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The small towns of North Carolina are one of our favorite aspects of the state. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. You can keep walking straight from Main Street and quickly find yourself on top of Polly Mountain, and stop by a swimming hole on your way down.

This small mountain town in North Carolina has grown up naturally. To feel the heartbeat of North Carolina, spend some time in Saluda. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks.

The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. A free! There are more golf carts than cars driving through town, and with a plethora of rental options available, you can have your choice of open-air off-road vehicles to explore the uncrowded beaches. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall.

The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument.

Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. If you want a luxurious vacation experience, you can find it all in peaceful Blowing Rock. Next time you want to treat yourself, do it in Blowing Rock. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state.

North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the country, and they take their BBQ seriously. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. The downtown shacks have been slathering up the same recipe for decades, and folks have never stopped loving it. The town has even gone full hog and shares its spirit with pig statues located throughout downtown. Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate. Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean.

Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. You can camp right on the sand or right on the sea; every side is waterfront. Expect to find usual favorites, plenty of pizza, and fresh seafood. The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. With Rodanthe as a base camp, you can head either north or south along the Outer Banks and find a great way to spend the afternoon.

A world-class golf course at nearby Pinehurst resort has defined the town as the golf capital of a state rich in opportunities for a tee time. Inside the clubhouse lies a museum that broadcasts more of the history of the area. The village that has developed around this outdoor sport attracts anyone keen to rummage through authentic local wares.

Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. Albino squirrels dance along the open campus of Brevard College, which intermingles with the town center. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest , as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day.

Some of the best hiking in NC can be found around Brevard. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. World class rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are all within a minute drive of the town center, which offers plenty of grit on its own. Come to have easy access to the outdoors and stay to feel a part of the family — oh and have a drink at one of the best Brevard breweries.

If you have any business with the mayor of this small town, you can find him in the local tavern. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. Hillsborough provides plenty of history as you stroll through an authentically lovely downtown. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life.

Kayaking excursions depart from near the town center to explore vast amounts of barrier islands that make up the more natural parts of the town. There are plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi.

Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. Trapped near two industrial college towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, Carrboro is the free-spirited little sister of its larger neighbors.

Summer street festivals are a common occurrence, and most weekends will bring plenty of organic entertainment near Weaver Street Market, the prominent meeting place for the town. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy.

No visit to the North Carolina coast is complete without visiting Carolina Beach. Carolina Beach is not just a beach, but an island between the Cape Fear River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States.

Waynesville has plenty of mountain spirit. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. Corolla retains wild horses and enough identity to be one of the best small beach towns in the state. The Corolla Adventure Park provides some fun outside of the water, and a plethora of local dining options include live music.

A sizable full-time residential community gives this area some authentic flavor. Sylva is a quiet stop on your way towards Tennessee that will surprise you if you take the time to get off the highway.

Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. Nearby, Western North Carolina University more than doubles the population of this cute, North Carolina small town that has plenty to offer every time of the year.

You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. Museums pay homage to the cotton mill upbringing of the area, and authentic Southern food establishments, like the Sugar Magnolia Cafe, give you plenty of reasons to head downtown. The town is home to sunset beach, miles of iconic sandy dunes where visitors can catch the sunrise over the sound and the sunset across the ocean. Once the sun goes down, head to town to try their seafood dishes.

Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. If you want a low-key vacation, get a house on the lake in Semora for the weekend and relax in peace.

Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. Close to Virginia and entirely flanked by the Roanoke River, Downtown Roanoke Rapids has a little bit of everything you need for a quiet weekend in the woods. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. Nowadays, locals have their fair share of high-quality coffee shops, local goods, and fresh eats to share with any visitors who want a low-key weekend away.

Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Located right on the coast near Wilmington , spending a day here is never dull. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. One of the best seafood meals can be had here at Provision Company. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago but she’s not trying to age herself here.

Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents.

After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A there are a plethora of charming small towns nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Each village brings its own delightful draws…. Its reputation for charm precedes it, known mainly as the hometown of Andy…. Skip to content. Heading south too? Here are some amazing small towns in South Carolina!

Ocracoke This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. Bryson City. Image by Mike Renlund on Flickr. Related Posts.

 
 

Best small towns to live in nc mountains

 

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. Blowing Rock’s downtown has the look and feel of a true mountain town, with a mix of restored historic buildings and modern structures designed to fit in with the town’s village atmosphere. Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Lovely homes line the slopes overlooking ravines, making this one of the prettiest towns in this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away.

This is a popular ski resort for families or skiers and boarders interested in terrain parks. Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and if you are here on a weekend, check the local events calendar to see the complete lineup of festivals. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option.

Spread over 78 acres but within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock, this resort offers three lodging choices to suit everyone, from couples to families. For a traditional lodge experience, stay at the Chetola Lodge looking out over Chetola Lake.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Blowing Rock. Highlands Photo Copyright: Lana Law. A little over 1. The tree-lined Main Street in the upscale downtown is filled with charming stores and tourist shops. Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants.

Don’t miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls , about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa , an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown.

Boone Photo Copyright: Lana Law. If you are looking for something a bit bigger in a small-town getaway, Boone is a lively university town with a little less than 20, people. Just a short distance off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone makes a nice place to stop for a night or an afternoon.

This is another popular destination in winter for skiers, particularly families. Appalachian Ski Resort is just minutes away and is a top destination for snowboarders and young skiers. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels.

Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. One of the top things to do in the summer is to catch the long running outdoor drama, Horn in the West.

This famous performance, running each summer since , tells the story of Daniel Boone’s adventures in the local area. Be sure to wander up and down Boone’s restored downtown, where you’ll find a good selection of dining and shopping options, including a Mast General Store with its eclectic selection of merchandise, souvenirs, and fun selection of candy. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Boone. Burnsville offers an authentic small-town experience, with a cute downtown area, where you can find shops, restaurants, and galleries lining the town square.

It makes a great base for travelers passing through this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town hosts a number of signature events, including the Mt. Outdoor lovers can enjoy wonderful hikes and viewpoints in the surrounding Yancey County area, including those on nearby Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

This area is also home to the Toe River, a popular place for trout fishing, and artists of all types who have taken up residence in this region. Morganton is charming town in the foothills surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities. The town’s lovely architecture and historic buildings set it apart from others in the area. The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores.

Accommodation options range from motor lodges to secluded cabin rentals to the wellness-oriented Lakeview at Fontana. From its picturesque spot on Albemarle Sound to its many 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Edenton is a romantic getaway in coastal Carolina.

Hop aboard a trolley tour and check out the several historic homes open to the public in the state’s first colonial capital and second-oldest town. The Roanoke River Lighthouse, one of the few remaining screw-pile lighthouses in the U.

Stay on theme at a stately Edenton bed-and-breakfast, like Inner Banks Inn. Headed to the mountains? Be sure to visit this Blue Ridge Parkway town and its namesake geological formation — an ancient gneiss outcrop whose rocky bulk causes wind to blow vertically, making objects appear to float skyward. Cone, exploring its 3, acres of highland fields and forests on foot or horseback.

Families should add the old-school Tweetsie Railroad to their itinerary, along with zipping down Sugar Mountain on skis or aboard the Wilderness Run roller coaster. The village itself is a picturesque mountain retreat offering upscale dining, boutique shopping, and charming bed-and-breakfast stays. A rural paradise for pottery lovers, the tiny community of Seagrove is the beating heart of North Carolina’s pottery tradition.

Set in the pretty countryside and Uwharrie foothills are dozens more than , by some counts of ceramics shops and studios, many of them with working potters at the wheel. One such stop is Uwharrie Crystalline, whose pieces are fired with unique crystal-infused glazes. Waterside Manteo’s most obvious selling point might be its proximity to the great Outer Banks. The Roanoke Island village is a gateway to Nags Head, Hatteras, and other prime destinations on the barrier-island chain.

But while most beach towns are little more than an endless strip of big, stilted vacation rentals, this storied location brims with antique shops, waterfront eateries, and elegant bed-and-breakfasts — some, like White Doe Inn , graced with National Register of Historic Places distinction. Speaking of history, there’s a lot of it here. Roanoke Island was the site of the mysterious Lost Colony, an English settlement that vanished in the s. When the holiday season comes around, Boone Christmas Tree Farms are some of the best places to get a real tree in the state of North Carolina.

Like many of the quaint towns in North Carolina, Beech Mountain is built around outdoor recreation opportunities. Buckeye Recreation Center offers tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, as well as a playground for the kids and an official NC Birding Trail.

But the recreational lifeblood of Beech Mountain is snow-skiing, snow tubing , and other winter activities. Bryson City NC is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park , offering up a buffet of babbling mountain streams, knockout vistas, roaring waterfalls, and wondrous wildlife. Native Americans have been living in this area for over 14, years. But, the town is a stop in its own right. It has an amazing collection of sites to devoted to the history and culture of Native Americans—the Cherokee—from the area.

Cherokee has a full fleet of hotels, motels, campgrounds , resorts, and cabins for hire. Naturally, Maggie Valley has embraced its convenient location to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and plenty more , added attractions, and invited everyone to enjoy. Established in , Murphy NC has had long-standing status among the historic small mountain towns in NC.

Many of its buildings have been restored to their original splendor. Though home to less than people, it is the seat of Cherokee County, and there are lots of good eateries and shops to entertain visitors. Legend has it that the town of Sylva , NC was named after Danish handyman William Sylva or possibly Selvey , in a somewhat convoluted story.

In addition to being the seat of Jackson County, the town is replete with artsy and antique shops, a brewery, and a stunning historic courthouse building. As with any of these small NC towns, there are plenty of outdoor attractions—waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes—to be found just a short drive away. Residents have done their best to keep it authentic and, in doing so, kept the storefronts and shops historic and rustic, as well as filled with local artisans.

There are also plenty of good eateries to enjoy. Dillsboro hosts several festivals throughout the year, including spring and fall arts festivals and a killer Christmas luminary display. Incorporated in the mids, Franklin NC is yet another of my favorite little historical mountain towns.

It has an eminently walkable downtown area, with The Little Tennessee River Greenway for exploring more scenic surroundings. In summer, the population of Franklin doubles due to retirees who have chosen its comfortable weather as a home base. Highlands , NC is only a few hours drive north of metro Atlanta. From Memorial Day well into Autumn, the local population balloons from around to over 20, Around Cashiers, the Nantahala National Forest spreads out, offering up a slew of lovely mountain streams, hiking trails, and high peaks offering spectacular scenic views.

The town itself is also home to breweries, boutiques, and vacation homes.

 

15 Cutest Small Towns In North Carolina (Mountains, Beaches, And More!) – Southern Trippers.Top 40 Coolest NC Mountain Towns

 

North Carolina is known for its vast diversity of landscape. Amazing small towns can be found from the coast in the east and to the mountains in the west. Small towns in North Carolina have amazing community, food, and histories. You can find wineries, natural adventures, historical landmarks, and breath taking beauty in all of these towns. Manteo is one of the most stunning small towns in North Carolina! Manteo is also home to a unique lighthouse called the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. It was there to guide vessels through the estuaries and wetlands around Roanoke.

You can walk out to the lighthouse which is at the end of a wooden pier. There are amazing views from the wrap around deck and there is even a free museum underneath the lighthouse for you to explore! There are tons of clothing and souvenir stores, restaurants, candy shops, ice cream shops, and much more waiting for you in downtown of Manteo! The downtown area is beautiful, very walkable, and full of history everywhere you look!

Like most small towns in North Carolina, Monroe offers a truly comforting experience to all who visit. A visit to the flea market is a great way to support locals and try locally grown produce and cuisine! A trip to Monroe is never complete with a stop at Treehouse Vineyards.

You can take wine-making tours, schedule wine tastings, and even rent their treehouse! If you have children, keep in mind that if you choose to bring them along with you, this venue does not want children running around or being loud on their property. If looking for one of the best small towns in North Carolina that will have something for everyone, Boone , North Carolina needs to be on your list! Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone is the perfect starting point to explore the outdoors around the area.

This historic town has a definite small town vibe despite being home to the large Appalachian State University. The downtown area has delicious restaurants and local shops located along Main Street, which runs along the University along with athletic buildings and older churches. In the surrounding areas you will find nature trails, hiking, parks, ski resorts as well as wineries, museums, white water rafting and more. Making it the perfect place to visit year round, whether looking for snow adventures in the winter, or outdoor exploring in the summer time!

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. Named after blowing rock that is located feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Downtown has tons of shops, restaurants and a community park. All of which are perfect places to explore for an afternoon.

You can also take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Grandfather mountain is also just a short drive from Blowing Rock where you can go on the swinging bridge or view the wildlife habitats. Ski resorts and wineries are located a close drive as well! The town of Ocracoke is located on Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke is one of the cutest small beach towns in North Carolina. The most popular way to get to Ocracoke Island is via a drive on ferry from Hatteras.

The ferry ride is free and takes between 45 minutes to an hour. You can get out of your vehicle and walk around the ferry, head inside the air conditioned interior where you can sit down and enjoy the views from the windows, or you can head up to the top of the ferry to get a view degree view of the sand bars that surround the ferry! Of all the small towns in North Carolina that are along the coast, Ocracoke has the most pirate history!

If you love to lay on the beach you will find your own slice of heaven in Ocracoke. The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach has been ranked the 2 beach in the country!

You can also check out Ocracoke Lighthouse which holds the record for being the shortest in all of North Carolina at just 75 feet. It also holds the record of being the lighthouse that has been in operation the longest in North Carolina! This is truly one of the best beach towns in North Carolina! Are you ready to have a big vacation in a small town? This is one of the best small towns in North Carolina that is known for being a gateway to the ever popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Located just an hour west of Asheville , this small town is an outdoor lovers paradise. For those who love adventure you can try white water rafting down the Nantahala River or go zip lining through the Nantahala National Forest! From the historic downtown filled with shops, local artisans, restaurants and the historic courthouse, Asheville is the perfect starting point for a trip to Bryson City.

Have you ever watched The Andy Griffith Show? One of the small towns in North Carolina is actually built to look like Mayberry. Westwood has nature trails, a playground, and a fishing pond.

Mount Airy is one of the cutest small towns in North Carolina with its beautiful streets and history that it holds. The town also makes a great day trip if you are visiting the bigger town of Winston-Salem as it is just 35 miles away! Hendersonville is one of the most exciting North Carolina towns!

This is especially true if you are traveling with kids or if you are a history or science lover. This is one of the only small towns in North Carolina that has an aquarium! Have you ever wanted to mine for your own gem stones? In Hendersonville, you can! The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine allows you to mine for your own gemstones or if you would rather not mine for the gems your self, they also have stunning stones and gems for purchase.

Complete with a railroad museum and a beautiful scenic overlook called Jump Off Rock, Hendersonville will make all of your small town North Carolina dreams come true!

Hop on the Edenton Trolley to tour one of the most beautiful and historic small towns in North Carolina. The park has kayak rentals and boat tours of the sound around Edenton.

The town has several historic buildings that are now museums for you to visit. Edenton is a great city to visit due to its proximity to other interesting towns in North Carolina. It is only a little over an hour from the town of Manteo in the Outer Banks and only thirty minutes from the town of Plymouth, North Carolina.

Plymouth makes an exceptional day trip from Edenton due to its museums, history, and beauty. One of the best small towns in North Carolina, Cherokee is in the western part of North Carolina and offers you a beautiful opportunity to learn about the Cherokee Nation. Cherokee is only twenty minutes away from Bryson City, so visiting both cities in one day is very possible!

Guides will take you through the village for you to see the replica town and see what life was like for the Cherokee back in the 18th century! Walking out over the water on the Marsh Walk to watch the sunset is a must when in Southport! The Waterfront Park is perfect for fishing, walking out on the pier, and swinging in the many swings overlooking the water.

You will get to see old whiskey stills and other items from the time period as well as learn about the history of Southport! One of the best things about Southport is that it is in a very favorable location for day trips to beach towns in North Carolina!

Just twenty minutes from Southport is the town of Oak Island, North Carolina which has a popular lighthouse and fishing pier.

Just forty minutes from Southport is the popular town of Wilmington which has an aquarium, battleship, and many movie filming locations! Lake Tomahawk offers its visitors lakeside walking trails with mountain views. Lake Tomahawk can be a great place for family travelers! The splash pad and pool are fan favorites for family travelers visiting Black Mountain.

In Waynesville, you can see a huge collection of more than three hundred rare vintage motorcycles at the Wheels Through Time Museum! When looking for small towns in North Carolina, choosing a town that is close to larger cities is a great option for getting the most out of your trip. Visiting small mountain towns near some of the larger cities in North Carolina offers you a wide variety of activities, small town charm, and great food!

Waynesville is just a short ten minute drive from the stunning Lake Junaluska and a forty minutes drive from Asheville. Full of outdoor activities, with a population of less than two thousand, Banner Elk is one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina!

The town of is complete with a stunning lake and town park surrounded by mountains. Banner Elk is also surrounded by other amazing North Carolina towns and villages that are full of fun outdoor attractions. We put together this amazing list of things to do in Banner Elk for you to check out before you go! While you are in town, you will have access to a lot of restaurant options!

From local cuisine to Italian to elevated, elegant cuisine, Banner Elk has it all. Just a five minute drive from the center of Banner Elk is the Sugar Creek Gem Mine where you can mine for your own gems and the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster where you can ride a coaster more than twenty five miles per hour down the mountain!

The ever popular Lineville, North Carolina and Grandfather Mountain are just a twenty to twenty five minute drive away from Banner Elk. Making a stop in the beautiful little mountain town of Banner Elk a must when visiting Grandfather Mountain and its surrounding area. Experience the real small town North Carolina by visiting the town of Highlands! Dry Falls is a short quarter mile trail and you can drive right up to Bridal Veil Falls!

Aside from beautiful waterfalls, you can also jump into nature by visiting Lake Sequoyah or walk the wooden walk ways through the forest at the Highlands Biological Station.

For spectacular sunset views, you can visit Sunset Rock. The trail is popular and is easy enough for those who are traveling with children. For food and accommodation, Highlands has to be one of the very best small towns in North Carolina. From fried southern food to elegant cuisine, Highlands has you covered! When it comes to accommodation, there are hotels, lodges, and cottages that are full of small town charm!

Small towns in North Carolina offer charm, history, and heaps of natural beauty and adventure. Which of these North Carolina towns will you visit first? Menu Skip to right header navigation Skip to main content Skip to secondary navigation Skip to primary sidebar.