11 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in North Carolina

The Tarheel State, with landscapes that have inspired many popular songs by James Taylor, Eric Church, and Taylor Swift, is undeniably beautiful. North Carolina is an endless expanse of green, lush land. From the Appalachians to the coast of the Atlantic, there is no shortage of weekend-worthy destinations. A pick of any of these 11 small towns will satisfy a much-needed weekend away.

Blowing Rock

Within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock is a delightful little mountain town with many sites and attractions to offer visitors along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blowing Rock is a picturesque natural rock formation that overlooks the Pisgah Forest. It is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction and offers views of the tallest peaks in the state: Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell. Blowing Rock Downtown is adorable, with unique shops for souvenirs like Bolick & Traditions Pottery and Appalachian Outfitters. Hikers can check out the two-mile, Glen Burney trail just a block away from downtown with multiple waterfalls. Travelers love the Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock Lodge for its comfort and amenities like free bikes to use and a fitness center.

Beaufort

“America’s Favorite Town,” coastal Beaufort, is the fourth oldest town in North Carolina and consistently makes “best” lists amongst the largest publications like Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, and USA Today. Boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts like Cousins Bed & Breakfast or Beaufort Harbour Suites are popular stays throughout town, offering quaint accommodations and welcoming, front porch hospitality. Travelers can rent kayaks and SUPs at Beaufort Paddle or take a guided tour through the Rachel Carson Reserve and view the wild banks ponies. Afterward, take a stroll down the Beaufort Boardwalk and grab a delicious ice cream at Beaufort Creamery.

Brevard

Brevard is the perfect base for outdoor adventures in the surrounding acres of forest land. Brevard is an ultimate haven for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers, and it has excellent trail conditions near Gorges State Park, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. Over 250 waterfalls are within a few miles of each other in the surrounding area of Brevard; Looking Glass Falls is a family favorite due to its accessibility from the road. A short hike in Gorges State Park reveals Turtleback, Rainbow, and the nearby Stairway Falls to admire. Music lovers will enjoy grabbing some food and a beverage at 185 King Street, which includes an intimate setting for live music throughout the week. Dog-friendly accommodations at Deerwoode Reserve give visitors a quiet retreat in a cabin along the French Broad River.

Bryson City

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina, Bryson City is an outdoorsman’s paradise. A stay at Deep Creek Mountain Lodge gives families a large cabin space just around the corner from downtown, while Longview Resort is perfect for couples wanting epic views and a luxurious spa experience. Whitewater rafting on the Nantahola River is a great option for a family-friendly outing with rapids that are entry-level and fully guided. Hikers can experience a portion of the Appalachian Trail near Bryson City and other trails like the 11.2-mile Forney Ridge Trail.

Boone

Boone is “the Heart of the High Country,” home to Appalachian State University, and an inviting community for adventure seekers or relaxing weekenders alike. Nearby Elk Knob State Park is great for campers and hikers hoping to catch a peek at the Northern Peaks. Blue Ridge Anglers and Due South Outfitters are popular with anglers looking for guided trips around Boone. Lazy Bear Lodge is a log bed and breakfast mountain getaway near Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway, ideal for long scenic drives. Alternatively, Graystone Lodge Ascend Hotel is a closer option to the heart of Boone with modern luxuries. The town of Boone is alive with various venues for music, including the Appalachian Theatre and Jones House Cultural Center. Beer lovers will enjoy Appalachian Mountain Brewery, while families with kids can have a full day of fun at Tweetsie Railroad or Foggy Mountain Gem Mine.

Davidson

Near the banks of Lake Norman, Davidson is a charmer to all who come to know it. Walking around downtown Davidson is the best way to spend a leisurely day with a visit to Main Street Books or the Bungalow Market for gifts. Grab a bite to eat at the Pickled Peach, a preferred sandwich shop with interesting flavors like the Slow Braised and Pulled Chicken with slaw on a round roll. Davidson Village Inn is a perfect place to stay within walking distance of downtown Davidson. A full day during a weekend away should be spent out on the shores of Lake Norman on a paddle board, jet ski, or a boat rented from WhatsUpLakeNorman.

Mount Airy

Also known as “Mayberry,” Mount Airy is a desirable destination for fans of the Andy Griffith Show. Andy Griffith was raised in Mount Airy, and it is believed to be the inspiration for the show’s fictional town, “Mayberry.” Visitors enjoy walking down Main Street to see places featured in the show, such as Floyd’s City Barber Shop or Old Mayberry Jail. Andy Griffith’s childhood home and the Andy Griffith Museum are also available to tour. Visitors love to stay at the Hampton Inn Mount Airy, a well-rated option offering comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and proximity to key attractions in Mount Airy. For an immersive Mayberry experience, travelers can stay at The Mayberry Motor Inn, a cozy accommodation filled with Andy Griffith Show memorabilia and warm Southern hospitality.

Banner Elk

Banner Elk is a delightful town to spend a weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nature lovers will find nearby Grandfather Mountain to fulfill a day of adventure with its drive up to the summit, where the mile-high bridge awaits the curious. Enhance the day on one of the multiple hiking trails with otherworldly views leading up to Calloway Peak, its highest point at 5,945 feet. Banner Elk has cozy condos available throughout the year above the town on Sugar Mountain; they overlook the expanses of rolling Blue Ridge landscapes, essential for a calm, coffee-rich morning. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Sugar Mountain or nearby Beech Mountain for the slopes and views.

Sylva

Western North Carolina’s gem, Sylva, is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a focal point in the state for weekenders craving an outdoor getaway. Scotts Creek, which runs through the middle of downtown Sylva, gives anglers a convenient option for premium trout fishing. The 1400-acre Pinnacle Park is a hiker haven with challenging trails like Blackrock Mountain or The Pinnacle; elevations can exceed 5000 feet. Sylva has a thriving beer scene: Innovation Brewing, Balsam Falls Brewing Co., and Lazy Hiker Taproom, all containing several varieties of brews. Sylva is part of the larger Jackson brewery tour that includes breweries in nearby Dillsboro, Cashiers, Cherokee, and Cullowhee. A stay at Hotel Sylva puts visitors right in the middle of all the action in downtown Sylva.

Nags Head

Beach weekenders look no further than Nags Head in the Outer Banks. Jockey’s Ridge State Park has self-guided trails over the 426 acres of natural sand dune. Visitors love hiking over the dune, hang gliding, and kite flying here. The beach in Nag’s head is popular for watching sunrises, walking, or sunbathing. A stay at Comfort Inn South Oceanfront will put travelers right on the beachfront. Visit the Bodie Island Light Station (open in the summer months) to climb the winding stairs for amazing views of the surrounding Outer Banks and Atlantic Ocean.

New Bern

New Bern is a lovely riverfront town along the Neuse and Trent Rivers in eastern North Carolina; it is also the birthplace of America’s favorite cola, Pepsi! Visitors enjoy downtown New Bern for its shops and cafes; Birthplace of Pepsi offers customers nostalgic Pepsi souvenirs, and Snapdragon Toys or Cow Café for their hand-made ice cream is a fun stop for kids. Check out Tryon Palace and NC History Center for costume-guided American history lessons. Award winning, Aerie New Bern Bed & Breakfast is a comfortable, homey location to rest, it dates back to 1882 and has housed a State Senator and a cousin of the Wright Brothers.

Why North Carolina's Small Towns Make the Perfect Weekend Escape

North Carolina is easily one of the most charming states in America with its vastly versatile landscapes, rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, and sandy coastline. Traveling to any one of these peaceful locations will surely fulfill any weekend trip expectation. With so much to do in the outdoors and all year round, North Carolina is waiting to awe its visitors. Put one or all of these towns on a must-see list and bring the whole family!