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We are moving to the area and need some advice on the best mountain cities to escape to! We are looking for a less crowded and less commercialized version of Gatlinburg. I’ve seen some articles on everything from Helen to Boone, but was curious where most of y’all prefer to go when it’s time to escape the heat.
I like Blowing Rock, Boone, and Highlands. I like Brevard as well.
Thanks! I had seen that Boone was much higher in elevation than some of the towns on the southern end of the mountains (closer to GA), which would make for better summer temps. Do these towns get many visitors during the winter, or are they mostly summer destinations?
We’d plan on renting out the cabin when we’re not using it.
Thanks! I had seen that Boone was much higher in elevation than some of the towns on the southern end of the mountains (closer to GA), which would make for better summer temps. Do these towns get many visitors during the winter, or are they mostly summer destinations?
We’d plan on renting out the cabin when we’re not using it.
There is a significant difference in temperatures in the northern Boone area than the southern mountains near Georgia or even Asheville. Boone has temps more in line with New England, more comfortable. Winters in the Boone area can be somewhat busy and advance booking necessary with several ski areas around. Not so many in the southern mountains.
There is a significant difference in temperatures in the northern Boone area than the southern mountains near Georgia or even Asheville. Boone has temps more in line with New England, more comfortable. Winters in the Boone area can be somewhat busy and advance booking necessary with several ski areas around. Not so many in the southern mountains.
Thanks, I appreciate the input. We love Gatlinburg, but the traffic there is completely out of control during the peak months and so we feel like we need a plan B if we’re going to be able to enjoy it ourselves!
I’ll have to take a long weekend and explore those areas soon.
We personally also like the Cherokee area. Downtown Cherokee is nothing special, but it's central for small towns like Bryson City and Sylva, and is right up at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains for hiking. Only an hour to Asheville or Gatlinburg for day trips. We actually like the Sylva/Dillsboro area since it's closer to CLT than Cherokee itself and also has WCU nearby for Wal-Mart, etc. But it's definitely a quieter area of the state compared to Boone/etc. So you won't have as much retail/etc and rental income might be lower in that area.
Townsend TN, which is about 40 minutes through the National Park to Gatlinburg or 30 minutes to Pigeon Forge via Wears Valley Road. It is a small town with motels, cabins, and local restaurants (except for a Subway), it butts up to the entrance of the National Park so most hotels are within 2 miles, not far to Cades Cove either. You can rent a tube for the river and go into the park for hiking, and if you want the hustle bustle of PF and Gatlinburg you can get there easily via a scenic drive. Quiet side of the Smokies!
The Boone (High Country) and Asheville areas are both very popular year round escape for Charlotteans. Many folks with second homes have them there. They are both right about two hours from Charlotte. Skiing and winter sports are popular in both locations and both areas are _nothing_ like Gatlinburg.
The Boone (High Country) and Asheville areas are both very popular year round escape for Charlotteans. Many folks with second homes have them there. They are both right about two hours from Charlotte. Skiing and winter sports are popular in both locations and both areas are _nothing_ like Gatlinburg.
So right about the high country and second homes.
We had dinner with a high country realtor the other night. He said that well over 90% of his sales are second and third homes. (and his business is doing very well)
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