5 must-visit mountain towns within 4 hours of Raleigh
![5 must-visit mountain towns within 4 hours of Raleigh 5 must-visit mountain towns within 4 hours of Raleigh](https://images.axios.com/EbJkRS4FEacTqyx1J1PGAa0zsDg=/0x47:1300x778/1366x768/2022/11/04/1667563879024.jpg)
Downtown Boone. Photo: Emma Way/Axios
No matter whether you’re hoping to soak up the previous colours of tumble or usher in the holiday getaway spirit, it truly is a fantastic time to make the vacation from Raleigh up to the mountains.
Get oriented: The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Fantastic Smoky Mountains minimize as a result of the western element of North Carolina. Numerous of our mountain towns are around two populations hubs: Asheville and Boone. But you will find a large amount extra out there on the western entrance.
When to visit: Every time provides a little something new to do — from wildflower-recognizing in spring, to festival-going in summer time, to apple-selecting in slide, to snowboarding and Polar Convey-ing in winter season.
- Use this guidebook to decide a location and a time for you.
1. Asheville
The king of great and group preferred mountain city, Asheville is a ceremony of passage for weekend vacation from Raleigh. The city of almost 100,000 has supreme foodie spots, art galleries galore, dozens of breweries and a handful of nearby hikes.
Length from Raleigh: 4 hrs
Excellent for: Good friends who like to bash.
When to go: November-December to see the Biltmore decorated for the holidays.
Ought to-see: Tour the breathtaking Biltmore Estate, go for a brewery crawl, and conclude a working day with dancing and drinks at the open up-air bar, Ben’s Tune Up.
![ben's tune up asheville nc](https://images.axios.com/uVwYAkPWRFOgH9RA0ZRnnXVeeKI=/2022/11/04/1667563920578.jpg)
2. Mount Airy
If you shrunk Asheville, you’d get some thing like Mount Ethereal, a small city of 10,000 surrounded by point out parks and house to a expanding beer and wine scene.
Length from Raleigh: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Great for: A trip on a finances.
When to go: Fall for prime winery hopping.
Must-see: Examine the downtown space that impressed the “Andy Griffith Show” and quit at Thirsty Souls Brewing for pizza and craft beer.
![Stop for a flight of beer at Thirsty Souls. Photo: Emma Way/Axios](https://images.axios.com/PG_OcptumeOpUjrtFkw7uXbLvkc=/2022/11/04/1667564546730.jpg)
3. Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is an upscale vacation resort town with a lot of mountain charm. It truly is best for a laid-back again weekend stuffed with hiking and window searching.
Distance from Raleigh: 3 hrs, 15 minutes
Ideal for: Relaxation — whether or not that is with family, your lover or on your own is up to you.
When to go: Fall, specifically if you are a hiker.
Ought to-see: Take a look at The Blowing Rock for vista stage views, or enterprise on to 1 of the most gorgeous stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just outside of town you will uncover the scenic Bass Lake and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
- And look at remaining at the historic Inexperienced Park Inn, a charming in that dates to 1891.
![the blowing rock in blowing rock nc](https://images.axios.com/Nz6vaFSAN2vCb71txFqmfxi_Yuk=/2022/11/04/1667564481078.png)
4. Banner Elk
Banner Elk is North Carolina’s ski town, suitable among Beech and Sugar mountains. But in the warmer months, you can commence your working day with a hike or an alpine roller coaster, and end it with a glass of wine from Banner Elk Winery.
Distance from Raleigh: 3 several hours, 30 minutes
Ideal for: Skiers and snowboarders.
When to go: Winter season, a.k.a. ski period.
Need to-see: Strike the slopes at Beech Mountain or Sugar Mountain.
Exciting truth: The “Wizard of Oz” theme park is just a couple of minutes away. It’s a small unusual but also a magical ought to-see if you’re in the space even though it is happening.
![beech mountain slopes and beer](https://images.axios.com/DxkZTHGdXltNXLY_tuAExQBNeyA=/2022/11/04/1667564073758.jpg)
5. Boone
This quintessential university town in the mountains has close by hikes to fill the times, and effortlessly exciting bars to round out your nights.
Length from Charlotte: 3 hours
Ideal for: Faculty sweethearts.
When to go: Fall. Primary time for leaf peeping and school soccer.
- If you want to chop down your individual Christmas tree, go in late November/early December.
Ought to-see: Get a street-vacation to the Mile Significant Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain, just outside of Boone. It is value it even if you are a little scared of heights.
![beer from booneshine brewing](https://images.axios.com/SGQr8Jil5DpypOAb440nfshf7s0=/2022/11/04/1667564236044.png)