Hometown Hello: Tall towns

With an elevation of 5,506 feet, this Avery County community is the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies. Nicknamed the Snow Capital of the Southeast, it lies in ski country and was developed in the 1960s. It has only 350 full-time residents.

At 4,118 feet, this southeastern Macon County town has terrain similar to the Highlands of Scotland. It also gets lots of rain, 90 inches a year, just like Scotland. The town boasts a waterfall and antique stores and is popular with backpackers.

The Banner family settled this town on the Elk River. Population 811, this Appalachian town is home to the college at the highest elevation in the U.S. Lees-McRae College sits at 3,720 feet above sea level. It has 882 students and is associated with the Presbyterian church. It offers a minor in cycling, and its mascot is the bobcat.

Linville hosts the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, which draw Scots from all over the world. With an elevation of 3,621, the town's landscape is similar to Scotland's. The home of Grandfather Mountain has gorgeous golf courses, stunning views and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At an elevation of 3,621 feet, the Avery County seat is known for Christmas tree farms. It's the home of North Carolina State University Tommy Burleson and once served as a mustering place for Civil War troops.