South’s Best Mountain Towns Includes 1 In North Carolina You Might Not Be Familiar With

We see suggestions in travel publications every day for amazing vacations.  And, I ran across a list from Travel + Leisure for the South's best mountain towns including one in North Carolina you might not be familiar with.

Obviously, when we think of North Carolina mountain towns, we think of the areas around Boone and Asheville.  And certainly, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must visit in the Fall.  But, one on this list was a little town I had to research to learn more about.

Lansing, North Carolina made the author's list of the South's best mountain towns.  So, upon searching for information about Lansing I found the tiny spot is in the mountains of Ashe County.  It's often referred to as a bit of a hidden gem of the High Country.  Google searches indicate visitors can find trout waters, historic u-pick farms, live music and amazing food.

And, according to census numbers from 2020, the population of one of the south's best mountain towns was just 126.  So, it's definitely away from the hustle and bustle of more populated areas.

So, what can visitors to Lansing, North Carolina plan?  Apparently, the Old Orchard Creek General Store is a nice stop for coffee, tea or a tasty pastry.  And, they offer a nice selection of books and locally made crafts.

Plus, for the outdoorsy types Lansing offers plenty.  There's the Lansing Creeper Trail Park with fishing, walking, mountain biking, a farmers market, live music and more.  And, at roughly two and a half hours by car from Charlotte, it's a nice little weekend getaway.

And, even though it's a tiny spot, there's no shortage of lodging in Lansing, North Carolina.  A quick search reveals various options including Chetola Resort, Graystone Lodge, The Cabins at Healing Springs, Buffalo Tavern, Holiday Inn Express West Jeffferson and more.

So, perhaps it's time to plan a getaway to one of the lesser known among the South's best mountain towns.  For more suggestions, see the full article.

North Carolina is home to some incredible small towns. From the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between. With so many spots, it's hard to pick a favorite. Especially when each has something unique to offer. Many are gorgeous, and while we know that it's nice to see others recognize that beauty. The travel experts over at North Carolina Travel Guides recently ranked the most picturesque small towns in the country. And they include 6 North Carolina towns on the list. But what is the most picturesque small town in North Carolina?

Their team worked to find the 120 most picturesque small towns in America. These towns are the ones that are "an absolute must-see and that one shouldn’t miss out on this summer." So how exactly did they do this? North Carolina Travel Guides travel experts compared 500 small towns to create this list of 120. Metrics used to determine the most picturesque included search trends, popularity with photographers, and popularity for photography with the general public. And I know what you're thinking. If this was commissioned by North Carolina travel experts they were probably biased. Right? Wrong. The top towns are not in NC. In fact, while North and South Carolina each had 6 towns included in the 120, the SC ones ranked significantly higher.

One South Carolina town ranked number 6, another 11th, and a third 23rd. The highest ranking NC town? It was 50th. So no bias here! Towns in both Carolinas are spread between all areas of the states. So whether you are looking for a quiet spot for a weekend getaway, a weeklong vacation, or a place to relocate you'll want to read this list. Below you'll find the top-ranked picturesque small town and towns in North Carolina followed by those in South Carolina. You can read the North Carolina Travel Guides article here.

The town of Bryson City is situated next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park full of fresh air and nature. Its "remote location" offers plenty of space for whatever activities your heart desires from adventure to relaxation. It features "majestic mountain landscapes, scenic hiking trails, spectacular train excursions, a vibrant downtown, and the pristine waters of Fontana Lake." Learn more <a href="https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/">here</a>.

The town of Washington is a slightly hidden gem on North Carolina's Inner Banks. Its location along the Pamlico River is perfect for small-town charm. Downtown features an "eclectic blend of boutiques, restaurants, and attractions". It's a small community built around maritime culture along the Tar and Pamlico Rivers. Learn more here. 

Cashiers is located in Jackson County and the Blue Ridge Mountains along scenic Highway 64 in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest. The adorable downtown features boutiques, antique shops, home furnishing studios, and restaurants. A favorite of visitors is the Cashiers Farmers Market. Learn more here.

Blowing Rock is located on the drive up 321 before you hit the college town of Boone. It's a quaint town mostly situated on one main street that boasts a rich history dating as far back as the 1700s. Learn about some of my favorite things to do when visiting Blowing Rock here.

Hillsborough's downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It  features more than 100 homes, churches,  a school, and other buildings dating back to the late 18th and 19th centuries. The town is centrally located with easy access to both I-85 and I-40. Learn more here.

The coastal town of Beaufort is another town located on the Inner Banks. It is a popular vacation destination for just a small 2.7-mile town that is surrounded by nearly a mile of water. The lovely downtown is filled with shops, galleries, and acclaimed restaurants. Learn more here. 

Folly Beach is known as "Charleston's Beach Town". This small beach town is all about life on the water, with offers a gorgeous backdrop for endless activities. Learn more about visiting <a href="https://visitfolly.com/">Folly Beach.</a>

You'll find Traveler's Rest in the southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town was named for its natural amenities and proximity to some of the most amazing outdoor recreation in the state. It is known for its "artsy vibe, active lifestyle, and  historic charm". The town features Swamp Rabbit Trail greenway, a driving range, shops, restaurants, antique stores, boutiques, and a brewery. Learn more about Travelers Rest <a href="https://travelersrestsc.com/visit/">here.</a>

This one pains me a little bit (college sports rivalries are real), but I was pleasantly surprised that Clemson has more to offer than just a college town. The town is located in the foothills near the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the shores of Lake Hartwell. This gives Clemson a unique combination of mountain, lake, and urban lifestyles. Learn more here. 

Located near the Georgia border a few miles from Augusta is the picturesque town of Aiken. Equine pursuits, the arts, sporting facilities, and nature, are just some of what the town is known for. It has a rich history from playing a part in our country’s railroad birth to our fight in the Cold War era. Local officials say Aiken has a  "history most small towns have never experienced the likes of". Learn more here.

This coastal town has all the southern charm you come to expect from the South Carolina Lowcountry. The town's historic streets are framed by natural foliage of picturesque Spanish moss-draped live oak trees. This charming destination has been delighting visitors since 1512. Learn more about Beaufort here.

Isle of Palms is a barrier island made up of six miles of white, sandy beaches. It's less than 20 minutes from historic Charleston. IOP as it's referred to for short is known for its beaches, natural wildlife, world-class resorts, spas, golf, and restaurants. Learn more here.