Asheville, NC? One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hendersonville, Grandfather Mountain near Banner Elk | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. Views over the rolling mountains are spectacular, and some of the best in the area. Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon. In addition to enjoying the magnificent man-made lake, you can also take a stroll on the boardwalk and take in the beauty of the Flowering Bridge – a 155-foot former highway bridge that has now been transformed into a gorgeous garden. If you are a retiree, then you will find that North Carolina’s old-fashion charm and appeal is a great complement to the low cost of living the state offers. Tropical beaches and sea islands, South Carolina lies in the southeast of the United States and has a whole host of darling towns and villages to explore. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Raleigh & Durham, NC # 2 in Best Places to Live in North Carolina Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are known for their research/technology roots and collegiate rivalries. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Some of North Carolina's mountain towns are highly seasonal, with major attractions open only during the summer months, but a few, particularly those near the ski resorts, lend themselves more towards winter visits. 7. Durham . There's plenty to do before ski season too, from sampling adult beverages at the Banner Elk Winery and Flat Top Mountain … 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. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. If you want to spend a night, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. The western part of the state of North Carolina is full of beautiful and quaint mountain towns, thanks to the two majestic mountain ranges found there – the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Soco Falls outside Cherokee | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. This is a city of diversity and openness, with a much-lower-than-average unemployment rate and growing economy. This geography lets Southern Pines retirees live a small-town life while still having access to the amenities and culture of a military town like Fayetteville. Catering to both the summer crowds who come here to visit the park, and the winter crowds, who are often skiers and boarders who come to enjoy the slopes of nearby Cataloochee Ski Resort, this small town offers everything you need and more. Where: Cherokee is located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation on the southern side of the Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Waynesville is considered by many to be the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The relatively low elevation, 1,991 feet, means it's warmer here in spring, which can be a real advantage. 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. Overall Niche Grade; A+. North Carolina has skiing? Best Places to Live in Black Mountain, North Carolina Mid-sized city - Far western North Carolina, 30 miles southeast of Tennessee border, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 8-Day Tulip Time Cruise from Holland to Belgium, Up to $3,000 Savings on 2021 U.S. River Cruises, 5-Day Christmastime Cruise through Germany, Get Back to Travel w/ a Clean & Affordable Rental, Win a 2021 Beach House Vacation in Myrtle Beach, 8-Day Active & Discovery River Cruise on the Rhine. © Copyright 2021 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The Best of North Carolina: Still in the planning stage of your next vacation? View Nearby Homes. The school’s campus also features many historic buildings that were built with stone native to the area. Located between the popular skiing destinations of Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, the small town of Banner Elk is a destination all on its own. Maggie Valley is also a popular stop on motorcycle routes through the mountains, and the Wheels Through Time Museum is one of the town's biggest attractions. We’ll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! When it comes to settling down and starting a family, most people want two things; a friendly atmosphere and a safe neighborhood to raise their children. Swain County Heritage Museum in Bryson City | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, just over two hours from Atlanta, and about three hours from Charlotte, Highlands is a beautiful town in the far southwest corner of North Carolina, not far from the South Carolina border. Plan your Blue Ridge Mountains escape to award winning luxury Inn that specializes in rustic chic intimate ceremonies, plus elopement packages, all in private and luxurious accommodations, romantic dining, and much more. One of the big attractions, just outside of town, is Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swing bridge, one of the top sites in North Carolina. The downtown area has many restored buildings and interesting shops, and you'll have no trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. In order to help you narrow down your search, here’s a closer look at what we think are the five best North Carolina cities to live in. Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. We think that Waynesville is one of the best places to live in Western North Carolina. Known as the Tarheel State, North Carolina is the 10th largest state in the U.S. and had a population of over 10 million. That’s undeniable. Best Places to Retire in North Carolina . M.A. A little over an hour west of Asheville, Bryson City calls itself the gateway to the Smokey Mountains, and is, in fact, a great option for travelers looking to visit the park. It's also the apple capital of North Carolina and one of the largest apple-producing counties in America. Although it’s only a little over six and a half square miles in total size, the town of Beech Mountain is loaded with personality and character. Relocating to North Carolina for retirement is a smart financial move thanks to an affordable cost of living and low housing prices. Finding the safest places to live in North Carolina can be challenging, especially in larger cities which tend to have more crime. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Top Places to Visit in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina: See Tripadvisor's 9,71,728 traveller reviews and photos of North Carolina Mountains attractions. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. 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September, June and May … The statue, which is carved from Italian marble, was mentioned in Thomas Wolfe’s first novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.”. Everywhere you look, you’ll see beautiful backdrops of the mountains that look like they came off a postcard, not to mention the beauty you’ll find at Asheville’s biggest attraction – Biltmore Estate. Six individual downhill areas, in fact, and Banner Elk sits between two of them, Beech and Sugar Mountains. The remainder rent for an average monthly cost of $1,401. View over Burnsville | Photo Source: Burnsville and Yancey County Tourism. Add to List. Located on the north bank of the Savannah River, North Augusta is not only the seventh most affordable city in South Carolina, it is the epitome of southern hospitality with a pinch of southern charm. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. It is right next Research Triangle Park (RTP), which is filled with many companies like Cisco, IBM, & … Cherokee, North Carolina. 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. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Small Town, Big Adventure: Explore the Smokies in Bryson City, N.C. Plan the Ultimate Adventure Getaway Without the Crowds in Bryson City, N.C. Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Holiday Season at Capt. 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. 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