10 North Carolina Small Towns with the Best Downtown Areas
The beautiful State of North Carolina is a land full of splendid coastal views, pristine natural surroundings, and fascinating cultural history. With a population of 10.5 million residents, the “Old North State” has plenty of charming and attractive reasons to want to visit, and many of its towns offer an assortment of fun within their downtown areas. From river and ocean views, to historic landmarks, and loads of welcoming hospitality, these North Carolina towns do indeed have some of the most intriguing downtowns. Here a real feeling of Americana can be experienced and appreciated by visitors of all ages.
West Jefferson
Founded back in 1909, the small town of West Jefferson is home to a modest population of just over 1,000 inhabitants. Yet for a most authentic slice of small town America, West Jefferson is indeed one of the best places to discover. With a downtown area full of cute shops, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants, a fun day is sure to be found here. Situated within the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, the town also offers splendid views of these gorgeous peaks. In addition stop by the local cheese making factory, art galleries, or St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, also known as the Church of the Frescoes. Here European style artwork adorns the interior for a most unique artistic experience.
Dillsboro
Dillsboro was established in the 1880s and today only 213 residents call this small town home! Still there is plenty of beauty to be found in this historic town and visitors will surely encounter plenty of reasons to want to return. Situated along the banks of the Tuckasegee River, this former railroad town continues to attract those interested in rail history, and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad still services the area. In fact for those looking for easy access to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, a stop in Dillsboro is never a bad idea. In addition the town maintains many local restaurants, shops, and historic landmark that make its downtown area a most charming place. Spend a night at the historic Jarrett House hotel (1884) included on the National Register of Historic Places, or simply taking a relaxing stroll through Dillsboro’s streets, there is indeed always a charming activity to do in this North Carolina locale.
Little Switzerland
Little Switzerland can be considered more of a community than a town, yet it still has some of the most beautiful and charming surroundings any passerby could hope for. Established in 1910, visitors will find plenty of shops, local galleries, churches, and a variety of eateries in this locale of only 111 permanent residents. Located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, stunning panoramas define the landscape while several historic landmarks can also be explored. These include the Church of the Resurrection (1912), added to the National Register of Historic Places and the quaint Switzerland Inn. Indeed for a most picturesque, charming, and quiet road trip stop, Little Switzerland is a most magical and pretty destination.
Banner Elk
Founded in 1848, a most modest population of just over 1,000 residents call the town of Banner Elk home. Situated at the base of Beech Mountain, this picturesque locale is full of natural beauty and charming small town allure. Near Watauga Lake activities like fishing, hiking, sailing and white water rafting are popular in the summer, while skiing and snowboarding at Sugar Mountain resort is a staple of the winter. In the downtown area, Banner Elk has many restaurants, local galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and several historic landmarks which make even a casual stroll a memorable one. Perhaps spend a night at the historic Banner Elk Hotel (1856) for a true sense of time travel.
Blowing Rock
Just a 30 minute drive from Banner Elk, the town of Blowing Rock is another charming destination situated within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near the border with the State of Tennessee, this town of 1,376 residents has several fascinating museums, quaint souvenir shops, local galleries, and an eclectic range of tasty food establishments. And of course visiting the eponymous Blowing Rock land formation is always a place for great photos, while a visit to the Tweetsie Heritage railroad is a great way to spend an afternoon for visitors of all ages. Hop aboard a vintage locomotive and ride on down to the adjacent amusement park where an assortment of rides and other live entertainment will leave the whole family with a smile.
Boone
Boone is located within the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a most stunning scenic backdrop for visitors and residents alike. Founded in the 1870s and named for famed frontiersman Daniel Boone, the modern town is now home to a population of just over 19,000. In this historic locale one can find plenty of great eateries, cafes, shopping outlets, galleries, and live music venues all in a most picturesque environment. In addition a number of green spaces can be enjoyed in town including the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, and the calming Watauga River. Meanwhile a train ride on the Tweetsie Heritage railroad connects to the aforementioned town of Blowing Rock for a most charming and delightful locomotive experience.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is anything but dark and ominous, but a charming and picturesque town situated within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded back in 1893 and home to a population of just over 8,000 residents, the town is filled with several quaint bed and breakfast destinations, cute boutique shops, eclectic restaurants and plenty of warm hospitality. Tour the Black Mountain Downtown Historic District and pass by such important landmarks like the Black Mountain Depot and the George Stepp House constructed in 1907. Indeed for a most wholesome sample of small town American life, the quiet beauty of Black Mountain is a must for any traveller.
Davidson
Located just 30 minutes from North Carolina’s largest city Charlotte, the town of Davidson is a pleasing college town with a population of just over 15,000 inhabitants. Home to the campus of Davidson College (1837), this bike and pedestrian friendly town has a most charming downtown area where numerous cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and shopping outlets can all be enjoyed. Meanwhile at the nearby Lake Norman, opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and even just simple sunbathing make any afternoon here a great delight. And back in town on Saturday’s the buzzing Farmer’s Market is always a great way to discover local growers, artists, and North Carolina hospitality.
Mount Airy
Near the border with the State of Virginia, the town of Mount Airy offers hot summers and mild winters and brings all who visit a genuine sense of a simpler time. Home to some 10,676 residents, Mount Airy was first settled back in the 1750s, and its main downtown core continues to have a most charming historic ambience. Site of numerous listings on the National Register of Historic Places including the William Carter House (1834) and the Renfro Mill (1893), many building facades in the downtown do indeed reflect 18th, 19th, and early 20th century styles. In addition a number of quaint restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, and even an old style movie theatre round out the landscape, which all contribute to Mount Airy’s most unique and special ambience.
Hillsborough
Seat of Orange Country, the town of Hillsborough was formally established in the 1780s and is now home to a population of just under 10,000 residents. Known as a haven for writers, artists, and the creatively inclined Hillsborough hosts numerous studios, galleries, and libraries alongside a relaxing and scenic atmosphere perfect for inspiring creation. Situated along the Eno River, visitors and residents can also enjoy lovely shopping boutiques, tasty restaurant options, and a number of historically important landmarks. These include the Commandant’s House (1860), St. Mary’s Chapel (1858) and the Nash Law Office (1801) amongst many others. Indeed at the Hillsborough Historic District up to 529 distinct buildings have been preserved and included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Known as the “Old North State”, North Carolina is one of the southeastern United States’ most beautiful destinations. Full of beautiful natural surroundings (including several mountain ranges), warm cultural attractions, fascinating history, and plenty of welcoming crowds, North Carolina and its towns are wonderful places to explore. The locales on this list highlight some of the best downtown areas for any traveller where an assortment of activities, fun and intrigue can all be found. From the postcard perfect Little Switzerland to the scenic Boone and beyond, these North Carolina hubs define what a small American town is all about.
