, try to time your visit with an open-air show at Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at Brevard Music Center; otherwise, a stroll through the downtown art galleries and artisan boutiques is a must in any season.
Highlands, NC has all of the necessary characteristics and features for a picture-perfect getaway. It has the charm of a small town while also giving you the much needed vacation vibe travelers seek. Highlands is known for its trails, food and culture. Highlands was named one of Travel & Leisure’s best small town in 2023. When planning your visit, start by booking your stay at one of their top rated hotels: Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Half-Mile Farm, Highlander Mountain House, Skyline Lodge, or the recently opened Outpost Inn. Spend a couple of hours along Main Street while you are there, making sure to stop in Mountain Fresh Grocery for a quick breakfast or lunch. Other can’t-miss points of interest include the area’s many waterfalls and The Bascom, which hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and various classes and workshops.
Cashiers, NC located just 10 minutes down the road from Highlands, is a mountain town best known for stunning scenery; golfing, fly fishing, hiking, and antique shopping opportunities; and High Hampton, a much-loved luxury resort that underwent a modern redesign in 2021. Those staying at the resort may be tempted to stay on property the entire time because the Adirondack chairs and lawn beds are rather comfortable but you don’t want to miss exploring other aspects of the tiny town. Family-owned and operated Cashiers Farmers Market, for instance, is an excellent choice for a barbecue lunch, and you’re bound to purchase something special at Vivianne Metzger Antiques, The Village Hound, or Zoller Hardware Gift & Gadget Mercantile.
Waynesville, NC has a prime location in the Great Smoky Mountains and thus is known as the “crown jewel of mountain towns.’ On the must-to-do list is an unforgettable adventure with The Appalachian Adventure Company. If you prefer to stay closer to town, browse the art galleries and antique stores along Main Street, and follow that up with a beer at Boojum Brewing Company or a coffee from Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters. Come nightfall, there’s nowhere more luxurious to get some shuteye than The Swag, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the South.
Boone, NC has a lot more to offer than just Appalachian State University, although cheering on the Mountaineers at Kidd Brewer Stadium is certainly a must-do activity in this college town. Families with younger travelers will embark on hours of entertainment at the famous Tweetsie Railroad, with its themed train rides and live shows, and Daniel Boone Park, where the Hickory Ridge History Museum showcases what mountain life was like in the late 1700s and early 1800s. In the summer months, cool off by floating down the New River with Wahoo’s Adventures, or find a swimming hole along Crab Orchard Falls Trail. For accommodations in Boone, you have a few choices, ranging from hotels to vacation rentals, but you can’t go wrong with Rhode’s Motor Lodge, a boutique property that opened in the fall of 2023.
Sylva, NC is known for its breweries, art galleries, culinary hotspots, and proximity to hiking trails. Pinnacle Park is a sought after destination, which is home to North Carolina’s only certified forest therapy trail. There, you’ll grab a brochure at the trailhead, then enjoy a relaxing, self-guided walk in nature. With a newfound appreciation of your surroundings, make your way to Main Street, which has an infinite selection of dining options, notably Ilda, Meatballs Pizzeria, and recent James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist 2024 Dalaya Thai.
Hot Springs, NC is known for being the hippiest towns within the Appalachian. The Appalachian Trail passes right through the town, utilizing one of the sidewalks on Main Street, and its throngs of thru-hikers have left their mark on this tiny town. To prepare for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, or llama trekking in the area, or to pick up any gear you may have forgotten, pop into Bluff Mountain Outfitters. After a long day outside, refuel with pizza at Vinyl Pies, baked goods from Artisun, or a taco and beer from Grey Eagle Taqueria and Big Pillow Brewery. As the name suggests, Hot Springs is also known for its geothermal waters; visitors can head to either Broadwing Farm or Hot Springs Resort & Spa for a rejuvenating soak during their travels.
Bryson City, NC is known for having the best outdoor adventures within the Great Smokey Mountains. While small, only about 1,500 residents call it home, this is a town that goes above and beyond when it comes to mountain charm. To start planning your trip to Bryson City, book a room at the Fryemont Inn or The Everett Hotel, then begin to plot out your ideal itinerary. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and then spend a day on the water, whether you’re white-water rafting on the Nantahala River or taking a paddleboard out on Fontana Lake.
Banner Elk, NC offers a small mountain town life coupled with with big luxury dreams and ideas, has a growing food scene, great golf courses, and several places to explore nature. In the winter, Banner Elk is particularly popular, as it’s located between two large ski resorts: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Year round, travelers can ride the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, cozy up at The Lodge at River Run, or walk along the town’s Greenway Trail System. Dining options include Artisanal, Stonewalls Restaurant, and the Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge, although be sure to check each restaurant’s website for seasonal closures.
Little Switzerland, NC is a seasonally opened, unique little Swiss-inspired destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll need to plan your trip in the warmer months, anytime from mid-April through early October, to get the full Little Switzerland experience, which includes a stay at the historic Switzerland Inn, a visit to the North Carolina Mining Museum, a stop into Little Switzerland Books and Beans, and a night of live music and dancing at Geneva Hall. Just be sure to leave a moment, whether it’s closer to sunrise or sunset, to take in the spectacular views granted by the town’s elevation of nearly 3,500 feet.
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