19 hours ago - Things to Do
Bracket competition: North Carolina's best mountain town
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A couple years ago, Axios Raleigh and Axios Charlotte readers came together to help us determine North Carolina's best beach.
- Now, with humidity and temperature levels in the Piedmont on the rise, we want your help determining the state's best mountain town to escape to.
Why it matters: North Carolina's mountains are one of the most magical parts of living in this state, combining sheer visual beauty and immense biodiversity with some of the best towns and outdoor activities in the world.
- And your visit to the mountains mean more than ever, as the region continues to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Driving the news: We broke our bracket down into four different regions, all with their own flair and different highlights.
- 🏙️ Asheville area: Asheville (the largest city in all the mountains), Burnsville, Lake Lure and Black Mountain.
- 🌄 The Smokies: Bryson City, Sylva, Waynesville and Cherokee.
- 🧗 Southern mountains: Brevard, Hendersonville, Cashiers and Highlands.
- ⛷️ High country: Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk/Beech Mountain and West Jefferson.
State of play: Voting for the first round Monday at midnight. We will vote every day until we get a winner!