10 Must-Visit Small Towns in North Carolina
Head Out of Raleigh on a Road Trip to the Towns of North Carolina
North Carolina is famous for its 300+ miles of beaches and expansive mountain ranges. While there are a few larger cities, you’ll mostly find small towns dotted around the state, each with its own unique personality. These quaint towns are known for their historic main streets, friendly shops, vibrant artist communities and abundance of outdoor adventures.
Take a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge highway, head out on your kayak in waterfront towns, soak in the sun on sandy shores or hit the slopes in winter for year-round southern charm. From the Blue Ridge mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, these are the best small towns in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
1. Asheville
Explore the impressive arts scene
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Asheville is a small city that’s known for its natural beauty and vivacious culture. To explore its vibrant arts scene, walk through the River Arts District and check out one of the many art studios or head to the galleries downtown. No matter what type of art you’re into, you’ll likely find it in Asheville. From glassblowing and handmade jewellery to sculptures and paintings, there’s no shortage of creativity.
One of the most popular attractions in the Asheville area is the historic Biltmore Estate. This massive 8,000-acre estate is home to pristine gardens, a winery and a beautifully preserved American castle. A great way to end your day in Asheville is at one of their 30+ breweries for a delicious ice-cold beer.
Asheville
2. Banner Elk
Bask in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains
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Banner Elk is a small town nestled into the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s directly between 2 popular ski towns, located just north of Sugar Mountain Resort and south of Beech Mountain Resort. During the winter it’s a bustling ski town but there’s plenty to do here year-round. Wildcat Lake is a great place to head during summer to enjoy swimming, kayaking and canoeing. Hiking is a great way to enjoy the changing of the leaves during autumn or see budding flowers during spring.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, head to the Mile-High Swing Bridge in nearby Grandfather Mountain. This bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the US and offers incredible mountain views.
Banner Elk
3. Beaufort
Discover the charm of small-town life in this seaside town
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Beaufort is a quaint coastal town in North Carolina that’s rich with history. Founded in 1709, it’s the third-oldest town in the state. You can unwind in the peaceful downtown by walking through its small historic district or along the harbour area.
If you’re looking for adventure, hop on a boat trip from the harbour and explore the nearby Outer Banks or check out wild horses on Shackleford Banks. Beaufort is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which has an extensive collection of artefacts from Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Beaufort
4. Edenton
Check out pristine historic buildings in this waterfront town
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Edenton is a small town in the Inner Banks that has retained much of its historic beauty and charm. It was the first colonial capital for the state, so it’s a good idea to take a walking or trolley tour of this well-preserved southern town.
Unwind with a stroll through their expansive waterfront area, which is known for being extremely walkable. You can grab dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants or enjoy some retail therapy at boutique shops for a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Edenton
5. Pinehurst
Visit one of the top towns in the country for golfing
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If you’re a fan of golfing, you’ve likely heard of Pinehurst. This village in central North Carolina is home to the historic Pinehurst Resort, which was built in 1901 and is a frequent stop on the PGA tour. While many come to this village for its connection to golf, the town is also home to a beautiful downtown area and parks that host many sporting activities.
Nature enthusiasts often make a stop at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, which is a beautifully kept English-style formal garden just outside of town. For a unique experience, take a tour on one of their horse-drawn carriages downtown and stop at a local restaurant for a delicious Southern meal.
Pinehurst
6. New Bern
Explore the birthplace of Pepsi Cola
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New Bern is a charming riverfront town known as the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Its downtown has been perfectly preserved and makes you feel as if you’re walking back in time. Wander along the historic streets and pop into the drug store on Middle Street, where Pepsi was invented in the 1890s, for some fun souvenirs.
A great place to discover true Southern charm is Tryon Palace. This incredible mansion was once the official residence and headquarters for the British governors of North Carolina. Spend an afternoon learning about its rich history and strolling through the impressive gardens before walking back to downtown for dinner.
New Bern
7. Brevard
Tap into your adventurous side in this naturally beautiful town
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Brevard is a small town in western North Carolina, in an area that locals call the “Land of the Waterfalls” as it’s home to more than 200 of them. Downtown Brevard is brimming with activity with many restaurants and shops along Main Street, but the city is truly known for its natural beauty.
Close to both the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Brevard is known as the filming location for many scenes in The Hunger Games, so if you’re a fan make sure to join a guided tour of the area that takes you to many movie locations.
Brevard
8. Boone
Enjoy a day in this lively college town in the Appalachian Mountains
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Boone is an idyllic college town in the mountains that’s named after Daniel Boone, a famous explorer and pioneer. A walk along its historic main street is a great way to experience small-town North Carolina charm in all its glory as many of the shops and restaurants here have been around for generations.
A drive along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway is a must as it offers killer scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the great things about Boone is that it offers fun year-round, with great skiing in the winter, gorgeous changing leaves in the autumn and plenty of outdoor activities and entertainment in the summer.
Boone
9. Hillsborough
Explore the great outdoors in this scenic town
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Hillsborough is a beautiful historic town known for its a lively downtown and its proximity to Eno River State Park. This small town has a great balance of adventure in the great outdoors as well as opportunities for rest and relaxation. The state park has plenty of places to go camping, fishing, and hiking for those looking to spend time outdoors.
If you take a stroll through downtown, you’ll be greeted by many heritage buildings, plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, and some fun family-run markets. The historic district is a favourite for history buffs, who can enjoy one of the many guided tours. Make sure to check the calendar before you go as you might be lucky enough to catch a live Revolutionary War re-enactment.
Hillsborough
10. Bath
Take a walk down memory lane in North Carolina’s oldest town
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Bath is the oldest town in the state of North Carolina, with its foundations dating back to the 1690s. It has kept its old-fashioned lifestyle intact and the historic downtown still has some of its original buildings. Colonial structures like the Van Der Veer House and Palmer-Marsh House offer great opportunities to learn about Bath’s rich history.
From kayaking and swimming to sailing and fishing, there’s plenty of outdoor water activities at nearby Pamlico Sound. Blue crabs are caught locally, so you’ll find many restaurants offering delicious crab dishes. For a truly beautiful way to end the day head over to Bonner’s Point at sunset.
Bath
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