Best Mountain Towns in North Carolina for a Family Vacation
Western North Carolina is breathtaking!
The best mountain towns in North Carolina are perfect family vacation destinations year round!
In the spring, they’re filled with festivals and beautiful blooms.
In the summer, they’re a cool respite from the heat elsewhere in the South.
In the fall, they explode with color.
In the winter, they’re wonderlands filled with snow.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but let’s explore the cutest, most family friendly towns in the NC mountain region!
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Updated 6/2022 | Written 9/2015
How to Get to the Mountain Towns in NC
If you look at a map, you’ll see that western North Carolina is where North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennesee all meet.
Because of this part of the state is so long and skinny, that means it is super easy to get to from multiple states.
All of the mountain towns in NC listed below are about an hour and a half drive from Charlotte, and just about a 4 hour drive from Raleigh.
From Charleston, South Carolina, most of these are only about a 3 hour drive, all of which are completely doable for a weekend getaway.
If you’re flying in for a western North Carolina family vacation, you’ll want to set Asheville as your arrival destination. It’s the only major airport in this region.
From the Asheville airport, you can grab a rental car and easily head to your chosen North Carolina mountain town.
NOTE: All of these locations are easily accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is one of the best things to do in Western NC.
Drive a short stretch along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or organize your entire trip around the 469-mile route.
Best NC Mountain Towns for Families
PIN ME!
While I’m a Charlestonian through and through, the North Carolina mountains are one of my favorite places.
I went to school at Clemson University, which is situated in the top corner of South Carolina, and perfectly located for quick Saturday trips to the NC mountains.
I also lived just a few miles from the SC/NC border in that same corner for several years when I was in elementary school.
Between my time living in those areas, and my desire to explore as much of the surrounding states as I can, I've had the chance to ramble many of the areas of the North Carolina mountains.
All of these suggestions come from my experiences exploring. I only recommend places, activities, and restaurants that I’ve tried and want to share with other families!
Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has made a million must-see lists lately--and for good reason.
Not only is it super quirky and artsy, the main street area is filled with craft breweries, small bakeries, and unique shops.
Wandering around downtown Asheville can easily last a day, so make sure to allot plenty of time to soak in the ambiance.
Book lovers shouldn't miss a tour of Thomas Wolfe's house, where you can see just how much of his novel Look Homeward, Angel came from his real-life experiences.
>> Explore more of Southern authors on my itinerary for a literary South road trip. <<
While you're in Asheville, don't forget to stop by America's largest private home, the Biltmore House.
I've been several times, and I never fail to be amazed at the sheer size and opulence of the place.
The included audio tour is fantastic. The kids’ version is adorable as the history of the property is told by the Vanderbilt family dog!
Where to Stay in Asheville: The Omni Grove Park Inn is great for a dinner with a view of Asheville and the surrounding mountains.
Don't forget to curl up by the 14-foot fireplaces in the lobby!
Boone, North Carolina
King Street in downtown Boone, North Carolina
If you're looking for somewhere that combines a historic railroad, black diamond skiing, and stunning back road drives, Boone is your spot.
I can remember visiting Grandfather Mountain as a very small child and loving it.
Today, it’s fun to watch my kids be equally enthralled and terrified by the Mile High Swinging Bridge!
Take a ride on the Tweetsie Railroad, where you’ll be treated to a 3 mile round trip through some of the prettiest parts of the North Carolina mountains.
The theme park has plenty of other fun activities, so plan to stay the entire day.
Mystery Hill is SO weird! Your ideas about gravity and perspective will be challenged at this long-time local attraction.
Take in a football game at Appalachian State or go antiquing in the shops along King Street.
Where to stay in Boone: The Inn at Crestwood has an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Cozy up by the fire pits and share some s’mores with your family!
Cherokee, North Carolina
Our daughter outside the Museum of the Cherokee
On one of my first ever school field trips, I went to Cherokee.
I remember touring the Museum of the Cherokee in downtown Cherokee and really loving all of the history. (I was totally that kid.)
The Museum is still there, as is the Oconaluftee Indian Village for those who are interested in learning more about the Native Americans who call this gorgeous part of the world home.
Take a picnic to Mingo Falls before hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The National Park is the U.S.’s most visited, and it also has the nation’s largest concentration of black bears.
Your kids will love the Junior Ranger program here, which encourages hiking, ecology, and history.
Pick up the booklet at the Oconoluftee Visitors Center for $2.50.
Where to Stay in Cherokee: If you’re camping, we adore the Cherokee KOA, which has themed nights throughout the year, adorable cabins, an indoor pool, and a bounce pillow.
If you’d rather stay in a hotel, we recommend the River’s Edge Motel, where all rooms have a balcony overlooking the Oconoluftee River. It’s also super close to all of the sights in Cherokee, so your family can easily walk.
Dillsboro, North Carolina
Dillsboro, North Carolina | source
If you're in the mood for tubing (and you're willing to brave the chilly mountain water!), Dillsboro offers tubes for rent along the Tuckasegee River.
The Dillsboro Rafting Company is a short walk from Haywood Road and just over the Tuckasegee River from downtown.
The water is slow moving enough for even small kids, and the tubing company provide free life jackets for all participants.
After you’ve completed your relaxing float, head over to Kostas Express, a family friendly casual Greek restaurant. It’s on Haywood Road.
Dillsboro’s downtown has some cute shops your family will enjoy exploring including Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop and the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory.
Where to stay in Dillsboro: The Best Western Plus River Escape is located right on the Tuckasegee River, making it a great place to launch your family adventures.
The best room for a visiting family is the queen suite with river view. This layout includes 2 queen beds and a private balcony for enjoying the sounds of the river.
At night, you should barbecue on the property’s grills or sit by the outdoor fire before your family turns in.
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Dam near Flat Rock, North Carolina | source
A visit to Flat Rock is a must-stop on any family vacation through the North Carolina mountains.
The Flat Rock Playhouse consistently puts on productions that draw viewers from Asheville, Hendersonville, and the surrounding areas.
Browse through the clothes and housewares at The Wrinkled Egg to find a great souvenir.
Then, head around back to order some of the super thin crust pizza at the Flat Rock Village Bakery.
Another fall favorite in the Flat Rock area is the Sky Top Orchard.
Take a spin on the hayride, then get an apple cider, which comes in frozen or hot varieties.
Don’t forget to select a few bags of fresh apples to take home—the Pink Lady variety is my favorite.
Whatever you do, you must try the cinnamon apple cider doughnuts.
>> Read my full guide to Sky Top Orchard. <<
Fourteen miles out of downtown Flat Rock is the Carl Sandburg House, another book lover's paradise.
Check out his floor-to-ceiling bookcases, purchase some of his poetry collections in the gift shop, and say hello to the on-site goats.
Just be careful, as they will try to eat the books that you just bought. True story!
Where to Stay in Flat Rock: Comfy and clean, the Mountain Inn and Suites Flat Rock is spacious enough for the entire family.
Opt for the king family suite, which has a sitting area, king bed and sofa bed. It also comes with a complementary breakfast buffet.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Many Carolinians (both North and South) consider the start of Fall to be when Hendersonville hosts its annual North Carolina Apple Festival.
You can load up on caramel apples, shop at the arts and crafts tents, and listen to local bands.
If you can't make the festival, the town's charm is still evident every other day.
There are lots of antique shops along the main street.
Make sure to explore all three floors of the Village Green Antique Mall!
There are some incredible stained glass pieces and home decor fixtures (salvaged from local homes) in the basement.
Your kids will think that the entire place is filled with secrets! Mine love to ramble the hidden books area, see the vintage jewelry and look for antique toys.
Stop for a snack at the McFarlan Bakery, whose expansive offerings will keep your sweet tooth happy.
Where to Stay in Hendersonville: The Skylaranna Hotel and Resort has long range views of Mt. Pisgah, so you’re never too far away from the beauty of this area.
Pull up a chair on the patio to watch the sunset over the mountains.
Then, head to your spacious room to rest. We recommend the king rooms, which come with a sofa bed for the kids.
In the morning, grab breakfast from the included buffet.
Highlands, North Carolina
The corner of 4th Street and Main Street in Highlands, North Carolina | source
Highlands was a favorite little getaway of mine and my sister's when we were at Clemson.
Snack on some fudge from Kilwin's as you browse the gift and antique shops in downtown.
You can find your own gems at the Jackson Hole Gem Mine.
Nearby Cashiers is also worth a stop, and you could do both small towns in one day.
Where to stay in Highlands: The Highlands Inn Lodge is located just off the main shopping area in Highlands, making it convenient to everything in this area.
Relax on the terrace, soak in the hot tub, or cozy up by the outdoor fireplace after you’ve hiked and shopped all day.
The deluxe king suite is the way to go when you’re in town with your kids as it includes a king bed and a sofa bed.
Lake Lure, North Carolina
Lake Lure’s fall foliage
Head over to Lake Lure for the Dirty Dancing Festival, which is usually held in mid- to late August.
This adorable town is located in a valley, so you’re treated to gorgeous mountain views in every direction.
There's plenty of hiking in the area, a zip line, and boating rentals.
Just up the two lane road is the not-to-be-missed Chimney Rock State Park and Chimney Rock Village.
>> Read more about the best things to do in Lake Lure NC! <<
Where to stay in Lake Lure: I had the opportunity to stay in the Geneva Hotel and Tiki Bar on a press trip, and it was a great throwback to the roadside motels of the Golden Age of Travel!
Located in between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, the Geneva Hotel has clean and simple rooms in a vintage property. While you’ll have spotty cell service here, that’s part of the charm.
Relax by the river that runs just behind the hotel, then grab a sandwich, salad, or soup from the onsite tiki bar. We loved the Cuban sandwich.
>> Read my full Geneva Hotel and Tiki Bar review here. <<
Saluda, North Carolina
Cute shops in Saluda, NC
In what has become a family tradition, we head to Saluda once each fall for the crisp air, gorgeous views, and a little bit of relaxation.
Although I use the term "downtown" loosely to describe the main area of Saluda, the handful of shops and restaurants are precious.
Antique lovers will love the handful of shops that are just begging to be explored.
Stop by the Green River Barbecue for lunch, and then take your special someone for live music and creative dishes at the Purple Onion.
Where to stay in Saluda: Since the town is so small, the best way to get a family-sized accommodation is to rent a vacation home.
We’ve done this on all of our trips, and it’s glorious to stretch out in a spacious rental home.
Tiger Pause is a rental that provides comfort for the entire family in its 3 bedrooms. Plus, the views from the private back porch are unparalled.
Tryon, North Carolina
Pearson Falls near Tryon, North Carolina
With just over 1600 residents, Tryon is a classic small North Carolina mountain town.
Browse the gift shops, linger over your lunch at one of the cafes, and then spend all afternoon browsing through the boutique shops like Wild Petunia’s.
Singer-songwriter Nina Simone grew up in Tryon, so you’ll want to snap a quick picture with her statue in Simone Plaza just off Trade Street and across the street from the Shops at the Jackson Building.
Pearson Falls (pictured) is an easy family hike just outside of Tryon.
Where to stay in Tryon: I love a historic hotel, and I’ll go out of my way to stay in one.
If you feel the same, you’ll adore the sweet 1906 Pine Crest Inn in Tryon. It was built in 1906 and was converted to an inn in 1917.
Ask for the family suite, which includes 3 twin beds, a full bed, and a king bed.
The family suite also comes with a private balcony and free breakfast.
Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville, North Carolina | source
Waynesville is a small town with a walkable main street.
On our most recent trip, we loved the coffee and sandwiches at the City Bakery at 18 North Main.
Check the calendar before you go because Waynesville has many different festivals and street parties during the fall months.
Where to stay in Waynesville: The exterior of the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club is reminiscent of that at the Omni Grove Park Inn with their rough hewn stone walls.
In 2022, all of the available rooms are newly renovated!
Ask for a double room with a balcony, which will allow your family a bit of room to stretch out.
At night, grab one of the rockers on the porch and enjoy the relaxing cool mountain air.
Have you visited any of these mountain towns in NC? What are your favorite family mountain vacation spots?
