The mountains are calling—famously. If you’re ready to give in to the age-old adage beckoning you to Western NC this fall, take our quiz to find your mountain-town match made in heaven.
Who are you heading west with?
a. The gals or guys b. My significant other c. My parents d. Me, myself & I
Preferred place to stay?
a. A chic but artsy hotel room b. A homey cabin c. An inn with a spa d. A tent—or even a hammock
Top priority while on mountain time?
a. Beer, second only to live music b. Hiking with a side of winter sports—weather permitting c. A walkable main street + quiet evenings d. As much time in the woods as possible
Mountain attire of choice?
a. Flowy boho layers—or a vintage Grateful Dead shirt b. Blundstones and a flatback hat c. Linen button-downs and sleek but comfy pants d. I’m not afraid to break out my Chacos
Top of your to-do list in the morning?
a. Finding a cute coffee shop b. Checking ticket prices for the App State football game c. Pastries and coffee in pajamas d. Lighting a fire and cooking up breakfast
Mountain must-have?
a. Film camera b. Fishing pole and tackle—just in case there’s time c. A read akin to Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing d. Instant coffee and a camp mug
The perfect mountain day consists of:
a. Hozier-esque tunes at an outdoor venue b. Caving followed by a pint & pub food c. Window shopping with frequent stops for a glass of vino d. Chasing waterfalls and swimming holes
Ideal soundtrack?
a. “Julia” by Mt. Joy b. “All That And More” by Rainbow Kitten Surprise c. “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac d. “The Swimming Song” by Loudon Wainwright III
Mostly B’s: Head to the High Country Searching for all the best parts of a college town from sports to live music with a side of mountain muck and mire via skiing, snowboarding, caving, fishing and more? Boone and Blowing Rock have you on lock. Must-go’s:Come Back Shack, Beech Mountain Resort, Basil’s, Linville Caverns, Town Tavern
Mostly D’s: Head to Brevard We get it, you’re outdoorsy—and the Blue Ridge Mountains give you good reason to be. Lace up and go off the grid via myriad trails in the Pisgah National Forest, but don’t forget to grab a beer or a sweet treat on your way out. Must-go’s:Dolly’s Dairy Bar, Whaleback Swimming Hole, Frying Pan Tower, Oskar Blues Brewery
Don’t overlook these high country hot spots scattered across Western NC.
The mountains are calling. … And while Asheville gets a whole lotta love as a Western NC tourist destination with its delectable and eclectic restaurants/breweries, thriving art and craft scene, and unique art deco architecture, there’s a whole lot more to that part of the state. Here’s our guide to 10 additional towns worth checking out if you’re planning a mountain getaway from Raleigh. Mount us in!
Boone
Hardly a well-kept secret, Boone is a popular high country destination in its own right. Home to Appalachian State University, the college town is located smack-dab in the middle of the mountains. Translation: Endless outdoor adventure ops! To boot, downtown is nestled right next to the university and boasts several restaurants, bars and shops.
Tweetsie Railroad: Offers trains, rides, games, live entertainment and more (reopens in April)
Weaverville
Located just ~9 miles north of Asheville in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Weaverville touts a charming downtown, easy-access parks and great proximity to hikes. It’s small-town mountain living at its finest!
Lake Louise: Hit the trail for biking/hiking or cast a line
Main Street Nature Park: The place to be during the summer thanks to Weaverville’s Second Saturday Summer Music Series
Black Mountain
You’ve peaked (!). This gorgeous mountain town located just east of Asheville is filled with arts and crafts, restaurants, breweries, and other novelties. NTM those views of the Blue Ridge Mountains (*swoon*).
Lake Eden Arts Festival: Music, art, creativity and culture collide at this biannual fest on the Lake Eden grounds.
Marshall
A delightful mountain town with an old-timey vibe, this city touts historic buildings and railroad tracks lining the banks of the French Broad River. Take a trip through history—and make some new memories while you’re at it.
Nestled near the Tennessee border, this town is aptly named for its naturally occurring hot springs—the only hot springs in the state (!). Post-hike hot springs soak, anyone?
Galavant to this prime location for hikers and outdoorsy folk—particularly if you love waterfalls (See: it’s renowned title as the “Land of Waterfalls” because of its easy access to 250 waterfalls). … And we’re already fallin’ for this one!
White Squirrel Weekend: An annual festival with food from local vendors, a beer garden and artisan vendors
Mars Hill
This small mountain city is more than just a college town—find fun restos, theatre shows and hiking trails to sate your spirit for sups, sips and adventure.
Food and Drink
Camden’s Coffee House: Tasty drinks and small bites in a laid-back, bookish atmosphere
A quaint and charming prototypical western NC mountain town, Waynesville is a mere 30-minute drive away from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and offers a plethora of things to do for the adventurous and laid-back traveler alike.
Food and Drink
Frog Level Brewing: Hop to this microbrewery for satisfying brews (natch) and pub fare
A peak experience, Burnsville (aka the “Home of Mt. Mitchell”) is a great spot to stay if you want to visit the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Spend some time in town exploring the town’s shops before heading out and about for adventure.
Food and Drink
Homeplace Beer Co.: There’s no place like home(place), esp. when there’s beer involved.
Though small (fun fact: The town only has one stoplight!), Banner Elk boasts a rich culture of adventure—what with its many outdoors attractions, great restaurants and vineyards, arts and theater entertainment, and more.
Food and Drink:
Banner Elk Cafe: Classic American fare, as well as coffee, smoothies and desserts.
Banner Elk Winery: Come for the wine and stay for the luxurious accommodations (no DD, no problem!).
