12 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In North Carolina
North Carolina is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, from the rugged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The Tar Heel State also boasts a captivating cultural landscape and enthralling historical heritage, making it a top tourist destination on the East Coast. While most travelers focus their interest on big cities like Raleigh and Charlotte, the state harbors a fair share of hidden gems that only a few select know about.
It takes a detour from the major highways to discover these off-the-beaten-path towns in North Carolina with a unique brand of charm. With their unique cultures, close-knit communities, and rural atmosphere, they present the perfect getaway from the busy city, encouraging vacationers to appreciate the simple life pleasures.
Duck
Like any other gem on the Outer Banks, this isolated coastal community boasts beautiful beaches, maritime forests, and dramatic dunescapes, which complement its easygoing downtown area. This means ample opportunities for outdoor lovers, who can explore the scenery with a stroll along the Duck Town Park Boardwalk. The site is popular among nature viewers and spoils them with front-row views of the sprawling waters, lush forests, and spectacular sunsets. Shoppers can pass by the Duck Waterfront Shops to check out worthy buys across its dozens of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Don't miss out on Duck's vibrant seafood scene. You can visit Coastal Cravings whenever hungry to enjoy delicious dishes like lobster rolls and fried shrimp. The diner has a welcoming atmosphere and offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.
Bryson City
Bryson City is a known entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and harbors beautiful wilderness areas framed by the Smoky Mountains and the Tuckasegee River. A 4-hour ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad invites travelers to feast their eyes on the town's stunning scenery as the train winds through dense jungles. Those feeling adventurous can get their favorite hiking boots for an expedition along the Deep Creek Trail. It stretches 2 miles and is adorned with spectacular views of three waterfalls and colorful wildflowers.
Meanwhile, indoor-inclined vacationers will enjoy examining marine life at the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium. The modest facility exhibits Appalachian fish species like trout and hellbenders in a picturesque setting overlooking the Tuckasegee River.
Bald Head Island
If you need to escape civilization for a minute and enjoy an isolated natural setting, there is no better destination than Bald Head Island. It takes a ferry ride to access this peaceful locality, where guests revel in its wide open spaces with a lazy stroll on the sandy trails of Bald Head Island Conservancy. The site schedules guided tours tailored for birding, kayaking, and other adventurous excursions. The Bald Head Island Club provides patrons with pleasant sports opportunities thanks to amenities like an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and more.
When you need something to eat, take advantage of the delicious dishes served at Jailhouse Provisions. This quaint American restaurant has a dynamic menu with options ranging from lobster rolls to cheeseburgers.
Bath
Bath is a quiet, small, and close-knit community along the Pamlico River with an unmatched historical heritage. It was established in the 18th century and houses a series of landmarks and sites from its early days. A walk through Historic Bath exposes a cluster of vintage structures that provide a window into the past, including the Palmer-Marsh House from 1744. St. Thomas Episcopal Church is another notable structure, constructed in 1734 as the oldest in North Carolina.
Bath's riverfront location results in delightful natural areas with a cozy setting for perfect picnics. One of the most popular is Bonner's Point, home to grassy lawns and shady trees with picturesque water views.
Brevard
This small village in Transylvania County offers indoor and outdoor attractions in equal measure to ensure tourists enjoy the best of both worlds. Brevard lies on the edge of Pisgah National Forest, which cultivates adventures in the great outdoors. If you enjoy hiking, you can follow the trail to Looking Glass Falls to discover a photogenic cascade amidst lush greenery. A vibrant brewery scene allows tourists to mingle with locals over a refreshing glass of craft beer at Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom. The modest establishment has a fun bar playing live music and a souvenir shop where you can find a cute keepsake.
Meanwhile, history lovers can find curious exhibits at the Transylvania Heritage Museum. These include photos, artifacts, and archives tracing the history and culture of the region and are housed in an 1890s structure.
Hendersonville
Nicknamed "The City of Four Seasons," Hendersonville is known for offering fun recreational opportunities around the year. This makes it a suitable destination for all traveler preferences, with historians finding quirky exhibits to explore inside the Mineral and Lapidary Museum. The venue displays everything from gemstones and minerals to dinosaur fossils, chronicling natural history. Meanwhile, Appalachian Pinball Museum invites families to check out its vintage and modern pinball machine collection. It has more than 70 games, which allows guests to play for the whole day.
Those craving an outdoor escape can visit Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards to enjoy clean air and tasty wines. The establishment crafts over a dozen varieties of grape wines and is set in the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is a small village on the Blue Ridge Parkway with mountainous surroundings and stunning landscapes. Its rich natural scenery encourages outdoor immersion, with access to the Glen Burney Falls Trail. This outback hike features a 3.2-mile round trip dotted with stunning vistas, including a 50-foot cascade. Winter travelers congregate at the Appalachian Ski Mountain for exciting downslope adventures. The popular resort has a family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters, and tubers to enjoy its groomed slopes.
Elsewhere, history lovers and art enthusiasts can spend their time perusing curious artifacts at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. The remarkable facility provides a unique perspective of American and Appalachian culture using its diverse art and history exhibits.
Morganton
This tiny city in Burke County boasts a mix of picturesque rural landscapes, fun outdoor opportunities, and a lively downtown area. Outdoorsy travelers can find the perfect escape along the Catawba River Greenway, which stretches 3.8 miles along the Catawba River. The route is lined with picnic shelters, wooded sections, open spaces, and unprecedented vistas of the water. If you are curious about Morganton's past, remember to tour the History Museum of Burke County. It has multiple galleries with artifacts depicting the area's evolution over centuries.
Also, don't miss the chance to interact with the friendly townspeople at the Morganton Farmers Market. Held every Saturday, the market attracts dozens of vendors with their assorted farm produce and provides an ideal atmosphere to socialize while shopping around.
Waynesville
Waynesville's stunning outdoor scenery is framed by the rugged peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains. It has pleasant natural areas, such as the Winchester Creek Farm, which calls on extroverted vacationers to explore its 20-acre sanctuary and interact with its friendly farm animals. The site rears cute llamas, donkeys, and mini horses. If you are not exploring the open spaces, you can catch vintage plays at the Haywood Arts Regional Theater. This local cultural hub hosts exciting theatrical productions featuring amateur and professional performers.
Downtown Waynesville has several antique stores for souvenir collectors and hoarders. Notable among them is Sutton & Sons Antique Mall, which exhibits everything from old rifles, pottery, glassware, quilts, toys, furniture, and more.
Manteo
One of the oldest towns in North Carolina, Manteo is a secluded community on Roanoke Island that is full of history and culture. Naturally, the town has a couple of historical landmarks, including the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. This screw-pile lighthouse is a replica of the original structure from 1877 and features a small museum with relics about the town's maritime past. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy spending time on the tranquil grounds of the Elizabethan Gardens. It displays a magnificent collection of plant species with delightful walking paths for those seeking to explore.
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a must-see for tourists on Manteo. This ageless attraction delivers an unforgettable experience, featuring close-up encounters with rare marine species. Highlights include a 285,000-gallon shark enclosure.
Pittsboro
This quaint municipality in Chatham County is known for its captivating history, which dates back to the 1770s. According to the Chatham Historical Museum, Pittsboro hosted North Carolina's maiden parochial school for Black Americans. The venue exhibits an array of exhibits tracing the rich history of the town and its neighbors. Ardent adventurers can find much to indulge in at the Lower Haw River State Natural Area. This 1,000-acre nature area offers multiple footpaths and access to the rivers, supporting everything from hiking and camping to picnicking.
If you love big cats, you will relish a tour of the Carolina Tiger Rescue. This amazing wildcat sanctuary provided a home for rescued leopards, cougars, lions, tigers, and caracals, allowing for intimate encounters with the majestic beasts.
Highlands
This high-elevation village in the Nantahala National Forest is home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in small-town North Carolina. It is awash with stunning waterfalls, which lure tourists to the serene outdoors. A trek along the Secret Falls Trail brings you to a photogenic 50-foot waterfall amidst a green wilderness setting. Highlands is famous for its rich arts and culture scene. It hosts multiple theater venues, and guests can join townsfolk at the Mountain Theatre Company to enjoy professional plays, musicals, and concerts live on stage.
Meanwhile, the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts offers an alternative experience for art enthusiasts. It welcomes budding creatives to watch exhibitions, attend classes, and participate in workshops as a way to elevate the local arts heritage.
Whether looking to explore mountainous wilderness trails in Blowing Rock or delve into the state's formative years in Bath, these off-the-beaten-path towns in North Carolina have something for everyone visiting them. Together, they represent the heart and soul of the Tar Heel State and expose first-timers to its authentic side and raw character. Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Outer Banks, they promise remarkable memories in the United States as you explore their histories, cultures, and unmatched rural landscapes.
