America’s 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide – Search form

Looking for:

Best little mountain towns
Click here to ENTER

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jan 06,  · The 24 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S., Ranked. 1. Park City, Utah. (Photo: Sean Pavone/iStock/Getty) 2. Jackson, Wyoming. 3. Telluride, Colorado. 4. Truckee, . #21 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA Bryson City, North Carolina, is a small town with big views. The town has less than 2, permanent residents, which gives it a friendly. Feb 09,  · Ten Best Mountain Towns in Montana. 1. Whitefish. Whitefish is a prime Montana mountain town with arguably the best skiing resort in the state. It is small enough to have an .
 
 

Best little mountain towns

Other instant disqualifiers include an outlet store within 5 miles, and an interstate highway ripping through it. And a true mountain town has a certain scruffiness, a honky-tonk rejection of polish and civilization that encourages us all to let our hair down some and our inner hippies out.

And lastly, of course, the town must be so staggeringly beautiful it sends lightning through your veins.

Unspoiled is the operative word: Crested Butte is still unvarnished and laid back in a way Telluride and Aspen were 40 years ago, somehow resisting corporate forces that have overrun others. Telluride No. Bounded by 13, and 14,foot peaks, and tucked into a box canyon with a veil-like waterfall draped at the end, there is no more picturesque place in the state. Main Street has somehow maintained its Victorian charm despite the powerful forces of gentrification — so much so you can still squint your eyes and imagine Butch Cassidy coming into town to rob his first bank.

Like Crested Butte, Telluride also found a different spot to stash all its new development and condo complexes, up at the mountain village north of the canyon, which you can commute to by gondola.

Telluride is only second to Crested Butte by a whisker, and then only because it lost its innocence some when Oprah and Tom Cruise started buying houses there, driving prices higher than Wilson Peak. Cowboy boots and ski boots pardner up wonderfully well in Steamboat Springs, which is still a true Western town, with wide streets for accommodating cattle herds, and even wider mountain vistas visible for degrees.

The tree skiing at Steamboat is the best in the state, if not the world, and the northern star of our mountain towns is known as the native home of champagne powder. Once again, the ski village grew up a bit away from the wild cowpoke heart of downtown Steamboat, allowing it to stay a bit country and funky. And the eclectic Strawberry Hot Springs just outside of town has remained steadfastly open to all comers — nature lovers, oddballs and real-live cowboys — lending Steamboat its egalitarian vibe.

And Ouray with its art deco wedding cake mountains on all sides is still those things, but its bustling now with a kind of funkadelic vibe all its own. Simply put, Ouray is a good way to go to Switzerland without flying. Salida today is full of bikes and hikes and artists and kayaks and cool places to eat and drink, and one of the great decks in Colorado, literally overhanging the Arkansas River.

For more information, visit killington. Sullivan County’s Catskill Mountains may be a quick jaunt from New York City, but you’ll feel like you’re light years away from city life. With unforgettable sunsets, inviting locals, and a bustling culinary scene, you’ll wonder why you haven’t visited sooner. Livingston Manor, perched on Shandelee Mountain, is home to the Arnold House , an incredible room inn and spa, with four breweries and distilleries located 10 to 15 minutes away from the property.

Dessert-lovers will flip out over Brandenburg Bakery —load up on extras of, well, everything before venturing out on the local hiking trails. For more information, visit sullivancatskills. Burnsville is often described as a “Norman Rockwell” kind of town, and that is truly the best way to describe this quaint locale that centers around a grassy town square. For one heck of a view, h ike to Mount Mitchell’s peak the tallest east of the Mississippi ; don’t miss the Toe River Studio Tour in June, when artists open their studios along the scenic mountain back roads there’s also the Mt.

Mitchell Crafts Fair in August. For more information, visit exploreburnsville. Summer is hot. And humid. The perfect remedy? Lake swims and refreshing mountain air.

Experience both at High Falls Gorge , a bucket-list-worthy stop with beautiful cascading waterfalls there’s lots more spectacular hiking to tackle in the region, too. When you work up an appetite, allow all of your farm-fresh fantasies to come true at Liquids and Solids.

Check in to the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort at the end of the day where you can even bring your pup or cat along, too! For more information, visit lakeplacid. Carve out some extra time for Gatherhouse , a glass blowing studio and gallery where you can witness some neat demonstrations or lose yourself at Diane Harty Millinery , where you can learn how to make gorgeous hats.

For comfy lodging, try the Frisco Inn on Galena , where the innkeepers’ stories will keep you entertained long after the sun sets. For more information, visit townoffrisco. Country Life. Design Ideas. Home Maintenance. Country Living Shop. Shopping Guides.

United States. Type keyword s to search. Take a covered boat tour of the Lake, play on the beach, and relax in the sunshine. This tiny summer retreat is known for its charming architecture, historic inns, gem mining, winding motorcycle drives, and amazing book store. Highlands 93 miles, 2-hour drive from the inn – If upscale shopping is your thing, head to downtown Highlands.

This is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, with an elevation of 4, feet. Nearby are many beautiful waterfalls, including Dry Falls which can be seen from the roadside. Come Stay with us We are a year-round property and closed only in January for our yearly maintenance.

Next Post: Everything you need to know about the Rattlesnake Lodge ». Book Now Check Availability Call ». Footer Join our mailing list for seasonal updates and exclusive offers.

Here are 10 of the best mountain towns in the United States. Of course, there’s more to the city than that — in the winter, visitors can snowshoe, snow bike, snowmobile, and more, while summer travelers can enjoy fly fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and rafting, among other activities.

There’s a full range of accommodations, ranging from Airbnbs to five-star hotels, so there’s something for every budget and travel style. Jackson, Wyoming is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the country, surrounded by mountains and national park land. Surrounded by North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines outdoor adventure with quirky mountain town charm. The city has a vibrant art scene — downtown Asheville is packed with galleries and boutiques — and it’s surrounded by great hiking trails.

You can’t visit Asheville without stopping at the historic Biltmore Estate, a stunning mansion built by George Vanderbilt in the late s. Extend your time on the perfectly manicured property with a stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Perhaps New Mexico isn’t the first place you think of for a mountain vacation, but Taos, a town surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, might change your mind.

In addition to skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting, visitors can trek with llamas, take a hot air balloon ride, or soak in the hot springs.

Best little mountain towns

We love exploring our cool, charming small towns nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Find picturesque historic Main Streets, friendly shops, general stores, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, art galleries, antique shops, and quirky finds. Each town has its own personality and many things to do surrounding the Asheville area.

Meet some locals and experience a leisurely day of exploration, just like Mayberry. Your first stop should be the town’s Visitor Center to get insider tips to find places that match your interests. Feature photo: Downtown Sylva. Since many of these mountain towns are in close proximity, it’s easy to visit several in a day see map at bottom of page. Find a variety of nearby outdoor adventures in any season including whitewater rafting, kayaking, ski resorts, Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls, and more!

The natural beauty of western North Carolina is at your fingertips! Free Printed Guides Many of our small towns have free printed guides that they will mail to you free postage too!

Find 12 that you can order here – maps too! Skip to main content. Search form Search. Feature photo: Downtown Sylva Since many of these mountain towns are in close proximity, it’s easy to visit several in a day see map at bottom of page. Best Small Towns Near Asheville. Find much to do! 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 the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing and the ever-popular tubing.

Raft the Nantahala River. And that’s just the beginning! Read and see more! Video Tour Save to Trip. Home to NC’s most photographed courthouse, perched on a hill overlooking the busy historic Main Street with fantastic restaurants, breweries, general stores, shops, and festivals.

Film location for 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing. 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.

Save to Trip. This artsy village is just a few miles from Sylva. On the banks of the Tuckasegee River. Dillsboro has been a tourist stop since the late s. This artisan village is home to an impressive mix of specialty shops and galleries representing many local artists.

Go to many art festivals. Downtown’s quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries and general store take you back to a more leisurely time.

Each summer, Folkmoot U. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances. Home to an impressive arts community, with galleries and an arts center downtown. Also boasts a big equestrian community, with many horse-related events, including a Steeplechase each spring.

The amazing Tryon International Equestrian Center attracts horse lovers and riders from all over the world. Near Saluda. Have lunch at the soda fountain, see an amazing collection of vintage cars and catch a baseball game in small town American. 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 longtime mountain resort town has kept much of its local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts.

Tour Wheels Through Time collection of classic cars and motorcycles. Ski at Cataloochee. Festivals include Hillbilly Jam and Elk Fest.

This tiny summer retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its charming architecture, historic inns, gem mining, winding motorcycle drives and amazing book store. Near Spruce Pine. 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. 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 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.

Stroll this picturesque historic “town” in the city of Asheville near the entrance to Biltmore Estate. Find tree lined streets with trendy, mostly local boutiques, galleries, breweries and restaurants in buildings and cottages built by the Vanderbilts. This quaint and very historic village is located three miles south of Hendersonville. The tiny village population 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.

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.

Picturesque Main Street has many local shops, restaurants, galleries, brewery, museums and favorite O. Taylor toy store. This is the Land of the Waterfalls with hiking, biking and famous Sliding Rock. 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. 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 into a festival for craft and art lovers.

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. 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. Founded on the traditions of 19th century Waldensian settlers from Italy. 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. 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. 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! 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.

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. 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. 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. Since the late s, tourists have flocked to this tiny railroad town of residents.

– 10 Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the U.S.

Like Park City, Aspen has a little something for everyone, with pristine slopes, high-end shopping, fantastic restaurants, and several luxury hotels, including The St. Conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort, Bozeman is the perfect home base for a trip packed with outdoor adventure.

When you’re not trekking through the national park or hitting the slopes, relax at the Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman, which has a rooftop pool offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Located in northern Colorado, near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is ideal for active travelers who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

There’s rafting, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and more, and fans of the horror film “The Shining” should check out the historic Stanley Hotel — it’s said to have inspired the Stephen King bestseller-turned-film. Take a trip to Germany without leaving the continental United States when you visit Leavenworth, Washington.

Find German specialties, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pastries, potato salad, and of course, plenty of beer, in this charming, Bavarian-inspired village. During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more, and in the warmer months, it’s all about rafting or tubing on the river, hiking or climbing in the mountains, or touring nearby cideries and wineries. Located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is a snowy wonderland in winter and an outdoorsy escape in the summer.

The town has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, so it’s a prime location for skiing and snowboarding — you can even visit the Olympic sites or check out the Lake Placid Olympic Museum for a dose of history. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.

You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Stroll through Dahlonega, Georgia, and find a mountain town filled with personality. It’s easy to go winery hopping in North Georgia. Venture farther afield for even more adventures. The historic downtown area is the calling card of Eureka Springs , Arkansas, a mountain town nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Beaver Lake.

The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so take time to marvel at the architecture, then explore the works by local artisans in the town’s eclectic shops and boutiques. Venture from downtown where there’s adventure for all types, from ghost tours to touring underground caves and caverns. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone, North Carolina, is a western North Carolina hub for outdoorsy travelers looking for mountain views and adventure in nature.

Whether ziplining, mountain biking, or wildflowers are your thing, you’re likely to find a way to enjoy it here. Hop aboard an antique train to take a spin through the surrounding forest. If you’d rather go by foot, embark on trails through the Chattahoochee National Forest, where you can see burbling creeks and waterfalls. Afterward, enjoy the local restaurants, breweries, and shops in the downtown district. A small western North Carolina town with breathtaking scenic views, Blowing Rock , North Carolina, is an all-time favorite mountain destination.

This eastern Tennessee town is a family favorite. Gatlinburg is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has all the overlooks and panoramic vistas you’d hope to see during a visit to the area. To experience these dramatic sights, book into the Space Needle observation tower or the Sky Lift, an aerial cable car, where you can glimpse the mountains and their telltale haze. Or walk along the longest pedestrian bridge in North America for breath-taking views. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies.

Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings , which can also be found in the footer of the site.

Travel Souths Best. Find much to do! 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 the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing and the ever-popular tubing.

Raft the Nantahala River. And that’s just the beginning! Read and see more! Video Tour Save to Trip. Home to NC’s most photographed courthouse, perched on a hill overlooking the busy historic Main Street with fantastic restaurants, breweries, general stores, shops, and festivals. Film location for 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing. 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. Save to Trip. This artsy village is just a few miles from Sylva.

On the banks of the Tuckasegee River. Dillsboro has been a tourist stop since the late s. This artisan village is home to an impressive mix of specialty shops and galleries representing many local artists. Go to many art festivals. Downtown’s quaint old buildings, brick sidewalks, galleries and general store take you back to a more leisurely time. Each summer, Folkmoot U. On summer Friday nights, come down for the Mountain Street Dances. Home to an impressive arts community, with galleries and an arts center downtown.

Also boasts a big equestrian community, with many horse-related events, including a Steeplechase each spring. The amazing Tryon International Equestrian Center attracts horse lovers and riders from all over the world. Near Saluda. Have lunch at the soda fountain, see an amazing collection of vintage cars and catch a baseball game in small town American. 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 longtime mountain resort town has kept much of its local charm with vintage motels and plenty of gift shops with arts and crafts. Tour Wheels Through Time collection of classic cars and motorcycles. Ski at Cataloochee. Festivals include Hillbilly Jam and Elk Fest.

This tiny summer retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its charming architecture, historic inns, gem mining, winding motorcycle drives and amazing book store. Near Spruce Pine. 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.

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 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.

Stroll this picturesque historic “town” in the city of Asheville near the entrance to Biltmore Estate. Find tree lined streets with trendy, mostly local boutiques, galleries, breweries and restaurants in buildings and cottages built by the Vanderbilts. This quaint and very historic village is located three miles south of Hendersonville. The tiny village population 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.