Discover North Carolina’s diverse small towns and explore unparalleled beauty, culture and history. From Hendersonville’s Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site to Chapel Hill’s Carolina Basketball Museum, to Bryson City’s Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Maggie Valley’s Soco Falls, you’ll find an array of exciting adventures waiting in these exciting small towns.
For a romantic getaway, there’s Edenton with its splendid waterfront views, or Nags Head for its captivating Jennette’s Pier and amusing amusements. If adventure is what you seek, look no further than Banner Elk for rolling mountains and stunning ski slopes, or Morganton for its unique shops and lively Friday night concerts.
Ready to explore? Read on for 11 top-rated small towns in North Carolina!
11 Towns Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Small Towns in North Carolina are the perfect destination for a family vacation or romantic getaway. From the coastal towns where you can enjoy the sun and sand, to mountain towns with plenty of outdoor activities, North Carolina is a great destination for any traveller. University towns are popular with visitors looking for cultural experiences, while historical towns offer a more relaxed pace of life. To get an idea of what North Carolina has to offer in terms of small towns, have a look at our list of the top 11 towns.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville is a charming town boasting a vibrant downtown area. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunity for window-shopping, restaurants serving delicious fare, and entertainment venues. Hikers will love the hiking trails, apple orchards, and Main Street which is friendly to pedestrians. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, Flat Rock Playhouse and Dupont State Park are all nearby and worth a visit.
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Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is well-known for its pleasant temperatures, making it a great place to escape from the summer heat. The town center is bustling with restaurants, shops, and a picturesque park where visitors can relax and watch the world go by. The town also offers numerous attractions such as a gem mine, Appalachian Pinball Museum and Team Ecco Aquarium and Shark Lab.
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Edenton
An undiscovered gem on the Inner Banks, Edenton was once the state capital. This charming town is ideal for a romantic escape and the best way to explore is on foot. Here you’ll find historic buildings and homes, leafy sidewalks and lovely views out to Albemarle Sound. The town prides itself on its bald cypress trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old.
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Chapel Hill
Home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill is a youthful city full of things to see and do. A stroll down the lively main street will take you past retail shops and close to 100 restaurants. Sports fans should pay a visit to the Carolina Basketball Museum, while the nearby Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area is a great spot for nature lovers.
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Nags Head
Nags Head is a popular beach destination, with plenty for families to do. A visit to Jennette’s Pier is essential, where there’s an aquarium and the pier itself reaches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean – perfect for fishing or just soaking up the amazing views. Hotels and vacation rentals are plentiful here, and kids will love the amusements that the town has to offer.
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Mount Airy
Known as the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy is a delightful town surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Fans of the show should pay a visit to the Andy Griffith Museum, while other attractions include the largest granite quarry in the world, museums and two state parks.
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Exploring Mayberry in Mount Airy
Mount Airy is a delightful town set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is perhaps best known for being the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show. This charming town was the hometown of Andy Griffith, and visitors can explore and reminisce on life in Mayberry. The town has several museums, antique shops, and even the largest granite quarry in the world. Nearby attractions include Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock State Parks, both of which offer outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. Those looking to take a step back in time will enjoy exploring this charming North Carolina town.
Enjoy Shopping and Dining in Banner Elk
Banner Elk is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues along its pedestrian-friendly Main Street. Those looking to do a bit of window shopping before dinner can stop in for lunch or dinner at one of the outside patios. The town also offers other activities such as a gem mine and Appalachian Pinball Museum. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area, including at nearby Dupont State Park. Banner Elk is the ideal spot for families looking to relax and get away from it all.
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Touring Around Boone
Boone is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is often associated with their basketball team. However, the lively downtown is brimming with retail shops and restaurants for visitors to explore. The city has a youthful feel to it, which adds to its charm. Visitors won’t want to miss a trip to the Carolina Basketball Museum, where admission is free and the interactive displays are interesting even if you aren’t a fan of the sport. Boone is the ideal destination for fans of college sports, outdoor activities, and shopping.
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Experience Southport’s Historic Old Town
Southport is the perfect spot to plan a weekend getaway. This small coastal town has a vibrant historic district offering views over Cape Fear River. Visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront or explore the charming streets lined with boutiques, antique shops, and seafood restaurants. For an injection of history, visitors can visit the Old Brunswick County Jail or explore Fort Johnston, which still houses cannons and has a museum. Southport is the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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Southern Pines
Southern Pines is truly a golfer’s heaven, with its scenic views and picturesque golf courses. But it has far more to offer than just one of the best places to golf in the United States. With its rich history, stunning architecture, tranquil atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why Southern Pines is one of North Carolina’s most sought-after small towns.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a family getaway, or an exciting adventure, Southern Pines offers something for everyone. From championship golf courses to outdoor activities such as horseback riding and fishing, there’s never a dull moment in this beautiful town. So if you’re in the mood for an escape to a place of endless possibilities, look no further than Southern Pines.
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