In addition to what is perhaps its most popular attraction, the Ashe County Cheese factory and store—where you can watch the process and purchase cheeses, jams, and preserves—West Jefferson holds a surprising number of arts offerings. Top 10 biggest cities by population are Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, and Concord. And per capita, it’s probably the most bookish place in WNC. Asheville also has an airport that allows for easy access for residents to travel and visit family in other parts of the country and for visitors to come in. And the Scottish Tartans Museum is the only museum outside of Scotland devoted to Scottish Highlands dress, history, and culture, a testament to the influx of Scots-Irish immigrants that settled here in the mid 1700s. Visit Bridge Park Pavilion, the town’s newest public venue, for the free down-home Concerts on the Creek staged every Friday night in the summer. 3524x3585 / 5,33 Mb Go to Map. Photograph by Caitlin Ragan. The Tarheel State is a land of many features: to the east, the stunning beaches of the Outer Banks; to the west, spectacular mountain ranges including the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Flanked by Beech and Sugar mountains, home to the state’s two biggest snow resorts, Banner Elk is the region’s quintessential ski town and much more. Inside this guide to places to visit in Western North Carolina, we’re counting towns, cities, standalone waterfalls and hikes, Blue Ridge Parkway stops, and state or national parks. Located in McDowell County (west of Asheville), Marion is a growing town with still relatively affordable real estate, lower elevation (1400 feet), and easy access to Lake James. The entire downtown is essentially considered the arts district, containing public artworks and 18 craft shops and galleries, including Originals Only, The Ashe Arts Council, and The Artists’ Theatre, which also sells antiques. The Saluda Grade Cafe serves up a wide variety of bistro classics bent toward Southern fare, and the Purple Onion is a consummate host of live music while offering one of the region’s more diverse menus. Montreat is home to a college, a conference center, and the town itself, and all share the same name. Summer offers ideal weather for outdoor recreation, with highs rarely exceeding 90 degrees. Written by Jonathan Ammons, Jon Elliston, Tim W. Jackson, Randy Johnson & Melissa Reardon. Bryson City, North Carolina. Sitemap   •   Privacy Policy   •   ©2021 All Rights Reserved. Craft brew enthusiasts can earn rewards by joining the Beervangilists, a beer club that encourages exploration. Just off Main Street, the Glen Burney Trail dips into a waterfall-laced wilderness, and a paved path circles Cannon Lake. A resident of the Asheville area since 2003, Scott has been an active real estate broker since 2006. Asheville, WNC's largest city (Pop.1990 61,607) is located in the French Broad River valley, which basically lies in the center of North Carolina's Mountain region. These spots are prime destinations for making memories. Shopping options include home accouterments at A Touch of Cass and 5,000 square feet of art and antiques at Menagerie Mercantile, while the list of restaurants ranges from pancake breakfasts and pulled-pork lunches at Pig & Grits to pub fare and pints at the local watering hole, Snap Dragon. Nestled in the vast woodlands of Transylvania County in western North Carolina is the small town of Brevard. Local towns near Western Carolina University. The 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina. Adding to that buzz, Franklin has several noteworthy restaurants, including Caffé REL (an unassuming option due to its location adjacent the Hot Spot gas station) and The Bowery, with chic décor and modern cuisine that are more akin to something found in New York City’s rags-to-riches Bowery District than a small mountain town. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. The Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum, housed in the old 1850s jail, holds one of the largest collections of gems, minerals, fossils, and artifacts in the Southeast. There's no better place to experience this geographic icon than along South Carolina's western lake coast. Doyle’s Cedar Hill is among a smattering of restaurants in town, and on warmer evenings, the adjoining Tiki Bar is the place to be to mix, mingle, and enjoy live music on the weekends. If ever there was a town with a stature that’s much larger than its size, it’s Tryon, which has a prestigious reputation as both a vibrant arts enclave and North Carolina’s horse country. And then there’s the eminently walkable downtown, which is replete with options for day and nighttime fun on foot. Hot Springs is also well stocked with cabins, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls 2019 America's Best Neighborhoods Western South Carolina Learn More. Visit Parker-Binns Vineyard on a day when the delightful retired restaurateurs-turned-vineyarders have their wood-fired pizza oven sparked up to bake some Neapolitan-style pies. You can take a rhododendron-sheltered path to The Village Café and have a gourmet brunch or sip Bloody Marys outside with locals beneath towering trees. Or it might include a luxurious day of pampering at the award-winning spa at Old Edwards Inn. After dark, don’t miss the string of restaurants and bars along Depot Street, from Nantahala Brewing’s tap room, featuring local beer and live music, to the swank cocktail bar Derailed, and more. Their history and more is as close as a visit to the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. In the Tar Heel State, there are so many great small towns—far too many to count—so choosing our favorites is a monumentally challenging task. Bryson City feels like a place in a pleasant state of perpetual motion. And don’t miss Well-Bred Bakery, which was recently recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of “15 Amazing Small Town Bakeries.”. For those already in-the-know, taking a painting class at The Bascom, touring the Highlands Botanical Garden, or catching a performance at Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center might be in order. Another small town outside of Asheville, Weaverville offers a walkable downtown with a quaint feel. It borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Many of their works can be found at The Design Gallery or at the Toe River Arts Council in downtown. Learn more at www.mainstreetsylva.org, Photograph Courtesy of Hot Springs Tourism Association. Hibriten Mountain, located just east of the city limits, marks the western end of the Brushy Mountains range. Appalachian Outfitters is an anchor for outdoorsmen of every ilk, especially fishermen. Western North Carolina Physical Geography The Mountains of Western North Carolina . Several Western NC towns made the list, including Fletcher (#3), Woodfin (#12), and Black Mountain (#20). Tucked in the far west corner of the state, Murphy can be summed up in four simple words: mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams. Featured Community. Scott and Lisa founded Freestone Properties in 2016. Below please see all North Carolina cities and towns which are listed in alphabetical order. being built, but throughout my experience here in Apex, I have not had one bit of trouble. Centered on Boone, the High Country has the area's most popular ski resorts, including Ski Beech, Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Sugar Mountain. There are a total of 760 towns and cities in the state of North Carolina. Though if you want to explore more in depth, embark on TRAC’s biannual Studio Tour, held every June and December. North Carolina coast map with beaches . Western North Carolina is no longer a well-kept secret. The mountains of Western NC offer incredible hiking and mountain biking with spectacular views! Pace General Store, an old-time grocery that’s been offering jars of locally pickled and preserved goodies and much more since 1899. For on-the-go fare, the Filling Station Deli & Sub Shop makes sandwiches that would cause even a big city resident’s stomach to growl. Venturing a bit out of town, you’ll find the region’s wine country. Winter is an atmospheric time to indulge an après-ski piqued appetite at restaurants and pubs, with specialties like steak, sushi, Italian, Cajun, and tapas. North Carolina highway map. Banner Elk . Saluda {pop. Fall is what Western North Carolina is known for, with some of the most spectacular fall colors anywhere in North America, and the days are still warm enough for outside activities and dining alfresco. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2f96be585b6d7403e7bfcd683283928" );document.getElementById("a69035bc7b").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Other pluses include a walkable assortment of shops (including the South’s first snowboard store) and enticing inns and B&Bs. As mentioned earlier, Asheville is the largest city in Western NC, and its population is only 92,000 (based on 2017 data). There are also literally thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and many are also suitable for equestrian use. The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In North Carolina For 2021. Surrounded by mountains, Bryson City is right next to the Tuckasegee River in western North Carolina. Locals and visitors arrive early for coffee, stay for lunch, and return later for beer, wine, and live music most nights. Learn more at www.exploretryon.com. Your email address will not be published. Population: 467,000 people. But we’ve done it; we’ve picked 19 of our favorite small towns across the state. On Main Street, you’ll find the M.A. Consequently, “Beech Mountain is too cool for a lot of people,” Lait notes, “and Boone can be a little too warm. Lenoir is located in the Blue Ridge foothills. Map of Eastern North Carolina. The town also offers outdoor amenities. We found out by exploring 13 in Western North Carolina that share some characteristics—a population under 5,000, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, ample food and nightlife options—but possess unique attributes as well. Lavender Bistro serves up classic global cuisine like duck Provençal, Cacciatore crespelle, and paella. Many restaurants allow well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners while they dine outdoors. Located in Transylvania County about 30 minutes west of Asheville Regional Airport is the outdoor paradise of Brevard, NC. It’s no secret that real estate in Asheville, NC has taken off! The town is a vibrant mix of tourists and locals, with many of the latter having roots multi-generations deep. Learn more at www.highlandschamber.org. History buffs will enjoy browsing the well-appointed Macon County Historical Society, which displays relics of the county’s past dating back to the early Native Americans. The Daily Grind & Wine might as well be the Murphy community and welcome center. Photograph by Caitlin Ragan. Thrill seekers might also hitch a ride on The Gorge Zip Line, where riders drop a total of 1,100 vertical feet through 125 acres of old-growth forests. These places make visitors wish they were residents. Winters are mostly mild, except in the higher elevations. For weary Appalachian Trail hikers, Franklin, which sits 11 miles off the trail, serves as a popular refueling station. If you consider that other national forests and recreation areas in upstate South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia are also within just a couple hours’ drive, there truly is more than you could explore in a lifetime! Alphabetical list of North Carolina Cities . The Blue Ridge Mountains that cover Western NC provide a lifetime of outdoor adventure! Hendersonville is a medium-sized town by Western NC standards (population 14,000 in 2017), but still offers a lot of amenities and a rather large downtown area. More Information. To truly soak up the town, try the 100-acre Hot Springs Resort & Spa. The line of idling cars snaked down the driveway of the Sharing House food pantry and around the block in the Western North Carolina city of Brevard. Few towns can claim that their primary access is via an official scenic route, yet for Highlands, the winding drive through the Cullasaja River Gorge along Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is only part of the allure. And outdoor enthusiasts will love the town’s close proximity to Mt. Scott is an avid fly fisherman, and the name "Freestone Properties" comes from the freestone mountain streams for which Western North Carolina is famous. The creative spirit can also be found at Bohemia, a gallery, coffee shop, and community gathering hot spot. And why wouldn’t it? The Florence Thomas Art School is here, offering workshops in a variety of artistic mediums to all ages. Mitchell Challenge, a 40-mile trail race that attracts runners from all over the United States. Specific spots within these places are not counted though. There are lots of big chain stores to go to and plenty of restaurants to eat at. Pace General Store. In between the sea and the summits are some of the … Maggie Valley is more seasonal, focusing more on tourism than Waynesville. Downtown is also home to antique shops and Heartwood Gallery, which features a carefully curated spread of locally made creations. 2903x1286 / 1,17 Mb Go to Map. The largest town in Burke County, Morganton has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Small Towns in Western North Carolina. Montreat’s incredible hiking trail system is open to the public and is also home to the famous Mt. This is a list of smaller local towns that surround Western Carolina University. Not only is Brevard a gateway to the sweeping craggy wilderness that is the Pisgah National Forest, but it’s also near DuPont State Forest. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area sits to the west and offers hiking trails—including a kid-friendly trail—along with picnic areas and nice views over the town. And of course, Blowing Rock and its environs are a veritable wonderland of outdoor activities. It’s the largest city in the region, and also the cultural center. Asheville is the de facto capital of Western North Carolina. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. While Charlotte is the most popular N.C. city, Raleigh is the state’s capital. Downtown is comprised of just a few blocks, offering ample opportunities to rub shoulders with friendly locals. And Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church is one of Ashe County’s two renowned churches open to visitors featuring fresco paintings by internationally noted Asheville artist Ben Long. One of the earliest attractions was The Blowing Rock, with awesome vistas of Grandfather Mountain. Photograph Courtesy of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce. MOUNTAIN LIVING IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. Brevard is also home to many summer camps, and that’s one reason so many families from the southeast know the area and vacation there. And Sylva boasts not one but two microbreweries: Innovation Brewing and Heinzelmännchen Brewery. Education, skiing, tourism, and Christmas tree farming are among this area's most prominent industries, although agriculture Going south towards South Carolina will take you right through Hendersonville, North Carolina. Western North Carolina, or “WNC,” consists of the mountainous areas west of Charlotte, NC all the way west to the Tennessee state line, as far north as the border with Virginia, and as far south as the South Carolina state line. With a population of around 90,000, it’s definitely the most prominent hub for shopping and entertainment. Learn more at www.visitweaverville.com. Real Estate Taxes: 0.020%. We used data and science to identify the most dangerous cities in the Tar Heel State for 2021. When not listing real estate, selling real estate, or writing about real estate, Scott is trying to keep up with his two sons on their bikes, enjoying a day on the river, or trying to knock the rust off of his tennis game. This place is famous for the outdoor activities offered in its general surroundings. A map of North Carolina cities will show that on one side of the state, you have miles of beaches, including the famed Outer Banks, where many hotels are events take place. The seasons here are incredibly distinct, and each one is very enjoyable. Map of North and South Carolina. Learn more at www.exploreburnsville.com. Learn more at www.greatsmokies.com. Learn more at www.hotspringsnc.org. If you’re new to the area, we highly recommend an exploratory visit or two. Every July, the town is ground zero for a most-unusual festival: Coon Dog Day, which began as a fund-raiser for the local Coon Club and now draws nearly 10,000 people for live music, crafts, a parade, 5K race, and even a barking contest. M.A. A former railroad outpost that straddles Polk and Henderson counties, Saluda features a quaint and historic downtown strip. From the coast to the mountains, North Carolina has charm to spare. Montreat, NC may be the most unique town in this list. It also has the Cataloochee Ski Area, a winter favorite among locals due to its easy access, especially from Asheville. Opportunities for skiing and snowboarding are abundant at WNC’s local ski resorts. M.A. The Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts presents first-rate plays and concerts. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, Sharing House typically passed out about 80 food boxes during its weekly drive-thru distributions. 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