Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Its truly a unique experience. 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. 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. Fans of fly fishing may have already heard of Sylva. And compared to larger cities in the area, the town offers good value. Of course, a very popular time of year to visit is in June, when the annual Rhododendron Festival kicks off. Live like a local and experience a leisurely day of exploration. It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a great vibe. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. best places to live in south carolina mountains North Carolina Mountain Towns | Smoky Mountain Towns - Visit NC Smokies We dont want to leave out North Wilkesboro, the countys largest town, before moving on. It also helps that you can refuel at one of Asheville's many innovative restaurants and breweries. Its charming downtown is composed of just a general store, bookstore, and restaurant. height: 100%; Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Land of Oz (held in September) is one of many great reasons to come here with its warmer outside. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). #right-sidebar { One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Yes, Colorado boasts its fair share of ski resort towns known for drawing the rich and famous: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge , Telluride and the like. 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 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In - landmarkrg.com .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} }, false ); Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. For more ideas, see our list of the Top Attractions in North Carolina. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. 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 With a mix of unique shops and galleries, art festivals, and a charming downtown, this Jackson County NC mountain town lives and breathes local art. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Let us know in the comments section, as always. Emerald Outback has plenty of trails to trek through dense old-growth forests, lush fields, and babbling mountain brooks in the warmer months.