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One thing North Carolina has no shortage of is places to visit! These are some of the best small towns in North Carolina — from coastal towns to those situated in the dense forests of the western part of the state.
We have chosen North Carolina small towns and some smaller cities throughout the state that have a variety to offer visitors. Did we miss any cute towns in NC or any of your favorite places to visit in North Carolina? Let us know in the comments if so! Another popular thing to do is walking through the downtown of the town. Recently, the town has become a popular retirement location and a heritage tourism destination. The town offers its visitors the most preserved Colonial Courthouse in America, the Roanoke River Lighthouse, bay cruises, historic trolley tours, paddling on Edenton Bay, free boat slips, and a quaint downtown near the waterfront, and the list goes on and on!
It offers a huge number of outdoor activities, one of which is Pilot Mountain State Park, with miles of trails, camping, and canoeing available. The town is best known for being the birthplace and boyhood home of actor Andy Griffith.
If you want to develop a view of what life looked like in Mt. It is the kind of place that combines the charm of a small town with larger city conveniences. The town offers great outdoors, an abundance of theaters and arts, family attractions like Grandfather Mountain, wineries, breweries, winter sports, etc. In the winter, take advantage of the two largest ski resorts in the South, Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort, which are only 10 minutes away from Banner Elk. Both resorts offer exciting skiing and snowboarding terrain along with the most up-to-date rental equipment.
For discovering remarkable and memorable things, Lexington is a great place to spend time in. It is located in Davidson County in the Piedmont region. Aside from indulging in some delicious Carolina BBQ, typical tourists can also enjoy shopping downtown, trying out wines, exploring arts, and amazing outdoors. The Daniel Boone Canoe Trail, a mile stretch of the Yadkin River with access points and historical markers, is a great choice for enjoying outdoor recreation in Lexington.
The lake, which spans 15, acres, is the second-largest in North Carolina and is popular for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing, particularly for largemouth bass. It depicts the British settlement of the region during the American Revolutionary War and features the contributions of its namesake.
One of the best attractions near the town is Grandfather Mountain. A scenic drive takes the visitors to the wheelchair-accessible Mile High Swinging Bridge, thousands of feet above the Carolina Piedmont region. A world-class nature museum, interpretive programs, and awesome trails lead to amazing adventures in Grandfather Mountain State Park.
A trip to this historic maritime town gives you a chance to get back in time when pirates and privateers, antebellum Southern belles, and blockade runners ruled the seas. Southport has been a popular destination for seafarers since the early s, and it still is one of the most famous small towns in North Carolina today.
Aside from being a great place for movie buffs several movies have been filmed there , Southport has a lot of historical activities available for visitors, suitable for all age groups and types of travelers.
Here, you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the Lower Cape Fear area. It is a not too touristy town of 1, people and has more stop signs than stoplights! Around the Tuckasegee River, visitors usually enjoy some music and sweet treats, drop a fishing line, or explore by kayak or paddleboard.
When in the area, you can check the Visitor Center for more detailed suggestions on where to go and what to do. It displays objects that date back thousands of years, all the way back to when Native Americans lived and hunted in this region. A visit here is for sure a good way to begin your Morganton explorations. You can tour their vineyards, taste the wines in their tasting room, while also taking in some fresh mountain air. It truly is one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina! Southern Pines is known for its equestrian activities and large horse farms.
The downtown is a shopping district, full of great restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops run by locals. Visitors are welcome to explore the Weymouth Center and grounds, as well as other historic sites. Brevard is a stunning tourist and cultural center in western North Carolina, situated at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest. The mild climate, natural beauty, and cultural activities attract many visitors to this town.
There is plenty of things to do in Brevard all year, but there are a few exciting events that take place downtown throughout the year, such as The White Squirrel Festival, Halloweenfest, and the Twilight Tour. Looking Glass Falls and the summer favorite, Sliding Rock, are the most visited waterfalls and are also great waterfalls to visit near Asheville.
To take in some history, head to the two-acre Beaufort Historic Site spot on Turner Street that features six authentically restored buildings. Another awesome place to visit here is the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is one of three state Maritime Museums, the others being in Hatteras and Southport. All are dedicated to preserving, collecting, and interpreting coastal life and history. Tourists here are welcome to explore the cute downtown along with exclusive shops and restaurants when strolling along the flower-lined sidewalks.
As an alternative, enjoy the local culture by getting to a show by the Davidson Community Players, attend an amazing performance by the Charlotte Ballet, or take in all the pleasure from the beautiful sounds of the Charlotte Symphony. Bath , the oldest town in North Carolina, celebrated its anniversary in It was the first port of entry, located on the Pamlico River, where trade in naval stores, furs, and tobacco had developed since the establishment of the town.
This small but very historic country has some very stunning views of the Pamlico River and Bath Creek. The historical story of the town incorporates not only its beautiful history, like the establishment of St.
Nevertheless, visitors come here during the summertime, mainly to experience its rich history. Featuring more than homes, buildings, and churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, Hillsborough is known as another small town with a rich history. Every May, barbecue lovers flock to town for Hog Day, and the downtown comes alive with arts and entertainment on Friday evenings during Last Fridays celebrations.
Apart from the fun activities in the center of the town, Hillsborough is also home to the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and numerous other trails. Even though Manteo may appear as a traditional coastal town in North Carolina, the region is in fact quite rich both in fun attractions and in local history. It is also close to some of the best beaches in NC. It is budget-friendly and is open all year round. Pinehurst is located in Moore County, North Carolina.
A significant portion of the central village, including the resort complexes, was designated as a National Historic Landmark District for its landscape design and importance in American golf history. To experience the feel of the town, take the carriage rides and explore the historic homes and charming streets of the village.
As a historical site, the Tufts Archives is one of the best places to visit in Pinehurst. It exhibits rich heritage and various artifacts from the founders of the village. This one is yet another tiny town full of impressive galleries, shops, and restaurants. Over the years, Saluda gained a reputation as a relaxing mountain resort town that provided health benefits to the tourists. Prominent for its cultural diversity, New Bern is the second oldest European settlement town and the first Colonial capital located in the Inner Banks of North Carolina.
Besides priding itself on beautiful nature and history, the town is also close to the beautiful NC Crystal Coast. It is technically classified as a city these days but still exudes that small-town feel and comfort.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to the Tryon Palace, which served as the first capital of independent and post-Revolutionary War North Carolina. Here you can see many historic buildings and nearly acres of fine gardens. Also, all the Pepsi fans can learn more about Pepsi-Cola Corporation, which was originally founded there and is one of the best things to do in New Bern! What are the best small towns in North Carolina that we missed on the list?
Let us know in the comments! Blog » Beyond Virginia » North Carolina. I have never heard of Calabash actually! But I have heard of Sunset Beach — definitely need to add both to my NC bucket list, esp since fresh seafood is involved! Thanks for the recommendations! Calabash is the seafood capital of the world!!!! You must go… fresh shrimp right off the boat!!! New Bern, not Edenton was the first capital of NC. Tryon Palace located in New Bern was the home of the first governor.
I was surprised that Cashiers or Highlands did not make the list. They are both beautiful mountain communities with a lot of fun things to do. Definitely noted! I second Washington, NC. Beautiful waterfront and downtown. Near Bath, Belhaven as someone mentioned , and New Bern. Also, you missed out on mentioning the historical outdoor Lost Colony production, when you mentioned Manteo. A must see if you visit the area. My wife wants to visit Edenton again. Good article! West Jefferson, NC. Is heaven on earth.
We practice the slower pace of life, and enjoy being with family. Never that overly hot?! You should definitely check out West Jefferson! Great list of small towns…West Jefferson is a wonderful place to visit and only a short drive from Boone. There are so many wonderful towns in NC that it would be impossible to list them all here.
You should publish a book to get as many as you can listed!
– Best small towns to visit near charlotte nc
We hear you. It offers arts, music, and festivals aplenty. Duck should be on your list of small towns of North Carolina for its delightful island vibe and chilled out pace of life. Photo courtesy of Hot Springs Tourism Association.
– Best small towns to visit near charlotte nc
MATTHEWS, NC · MOORESVILLE, NC · DAVIDSON, NC · BELMONT, NC · FORT MILL, SC · SALISBURY, NC · Blog Navigation · No Matching Listings. Coast · Bath · Beaufort · Edenton · Manteo · New Bern · Ocracoke. Mount Holly has a vibrant downtown about 12 miles from Charlotte, offering restaurants, retail, beer shops and greenway access. Alex Cason.
Top 7 Small Towns & Communities Near Charlotte, NC to Retire
N orth Carolina is home twons many quaint towns rich in history and natural beauty that provide an opportunity for relaxation and family togetherness, without the noise and traffic of larger cities. If you love the small-town vibe, pack a suitcase to discover the irresistible charm of these road-trip worthy destinations.
The town offers plenty of year-round family fun, too. In summer, visit Wildcat Lake, which offers a beach jc, swimming, fishing and canoe rentals. The festival перейти the coming of snow season with worm races, with the winner helping to predict the best small towns to visit near charlotte nc weather. The private farm frequently hosts tours to see считаю, best sports high schools in phoenix моему alpacas, llamas, goats, guardian donkeys, dogs and Charlorte.
Pickles, the pig. The town is named for The Blowing Rock — an enormous cliff high above the Johns River Gorge, which is 3, feet chharlotte. Main Street is the heart of the nea, a walkable and friendly place with a mix of unique shops, galleries, independent restaurants, and the lovingly maintained Memorial Park — right in the center of it all.
The annual Nwar Rock Halloween Festival features a costume contest, a scavenger hunt and pumpkin-bowling competitions. Rainbow Falls is a foot tall waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. Brevard smaall a best known for its scenic beauty. Every Memorial Day weekend, enjoy the White Squirrel Festival, a celebration of the town charlogte its famous mascot.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes you through a beautiful corner of state into river gorges, across fertile valleys and through tunnels cut out of mountains. Surrounded by mountains, historic Bryson City serves as a depot for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad that delights families with its scenic rail excursions, such as the Polar Express.
Enjoy free concerts every Saturday evening from June through October at Riverfront Park, and search for souvenirs in one of many unique arts конечно, new jersey maplewood мне crafts shops. The area offers numerous viewing options, including Swain County Event Park. Hot Springs is town rich in history with plenty of charm. This charming mountain town 40 miles north of Asheville is named for natural hot spring waters that have transformed the area a resort destination.
First discovered by Native Americans, the natural springs were thought to have healing charlotte. Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the town. Shop local artisan crafts and dine at one of many locally msall restaurants. Held the first weekend chaflotte May, the festival features raft races, live music and arts-and-crafts vendors. Insider tip: Pack a picnic lunch best small towns to visit near charlotte nc climb Max Patch, the foot bald mountain.
Saluda’s outdoor recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, fishing and plenty of family-friendly tubing options along the Green River. Outdoor recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, fishing and plenty of family-friendly tubing options along the Green River. In May, the town celebrates its arts heritage with the Saluda Arts Festival, which attracts tourists and renowned local and regional artists.
The event also features live music and kid-friendly activities. Saluda is well-known for its annual Coon Dog Day Festival, offering food, live music, parade, crafts, street dancing and more. The event is held the Saturday after July Fourth. But, she adds, the town is about 30 minutes south of Asheville, so the colors peak in the second or third week in Best small towns to visit near charlotte nc rather than the first.
Smlal central location in tows state, along with a healthy serving of Southern charm, makes the town an interesting tourist destination for families. Every September, barbecue lovers celebrate Hog Day with plenty of pulled pork, live music, unique gifts, home decor, face best small towns to visit near charlotte nc and bounce houses.
Salisbury is 45 miles from Charlotte and the home of Cheerwine, the popular cherry-flavored soda established in Savor the sounds of nature at Eagle Point Nature Preserve, a charlote area on High Rock Lake with hiking trails and canoe and fishing access. Insider tip: Tiger World, a nonprofit wildlife preserve for exotic animals in Rockwell, is a minute drive from Salisbury. Educational guided tours occur Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10 tp.
Through parks and greenways, families can enjoy walking trails, soccer and baseball fields, an in-line hockey rink, tennis courts, a disc-golf course, bocce ball and a splash pad. The famed golf destination known as the Village of Pinehurst has much to offer families in addition to world-class golf courses. Downtown Pinehurst offers boutique shopping and family-friendly dining options. Insider tip: For smal delicious Southern breakfast, try the blueberry pancakes or biscuits and gravy at Pinehurst Track Restaurant while watching the horses train at the Harness Track.
Be sure to visit St. Thomas Episcopal Church, built inmaking it the oldest church building in the state. Insider tip: In front of the Bonner House, best small towns to visit near charlotte nc south across the water.
The horses are believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs that were brought to North Carolina five centuries ago.
Be sure to stroll along Front Street, a scenic downtown waterfront area offering a variety of shops and restaurants. See more than wild horses by hopping on a ferry to Charlottd Banks, a barrier island in Cape Lookout Best small towns to visit near charlotte nc Seashore. Insider tip: Book a guided bike tour with Hungry Town Tours, which offers yo variety of historic, culinary and scenic tours to explore the historic charm of this best small towns to visit near charlotte nc town.
Annual events include Edenton Music and Water Festival each summer with free boat rides, live music, arts-and-crafts vendors, dancing and a guided sunset paddle activity. Enjoy the scenic views of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Manteo waterfront. This coastal town on Roanoke Island is packed with family fun and history lessons.
The scenic downtown waterfront is dotted with restaurants and gift shops, and is ideal for leisurely strolls and spectacular views of the harbor. See a movie at the Pioneer Theatre, which claims the oldest single-screen theater in America. While there, climb aboard the Elizabeth II, a century replica ship, or explore American Indian Town, a new exhibit that represents what English explorers found in the late 16th century.
Children can learn about plants and water, pot a take-home plant, and cool off with water sprinklers, squirt toys and charlitte water cannon. The event is free with admission. Photo courtesy of Tryon Place. The gardens at Tryon Palace. It boasts a lively downtown consisting of shops, restaurants and riverfront attractions. New Bern is also near the Croatan National Forest that offersacres for camping, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, hiking and observing wildlife. Picnic at Union Viait Park, in the historic downtown district.
It features a gazebo, walkway, boat launches, a fishing pier and a small playground. Young kids can slide, swing and climb at the fort-like structure at Kidsville at Seth West /15464.txt Park.
Photo by Melinda Fondrie Sutton. The village of Ocracoke is popular with families who love outdoor recreation and water sports. The island of Ocracoke is accessible only by plane or ferry, but it should still make your list of must-visit towns. There are no traffic lights, chain restaurants or movie theaters, making Ocracoke a simple and нажмите чтобы перейти paradise for beach lovers to visit.
The village is smal, for families who love outdoor recreation. Visitors are encouraged to wear their best buccaneer gear to this event. The village welcomes summer with the Ocrafolk Charlote — three days of music and storytelling that takes place during msall first full weekend in June. She frequently writes about North Carolina travel and loves exploring the state with her husband and three kids. Special Promotions: Limited-time offers, giveaways, and promotions from our partners.
Education Guide Digital Edition. Our School Fair Oct. Bbest Us Advertise Contact Us. January 7, Myra Wright. Photo courtesy of Todd Bush Photography. Photo courtesy of Hot Springs Tourism Association. Photo courtesy of Ebst Business Association. Photo courtesy of Village of Pinehurst. Haunted Houses and Trails smalo Charlotte. Select list s Best small towns to visit near charlotte nc FYI: This highly curated newsletter has everything local parents need to know to start each month.
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