9 Charming Small Towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Blowing Rock
- Known for: The Blowing Rock, The only operational narrow-gauge railroad in North Carolina, Beautiful mountain scenery
- Top attractions: Tweetsie Railroad, Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Ski Mtn, Julian Price Park, Grandfather Mountain
- Best restaurants: Six Pence Pub, Village Cafe
This tiny charming mountain community is a great choice if you would prefer to avoid the busy student crowds found in Boone. In Blowing Rock, the ambiance is a bit more relaxing and tourist centered. In addition to having numerous restaurants and tourist shops at your leisure, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountains, and many fabulous hikes are located within an easy daytrip. The most famous attraction in the region is The Blowing Rock, a 4000 foot cliff which affords dramatic views of the mountains. This popular tourist attraction opened in 1933, making it the oldest tourist destination in the state. Julian Price Park and the Glen Burney trail are wonderful hiking areas for nature lovers. Dock’s Rocks Gem Mine and the Tweetsie Railroad are 2 popular tourist attractions to consider.
Check out my full review of Lazy Bear Lodge – a wonderful rustic lodging options in the mountains. The inn keepers are so friendly, the space is beautiful, and you are just a quick drive from most Parkway attractions.
7. Flat Rock
- Known for: The hometown of Carl Sandburg, Historic charm (nicknamed “the Little Charleston of the Mountains”)
- Top attractions: Flat Rock Playhouse, The Park at Flat Rock, Sky Top Orchard
- Best restaurants: Flat Rock Village Bakery, Seasons at Highland Lake
This small village in Henderson County is located just a few miles outside of Hendersonville. While quite small with a population of just over 3000 people, it’s a great base for exploring the Blue Ridge region. Additionally, it’s an easy drive from Hendersonville and Asheville. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is the most notable attraction in town. Tours of the poet’s home, along with 5 miles of trails and a dairy goat farm, are the highlights to explore here. Other attractions in town include a small downtown modeled after Charleston’s famous Rainbow Row, the beautiful Park at Flat Rock (one of the nicest in the region), the Flat Rock Playhouse, and The Gallery at Flat Rock.
8. Chimney Rock/Lake Lure
- Known for: Chimney Rock State Park, Annual Dirty Dancing Festival
- Top attractions: Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure boat cruises, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
- Best restaurants: Coffee on the Rocks, Medina’s Cafe, La Strada at Lake Lure
Challenge your legs to a 499 step climb up the historic 535 year old monolith known as Chimney Rock. The views are stunning anytime of the year, even more so during the colorful fall season. Adjacent to the park you will find Chimney Rock Village, a rustic section of town featuring a number of restaurants, cafes, and touristy shops. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after your intense climb! Just minutes from Chimney Rocks lies Lake Lure, which was rated one of the most gorgeous lakes in the world by National Geographic. The beautiful scenery was featured in the 80’s classic Dirty Dancing. Take a narrated boat cruise to see where popular scenes from the movie were filmed. Consider staying at the Esmeralda Inn where the Dirty Dancing cast stayed during filming.
9. Waynesville
- Known for: Vibrant Main Street, Proximity to The Smokies and the Blue Ridge mountains, Christmas tree farms
- Top attractions: Main Street, Soco Falls, Mingo Falls, Graveyard Fields, Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
- Best restaurants/cafes: Orchard Coffee
Located about 30 minutes southwest of Asheville lies Waynesville, a small mountain town located in between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. “The Gateway to the Smokies” is quite popular with outdoor buffs and fitness fanatics due to its’ central location. It’s easy to explore the many outdoor wonders in the Appalachians via a quick daytrip. The downtown, which is lined with local restaurants, galleries, bakeries, and tourist shops, is very popular with visitors for its’ old time appeal. This is a great place to relax with some good food and pick up a souvenir or 2 after hiking, biking, and waterfall viewing. A quick 30 minute drive will take you to beautiful Cherokee. The Indian reservation is home to a popular Harrah’s casino and 2 beautiful waterfalls – 200ft Mingo Falls and the mesmerizing 120 foot Soco Falls.
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