10 of the Most Charming Towns in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the most populous states in the US, and one would expect things to be chaotic within. That may be true, especially in big cities like Charlotte and Wilmington. However, its small towns exist in a class of their own as they are laid-back, scenic, and less crowded, making them incredibly charming. Thankfully, the state shares a border with the Atlantic Ocean and houses mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, and waterfalls. So these small towns tap from these natural features to further enchant visitors. From Sunset Beach to Blowing Rock and the gorgeous coast of Southport, here are 10 towns in the Tar Heel State with irresistible charms worth visiting.
Highlands
Highlands is a quaint town in the Appalachian Mountains within the Nantahala National Forest. The town is a haven for nature lovers particularly because of the many waterfalls around. Visitors can check out some of these waterfalls, especially popular ones like Bridal Veil, Cullasaja, and Glen Falls. Next, visitors are invited to Harris-Lake Park for thrilling water adventures on a beautiful lake. Aside from the natural attractions, the arts are a mainstay attraction in the town, with the Highland Performing Arts Center, Mountain Theatre Company, and Art Highland Gallery offering shows, theatric performances, and artworks. Additionally, the town is home to the Highlands Historical Society’s Historic Village, where the town’s iconic part comes alive.
Washington
Washington is a gorgeous town with a few draw cards to win the hearts of first-time visitors. This town lies along the North Bank of the Pamlico River, where tourists can enjoy the river from Goose Creek State Park. Once here, explore the park’s wetlands and cypress swamps via its 8.5 miles of trails; swim, paddle, fish on the Pamlico River, and camp or enjoy picnics on the shores. Art lovers can head to the Lemonade or River Walk Gallery to admire several artworks and catch a show later at the Turnage Theatre downtown. Nature lovers will appreciate the North Carolina Estuarium, featuring over 200 exhibits about the town’s estuaries and coastal rivers. For some history, the town invites visitors to sites like the Bank of Washington (built in 1854) and Beaufort County Courthouse (built in 1786).
Banner Elk
Banner Elk is a small, charming town in Avery County worth visiting for unique outdoor experiences. Here, visitors will be met with the 13-acre Wildcat Lake, setting the state for swimming, fishing, boating, paddling, and kayaking. The lake also has several picnic pavilions, hiking trails, and a small sand beach for sunbathing. The Tate-Evans Park is another great attraction in town where visitors can enjoy picnic shelters, playgrounds, wading pools, and the 1.1-mile Banner Elk Greenway. Just 15 minutes away, Grandfather Mountain is also worth visiting as it features a nature museum, hiking trails, an animal habitat for wildlife viewing, and the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge. Additionally, Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort - the two largest ski resorts in the South are just 10 minutes from Banner Elk. Additionally, Banner Elk features amazing dining options like Cam Rah Bay and The Town Tavern, as well as Banner House Museum, where one can experience 19th-century life.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is a lovely town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, remarkable for its namesake 1,500-foot cliff above the Johns River gorge. Tourists are always welcome to climb the cliff for enchanting views of the Blue Ridge scenery. Step down from Blowing Rock Cliff and visit the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum to explore interesting artworks and learn more about the history of the Appalachian Mountains. Next, visit Mystery Hill to get hypnotized by gravity-defying acts and also explore one of the world’s largest collections of Native American artifacts at the Native American Artifacts Museum. For more adventures, visitors are invited to float and paddle on the New River that flows along the hill. When it’s time to eat, hit the Bistro Roca and enjoy its culinary offers.
Beaufort
Beaufort is one of America’s most beautiful towns and one of the oldest of its kind in North Carolina. Established in 1713, this town is an ancient settlement with so much to love. Once here, visitors can start by visiting the two-acre Beaufort Historic Site to see historic buildings, including a courthouse and jailhouse dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy more history at the North Carolina Maritime Museum and then proceed to stroll along the town’s boardwalk for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and photography. Art lovers are welcome to appreciate some creative artworks at the Craving Art Studio, and for some outdoor adventures, Fisherman’s Park is in town, offering picnic areas and a sandy beach for swimming and kayaking.
Southport
Southport is an irresistible destination near the mouth of Cape Fear River, just two miles from the Atlantic Ocean in Brunswick County. In addition to its charming coastal allure, this town is rich in history and endowed with attractions like the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn more about the Cape Fear region. Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors Center is another interesting attraction in town, representing the first commissioned Port in North Carolina and featuring artifacts about the region’s history. Away from the history, adventurers can head to the Waterfront Park to relax or proceed to Southport Pier to stroll on the Riverwalk, admire more views of Cape Fear River, fish, and watch birds. More adventures like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking await at Dutchman Creek Park. For antique lovers, downtown Southport hosts Old Elegance Antiques or Northup Antiques Mall.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is a coastal beach town along Cape Fear River, north of Pleasure Island, full of adorable natural sights, sounds, and things to do. This town is home to a 669-foot-long pier, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, offering opportunities for fishing, promenading, and sightseeing. The town also features the Carolina Beach State Park on Pleasure Island, with 8.5 miles of hiking trails to explore its sugarloaf dunes and see unique carnivorous plants like the Venus Flytrap. The 11-acre freshwater Carolina Beach Lake Park is another prime tourist attraction, suitable for family picnics and idyllic strolls. History buffs can visit the Federal Point History Center to see exhibits from Colonial times and the Civil War. Afterward, kick back at Buzz Roost at the Beach for sensational meals.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a charming island town in Brunswick County along the shores of the Atlantic, where visitors will be greeted with miles of gorgeous sugar-white sands for picnicking, sunbathing, and strolling. The 900-foot Sunset Beach Pier is another iconic attraction in town worth checking out, as it features great fishing spots, a grill, a bar, and an air-conditioned pier house. For more adventures in nature, visitors can head to Bird Island to explore salt marsh, tidal creeks, scenic beaches, and dunes. Away from the outdoors, visitors are invited to Ingram Planetarium to relax and enjoy interesting shows. For history buffs, the town hosts the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge & Museum, which once linked the island and the mainland and now serves to preserve the area’s history.
New Bern
New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina, making it one hell of a charming destination for history buffs. For starters, the town is home to Tryon Palace, North Carolina’s first Capitol, featuring hands-on exhibits, reenactments, and guided tours. The New Bern Firemen's Museum is another interesting attraction here, featuring horse-drawn steam engines and tales of the first chartered fire department in the state. Notably, New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi because it was in a drug store in this town that Caleb Bradham invented Brad's Drink, which was later patented with the name Pepsi-Cola. Today, visitors can visit and explore the Pepsi Store in the downtown area where the drink was birthed. For art lovers, visit Craven Arts Council and Gallery to see dynamic exhibitions ranging from sculptures and pottery to photography. Meanwhile, New Bern lies at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, so water sports is also part of its package for visitors.
Bryson City
Bryson City is an outdoor playground surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests, making it attractive for adventure seekers. The town is near the Great Smoky Mountains; hence, it serves as a base camp for exploring the 850 miles of hiking trails, mountains, and waterfalls, among other attractions in this iconic park. In downtown Bryson City, the Swain County Historical Museum is a great place to soak in some history about the town’s pioneers and life in the prehistoric Great Smoky Mountain region. More interesting attractions in downtown Bryson City include - the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium, the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train depot. For more adventures, visitors are always welcome to Nantahala Outdoor Center, offering opportunities for river rafting, ziplining, biking, and hiking.
North Carolina has many draw cards in its small towns where nature’s unsullied beauty reigns endlessly. These 10 towns are worth visiting to enjoy the abundant natural charms of North Carolina. Whether visitors seek new outdoor destinations to explore or escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, these towns have something for everyone. Beyond nature, they are ideal destinations to learn about the past, embark on sensational shopping experiences, and taste tantalizing cuisines.
