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Small towns outside of asheville ncSmall towns outside of asheville nc. 40 Cool Mountain Small Towns near Asheville
The perfect stop if you want to grab food on your way to or from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Lincolnton is east of Asheville and slightly north of Charlotte. Asheville to Lincolnton is about a 1 hour and minute drive — also making it one of the furthest cities on this list.
Stop in Lincolnton for the cafes, bookstores, woodfire pizza, and a walkable downtown filled with old school murals. Get lost in North State Books. Asheville to Waynesville is about a minute drive, and if you are starting at Lake Junaluska, Asheville to Lake Junaluska is an easy minutes.
Like many of the other mostly Western North Carolina towns on this list, Waynesville promises a unique downtown filled with beer, food, and shops. Along with Lake Junaluska, visit Maggie Valley while here — another one of the most charming small towns near Asheville. Tyron is known for its equestrian culture, wineries, Christmas festival, Pearson Falls, and shops. Tryon International Equestrian Center hosts numerous horse events and competitions.
Mountain Brook and Russian Chapel Hills are close by too. Parker-Binns even has a delicious Burger Barn and Airbnb property for rent.
Catch a movie at the indie theater, Tryon Theatre, and shop downtown for used books and local art. Saluda — another one of the small cities near Asheville worth a trip — is only 15 minutes away. Asheville to Tryon is just under a one-hour drive.
Maggie Valley is most well-known for being close to the Smokies, its craft shops, winter skiing, and Soco Falls.
Driving through the town, spot funky vintage motels. Drop into Wheels Through Time, a car and motorcycle museum. Or, enjoy the short hike to Soco Falls. Many people head out this way in the winter for the Cataloochee Ski Area — home to skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. BearWaters Brewing has a creekside location in Maggie Valley, serving up local brews and food along a babbling brook.
Read our complete guide to Maggie Valley. One of the most popular towns around Asheville, Burnsville has just over 2, residents as of and is home to Mount Mitchell State Park. Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6, feet. Mount Mitchell State Park is free and filled with hiking trails. Burnsville is also considered a wonderful place to live for those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views, friendly residents, and mild climate. Explore the best places to stay in Asheville.
A few of our top suggestions:. Which small towns near Asheville do you frequent and love? Are there any on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments! Uncover the best towns near Asheville — from locals. Lake Lure is famous for its Dirty Dancing filming locations and gorgeous flowering bridge.
Mingo Falls will take away your breath in Cherokee. Have lunch at the soda fountain, see an amazing collection of vintage cars and catch a baseball game in small town American.
Located in the foothills in wine and horse country, this tiny town population has a quaint historic downtown with a park and mountain views, scenic drive, wineries and Tryon Equestrian Center. Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, NC offers a variety of ways to experience the cultural heritage and long history of the tribe. Watch "Unto These Hills. Located about 60 miles east of Asheville, Morganton's charming downtown centers around the stately historic courthouse.
Shop, eat and taste local brews at three breweries. In September, don't miss the big Morganton Festival. Shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants center around the Village Green with outdoor sculpture, walking paths and gardens. Find a sophisticated arts and music scene. 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.
This town is known as the "Gem Capital of the World. While it's part of the city, West Asheville has its own vibe and busy Haywood Road lined with restored buildings filled a big variety of restaurants, bars, breweries, and funky shops. 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! This quaint town is just a mile from the busy I 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. 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, feet. Nearby are many beautiful waterfalls, including the roadside Dry Falls.
Some working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it. It's just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate. This pristine, scenic mountain lake is surrounded by a community with many things to do - located near Brevard. Take a lake cruise at Greystone Inn, be a beekeeper for a day, stay at a wellness retreat and see Toxaway Falls. Located in Madison County, this college town has a quaint downtown of historic buildings and homes.
Enjoy many educational and cultural opportunities at the university, including stage plays, art exhibits, the national clogging champions. Black Mountain 24 miles, 38 minutes from the inn - This quaint town is close to the inn, and we especially love the Swannanoa Valley Museum and exploring the shops along Cherry Street. If there is a knitter in your group check out Black Mountain Yarn , and if you are craving a juicy hamburger, stop by Black Mountain Butcher Bar and Kitchen.
Street art in Waynesville Waynesville 39 miles, 53 minutes from the inn - Home to our very favorite Bakery- Well-Bred Bakery , the downtown is filled with quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries, and a general store to take you back to a more leisurely time. If you have a 4 legged pet at home there is a wonderful pet bakery here too. Each summer, Folkmoot U. Sometimes on Friday nights during the summer you can enjoy seeing the Mountain Street Dancers. Local breakfast and lunch spot Flat Rock 39 miles, 54 minutes from the inn This quaint and very small and historic village is located three miles south of Hendersonville.
Cherokee 7 1 miles, 1 hour and 23 minutes from the inn - Located close to the Tennessee border and Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cherokee is home to incredible nature, rich indigenous history, and friendly people. Weaverville 8 miles, 22 minutes from the inn - Their small downtown area is filled with restaurants, galleries, and interesting local shops.
The city of Waynesville is a classic southern charmer with plenty of places to get food, watch live music, or enjoy an adult beverage. The Blue Ridge Parkway goes through Waynesville so you can enjoy a drive through the mountains. Or check out the Cataloochee Valley, a place known for seeing elk.
The city of Brevard, which is in Transylvania county, has also been a great attraction. Nestled on the banks of the French Broad, Marshall is a growing community welcoming to creative folk from all around the WNC area. Visit Blannahassett Island to see the artist studios there. Not to be confused with Marshall, Mars Hill is also a nearby town welcoming to anyone who wants to wander the tree-lined streets.
Mars Hill is home to Mars Hill College, a private university known for the liberal arts.
12 of the Best Small Mountain Towns around Asheville - Sourwood Inn - Map of Small Towns Near Asheville, NC
Asheville is pretty great. As you can see, the reasons to visit these small towns near Asheville are many and varied. More on that later. Apparently, these white squirrels escaped from a traveling carnival.
Dupont State Forest. On the Way To: Hot Springs, still further north. I think Hot Springs may be the archetype for small towns near Asheville. The Appalachian Trial—yes, the one that runs all the way to Maine—cuts straight through the center of town. Talk about a good place for a hike. In the vein of outdoor adventure, Blue Heron Rafting offers trips down the French Broad ranging from languid to full on whitewater extravaganza.
If you find your inclination more on the relaxation side of things, visit Hot Springs Resort and Spa for a soak in hot mineral water, drawn straight from the earth. I believe Black Mountain is tied with the last entry on this list for the small town near Asheville that I visit the most. All I know is I always enjoy myself. On the Way To: Montreat College. Just a half-hour south of downtown, this small town near Asheville lies in the thick of orchard country, making it a seasonal destination for local and visiting apple-pickers alike.
Its amazing what people can do with apples these days. On the Way To: Dupont. Ian Wasserman. Recent Posts See All.