There is something about mountain towns and cities that refreshes travelers' spirits. Perhaps it's something in the air or found within the local establishments or attractions.
Whatever the reason, the destinations offer memorable experiences that typically can't be recreated elsewhere.
Cozy or vibrant, or a good balance between the two, here are nine mountain towns and cities that should be on your "must-see" travel list.
From its thermal spring waters to its prime location for infamous gangsters to its role in baseball, Hot Springs, Ark., in the valley of the Ouachita Mountains, has been and remains a happening place. As the only city in the country within a national park, the destination offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Begin with a self-guided tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse, the former -bathhouse -turned -visitors -center, to learn the history of thermal water baths. The restored rooms provide a feel of what it was like during its popularity. From there, meander down Bathhouse Row National Historic Landmark District to check out eight remaining restored bathhouses.
Hot Springs National Park offers 26 miles of trails and scenic mountain driving routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't overlook the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic views over 1,200 feet above sea level.
And speaking of the outdoors, on a peninsula on Lake Hamilton is the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens. As one of eight woodland gardens in the United States, it is a feast for the eyes with the Anthony Chapel and the Anthony Family Trust Carillon and the Bridge of the Full Moon in the Garden of Pine Wind, one of the most photographed places in the gardens.
Fun Fact... Did you know Arkansas has a derby? Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is home to the Arkansas Derby and the Racing Festival of the South. From January - April, enjoy live thoroughbred racing.
Whether browsing the eclectic stores, sampling a slice of tomato pie, or enjoying a sunset at Brow Park, Mentone, Ala., knows how to charm travelers.
Situated atop Lookout Mountain, as soon as you set foot in town, you realize you are somewhere different ~ a good different ~ one that encourages you to slow down and soak in your surroundings.
And you can start at DeSoto State Park. Stretch your legs on the many hiking trails, or go kayaking or zip lining if you're more adventurous. If you want something different, arrange your visit around an event or go horseback riding with Shady Grove Dude Ranch.
For those who love waterfalls, you are in the right place. The 107-foot DeSoto Falls, in the park, is one of the state's tallest (107 feet) and most visited waterfalls. There are other waterfalls, but DeSoto Falls is perhaps the most easily accessible and has a picnic area.
If you want more waterfalls, it's worth the drive to Little River Canyon National Preserve, home to three named falls, including the picturesque Little River Falls. The preserve also offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Don't leave Mentone without stopping at the Mentone Arts Center at the Chuck Sennett Center for the Arts to pick up a local art piece.
Got to See... The Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Church is between Mentone and DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne.
Colonel Milford Wriarson Howard, with the CCC, constructed the church around a massive mountain boulder in the 1930s. It has a fascinating backstory.
The church is active and welcomes everyone to their 10 a.m. Sunday service.
About 30 minutes from Gatlinburg, Tenn., is Townsend, regarded as the "peaceful side of the Smokies. " However, that isn't code for "dull" or "boring" because it is anything but that. The destination is rich not only in outdoor adventures but also in the region's history and culture.
And most, if not all, is because of its location. Townsend is the only Smoky Mountain town with the closest entrance to the Cades Cove loop, the most visited place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More than just a scenic drive, ride or walk, the 11-mile loop is an outdoor museum, preserving the land's early history before it was acquired to become a national park. Along the route, you'll see homesteads, barns, cabins, churches and more from the 1800s. There are also natural features, hiking trails, and even the opportunity to spot wildlife.
Combine Cades Cove with a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. View exhibits depicting the history and lives of those who once called East Tennessee home. Be sure to check out the Historic Village with 11 historic structures, from cabins to a smokehouse to an outhouse.
You've been outdoors; now go underground. There are 700 known caves in Tennessee; you can explore one in Townsend. Not only are the formations interesting in Tuckaleechee Caverns, but so is how they were discovered.
If you want to explore more museums, head to the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum. The museum documents Townsend's time as a logging community, and its buildings display various photographs, documents, memorabilia and artifacts from this period. Outside, you can view exhibits like a vintage caboose.
Make time to experience the cultural side of the area, whether it's visiting the Wood-n-Strings Dulcimer Shop in Townsend, featuring handcrafted dulcimers, the gallery at Townsend Artisan Guild, home to pieces created by members, or Rocky Branch Mountain Music in Walland for Friday night jams and more.
Sip, Sample and Unwind... Townsend is home to Company Distilling, where you can stop in for bourbon whiskey and gin tastings, a full cocktail menu, and distillery tours.
Even though Blue Ridge, Ga., is 90 minutes north of Atlanta via the Georgia Mountain Parkway, it feels like the destination is a world away. Immediately, a sense of peacefulness washes over you as you take in the surroundings. Whether you are ready to indulge in various outdoor activities, relax at a spa, or in your cabin, Blue Ridge has you covered.
First, stop in Mercier Orchards for some apple cider, donuts, and fried apple pies. Depending on the season, you may also want to get apples to take home.
Recall that sense of peacefulness from earlier? Well, it'll morph into excitement as you approach downtown and see the many eateries, shops and more to explore. One place you don't want to miss is Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rods. Even if you aren't interested in fishing, it's worth watching owner Bill Oyster meticulously handcraft the rods and the personalized engraved pieces.
A must-do in the area is riding aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The train departs from down and moves along the tracks leisurely toward the adjacent towns of McCaysville, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn. The two hours give you ample time to explore, dine and shop. Also, be sure to see artist Rip Mann creating his hand-hewn bowls.
Worth the Stop... Expedition Bigfoot!: The Sasquatch Museum in Cherry Log, about six miles south of Blue Ridge, provides visitors with an in-depth look at various Bigfoot fact-finding missions through interactive exhibits that include possible sounds from the creature and multiple artifacts found in the areas. The museum houses the largest permanent display of footprint casts as well.
Upcountry South Carolina is filled with hidden gems, like the city of Anderson. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwestern part of the state, the destination, formerly known as the "Electric City," continues to attract travelers.
It's all about the location. It is a short drive to the mountains and an even shorter drive to the popular man-made Lake Hartwell. With 56,000 acres of water, it's considered one of the largest lakes in the South. Head to Sadlers Creek State Park and see what you can hook off the fishing pier (if you didn't pack fishing equipment, check out South Carolina State Parks' Tackle Loaner Program.) There's also a hiking trail and a mountain bike trail.
If you want to spend more time outdoors, you can soak up the natural surroundings along one of the Rocky River Nature Park trails. It is also a prime spot for birdwatching.
Downtown Anderson shines brightly with its 16-block historic district with local restaurants, breweries, shops and more. Make sure you visit the Anderson County Museum and then take in the exhibits and local artwork at the Anderson Arts Center. Be sure to pick up some sweet treats from CocoBon Chocolatier and enjoy them at Carolina Wren Park. And speaking of wrens, see how many you can spot downtown and other public art pieces.
Agritourism is strong in Anderson, and that's best reflected at working farms like Split Creek Farm, which has award-winning cheeses, fudge and milk, and other goat milk-related products. Denver Down Farms is one of the state's oldest family-owned farms and hosts seasonal activities and events. Now, if you are searching for a taste of localism, you can sip your way through Palmetto Distillery, home of South Carolina's first legal moonshine, among other spirits.
Get Out and Explore... Less than 30 minutes southeast of Anderson is the town of Pendleton, listed on the National Historic Register. Here, you can tour historic homes, go antiquing and visit Timm's Mill, a restored 18th-century gristmill that's operational today. About 30 minutes northeast of Anderson is Pelzer. A visit to Happy Cow Creamery is a must-do, especially if you like chocolate milk.
Did you know Sylva, N.C., is home to the state's most photographed courthouse? Perched on a hill, you can climb the 107 stairs for a great photo op of the courthouse and the Main Street below. The photogenic Jackson County Courthouse is just one of the many gems found on Main Street and is a great place to start your exploration of the area.
Here's another fun fact: the downtown was the primary setting for the 2017 movie Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and when you are back on the ground, walking around, you'll quickly understand why Hollywood fell in love with the mountain town's quaint downtown.
Check out the local shops such as Mountain Laurel Gift Shop (gifts), End of Main (antiques) and Black Balsam Outdoors (outdoor gear). And don't overlook Mill Street, aka "Back Street," for more places like Treasures Unknown (antiques) and NOON (gifts.)
Feeling hungry? There's plenty to satisfy your appetite, whether you are looking for a snack, meal, drink, or all three. Get your caffeine fix at City Lights Cafe, pop in White Moon for a light bite and enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling dinner at Lulu's on Main or Ilda.
If craft brews are your thing, Sylva has four breweries along the Jackson County Ale Trail.
Due to its location between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sylva offers many outdoor opportunities. Pinnacle Park, about 10 minutes from downtown, provides two loops: an easy one and a challenging one that is seven miles roundtrip. Interestingly, the over 1,500-acre park has the state's only Certified Nature Forest Therapy Trail. You can take a self-guided walk or experience it with a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide.
For walkers (leisurely and power) and cyclists, consider the one-mile trail Tuckasegee River Greenway.
Home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®, Jackson County is a prime spot for fly fishing. Try your luck solo or with a guide along Scott Creek and Tuckasegee River.
If you crave adventure, a guided rafting trip (seasonal) on the Tuckasegee River is another option.
Worth Visiting: The American Museum of the House Cat houses an over 30-year private collection of eclectic cat-related antiquities, including a real 31 B.C. Egyptian cat mummy, art pieces, collectibles and more.
You don't have to be a cat-lover to enjoy visiting and taking in everything.
A short drive from Slyva is the town of Dillsboro, where you can find local places such as Dogwood Crafters, Front Porch General Store and the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory. For more, indulge in a coffee drink featuring homemade syrups at the Heart Coffee Company, located inside Horse Feathers Mercantile. You can also pick up lunch or dinner at Haywood Smokehouse or Foragers Canteen.
Now, if you only have time to visit one place in Dillsboro, it must be the Jackson County Green Energy Park. Situated on an old town landfill, the facility captures the methane class and uses it to fuel the glass studio, ceramic studio and metal shop. Take a tour or, depending on the time of the year, a class.
Nestled up against the rugged Cumberland Plateau, along the edge of central Kentucky's Blue Grass Region, is Berea, Ky. From the creative handicraft community to Berea College to the Pinnacles of Berea, there are many sides to this distinctive town.
Recognized as the "Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky," the destination bursts with various crafters selling their works. If collecting local pieces, whether pottery, jewelry or another medium, is your thing, then Berea is the town for you. The best place to start is at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, which features a wide range of products from Kentucky makers. In addition, the facility also hosts exhibits and more. You can even dine there before heading out. Artisan Village is also not to be missed. Not only is Berea's Welcome Center located here, but also working studios. So park, get out, get information and explore. Don't overlook Berea College, either. Along College Square, you can discover places like the Log House Craft Gallery that showcases students' works.
And speaking of Berea College, it's worth your time to wander around the campus. Step into the Berea College Farm Store, run entirely by students, for a quick bite to eat and purchase some goodies to take home. There are also exhibits at the LJAC Gallery inside the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center that focus on the Appalachian region.
Get outdoors in Berea by renting an e-bike to head out on a biking trail or a kayak to paddle along the Owsley Fork. For those who want to get their heart pumping, lace up the hiking shoes to discover why Berea is a certified Kentucky Trail Town. From the Berea Pinnacles to Boone Trace Trail and more, the trails vary in difficulty.
Got to Do This... Ever wanted to learn blacksmithing or try your hand at edible art? With Berea Ky Tourism LearnShops, artist instructors walk you through creating your masterpiece.
Located in Loudoun County, Va., at the foot of Virginia's Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains Middleburg, so named in 1787 because of its location between Alexandria and Winchester. Middleburg was the site of two encounters in 1863 with the Gettysburg Campaign during the Civil War. In the 1900s, the town's interest turned toward foxhunting and steeplechasing, thus earning it recognition as the "nation's hunt and horse capital."
It's also a notable spot for wine enthusiasts. The town is part of D.C.'s Wine Country, and there are five wineries within minutes of downtown and over 20 wineries within 30 minutes of Middleburg to explore.
You should visit the National Sporting Library and Museum. Open to the public, the library promotes the preservation and sharing of literature, art, and equestrian and field sports culture. It houses over 24,000 books spanning 500 years, and the museum highlights American and European sporting art.
Be charmed as you meander around the historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, filled with various shops, boutiques, and eateries. The Red Fox Inn and Tavern (ca. 1728) are also found here. Considered the "oldest original inn in America," it once served as the Confederate headquarters and hospital during the Civil War. A little over a century later, John F. Kennedy held a press conference in the JEB Stuart Room. Elizabeth Taylor visited here, and it hosted Jacqueline (Jackie) Kennedy Onassis during fox hunting season.
Did You Know... Over 400 equestrian events occur in the town and surrounding areas. Middleburg is also one of the most popular training areas for Olympic equestrian athletes because of its terrain and location.
Charleston, WVa., is appealing because of its diversity. Whether you're walking along the Sunrise Carriage Trail, browsing Taylor Books, the city's independent bookstore or exploring one of the eclectic neighborhoods (download the travel guide and go to pages 16 -31), the destination offers a lot.
Situated in the Allegheny Mountains, West Virginia's capital city is within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, making it a prime destination for a long weekend getaway.
There are certain spots or places you want to visit, beginning with the West Virginia State Museum, which highlights the state's rich history and people. For art with stories, check out the self-guided Art and Architecture tour in the Downtown Charleston Historic District, or for art that tells stories, there's the self-guided public art tour.
Whether traveling with your family, significant other/friend or alone, you want to check out the Clay Center. The Juliet Art Museum has permanent and traveling exhibits, workshops, and classes here. In addition, the Avampato Discovery Museum keeps young minds engaged with hands-on exhibits. The Center also houses the Caperton Planetarium and Theater and the Maier Foundation Performance Hall, home of the West Virginia Orchestra and other performances.
Round out your Charleston experience with a visit to Capitol Market. This market features indoor and outdoor vendors, including Holl's Swiss Chocolate, which features 32 chocolate varieties, and WV Marketplace, which sells locally made products.
It's effortless to enjoy the outdoors in Charleston. It's doable whether you want to enjoy the Kanawha River or take a relaxing walk to unwind on a trail. Check out Kanawha State Forest's hiking trails for something more active. Depending on your time here, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is an hour's drive from Charleston.
Can't Miss This... J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works is located 10 minutes from downtown, in Malden.
Seventh-generation brother and sister team revived a 200-year-old family business that hand-harvests all-natural salt from an ancient ocean trapped below the Appalachian Mountains of the Kanawha Valley. Seasonal tours of the farm are available and
events throughout the year.
post originally published in 2023
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