Ten years after this poll’s inaugural launch, we once again turned to our knowledgeable readers for their picks.
By Sarah Riddell and Jeffrey K. Wood / Photo Above: Roanoke, Virginia
The results? A brand-new collection of 71 exceptional Blue Ridge communities that excel at bringing big smiles to the faces of both residents and visitors.
Population 50,000-plus
Asheville, North Carolina
This mountain city has a knack for making everyone feel right at home—including four-legged friends. Aptly nicknamed “Dog City USA,” Asheville is known for its abundance of pet-friendly parks, trails, and breweries. Many restaurants also gladly welcome pups on their patios, and a few, like Twisted Laurel, really roll out the red carpet with menus just for doggies.
Beyond its canine charms, Asheville serves up plenty of human-friendly perks, including a booming arts scene and a backyard filled with outdoor fun. The colorful murals, galleries, and working studios in the city’s River Arts District helped earn it USA Today’s 10Best designation as the Best Arts District in the U.S. Minutes away, the Blue Ridge Parkway opens the door to scenic overlooks, waterfall hikes, and countless opportunities to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Roanoke, Virginia
One of this community’s happiest features is its borderline perfect mountain-metro mix. As America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, Roanoke makes outdoor adventure part of everyday life. Residents can spend the morning taking a bike ride at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, nicknamed “Disneyland” by local cyclists, paddling across the reserve’s 630-acre reservoir, or enjoying a walk along the city’s extensive greenway network. The fun continues downtown, where residents enjoy exploring permanent and rotating exhibitions at the Taubman Museum of Art, catching a show at 5 Points Music Sanctuary, or joining friends and neighbors at a local restaurant or brewery for trivia, live music, bingo, or another community event. Overlooking it all is the iconic Roanoke Star, a symbol of the community pride and mountain spirit that continues to shine throughout Virginia’s Star City.
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Few places embody their nickname quite like this one. Known as “The Friendly City,” Harrisonburg is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant cultural diversity. This spirit is perhaps most evident in its historic downtown, where the Harrisonburg Farmers Market and Virginia’s First Culinary District bring people together over locally grown produce, artisan goods, farm-to-table fare, and flavors inspired by culinary traditions from around the world. With more than 80 locally owned restaurants, the city has earned its reputation as the dining destination of the Shenandoah Valley.
The presence of James Madison University adds another layer of buzz to the city, with Dukes athletics, shows at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous public concerts, lectures, and other enriching, year-round events helping make Harrisonburg one of the Valley’s most dynamic communities.
Population 10,000 to 49,999
Boone, North Carolina
There are countless ways to enjoy life in the “Heart of the High Country,” making it easy to find your own version of happiness. Adrenaline junkies can tackle one of the five main trails at the state-of-the-art Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, zip through the High Country canopy on a heart-pounding aerial adventure, or venture into the surrounding mountains to climb Ship Rock, one of the region’s most popular climbing destinations, located on Grandfather Mountain’s Rough Ridge. Those seeking a slower pace might prefer browsing the town’s unique shops, including Appalachian Antique Mall and Benchmark Provisions, exploring works by local, regional, and international artists at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, or taking a self-guided walking tour of Boone’s deep history beginning, fittingly, at the Jones House Cultural Center.
Sevierville, Tennessee
Smiles from people of all ages come easily in this mountain city, thanks to an abundance of family-friendly attractions and activities. Tour Forbidden Caverns, one of the state’s most spectacular caves, featuring top-notch lighting effects, a crystal-clear stream, and natural chimneys. Shop around for great deals at more than 90 stores within Tanger Outlets before or after playing a round at Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf.
In downtown Sevierville, The Pines holds a special place in local history as the site of Dolly Parton’s first paid performance. Today, the restored building brings people together with duckpin bowling, live music, trivia nights, retro arcade games, and more. And with Great Smoky Mountains National Park just down the road, opportunities for outdoor adventure are never far away, giving families even more ways to spend quality time together.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Hendersonville, where a stroll down Hallmark-esque Main Street often leads to friendly conversations and unexpected discoveries. One minute, you might be chatting with local growers at the Henderson County Curb Market or admiring a whimsical bear statue created by a local artist as part of the city’s ever-changing Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk. The next, you’re checking out the Appalachian Pinball Museum, stepping inside the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO, the state’s first inland aquarium, or making your way along the popular Ice Cream Trail in search of your next sweet treat at one (or more) of its dozen-plus stops. Throughout the year, community favorites like Garden Jubilee and the North Carolina Apple Festival bring neighbors and visitors together to celebrate the traditions that have long defined this corner of the mountains.
Population LESS THAN 10,000
Bridgewater, Virginia
This Rockingham County town proves that happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. Despite its small size, Bridgewater is dedicated to ensuring residents of all ages have plenty of ways to stay active and engaged in a relaxed atmosphere. More than a dozen parks laden with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas dot the community, including favorites like Oakdale and Wildwood. Sandy Bottom Park is an especially popular choice for those who can’t pass up nine holes of par-3 golf or 18 holes of mini golf.
The Sipe Center enriches Main Street with live performances, community events, and a 154-seat movie theater, and the presence of Bridgewater College adds even more cultural and athletic opportunities. It’s this combination that ensures there’s always something to do without sacrificing the laid-back pace that makes Bridgewater so appealing.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
The arts have long been a source of joy in Blowing Rock, where the surrounding mountains have inspired generations of creators. From the Art & Sculpture Trail, which showcases everything from murals and carvings to conceptual sculptures, to the beloved Art in the Park events, held monthly from May through October, creativity truly is woven into everyday life.
The far end of Main Street, affectionately known as “Cultural Corner,” offers even more inspiration. There, artist Elliott Daingerfield’s former home, now an exhibit space, features a rotating collection of works by High Country artists. Stop by the neighboring Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, which celebrates the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. It’s also the host of a wide array of community events and hands-on art workshops for all ages.
Floyd, Virginia
Community takes center stage in this tiny mountain town (population 448), where fellowship over music, art, and local traditions is simply a way of life. And perhaps the best place to experience it all? The legendary Friday Night Jamboree at Floyd Country Store. Built around a simple set of “Granny’s Rules” emphasizing good manners and respect, the weekly event brings together generations of residents and visitors for an evening of dancing and live old-time and bluegrass music.
That sense of participation doesn’t end when the music stops. From exploring exhibitions and classes at the Floyd Center for the Arts to connecting with local farmers and artisans at the Floyd Community Market on Saturdays, residents have countless opportunities to engage with both their neighbors and the creative and cultural traditions that define this fun, quirky town.
The story above first appeared in our July/August 2026 issue.
