Blowing Rock wins North Carolina's best mountain town, according to readers
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A couple of 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 wanted 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 means more than ever, as the region continues to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Driving the news: After thousands of votes from readers, Blowing Rock convincingly won the final matchup of our Best Mountain Town bracket against Asheville.
- Blowing Rock — home to North Carolina's oldest tourist attraction — never came close to losing.
Zoom in: It's easy to see why Blowing Rock earned so many votes. It combines the charm of a bustling small town with some of the best views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Despite its small size, Blowing Rock has something for everyone, from Tweetsie Railroad and luxury resorts to a downtown full of interesting shops and great restaurants.
Between the lines: It's the access to nature that puts Blowing Rock over the top.
- The stunning Blue Ridge Parkway snakes through town, offering easy access to some of the best hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as attractions like Moses Cone Memorial Park, the engineering marvel of the Linn Cove Viaduct and the serene landscapes of Julian Price Memorial Park.
Go deeper with Axios Charlotte's guide to the area.
Zoom out: We broke our bracket down into four regions, all with their own flair and different highlights. They are all gems and deserve a visit.
- 🏙️ 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.