We love exploring our cool small towns nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, filled with historic buildings with a mix of longtime family operated stores and restaurants, along with new galleries and trendy shops. Each town has its own personality and many things to do. Meet some local folks and experience a leisurely day of exploration, just like Mayberry. Since many are in close proximity, you can visit several in a day (see map at bottom of page). Enjoy!
Bryson City
Check out our favorite small town near Asheville! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you explore their downtown shops and galleries or paddleboard down the river. Nearby Deep Creek in Great Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing and the popular tubing. Raft the Nantahala River. And that's just the beginning!
Saluda
Since the late 1890s, tourists have flocked to this tiny railroad town of 700 residents. Main Street has many longtime businesses, including fantastic galleries and restaurants. A must stop is the 1899 Pace's "old time" General Store that is part museum. Since 1892 is Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill. Learn about the Saluda Grade at the Depot. Raft and tube on the Green River.
Cashiers
In Cashiers, the shops and restaurants are scattered in individual buildings and center around the Village Green with outdoor sculpture, walking paths and gardens. Also find a sophisticated arts and music scene. Nearby are Silver Run Falls and Lake Glenville.
Rutherfordton
Explore one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina, with historic antebellum homes and a downtown filled with shops, restaurants and one of the best children's museums in the state. And it's the site of the first minted gold coins in the USA!
Sylva
This cool mountain town is home to the most photographed courthouse in the state, perched on a hill overlooking the historic Main Street. It's home to the annual Greening Up the Mountain street festival and Concerts on the Creek summer weekly concerts. And try some local beers at two breweries.
Burnsville
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the highest peaks in eastern America, including Mt. Mitchell, Burnsville's small downtown is dominated by the Town Square with towering trees. The Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair transforms the streets around the town square into a festival for craft and art lovers, with 150 juried crafters. Our favorite dining spot downtown is the Garden Deli.
Black Mountain
This quaint town is just a mile from the busy I-40. We especially love exploring the shops along Cherry Street. And don't forget the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Find an impressive selection of restaurants for a tiny town. Nearby Montreat is worth a quick sidetrip.
Banner Elk
This quaint mountain village near Beech Mountain is home to Lees-McRae College, a beautiful historic campus at the highest elevation of any college east of the Mississippi (3,700 feet). Downtown is home to the Woolly Worm Festival in October.
Tryon
Tryon is home to an impressive arts community with galleries downtown and a big equestrian community with many horse-related events, including a Steeplechase each spring. Enjoy year-round horse shows at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center and the Tryon International Equestrian Center attracts horse lovers and riders from all over.
Dillsboro
This quaint village is just a few miles from Sylva. On the banks of the Tuckasegee River. Dillsboro has been a tourist stop since the late 1800s. You can arrive by train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on an excursion from Bryson City. Although it's a tiny village, find an impressive mix of specialty shops and galleries representing many local artists.
Brevard
Downtown has seen an influx of great shops and restaurants recently. Find antique malls, galleries, and the legendary O.P. Taylor toy store and White Squirrel Shoppe. Big street festivals there include the White Squirrel Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July celebration and Halloweenfest. And the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival is nearby.
Spruce Pine
This small town offers not one but two main streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Avenue). A must stop is the Toe River Arts Council Gallery. A walk around town leads to several public art projects, including the town clock on Upper Street. Don’t miss the Toe River Art Studio Tour twice a year.
Lake Junaluska
This beautiful lake town near the Great Smoky Mountains is home to trails, boat tours, golf, gardens, and a big variety of lodging options including lakefront hotels and cabin rentals for a Methodist church retreat.
Beech Mountain
This is the coolest town on our list for temperature (and the highest town in the eastern USA at 5,506 feet). While it's very popular for skiing and snowboarding each winter, they have an impressive trail system for hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Each fall, they open the yellow brick road for Autumn at Oz.
Lake Lure
There's a lot happening in this lake town! In addition to a beach to keep cool on hot summer's day, there's a wonderful Town Center Walkway that connects the beach to the beautiful Flowering Bridge. Take a boat tour of the lake or bring your mountain bike for their new trail system at Buffalo Creek Park.
Columbus
Located in the foothills in wine and horse country, this tiny town (population 999) has a quaint historic downtown with a park and mountain views, scenic drive, wineries and Tryon Equestrian Center.
Mars Hill
Located in Madison County, this college town has a quaint downtown of historic buildings and homes. Enjoy many educational and cultural opportunities at the college, including stage plays, art exhibitis, the national clogging champions and the summertime Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre.
Hot Springs
This tiny town of around 800 residents is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs. Located north of Asheville at the junction of the Appalachian Trail (goes right through downtown) and the French Broad River. Hike from town up to Lover's Leap for a great view of the town.
Highlands
For the most upscale shopping in the mountains, head to downtown Highlands. It's a popular area for affluent travelers, many with a summer home in the area. This is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, with an elevation at 4,118 feet. Nearby are many beautiful waterfalls, including the roadside Dry Falls.
Hendersonville
The largest downtown in western North Carolina outside of Asheville is filled with historic buildings and updated streetscapes with flowers and art. Find many spots for outdoor dining and a big variety of quality shops and galleries along a six-block stretch of Main Street. Don't miss two street festivals, the Garden Jubilee and the huge NC Apple Festival.
Morganton
Located about 60 miles east of Asheville, Morganton's charming downtown centers around the stately historic courthouse. Shop, eat and taste local brews at two breweries: Fonta Flora and Catawba. In September, attend the big Historic Morganton Festival with arts and crafts, festival cuisine, wine garden featuring many nearby wineries.
Waynesville
Downtown's quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot U.S.A. attracts entertainers from all over the world. The Museum of NC Handicrafts is housed in the historic Shelton House. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances.
West Asheville
While it's part of the city, West Asheville has it's own vibe and busy Haywood Road lined with restored buildings filled a big variety of restaurants, bars, breweries, and funky shops.
Marshall
This historic town in Madison County is nestled between rocky cliffs and French Broad River. This "one street wide and a mile long" town of 900 residents has re-energized Main Street, filled with artists’ studios, galleries, music venues, and eclectic shops. Walk across the river to Blannahassett Island and the Marshall High Studios, home to many artists.
Weaverville
Their small downtown area is filled with restaurants, galleries and interesting local shops. And it's only 10 minutes from both downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Twice a year, they host the big Weaverville Art Safari with dozens of artists opening their studios to visitors. Nearby is Vance Birthplace State Historic Site.
Robbinsville
This tiny town of 600 residents is big on things to do in Graham County, home to Fontana Lake, Lake Santeetlah, Stecoah Arts Center, Cherohala Skyway and hikes and waterfalls in Nantahala National Forest.
Chimney Rock Village
The tiny village (population 109) has a busy downtown at the entrance to popular Chimney Rock Park. Behind the shops and restuarants, the Rocky Broad Riverwalk takes you along the cascading river with places for a picnic. Take a step back in time in this authentic tourist town that has kept the charm of the 60s and 70s.
Cherokee
Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, find a big variety of ways to experience. Learn the Indian heritage, shop for local crafts, see their painted bears or attend a pow wow, or try your luck at the huge Harrah's casino. It's also the primary North Carolina entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Little Switzerland
This summer retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great stop for food at the Switzerland Cafe and shopping at the General Store or the Book Exchange. Tour Emerald Village to learn all about gem mining. Also, stop at the Museum of NC Minerals or hike to Grassy Creek Falls.
Franklin
This town is known as the "Gem Capital of the World." Downtown is home to the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum in a 19th Century jailhouse. Attend one of the country’s best known gem shows, the Macon County Gemboree. Tour the Macon County Historical Museum and the Scottish Tartans Museum.
Forest City
Have lunch at the soda fountain, see an amazing collection of vintage cars and catch a baseball game in small town American. Every winter, the Forest City’s Hometown Holidays celebration lights up Main Street with more than one million lights.
Crossnore
This tiny town in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains has a famous school, church fresco, historic buildings with gallery and weaving museum, plus much more. Near Spruce Pine and Banner Elk.
Biltmore Village
This historic community at the entrance to Biltmore Estate is filled with trendy boutiques, galleries and restaurants in restored buildings and cottages.
Marion
Stroll down Marion's Main Street lined with historic buildings, churches and the courthouse. It sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near popular attractions like Mt. Mitchell and Linville Falls. Don't miss the Livermush Festival!
Bakersville
Located at the base of Roan Mountain and the mile-high scenic drive, this town has several galleries and studios. Home to the Rhododendron Festival. Penland School of Crafts is nearby.
Maggie Valley
This popular family resort town has been a favorite for generations, and it has kept much of it's local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts. The Wheels Through Time Museum has an outstanding collection of classic cars and motorcycles.
Tips for Visiting Small Towns
Get out of your car and walk! Stop in some of the local business and meet the locals. Ask them about things to see and do - including favorite places to eat. Sundays are fairly quiet in many of the towns since some of the businesses close.
Western North Carolina Small Town Map
Check this out!
Get in the holiday spirit by visiting one of these great small towns near Asheville in the North Carolina mountains!1. Forest City (pic at top): Our top pick for... read more
We love the many historic courthouses in the towns of western North Carolina near Asheville. While many are still in use, others have been repurposed into a variety of uses for the community. These... read more
Many of you have probably gazed in awe across Lake Lure and Rutherford County from the top of Chimney Rock. Now's your chance to explore it... read more
Burke County is home to the cool city of Morganton, about 55 miles east of Asheville via I-40. The county extends north to Linville Gorge... read more
Beautiful Jackson County is west of Asheville and includes the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Lake Glenville (pic above) and Sapphire. In addition to great small... read more
