The Souths Best Mountain Towns
Cozy streets, and quaint downtowns nestled in a valley of rolling hills. Local boutiques, craft beer, and fine food. Fresh pine-scented air, wide-open blue skies, and silent starry nights. Life doesn't get much better than in mountain towns. From the Chattahoochee Forest to the Smokie Mountains, the south has some of the best mountain towns America has to offer. Grab your hiking boots and wine glass because the mountains are calling.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Secluded and peaceful with winding mountainside streets, Eureka Springs has flair like no other town. In fact, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Eureka Springs as one of its "Dozen Distinctive Destinations." The streets of this north Arkansas town are lined with extraordinary Victorian homes hugging cliff sides, and its entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown is a shopper’s paradise with block after block of one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, fine art galleries, and craft emporiums. Stop by Silver Maple Market for some locally produced gifts, artwork, and pottery. Eureka Springs is nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, so outdoor opportunities abound. Trout fishing is popular on the White River, and canoeing and fishing are popular on the Kings River. Eureka Springs is also part of the Oz Trails system of Northwest Arkansas and offers a huge variety of trails for mountain bikers of any experience level, from beginners looking for a scenic ride through the breathtaking Ozark Mountains, to seasoned bikers looking for professionally developed routes. Visit Adventure Mountain Outfitters for rentals and guides.
silvermaplemarket.com
eurekasprings.com
Dahlonega Georgia
The site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush and the heart of Georgia Wine Country, Dahlonega offers an authentic, mountain getaway only an hour north of Atlanta. Known for its wine country, mountain vistas, and performing arts community, Dahlonega is full of things to do, places to stay, great restaurants, and events year-round. Experience the mountain town's rich history by visiting the local gold mines. The local Crisson and Consolidated Gold Mines are open daily for guided tours and opportunities to try out old mining techniques first-hand. To explore the outdoors head to Appalachian Outfitters, a local outfitter that guides trips via canoe, kayak, or tube on North Georgia’s beautiful rivers. For an unforgettable mountain stay, book a few nights at the Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard where you can rock on the front porch and bask in the mountain vistas while sipping on a glass of Georgia wine.
crissongoldmine.com
consolidatedgoldmine.com
canoegeorgia.com
dahlonegasresort.com
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in North Carolina’s southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, and its neighboring foothills towns exude quirky charm and character. The region’s landscapes have starred in TV and film, and the area is a favorite among culinary travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike for its adventure, waterfalls, and craft beer. You feel it the moment you begin strolling through Asheville’s vibrant downtown – it’s an unmistakable mountain vibe that has beckoned visitors to this region time and again. Lining the streets of this walkable city center you'll find a wide array of independent shops, craft breweries, and some of the best dining options in the southeast. To explore, jump aboard LaZoom, the big purple bus, for an irreverent look into Asheville’s colorful history, cruise through town on the hop-on-hop-off trolley tours guided by local storytellers, or take the iconic Brews Cruise to explore Asheville’s many famous breweries. No trip to Asheville would be complete without exploring the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. For some of the countries most stunning mountain vistas take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dubbed “America’s favorite drive,” this 469-mile scenic road passes right through Asheville and serves as your gateway to outdoor adventure.
lazoomtours.com
graylineasheville.com
ashevillebrewscruise.com
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Dubbed the Crown Jewel of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Tennessee has been ranked America’s Best Mountain Town by U.S. News. Nestled at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this charming mountain town fills with millions of visitors each year. From families to honeymooners, and from shoppers to backpackers, Gatlinburg has it all. For an outdoor adventure head into America’s most visited national park to explore miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Great Smokey National Park is world-renowned for its plant and animal life diversity, so keep your eyes peeled for black bears, elk, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. After looking for wild animals in the park head into town for an up-close and personal experience with a variety of marine life. The Ripley’s Aquarium is fun for the whole family where you can pet a penguin, splash around with stingrays, view sharks and even see a resident mermaid. To get a taste of local Gatlinburg culture, visit one of several local galleries, including the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, to watch local artists and craftsmen create everything from paintings and pottery to handmade brooms and jewelry.
ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg
gatlinburgcrafts.com
Alpine, Texas
Alpine, Texas, is a remote, high-desert gem, 90 miles north of Big Bend National Park and Mexico. When you take a deep breath at the 4,475 feet elevation, the air is clean and sweet, the mornings and evenings are cool and crisp, and the stars at night are big and bright. Alpine is a quaint mountain town best explored on foot. Most of downtown Alpine was appointed a Designated Cultural Art District in 2011 by the Texas Commission on the Arts, so don’t forget to take the Alpine Historic Walking and Windshield Tour past historic homes, businesses, churches, and parks. You’ll find dynamic art murals, inviting bookstores, enticing art galleries, and local boutiques. Don’t miss Mckinney Outfitters for some chic Texas fashion. After some shopping, continue your stroll through downtown, and you’ll find a food truck or two, delicious restaurants, and historic hotels like the incredibly charming Holland Hotel. If the mountains are calling your name, there is no better way to explore the surrounding area than by horseback. Head over to Big Bend & Lajitas Stables for a quintessential Texas adventure.
historicalpine.org/historic-walking-tour
mckinneyoutfitters.com
thehollandhoteltexas.com
lajitasstables.com
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Touted as one of the best mountain towns to visit, Blue Ridge, Georgia is a beloved mountain getaway first settled in the 1800s as a railroad stop. Downtown features shops and art galleries, breweries, and can't miss restaurants like Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill. Just beyond the cozy streets of downtown, visitors can enjoy the outdoors, including hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest, scenic waterfalls, whitewater rafting, trout fishing, and wildlife spotting. For a curated experience book a tour at Appalachian Trail Rides or Backroads Driving Tours. For one of Georgia's best tours don't miss the opportunity to take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for Blue Ridge’s most iconic adventure. The restored train takes passengers on a four-hour trip between north Georgia and Tennessee with a layover for lunch. If you're looking for a relaxing mountain experience, visit Blue Ridges Serenity in the Mountains for one of the state's most unique spa experiences. Visitors can book a couples massage in one of the treehouses at the spa for a romantic atmosphere. They also offer facials and a salt cave for complete rejuvenation.
chestersblueridge.com
appalachiantrailrides.com
brscenic.com
serenityinthemountains.com
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is a sparkling jewel on the banks of the Tennessee River that winds through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s home to Lookout Mountain, Coolidge Park’s legendary carousel, Olympic rapids, and ample greenways. It also has a spectacular downtown with breathtaking views surrounding you everywhere you turn. Take a trip to the Hunter Museum of American Art, a world-class museum built on a ninety-foot bluff overlooking the river. Comprised of a 1905 classical mansion, a low-slung 19702 building, and a 2005 contemporary structure, the Hunter Museum showcases the finest collection of American art in the Southeast. If you want some fresh air adventure book a Sunset River Cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat. Cozy up with a glass of wine and watch the sunset as you cruise down the Tennessee River. With bustling arts and shopping districts, whiskey distilleries, luxurious stays, and beautiful scenery, Chattanooga is a little bit of everything you need and anything you want, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.
huntermuseum.org
chattanoogariverboat.com
