10 Most Vibrant Towns in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the liveliest states in the US, and some of that vibrancy can be witnessed at the heart of its small towns. These towns pack everything from natural beauty to historic allure and great atmosphere to make them exciting year-round. One of the towns is even a college town filled with energetic undergraduates who are always seeking adventures. Another town on the list is home to hundreds of waterfalls in North America, many of which can be heard almost year-round from miles away. Others share similar traits, proving it is difficult for visitors to get bored there. With that said, here are the top most vibrant towns in North Carolina to visit today.
Corolla
Corolla is an enchanting town in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. With its position amid scenic waters, Corolla has no room for a sleepy atmosphere. The town is home to numerous attractions like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse which steals the hearts of visitors with its imposing height. There are 220 steps to the top of this lighthouse, where visitors will be presented with sweeping views of the Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. For beach lovers, Corolla has access to some of the most peaceful beach spots in the Outer banks. Before leaving town, be sure to enjoy nature at the nearby Currituck Banks Coastal Estuarine Reserve where there are beautiful birds and wildlife such as raccoons, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, and marsh rabbits, among others.
Edenton
Edenton is a vibrant seaside town that once served as the second capital of North Carolina. The town is full of history as it is home to so many attractions like the 19th century Roanoke River Lighthouse which is an enduring tribute to screw-pile design buildings. Edenton also features Lane House - the oldest house in North Carolina, and Cupola House - a historic museum and the second oldest house in Edenton.
Away from its rich history, Edenton’s vibrance can be witnessed at its natural attractions like Hollowell Park (great for fishing and picnicking), Pembroke Creek Park (great for boating, wildlife watching, and fishing), and Griffith Park (popular for summer events and basketball tournaments).
For something even more vibrant, visitors can head over to Edenton’s Board Street where there are over 30 shops and restaurants waiting to offer great memories.
Banner Elk
The great outdoors of North Carolina comes alive in Banner Elk, a mountain town in Avery County. The town is famous for hosting two of North Carolina’s largest ski resorts - the Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resorts. While this means winter in the town is incredibly vibrant, summer is also a great time to enjoy some excitement at some of the town’s other attractions like the shimmering Wildcat Lake. This lake is an inviting summer attraction in Banner Elk featuring a fishing pier, swimming area, white sand beach, and a small park to explore. In addition, the town features Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster - the first alpine roller coaster in North Carolina that takes people on an exciting ride through the scenic outdoors at 770 feet, and across a track length of 3,160 feet.
Manteo
Manteo may be small and serene, but it is hard to experience a dull moment here. Not when it plays host to the Manteo Waterfront Park where visitors can capture ocean views by walking the scenic boardwalk and also enjoy picnics. For history buffs, the town is home to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site which was the site of the Roanoke Colony - the first English settlement in what is today known as the United States of America. Also in Manteo, the Roanoke Festival Island Park welcomes visitors to come experience what life was like for the first English settlers in the 16th century. These are just a few things that make Manteo vibrant and some others include - the downtown area (featuring over 30 shops and restaurants), Manteo Farmers Market, the historic Island Farm, and many more.
Emerald Isle
In terms of coastal beauty, inviting sand beaches, and lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean, Emerald Isle is unmatched, and that those are its main draws. This pretty town on Bogue Banks Island boasts 12 miles of seductive beaches overlapping the Atlantic Ocean. In summer, its population of just over 3,000 skyrockets to more than 50,000 per week as people troop in from all parts of North Carolina and around the country to enjoy the scenery and bask in the great outdoors. Highlight activities include fishing on the Bogus Inlet Pier, paddling and boating on Bogus Sound, and savoring some of North Carolina's most picturesque sunset views at The Point. Hikers can also explore the trails at Emerald Wood Park, and enjoy side activities like bird and wildlife spotting. Additionally, the isle is home to festivals such as - the St. Patrick's festival, Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival, and 4th of July Fireworks.
New Bern
New Bern is renowned as the Birthplace of Pepsi, and one of the liveliest towns in North Carolina to visit. In 1896, Bradham Caleb invented the Pepsi-cola drink at his pharmacy at 256 Middle Street. Today, one can still visit this pharmacy and buy a souvenir, enjoy a chilled Pepsi drink, or watch a Pepsi float on a soda fountain. New Bern is also lavish with history as a former royal capital of North Carolina. Visitors are welcome explore its historic downtown on a 90-minute trolley tour, as the full allure of the town's history comes alive in century-old buildings, a masonic lodge, and an Athens Theatre. For fun and outdoor recreation, Lawson Creek Park awaits with scenic views of the Lawson Creek and Trent River on a wooden boardwalk. The park is also a great place to relax with nature, boat, and kayak on the waters, and fish at two fishing piers.
Burnsville
Burnsville is a vibrant town that offers history, and endless adventures to keep visitors busy at all times. The town is the closest to Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, which often lures adventurers to the challenging mission of ascending its summit of 6,684 feet where there are epic views. From the top of the mountain, visitors can even enjoy an epic ride on the Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway which stretches for 52 miles and goes through the Toe River Valley and Burnsville itself. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg as Burnsville features more amazing attractions like - Yancey County Farmer’s Market, Mount Mitchell Golf Club Resort, and a main street lined up with colorful street murals, art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
From Mount Mitchell Golf Club Resort, visitors can even head over to the nearby Pisgah National Forest to hike the half-mile trail that leads to Roaring Fork Falls, to enjoy views of the 50-foot-high cascading waterfall.
On the side of history, Burnsville is home to the Nu-Wray Inn which is one of the oldest buildings in the state built in 1833 and is also a good place to lodge. For visitors with a thing for astronomy, be sure to check out the Mayland Earth to Sky Park to enjoy a memorable stargazing experience.
Boone
Boone is a premier outdoor destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with lots of things to see and do all year round. First of all, the town hosts a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, America's longest linear park, and visitors can enjoy the scenery of this spot via scenic drives. Also, the Watauga River runs through the town and is a great place for whitewater rafting, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Boone also features more incredible natural attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Daniel Boone Park, and Beech Moutain Resort. In addition to its attractions, Boone is also a college town that hosts the Appalachian State University, and there’s no telling how vibrant a town filled with undergraduates can be.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a naturally beautiful town that appeals to so many travelers who come in their thousands every year to keep its streets always vibrant. The town is framed by the Black Mountain and surrounded by dense forests that just make it so paradisaic. As if that’s not enough, it also features a beautiful downtown packed with establishments like - the Black Mountain Tailgate Market, which offers delicious food; and Town Hardware and General Store which has a wide range of products from regional books to tools, toys, and more. In addition, the Town Square is open from dawn to dusk for everyone, and features a waterfall, memorial gardens, gazebos, a splash pad, and sit-out areas, where people can relax and interact. So many festivals like the Sourwood Festival and the LEAF Festival are held in Black Mountain every year further making the always exciting.
While it is usually vibrant, Black Mountain also promises relaxation as it is home to attractions like River Walk Park which has picnic tables and a trail; and Lake Tomahawk which offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and peaceful walking.
Brevard
Brevard is a picturesque town at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest, with all the draw cards that make a place lively. The town is known as North Carolina's land of waterfalls as it features up to 250 waterfalls, including some of the state’s most popular like - looking glass, upper whitewater, rainbow, and turtleback falls. The majority of these falls are in Pisgah National Forest, and after exploring as many as possible, visitors can hike the hundreds of miles of trails in the forest, many of which lead through lush forests and to towering peaks and refreshing waterfalls. Popular trails in the forest include - Mount Mitchell Trail, Graveyard Fields Trail, and Catawba Falls Trail. Besides hiking, Pisgah National Forest is also a haven for camping, fishing, scenic driving, biking, and rock climbing so there are lots of things to keep people busy here at all times. Plus Brevard has other incredible attractions and vibrant spots like - Franklin Park, Brevard’s downtown, and the Transylvania Farmers Market, among others.
In Conclusion
The towns of North Carolina are vibrant and fascinating destinations to live life to the fullest. In these towns, it does not matter what time of the year it is, there is always something exciting happening so there’s usually no room for dull moments. These towns are designed to lift up people’s moods with their long list of natural and historic attractions. Many even host annual festivals which are usually free for everybody. Want some excitement in your life? visit these incredibly vibrant towns in North Carolina to make unforgettable memories.
