10 Best Downtowns In North Carolina
There’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a picture-perfect downtown to wander. This could mean family-owned bookshops, cafes that smell like freshly brewed coffee beans and baked pastries, or unique hand-crafted items in shops that encapsulate the pride of their town or state. North Carolina truly has it all when it comes to the great outdoors with the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Atlantic shores. As an added bonus, the state's small-town downtowns are some of the best in the nation.
Davidson
Half an hour north of Charlotte and bordering Lake Norman, Davidson is a small college town with an undeniable charm. Main Street is lined with bustling shops like Main Street Books (complete with handwritten staff recommendations along the shelves) and The Village Store, specializing in hand-crafted gifts and souvenirs. On Saturday mornings, in April through mid-November, visitors can stroll the Davidson Farmers Market for fresh, locally grown/made products along with live music. A stay at Davidson Village Inn puts visitors right in the heart of downtown and offers its own library, comfortable rooms, and complimentary breakfast. Grab some famous North Carolina BBQ at The Crazy Pig after a long day with top-notch brisket and hushpuppies; Friday nights feature music on the patio.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is known for and named after a historical rock formation that has been an attraction amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains for over a century. While The Blowing Rock should be a focal point of any visit, the town itself is an added treasure with a downtown worth spending hours gushing over. Gift shops like Final Touches, High Country Candles, and the Funky Tulip have unique items that make great souvenirs or presents. Stop in for breakfast at Social on Main. Make reservations at The Best Cellar, located in a boutique mountain hotel, The Inn at Ragged Gardens, which offers cozy accommodations in a log cabin setting. Just a few blocks off of downtown, visitors can access the Glen Burney Falls hiking trail, a 3.2 mile out and back that features three waterfalls!
Seagrove
Known as “The Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” Seagrove is home to over 100 potters. Just south of Asheboro, Seagrove gives travelers an artsy oasis away from crowds to enjoy the craftsmanship and creativity passed down through generations of potters. Visit the North Carolina Pottery Center, which showcases pottery and artifacts throughout North Carolina’s history. Stop by Seagrove Pottery, Village Pottery Marketplace, or Seagrove Art Pottery for handmade stoneware and a greeting from the artists themselves. Duck Smith House is a snug bed and breakfast within Seagrove known for its hospitality and fresh breakfasts.
Bryson City
Bryson City, “The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains,” has something for every outdoor enthusiast: access to hiking the Appalachian Trail, whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, or mountain biking the Fire Mountain Trails. Bryson City’s downtown is filled with outfitters, like Endless River Adventures and Bryson City Outdoors, that supply the outdoor adventures of the area, along with gift shops like Mrkt on the Square or McClanahan’s. Bryson City is popular with craft beer lovers, and it has locally crafted brews at Bryson City Brewing or Mountain Layers Brewing. Travelers can also take a craft brew tour with Carolina Bound Adventures. Rest after a long day at The Falcon’s Nest, 5 minutes away from downtown, a mountain getaway cabin with a wraparound porch and hot tub.
Washington
On the northern bank of the Pamlico River, Washington (also lovingly referred to as Little Washington) is a little coastal paradise known for its seafood and welcoming locals. Just off Main Street, visitors can take in the views of the Pamlico River from the Washington Waterfront Docks and take a pleasant walk down to the Waterfront or Festival Park. Plan a dinner at the Mulberry House, in the middle of downtown, which features a rooftop bar with unbeatable scenery along the Pamlico River. Stay at the West Main, a three-story, recently renovated building that originally housed Savings & Trust Bank built in 1906. The West Main also pays homage to its history with a fun bar named 1906 Bistro & Bourbons. Visitors can enjoy jumping on a charter boat for a sunset cruise with Across the Sounds Charters or trying out the fishing available down at Mallard Creek Pier. Eastside Bait and Tackle is a full-service shop that can help prepare even the most novice angler.
Edenton
Edenton is North Carolina’s second oldest town with a rich history. Downtown Edenton is dedicated to its preservation and offerings for visitors with fun shops like Surf, Wind, and Fire, Polka Dot Palm, and Edenton Tea Company. Visitors will love a meal at the waterfront restaurant Herringbone, which has live music every Monday! Edenton Trolley Tour is a great way to learn the history of the town while riding along in a vintage green trolley with stops at the Penelope Barker House, Edenton Cotton Mill, and preserved Victorian mansions. The Cotton Gin Inn Culinary is a great way for visitors to spend an evening with cooking classes and wine-paired dinners.
China Grove
Located in Rowan County, China Grove is a teeny town with an adorable downtown, perfect for a weekend getaway. Stay at the nearby Cherry Treesort for a one-of-a-kind experience; they have eight tree houses on site and two underground hobbit houses that can accommodate small or large groups. Downtown China Grove features shops with handmade, local goods like Old Town Soap Co. and Wanderer’s Rest Emporium. Visitors can replenish some fuel and catch some live music at Grove Cartel Brewing Co. with craft brews and pizzas or sandwiches from Meadows, located upstairs. Nature lovers will be pleased with the nearby Lake Corriher in Landis, a peaceful lake surrounded by trails for hiking; travelers can also camp here at one of the cabins onsite and rent kayaks or paddleboats.
Hillsborough
Centrally located and robust with historical significance, Hillsborough promises any history buff a worthy getaway. Downtown Hillsborough features over 100 structures from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Guided walking history tours are available from March through October at the Hillsborough Visitors Center. Every April, the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough presents Revolutionary War Living History Day for the public; it’s a free, family-friendly event for visitors to enjoy. The Historical Colonial Inn is a two-century-old iconic building in Hillsborough that serves as a boutique hotel, event space, and bar; it is in the heart of downtown for guest’s convenience.
Brevard
An outdoorsy visitor’s paradise, Brevard is centrally located between the DuPont State Recreational Forest, Gorges State Park, and Pisgah National Forest. All of which are prime spots for hiking, camping, and waterfall exploring. Downtown Brevard is lined with colorful specialty shops like Theophilus, Magnolia Vintage Co., and Newfound Artisan, as well as plentiful restaurants offering everything from pizza at Brevard Pizza Works to Thai cuisine at Love Eat Thai Kitchen. Live music is a commonality throughout Brevard, 185 King Street, and Brevard Brewing Company being the most popular venues for nightly jams. The Sunset Motel voted first place in the 2023 USA Today Readers’ Choice travel award contest, is a fun retro option for overnight stays in the Brevard area.
Manteo
In the outer banks, Manteo is the kind of town visitors can take the whole family to for an afternoon of wandering for hours along the waterfront boardwalk and shops. May through September, on Saturday mornings, downtown Manteo features a farmers’ market at George Washington Creef Park with fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts from local artisans. From downtown, visitors can catch a dolphin tour with Captain Johnny’s Dolphin Watch or arrange a kayak, paddleboard, or bicycle rental at Kitty Hawk Kites. The nearby production of The Lost Colony at the Waterside Theatre is a traveler's favorite, along with sunsets from the boardwalk. Accommodation is also available on the island should visitors choose to stay overnight; Roanoke Island Inn is a highly rated bed and breakfast that includes courtesy bikes and beach accessories for guest’s convenience.
These 10 North Carolina towns vary greatly and offer enough versatility to fit any traveler’s unique desires! Regardless of choice, they all portray that famous southern hospitality along with endless outdoor activities, whether that be within the Blue Ridge Mountains or along a sand dune and Atlantic shore in the Outer Banks. North Carolina is truly a state with a landscape for just about anyone. The small-town downtowns of North Carolina are the heartbeat of the state; travelers will fall in love!
