If you’ve never spent time in lovely NC, any number of things may come to mind when you think of the state.
Barbeque? College athletics? Bluegrass? Yes, we’ve got all of these things, but the reality of life in this most florid Southern state is much more nuanced.
In fact, North Carolina is a vacationer’s paradise, particularly if you enjoy mountains, forests, and the activities therein. North Carolina has its lowlands, but we’re going to focus on two of its loveliest mountain communities, Asheville and Boone.
Boone
Located right along the Appalachian trail, with an elevation of 3,333 ft, Boone is a paradise in the sky. North Carolina’s highest peak and the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell, and Grandfather Mountain State Park are nearby.
The town of Boone itself is small, vibrant, and peaceful. It has been recognized as one of the top 10 places in the US to retire.
Whether you are retiring from a career or just from a long day of outdoor adventure, Boone is fully equipped, just minutes from Outdoor Traveler Destinations’ finest accommodations.
Boone is one of those special places, artistic and alive with culture, but unspoiled by tourist-traps and unsightly development. Truly one of North Carolina’s best mountain treasures to discover.
Asheville
This little town is famous now, drawing notable personalities from Zach Galifianakis to Tim Burton to President Barack Obama!
The Commander-in-Chief famously frequents 12 Bones Smokehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District, just seconds away from beauteous river hiking and fishing opportunities.
Asheville’s downtown area resembles a very small city plopped down in the midst of mountains. And that’s exactly what it is. But get out-of-town a couple of miles, and the wilderness opens up to you.
Beginner-friendly hikes like Craggy Gardens reward nature lovers of all experience levels, while more challenging trails like Grandfather Mountain are better left to the experts.
With more than 50 waterfalls available to see on hikes in the area, and hundreds of trails and climbing vistas, the outdoor adventurer can find enough to do outside to fill a lifetime.
Enjoy the splendid climate climbing, rafting, or reclining. But don’t forget to come back into town for some of the best food available on this side of the country.
The aforementioned Smokehouse is a must, but there’s plenty of other options to be had in this town’s thriving food scene.
Grab a pint at any of the dozens of local breweries. Have a cup of coffee at one of the best cafes in the state. The choices are endless in Asheville.
The state of North Carolina is varied in its geography, climate, and culture. But for mountain-lovers, the state has some of the best destinations to offer. Asheville and Boone are but two of the state’s greatest spots for adventure and respite.
Spend as much time as your can afford to soak up all of the natural bounty and cultural loveliness that make these communities so special. You’ll want to return, or never leave.
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I`ve hiked up in northern California, around them red wood tree`s. There are so big & beautiful to see. There are so many trails to hike & mountains to climb. River`s to fish, catching trout. Great place to go camping. Great fun place to be at.