Jan 21, 2024 By Juliana Daniel
North Carolina is home to two distinct mountain ranges, the Blue Ridge and the Smoky, so vacationers have their pick of picturesque mountain villages. North Carolina is home to some stunning urban areas and breathtaking seaside communities, but the state's mountain communities are unique. Some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the United States may be discovered in western North Carolina, thanks to the proximity of both the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, which run from Virginia through Tennessee. The charming communities, both large and small that dot these mountainous ranges throughout North Carolina are an ideal home base for exploring the region's many trails and waterfalls.
Hendersonville, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a charming tiny town that contrasts the hustle and bustle of nearby Asheville. Main Street inside this old city center is packed with great places to eat and shop. Jumping Off Rock, conveniently located in the city center, is a popular spot for its breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. In honor of its status as the state's "Apple Capital," Hendersonville plays home to the biannual NC Apple Festival. Burntshirt Vineyards, a number of the top wineries throughout the state, and Saint Paul Mountain Farming, a functioning orchard and vineyard with tastings, including live music, are just two of the vineyards that have made this region famous.
Bryson City, located on the border between North Carolina but instead Tennessee and often called the "Gateway to the Smokies," is a great location to unwind after a day of mountain exploration. The Tuckasegee River winds its way through town, and indeed the city is surrounded by gentle hills, so visitors will always feel close to nature. The Road down A very dangerous Fontana Lake and downhill rafting upon that Nantahala River are all easily accessible from here. Thanks to that same Polar Express train that departs from Bryson City upon that Greater Smoky Mountains Railroad, your community of Bryson City has earned a reputation as one of the top Christmas villages in North Carolina.
Boone is a bustling university town conveniently located on the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, giving it an excellent base from which to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. The renovated downtown area now has several restaurants and shops, such as the charming Mast General Store, where visitors can pick up sweet treats and souvenirs from their visit. Boone is a great home base for visiting the Appalachian Ski Resort throughout the winter and the pedestrian bridge near Grandfather Mountain in the summer.
Brevard's abundance of cafés and eateries make it an ideal home base for mountain exploration or a convenient lunch stop on route to or away from Asheville through Hendersonville. The lovely Rocky's Grill but instead Soda Shop, along with the well-known toy store O.P. Taylor, are just two of the many adorable shops in the country. Brevard's proximity to the Pisgah National Forest, with its 500,000 hectares of trails, makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and French Broad Falls, three of North Carolina's most incredible breathtaking waterfalls, are also located here.
Due to its proximity to Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, Banner Elk is a popular outdoor getaway instead of Beech Mountain Ski Resort. It's in an excellent location for summer getaways, just 30 minutes outside Linville Falls and not too far from Grandfather Mountain's breathtaking short-distance swing bridge. This charming community is ideal for taking in the sights and experiencing some of the best cuisines the region offers, thanks to its abundance of excellent eating options.
Highlands, in the southwestern region of North Carolina, seems to be another picturesque town with only a tree-lined Broad Street full of quaint businesses and delightful restaurants, located not far from the state boundary with South Carolina. Dry Falls is a beautiful waterfall about ten minutes from the city center; you may stroll behind the water as it cascades down a cliff. Located in the heart of both the Highlands, the Old Edwards Inn but also Spa is a lovely European-style hotel but also Spa.
Near Boone and even the Blue Ridge Parkway seems to be another well-liked mountain getaway known as Blowing Rock. Its striking center is a model of either a mountain village, with trees bordering the streets but instead outdoor café patios. Relaxing lunches downtown are followed by strolls along the Glen Burney path, where sightseers can take in views of both the Glen Burney and Glen Marie Falls.
Burnsville seems to be a common starting point for trips to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Burnsville's downtown revolves around a lovely town square, including restaurants as well as cafés spilling out into the streets. It has a reputation for having a creative and unique atmosphere because of the abundance of murals and galleries that can be seen there. The Bare Dark Sky Observation deck, named by CNN as being among the top 23 locations to see the stars, is also not far away.
Please share your thoughts with the community below if this is the case. Walking around the city center is another favorite pastime. The village has recently gained popularity as a retirement community and a place to visit for historical purposes. Roanoke Rivers Lighthouse, bay cruises, historical trolley tours, canoeing around Edenton Bay, private helicopter docks, quaint downtown close to the central waterfront, and much more await tourists in this charming town.
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