LOCALAsheville Citizen TimesWith summer almost upon us, residents of the Western North Carolina region and visitors alike are searching for vacation options in the area.Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel.The publication has included WNC many ti...
LOCAL
Asheville Citizen Times
With summer almost upon us, residents of the Western North Carolina region and visitors alike are searching for vacation options in the area.
Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel.
The publication has included WNC many times on lists of eccentric towns, best main streets, unique traditions, and more. A recent list named eight of the "coolest" towns in NC for 2025 summer vacations - and WNC locations made up more than half of the writers' choices.
Here's what writers said about their WNC picks, plus the whole list of NC vacation towns.
What to do in Highlands, NC
"The town's isolation, accessible primarily by winding two-lane roads, has contributed to a highly curated mix of cultural and natural assets with few concessions to mass tourism."
WorldAtlas writers also praised the town's summer temperatures, which "rarely rise above the high 70s" due to its high elevation of around 4,118 feet. Writers suggested:
What to do in Bryson City, NC
Writers appreciated Bryson City's proximity to a shared border with a national park, national forest, and a designated Wild and Scenic River.
"Its location at the southern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has made it a base for both tourism and conservation since the park’s founding," writers stated.
During a visit, the article suggested:
What to do in Boone, NC
Boone was another town praised by WorldAtlas for its cool summer climate. Writers also praised its interesting historical connections.
"The town’s name honors Daniel Boone, who reportedly camped here in the 1760s, and local trails still intersect with portions of the route he traveled."
During a visit, writers suggested:
What to do in Blowing Rock, NC
"Blowing Rock is named for a geological formation where wind currents from the Johns River Gorge blow vertically, often forcing light objects thrown from the rock to return upward. At 3,500 feet, the town sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and claims one of the most stable summer climates in the state."
Writers suggested the following during a summer visit to Blowing Rock:
What to do in Brevard, NC
WorldAtlas writers highlighted some of Brevard's unique features, beginning with the area's famous white squirrels, which are rumored to have descended from escaped circus animals.
"Their presence sets the tone for a town defined by unusual details and deliberate preservation. Located at the edge of Pisgah National Forest and surrounded by the Blue Ridge escarpment, Brevard is a practical summer base for travelers drawn to elevation, waterfalls, and Appalachian culture."
Writers suggested the following during a summer trip to Brevard:
Where to vacation in North Carolina
The complete list of eight towns from WorldAtlas included:
Iris Seaton is the trending reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].