10 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in North Carolina
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west, dynamic North Carolina has it all. The Southern state is filled with historic sites, more than its fair share of natural beauty, arts and cultural attractions, and year-round festivals, making it the ideal road trip location. Whether you crave bustling big cities or small charming towns, you'll find it all in North Carolina. Following are 10 of the most interesting and historic small North Carolina towns worth exploring during your next vacation or weekend getaway.
Beaufort
Affectionately named "America's Coolest Small Town" by Budget Travel Magazine, beautiful Beaufort makes the ideal vacation destination for anyone craving a relaxing respite from everyday life. The charming coastal town is located on Beaufort Inlet on the Atlantic Ocean and has a rich history dating back to the early 1700s. No matter what time of year you visit, you're likely to experience a local special event, such as the Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival.
Beaufort typically offers mild weather year-round, much to the delight of outdoor lovers of all ages. You can rent a bicycle from a local shop, such as Beaufort Bicycle or Beaufort Bike Rental, and explore all of the quaint town's biking and hiking trails. If you're looking for an interesting, family-friendly attraction, check out the Bonehenge Whale Center, which is dedicated to the research, education, and conservation of North Carolina whales, porpoises, and dolphins.
Mount Airy
Knicknamed "Mayberry" due to its resemblance to the fictional small town on the 1960s Andy Griffith Show, sweet Mount Airy is also the hometown of actor Andy Griffith. Downtown Mount Airy is filled with historic buildings, locally owned shops and eateries, and a warm, welcoming feel, which add to its vintage appeal. Mount Airy is a fun road trip destination for anyone with a love of pop culture and memorabilia and towns featuring an authentic Southern small-town feel.
While you're visiting, don't miss the Andy Griffth Museum, which features the largest permanent exhibit of the beloved actor's personal items, such as clothing and pictures. You can also stop by Griffith's childhood home, as well as the TV Land bronze statue that was dedicated to him. If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient way to explore all that Mount Airy has to offer, jump on a Mayberry Trolley and go for a ride.
Blowing Rock
A small village located on the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina, Blowing Rock is a fun road trip destination for a girls' weekend, a family vacation, or even a solo getaway. The quaint town is named after The Blowing Rock, a large cliff rising 4,000 above sea level and overlooking Johns River Gorge. Downtown Blowing Rock features a quintessential historic Southern downtown, complete with art galleries, specialty boutiques, and restaurants serving local fare.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy a trip to Doc's Rocks Gem Mine, which offers summer rockhound tours and and indoor mining experience. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is another must-see attraction, which showcases both the area's mountain heritage and visual arts through a variety of exhibits, lectures, and special events. You also can't miss a trip to the town's namesake, Blowing Rock Formation, which is accessible by hiking trails.
New Bern
Scenic New Bern was North Carolina's first capital, as well as the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, giving the cute town a unique history. Water-loving travelers flock to New Bern from all over, as it's situated on the North Carolina coast, as well as both the Trent and Neuse Rivers. If you're visiting during the warm months of the year, you can rent a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak from a local outfitter, such as Stillwater Kayak or Banx Watersports, and get an up-close look at local wildlife.
Another place where you can explore the outdoors is the Croatan National Forest after setting off from New Bern's Island Creek Trailhead. The local Neusiok Trail also runs through the forest, giving hikers and bikers a relaxing, rustic experience. If you're an arts and culture enthusiast, check out the ArtWalk Gallery, Bank of the Arts, or the Bear Hands Art Factory, which features locally made handcrafted pottery.
Hendersonville
Situated just south of bustling Asheville in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, warm and welcoming Hendersonville is another perfect North Carolina vacation destination. Hendersonville's scenic mountain views are unparalleled, and its charming, history-rich downtown is the go-to spot for one-of-a-kind gifts from local boutiques, friendly coffee shops, and eateries serving Southern cuisine.
If you love exploring local wildlife, flora, and fauna, you're lucky to be in Hendersonville. Your only problem may be narrowing down which trail to try out first. Some of the area's most popular hiking and biking paths include the Triple Falls and High Falls loop, as well as the Ridgeline and Cedar Rock Trails. If you're traveling with kids on a family vacation, don't miss the Hands On! Children's Museum, or the Mineral and Lapidary Museum.
Boone
Another quaint town located among the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone has a rich mountain heritage dating back to the earliest pioneers. The town is home to the Daniel Boone Park, which features the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, an attraction that authentically recreates 18th-century homestead life. The park also features the Horn in the West, an outdoor theatre that showcases life in the North Carolina high country during the Revolutionary War days.
Adults can check out the Booneshine Brewing Company, which offers a full-service restaurant and tasting room where you can sample local craft beer. The Appalachian Mountain Brewery is another must-visit spot for beer lovers, as it produces brews using local ingredients. If you're looking for a more family-friendly attraction, head over to the nearby Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West-inspired theme park.
Bath
The oldest town in North Carolina, beautiful Bath was the state's first port of entry, and it was founded by French Protestants from nearby Virginia. The charming town is also home to North Carolina's oldest church, St. Thomas Church, which was constructed in the 1730s. While in town, you can tour the three oldest homes, the Bonner House, the Van De Veer House, and the Palmer-Marsh House, and see historic furnishings and personal items up close and personal. Sign up for all of the tours at the Bath Visitors Center.
Other popular Bath attractions include relaxing on the river at Bonner's Point, which offers unparalleled water and sunset views. Nearby Goose Creek State Park is another top location for viewing local wildlife, going boating, and even staying overnight at the campground. Round out your visit and buy trinkets to take home at the charming Pirates Treasure Gift Shop.
Edenton
When it was founded in 1712, quaint Edenton was known as the "Towne on Queen Anne's Creek," and it served as North Carolina's first colonial capital. Situated on the scenic shores of Albemarle Sound, history-rich Edenton makes the perfect weekend getaway or family vacation destination. The waterfront town is known for its eateries serving delicious local cuisine, arts and cultural attractions, and a large collection of impressive 18th-century homes.
One of the best ways to see Edenton's historic downtown is by taking a narrated trolley tour, which explores notable sites, such as beautifully restored Victorian-era mansions, significant Underground Railroad locations, and the Edenton Cotton Mill Village. Outdoor lovers won't want to miss a trip to Bennett's Millpond, where they can go canoeing and kayaking, birding and wildlife viewing, and even primitive camping.
Wilmington
Another charming seaside town, lovely Wilmington, played an important role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. During World War II, the town had a thriving shipbuilding industry, which you can explore and learn more about by visiting the NC Maritime Museum Southport. Wilmington also has a flourishing 230-block downtown that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is filled with unique boutiques, eateries, cafes, and antique shops.
Some of the town's top attractions include the Wilmingtown Railroad Museum, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Cameron Art Museum, which features galleries of work from local and regional artists, as well as a sculpture garden. Visitors can get an authentic vintage seaside experience by strolling the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and enjoying the summer amusement rides, live entertainment, and local cuisine.
Banner Elk
Last but not least is road trip-worthy Banner Elk, which is also nestled in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains in the state's High Country region. The vacation destination offers something for everybody, as it provides a relaxing getaway with all of the conveniences and benefits of a larger city. Grandfather Mountain, which features the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, draws in visitors from all over, as do the 50-foot-high Elk River Falls.
Check out the interesting stalagmite formations during a guided tour of the Linville Caverns, which are located in Humpback Mountain. If you're feeling adventurous, head over to Hawksnest Ziplines and take a ride along its 4 miles of ziplines. You can cruise over trees and lakes while enjoying panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views. The Wilderness Run Adventure Course is another place to live on the edge for a few hours.
If you can only pick one state to travel through during a road trip, North Carolina is the natural choice. The state pleases both mountain and beach lovers, and everyone in between, with its diverse geography and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. It's also a haven for artists and creatives, who find inspiration in the state's wild spaces and places.
