10 Picturesque Towns In North Carolina For A Weekend Retreat In 2024
If you want to slide into a relaxing mode, especially after a long, hectic week, North Carolina has a yummy range of options to suit the taste of every type of vacationer. There is the nautical charm of Beaufort and Surf City on one side — and the jaw-dropping mountain vistas of Little Switzerland and Bryson City on the other. In between are heart-gripping road adventures, including those along the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Still undecided? Discover below ten picturesque towns in North Carolina, perfect for a weekend retreat.
Little Switzerland
The only way of vacationing in the Switz Alps without leaving North Carolina is to spend an unhurried weekend in Little Switzerland, a small, quaint town with spellbinding mountain views. One can come to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, which provides a front-row seat to one of nature’s most pristine shows. Accommodation options abound, but you will need to stay at Big Lynn Lodge, which is close to the parkway and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. You can also go with Switzerland Inn, which is perched at an elevation that makes the air cool and crisp. Start with some tasty pimento cheese at Switzerland Cafe before picking a souvenir at Spruced Boutique and sampling the many sweet treats that the Swiss Shoppe is famous for. Also, do not miss the Museum Of North Carolina Minerals, especially because you will not need to open your wallet.
Washington
Called Little Washington (or Original Washington) to distinguish it from the nation’s capital, Washington is beautifully positioned along the Pamlico-Tar estuary just about 22 miles east of Greenville. It has a pretty downtown and an incredibly beautiful riverwalk, in addition to a delightful range of vacation-worthy offerings. Washington is the perfect jumping-off point to explore cool spots such as the bass-filled Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina's largest natural lake; Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge on Pamlico Sound, and Goose Creek State Park, loved for its neat RV campgrounds and fantastic hiking trails. Enjoy a slow-paced brunch on the patio at Down On Mainstreet, and set Fairfield Inn & Suites as your base for a relaxing weekend.
Brevard
The peaceful and beautiful Backen Preserve, with its flowers and salamanders, is one reason to spend a weekend in Brevard, which reclines in a quiet valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its many creeks, rivers, and lakes, including Sonata Lake and Mitchums Lake — a water-themed vacation should be on the cards. Notable highlights include the Silvermont Mansion and Park, a lovely place to walk and mingle with white squirrels. Even if math gave you lots of problems, you will need to start your adventure at The Square Root, a handsomely restored building with an art deco bar and colorful paintings. You will not touch geometry here; just delicious trout and Brussels sprouts. Dupont State Recreational Forest, with its sparkling waterfalls and covered bridge, is right in Brevard’s backyard. Stay at the nostalgic Sunset Motel, whose rooms are spotless and retro-stylish.
Waynesville
The outdoors screams for attention here — so that those who love the sound of birds, the hum of a brook, or the hushed rustling of leaves — will have every reason to heed the call. Although one can spend a month exploring Nantahala National Forest, a weekend will still offer flashes and flavors of its awe-inspiring beauty. Even if you are a professional hiker, you cannot exhaust its more than 600 miles of trails. The trick is to rent a small, rustic cabin and enjoy a scale of natural beauty for which words cannot do justice. Lake Junaliska is a hair out of town. Take a boat tour and enjoy yummy waterfront views. Right on Main Street, Boojum Brewery Taproom serves locally brewed craft beers along with several other tongue-tingling eats. Looking for a cozy hideout? Check out Love Lane Bed & Breakfast, a historic property conveniently located close to the downtown area.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville is quaint and easy to love. Its beautiful mountain scenery and idyllic weather particularly make it an ideal locale for a relaxing weekend getaway. Although Dupont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest will tempt you to venture out of town a bit, Hendersonville has many captivating sites to hold one’s interest. For example, the Western North Carolina Air Museum, established to preserve the state’s aviation heritage, has an interesting collection of historical aircraft. Of course, it is in North Carolina where the Wright brothers achieved success and worldwide fame. Jump Off Rock, at the end of Laurel Park Highway, provides spectacular views of Hendersonvile’s surrounding scenery. Moreover, one can explore local shops and enjoy a welcome break at the Rhododendron Lake Nature Park before crowning it all with a sizzling meal at HenDough Chicken & Donuts. Spending the night? The Charleston Inn has a history that goes back more than 140 years.
Bryson City
At Bryson City, you do not go to the mountains; the mountains come to you. This gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which backdrops it on the northern side, is an outdoor lover’s dream vacation destination. To get the most relaxing experience, consider staying at the Kirklands Creek Campground and Cabins. It is a quiet space with a trout pond and close to many picturesque trails. You can then amble along Everett Street, the best stretch to take in the town’s charm and feel. There is the bridge, that spans the fast-flowing Tuckasegee River; the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, whose vintage steam trains reveal North Carolina’s scenic countryside, and Everett Street Diner, which serves out-of-the-world biscuits and gravy.
Boon
The “Boonerang Effect” draws thrill-seekers to Boon, a swoon-worthy town nestled atop the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina near the Tennessee border. Boon is home to Appalachian State University, whose history goes back more than 120 years. The university’s Belk Library contains a fascinating collection of Appalachian artifacts. Between sipping yummy mountain vistas, a summertime vacationer can enjoy Horn In The West outdoor drama at the Daniel Boone Theatre. We are talking about the longest-running Revolutionary War outdoor drama in America. A few steps away, Hickory Ridge History Museum provides a glimpse into life at the dawn of the 18th century. There is the Blue Ridge Parkway as well, which runs along the southern side of town. All out for some down-home Southern comfort? Dan'l Boone Inn is right at your doorstep.
Surf City
Nautical charm blends effortlessly with charm-soaked streets, curating a vacation experience in Surf City that is among the most relaxing in North Carolina. There is the beautiful Surf City bridge, which one can explore on foot, miles of sand and surf, hence the town's name, and the 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway, a water wonderland with few peers in America. You can people-watch or reel in a yummy catch at Soundside Park, enjoy a brisk walk at Surf City Community Center, or mingle with sea turtles at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Looking for a place to stay? Loggerhead Inn & Suites - Topsail Island is both reasonably priced and right near the beach.
Edenton
There is something attractive about old things, whether bridges or buildings, that makes them so nostalgic and Edenton has lots of such. We are talking about buildings, some of whose history goes back to the 1700s. No wonder Edenton is North Carolina's first colonial capital. Stay at Inner Banks Inn, set on 2.75 acres in the historic district. Now that your base is cozy and central, you can explore sites such as The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, one of a handful of remaining screw-pile lighthouses in the United States. There is the waterfront and the harbor, from where one can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. Bennett’s Millpond has a pavilion and a lovely boardwalk while Old Colony Smokehouse whips up wood-smoked BBQ in a way only they can.
Beaufort
Oak-shaded streets and an atmosphere that is decidedly casual and relaxed make Beaufort an awesome weekend destination. Cottages that have lived through many presidencies dot the sleepy streets as almost everything (and everyone) lays a warm, red carpet welcome to those visiting the area for the first time. There is a long line of attractions here, including the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street, which provides a glimpse into the life and exploits of yesteryears’ pirates. You can cross the creek to Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, a perfect spot to mingle with ibises or hike primitive trails. Another option is the Cape Lookout National Seashore, ideal for swimming and shelling. If hunger pangs begin to set in, go for fresh seafood at Beaufort Grocery. Do not waste a second worrying about where to stay here. Inn on Turner is just two blocks from the waterfront.
The Takeaway
Do you have a free weekend and are wondering what to do with it? North Carolina has many enticing options to keep you either relaxed and rested — or actively exploring its many outdoor pleasure spots. On one side are towns with delicious waterfronts, including Beaufort — while on the other side are hidden jewels tucked away in mountainous, storybook settings. Although Little Switzerland could be the most picturesque town in North Carolina, the other options highlighted here, including Hendersonville, are just as awesome.
