Unexpected North Carolina Destination Ranked Number 1 Mountain Town In America

Have you ever visited Highlands? If not it might be time to plan that visit. The quaint North Carolina mountain town in the Nantahala National Forest was recently named the number 1 mountain town in America by Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure says that the town has everything you expect from a mountain town including "natural beauty and outdoor activities", and a main street full of shops and restaurants. But this town of just over 3,000 residents year-round has so much more to offer. Highlands is known for it's resorts. You've probably heard of Old Edwards Inn and Spa. The Half-Mile Farm  and Skyline Lodge are also highly rated and loved!

Romantic Asheville describes Highlands downtown as out of a "postcard". And those Main Street restaurants? They are delicious. Five have been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. So you can dine with the best, while still being one with nature. Outdoor activities in and around Highlands include hiking, waterfalls, fishing, and golf. There is also a bustling cultural scene full of concerts, museums, and theater. Highlands is about a 2-hour drive from Asheville, NC.

Learn more about Highlands North Carolina and everything Travel + Leisure loves about their pick for the number 1 mountain town here. And get all the info about planning the perfect getaway here. Fall is the perfect time for a mountain getaway. With the changing leaves and cool mountain air plus fall-themed activities galore. And while destinations like Asheville get packed during "leaf season", these smaller towns can be the perfect spot to escape to! I'm in the process of planning my fall girls weekend trip, perhaps Highlands will be the destination that makes the cut! Have you visited? Let me know your favorite places to visit.

It may still be in the 90s but fall is closer than you think! College football returns in just one short week (I CANNOT WAIT), tickets to county and state fairs are on sale now, and we know Starbucks' fall drink lineup. I can (almost feel the chill in the air). I mean I did wear a jacket this morning, mainly because it made my outfit and it was in the 70s for at least my drive in to work. It's something, and I'm holding on to it. So while it may not feel like fall, it's time to start planning for fall. Thanks to the aforementioned college football most of my weekends and booked up. But I am looking to plan a fall trip. This is why I was intrigued by Country Living's list of the best places to see fall foliage. And two of the best places to see those gorgeous, red, orange, and yellow fall leaves- are right here in North Carolina.

The list contained 55 towns, many situated in New England, where the colors are breathtaking. I frequently visit Asheville during "leaf season" and it's always packed with visitors. While I'm surprised it didn't make the list, a neighboring town did. You'll find the two places with the best fall leaves in North Carolina below. You will also find four other spots that are an easy driving distance from NC.  All six of these towns are located in the mountains of their respective states. And the mountains are one of the best places to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of fall.

So browse this list, and start making plans. Soon enough you'll be drinking a pumpkin spice latte, looking at the leaves fall out the window, with College GameDay on in the background. Take me there now! You can read the full Country Living list here.

Cherokee is actually a sovereign nation at the base of the Smokies. It's a great place to start your hiking adventure, browse arts and crafts, and experience history. And this Smokey Mountain landscape is beautiful year round, but it is extra special when the leaves are painted with the colors of fall. Learn more about visiting Cherokee here.

Weaverville is located just north of Asheville in the Reems Creek Valley. This quiet town offers a fantastic place to take in the fall leaves without the chaos of "leaf season" in neighboring Asheville. Weaverville is your quintessential small mountain town centered around a main street. Learn more about visiting Weaverville here.

Fall is just made for the mountains. And this tourist town in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is a short drive from Charlotte and is Country Living's 4th best place to see the fall foliage. That might be worth the drive! Or if Gatlinburg isn't quite the vibe perhaps it's neighbor, the next spot on our list might do the trick!  Learn more about visiting Gatlinburg here.

Just 4 miles from Gatlinburg is Pigeon Forge. And outside of Dollywood, I honestly don't know the difference between the two towns. Pigeon Forge also made this list, but not ranking quite as high as Gatlinburg. Learn more about Pigeon Forge here.

The picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia is the home of Abingdon. The mountain town is stunning in the fall, as seen above. Year-round it's known for an "artsy vibe". Learn more about visiting Abingdon here.

Clayton is found on the Eastern Continental Divide and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is known as the gateway to Black Rock Mountain State Park. Explore things to do in Clayton here.