These small cities in North Carolina are massive on appeal

The beauty of small cities is that all of them have their very own distinctive personalities—you by no means fairly know what you’re going to expertise till you decelerate sufficient to discover.

Western North Carolina is a traditional instance. Everywhere you cease, there’s one thing value trying out. However, 2024’s Hurricane Helene threatened to destroy a few of these small cities. Rather than surrender, North Carolina got here collectively. Here, there are tales of how arduous it was and the way the communities labored collectively to make sure the cities survived.

Some of those cities are doing higher than others, however there’s one constant theme operating by way of all of them: They’re all excited to welcome guests again.

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Banner Elk’s suspension bridges and caterpillar races

Banner Elk feels so much just like the quintessential small city. It’s quiet, pleasant, and you’ll stroll round the entire city pretty rapidly, but it surely additionally encourages you to decelerate and spend just a little time attending to know the realm, particularly for those who’ve ever needed to spend the evening in a coated wagon.

The city sits within the shadow of Grandfather Mountain, which has the websites just like the mile-high suspension bridge, native animal enclosures, and 16 unique ecological communities. There’s additionally a restaurant, in case you’re employed up an urge for food on the mountain’s 11 mountain climbing trails.

Head to Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster to both journey the alpine coaster or take a spin by way of the journey course.

Once you’ve had your fill of exploring, head again into Banner Elk for dinner at Stonewalls Restaurant and wrap up the evening at Banner Elk Glamping, the place together with eco domes, you may spend the evening in a coated wagon.  

If you may, it’s value timing your go to for the Woolly Worm Festival to take a look at, amongst different issues, the caterpillar races.

Spend the evening in jail (in type)

The city of Marshall obtained hit badly by Hurricane Helene, however you don’t must look too arduous to see that the residents usually are not letting Helene sluggish them down. Local business owners and residents have come collectively to be sure that the city all of them know and love continues to thrive.

Marshall has a wonderful brewery overlooking the French Broad River, a strong arts scene, and a restaurant/bike restore store, the place you may take pleasure in scrumptious baked items whilst you get your bike mounted. And, for those who’ve ever needed to spend the evening in a transformed jail, Marshall’s obtained exactly what you’re looking for.

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Art and tradition

Burnsville catches you off guard. You is perhaps greeted by a chicken while you stroll right into a refillery, you would possibly end up jamming with the proprietor of the music retailer, otherwise you would possibly run right into a cinematographer who labored on movies you’ve seen on the native fly shop. 

Part of the vibe comes from the actual fact Burnsville attracts artists and individuals who care in regards to the group and work to make sure it thrives. Perhaps probably the most well-known artist who arrange in Burnsville is Harvey Okay. Littleton, who is commonly credited as being the founding father of the American glass studio motion. His household carries on his legacy by way of Hearth Glass & Gallery. Along with courses and a gallery, guests are welcome to look at the artisans work with glass, so long as the big studio doorways are open.

The NuWray Hotel is newly renovated, and the lodge was a pillar of assist for locals throughout Hurricane Helene. Along with the NuWray restaurant, the lodge has an outside bar and a sister restaurant, Carriage House Sundries, subsequent door.

Take a soak in Hot Springs

Hot Springs is understood for its sizzling springs that give the city its identify, however the city can also be an enormous draw for folks mountain climbing the Appalachian Trail; it is typically the primary cease alongside the route for a respite from mountain climbing.

Regardless of why you’re there, Hot Springs is a superb small city to discover. Recovery from the hurricane has been slower right here than in another communities; eating places like Vaste Riviere Provisions are internet hosting occasions like dances and fly tying nights out of a short lived location.

If leisure is your purpose when visiting Hot Spring, Hot Springs Resort and Spa needs to be in your record. If you’re in search of journey, mountain climbing trails abound within the space, together with components of the Appalachian Trail. You can even take a look at French Broad Adventures for zip lining, rafting, and canyoneering expeditions.

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