Have you ever wondered if there are any US towns similar to Asheville NC? We have, because we absolutely adore its eclectic mountain town vibes (and natural beauty, of course!)!
So when we found out seasoned travel blogger and freelance writer Abby has lived in North Carolina and Colorado, we asked her this question. Are there other towns like Asheville? It turns out YES, there are a bunch.
A true outdoor adventure enthusiast, Abby is passionate about seeing the world and writing about her experiences, so she graciously offered to write this guest post for us. Asheville is amazing, but the goal here is to help you uncover some other unexpected gems.
Without further ado, take it away, Abby!
If you’re trying to find towns similar to Asheville NC, you’re in the perfect spot!
I often visit Asheville and adore it for its many local breweries, year-round outdoor activities, mountain views, and eclectic, college town atmosphere. Also, you can’t beat the easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak of the Appalachian Mountains!
While Asheville is totally worth experiencing, I’ve also explored several places across the United States (and heck, even other places in Western North Carolina!) with a similar vibe.
From the mountain charm of Boone to the coastal vibes of Portland, Maine, and the historic feel of Harrisonburg Virginia, every town featured offers a one-of-a-kind mix of local culture, outdoor recreation, and a commitment to supporting small community businesses.
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Towns Similar to Asheville NC
Keep reading to discover some of the best small towns like Asheville (and even some major cities!) that give off the same feel and unique charm.
1. Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville is similar to Asheville with its thriving arts scene and year-round outdoor recreation. Just like Asheville, Greenville has colorful street art and cool galleries showcasing local artists.
They also both have a serious love of the outdoors, with no shortage of parks, trails, and other recreational activities for nature lovers.
Another thing that makes Greenville one of the best towns similar to Asheville is that it’s big on supporting local businesses, making it feel equally friendly and welcoming. The town also has a GREAT farm-to-table dining scene with tons of local, independent places to eat.
Just a quick 1.25-hour drive from Asheville, Greenville is an excellent option if you’re an Asheville local seeking a little getaway. It’s also a great place to hit on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, if you want to check out multiple little towns with a comparable vibe in one area.
I personally really like Greenville because it’s growing but still has that small town Southern charm, and lots of people are coming to enjoy its lively vibe. What I really appreciate are the similarities in the food and brewery scenes between Greenville and Asheville.
The 28-foot waterfalls in the center of downtown don’t hurt, either!
Also, Greenville has professional hockey and baseball teams, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and the Greenville Drive, respectively. It’s definitely a bonus to check out an exciting live event while you’re in town!
2. Austin, Texas
One of the larger towns like Asheville NC—really a city, if we’re being technical—Austin, Texas, has a similar laid-back yet lively and fun vibe. Like Asheville, Austin is renowned for its awesome live music scene and hosts a TON of festivals year-round.
Both cities have a cool and diverse culture that welcomes artists and creative folks from all walks of life and every corner of the globe.
They also share enthusiasm for outdoor activities, making both a great place for nature lovers.
Although you won’t see many people hiking in city limits, Austinites LOVE to spend time outside, especially at Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Boating, paddling, mountain biking, and hitting up the best local swimming holes are popular almost all year.
You’ll also notice that lots of folks bring their pups along on these adventures, because Austin is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. In fact, many of the hottest bars on famous Rainey Street, one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for entertainment, welcome dogs!
Austin, just like Asheville, is all about tasty local food and craft beers, adding to the charm that makes them similar places to explore.
However, Austin certainly offers its own unique charms. While it doesn’t offer the scenic mountain views and natural beauty that largely define Asheville, Austin is the best place if you’re in the mood for a bigger city with quirky finds, some of the world’s best food trucks, or a music festival.
Plus, Austin has the added benefit of being close enough to Texas Hill Country for a day trip.
3. Boulder, Colorado
30-40 minutes from Denver, Boulder is like the Asheville of the West, surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains (home to some of the best fall hikes in Colorado!) and many of the highest peaks in the Lower 48. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Here, you can soak in the breathtaking mountain views as you wander through the city’s vibrant streets, filled with local artwork. In particular, don’t miss the pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall downtown.
Some other things that make Boulder one of the towns similar to Asheville NC are that this small city has a strong commitment to sustainable living and it has a fantastic farm-to-table dining scene. You’ll find tons of unique local restaurants, as well as some excellent farmers markets.
Having lived in both Colorado and in North Carolina, I can attest to how similar Boulder and Asheville are. They’re both funky small cities, filled with art, in close proximity to the mountains, and have tasty food.
So, if you want to explore a town like Asheville but in the Rockies, head to Boulder for an incredible atmosphere you don’t want to miss.
4. Burlington, Vermont
Heading up north to Vermont, the quaint town of Burlington mirrors Asheville’s charm—but with a (literally!) cooler twist. It sits on the shores of Lake Champlain, offering that quintessential mountain town blend of scenery, outdoor adventures, and creative vibes.
Burlington also makes an excellent jumping-off point for exploring some of the best hikes on the East Coast.
Picture yourself strolling through Church Street Marketplace, exploring artisan crafts and diving into the progressive local music scene. Like other towns similar to Asheville, Burlington embraces a farm-fresh food culture, so you’ll never go hungry here.
I’ve been to Vermont on multiple occasions and can personally vouch for how similar Burlington is to Asheville. There are a lot of parallels with their atmospheres, except the weather tends to be quite a bit colder in Burlington.
It’s a great place to head if you’re looking for an even cozier alternative to the North Carolina mountains.
Fun fact: Iconic ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s was founded here! In fact, one of the more popular things to do in Burlington Vermont year-round is go on factory tours.
5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In the heart of the Midwest, just 1.5 hours from Chicago, Milwaukee emerges as a city sharing Asheville’s passion for local culture and dynamic neighborhoods.
With its rich history, diverse foodie scene, thriving arts community, and strong beer culture, Milwaukee is one of the more unique, and perhaps surprising, towns similar to Asheville NC.
Nestled along Lake Michigan, the city has a scenic waterfront perfect for outdoor activities and festivals—even in the winter.
Similar to Asheville, Milwaukee’s vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by its dedication to farm-to-table dining and local craft breweries. With well over 30 breweries within city limits, Milwaukee’s nickname of “Brew City” is well-deserved.
In addition to the longtime staples like Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz, don’t miss niche favorites including Lakefront Brewery (go for the Friday fish fry!), City Lights Brewing, Broken Bat and its indoor wiffle ball field, and MobCraft, which literally crowdsources beer flavors from customers.
Want to hit several Milwaukee breweries, even if you don’t have much time? This tour visits three, including Lakefront and Broken Bat.
Another must while in Milwaukee? One of its amazing public markets, AKA food halls. There are half a dozen great ones, but Milwaukee Public Market is one of the best. It’s a favorite place of locals for everything from sampling local restaurants to meeting for a casual date or shopping for gifts.
If you adore the Asheville vibe but have your sights set more on the Midwest, Milwaukee has you covered.
6. Knoxville, Tennessee
Despite being twice its size, Knoxville has a similar charm to Asheville—relaxed yet diverse. Wander through its historic downtown, especially Market Square and the iconic Sunsphere or Old City.
Check out the beautiful University of Tennessee campus, home to one of the biggest college football stadiums in the US, Neyland Stadium (it seats over 101,000 people!).
Knoxville captures the cultural vibe of Asheville, with a lively mix of locally-owned shops, great food, and a live music scene that rivals Nashville.
Plus, of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nearby, making Knoxville a dream for outdoor lovers. The park is paradise for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers, with over 100 named waterfalls. Bonus, GSMNP is totally FREE to visit!
The city’s mountain scenery, friendly atmosphere, and variety of things to do all make it one of the towns similar to Asheville NC, but in the Smoky Mountains rather than the Blue Ridge.
7. Portland, Maine
I know, I know…it seems odd to list a place on the New England coast as one of the towns similar to Asheville NC. However, Portland has actually been called Asheville’s ‘doppelganger.’
Sure, Asheville has the mountains and French Broad River, whereas Portland has the Atlantic Ocean and no ‘big’ mountains. But the rocky, rugged Maine coast feels pretty mountainous—and some of the state’s highest peaks are within an hour’s drive.
On that note, you can also take a scenic road trip to Acadia National Park, widely considered one of the best places to visit on the East Coast and just a few hours away.
Rich in maritime history and creative, artsy neighborhoods, plus home to a university, Portland has a similarly diverse cultural scene. And, obviously, the food is legendary (it goes way beyond lobster rolls!). Wander along the waterfront, indulge in allllll the seafood, and explore local art galleries.
Psst…Taryn here! To best experience all of the highlights Abby just discussed, I highly recommend booking a walking food tour. My husband and I did this exact tour on an anniversary trip, and we both agreed it was one of the week’s highlights!
Other walking tour options, if the Old Port Seafood Lovers’ Tour isn’t for you:
8. Harrisonburg, Virginia
Like other towns similar to Asheville, Harrisonburg blends historical charm with a contemporary buzz. Its beautiful downtown square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is lined with historic buildings, sprinkled with local coffee shops and eateries.
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and just 45 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers.
Specifically, it’s a hub for mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. In fact, Harrison is an official Appalachian Trail Community, offering services and supplies for thru-hikers.
My husband went to school in Harrisonburg, so we’ve had the chance to explore the city and its surroundings quite a bit. From my own experiences, I can say it shares a lot of similarities with Asheville, especially its proximity to the mountains and the abundance of great restaurants.
Outside of being a college town and the thru-hiking community, it’s very much a well-kept secret, so it’s one of the best small towns when you want something low-key.
9. Charlottesville, Virginia
Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, historic Charlottesville paints a picture of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and a romantic atmosphere, all factors that make it one of the towns similar to Asheville.
The lively downtown pedestrian mall buzzes with local boutiques and street performers, and there are always people out and about. Much like Asheville, Charlottesville is a college town—home to the core University of Virginia campus—and takes pride in its local food and craft brewery scenes.
The surrounding wine country adds an extra layer of charm (and romance!), making Charlottesville an great choice for those looking for a town reminiscent of Asheville’s unique mix of cultural and natural appeal.
Having grown up just an hour away from Charlottesville, my husband and I dedicated a significant portion of our time to exploring the city. What we loved the most is the abundance of wineries and breweries. If you’re a fan of Asheville’s brewery scene, Charlottesville is sure to win your heart.
Want to visit multiple wineries? Book this amazingly affordable (and highly-rated!) tour and don’t worry about driving!
It’s also an especially good place to land for history buffs. Charlottesville is home to the famed Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s former home, plus two other presidents’ homes: James Madison’s Montpelier and James Monroe’s Highland.
In addition, you’ll find several other important historic sites, including the UVA campus, which (together with Monticello) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plus, there are countless incredible day trips from Charlottesville, making it the perfect place to go for a long weekend full of fun and exploration.
Other North Carolina Towns Similar to Asheville
10. Boone, North Carolina
Nestled snugly in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone offers a vibe very similar to Asheville but even cozier and more intimate. In fact, less than two hours apart and separated by the Pisgah National Forest, Boone is perhaps one of the towns most like Asheville.
Some of the things these Blue Ridge Mountain towns have in common include being the home to colleges (Boone has Appalachian State University), having several breweries and wineries, and their close proximity to endless hiking and other outdoor activities.
Of course, they’re both hubs for artsy pursuits and live music, too.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain.
As a huge bonus, you take the Blue Ridge Parkway the entire way between Boone and Asheville. It’s an especially great SUV camper destination, with tons of accessible campgrounds.
You’ll pass countless scenic overlooks, plus teeny-tiny mountain villages that look like they belong on a jigsaw puzzle, like Little Switzerland and Black Mountain.
11. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Just south of Boone (and even closer to Grandfather Mountain), Blowing Rock is a tiny town in Western NC, located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The namesake Blowing Rock formation, known as “North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction,” is a worthwhile stop, but there’s plenty more to see and do.
It’s a serene escape with mountainous beauty and an ultra-charming downtown, making it stand out among towns similar to Asheville.
Colorful, historic Main Street, straight out of a storybook, is filled with boutiques, local coffee shops, and funky art galleries. In the summer, getting a GIANT scoop of ice cream from Kilwin’s is a must.
Outdoor lovers will also appreciate the easy access to nearby hiking trails, as well as some of the most scenic overlooks on the Parkway. Two of the best, especially at sunset, include Ravens Rocks Overlook (MP 289.5) and the Thunder Hill Overlook (MP 290.4).
12. Hendersonville, North Carolina
A short 30-minute drive south of Asheville, Hendersonville is perfect for a quick day trip, especially if you want a smaller town with the same funky vibe.
Like many other Blue Ridge Mountain towns, it’s all about charm and Southern hospitality here, with a scenic touch. Truthfully, it’s really almost a delightful extension of the Asheville experience.
Historic downtown Hendersonville, brimming with antique stores and cozy coffee shops, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that begs to be explored.
There are also several excellent wineries right in Hendersonville. And just outside of town in Mills River, you can visit the impressive East Coast location of Sierra Nevada Brewing. Book tours, try flights in the taproom, or eat at the restaurant.
Hendersonville is also a great place to base yourself for a weekend, because it’s within a 30-45 minute drive of countless other attractions.
Head to Chimney Rock State Park or visit Flat Rock, nicknamed “Little Charleston of the Mountains,” because its pastel-colored downtown is reminiscent of Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row.
13. Banner Elk, North Carolina
Another teeny tiny town with that coveted Asheville charm is Banner Elk.
This small spot in far western North Carolina is best known for its stunning mountain views, proximity to two ski resorts, fantastic wineries (LOVE Grandfather Vineyard & Winery!), and Wildcat Lake, which even has a beach.
What I really enjoy about Banner Elk is that it genuinely feels like a mini Asheville, minus the crowds and long waits at restaurants.
There are plenty of hiking trails, the tasty Kettell Beerworks brewery, and the icing on the cake, the TWO nearby ski resorts (there are only six statewide!). Banner Elk sits right between Beech Mountain to the north and Sugar Mountain to the south.
As one of the smallest towns like Asheville, Banner Elk is a little slice of charm without the hustle and bustle.
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