6 Most Charming River Towns in North Carolina
The natural beauty in North Carolina is already stunning enough, but when you add a riverside view to the equation, the landscape becomes surreal. The backroads of North Carolina are home to some of the most charming and enchanting towns in the US. Each of these towns makes for a great destination if you are looking to experience something off the beaten path.
Dillsboro
Dillsboro, a peaceful and quaint town in western North Carolina, has a small population of just 252 residents, yet some lifelong North Carolinians may not have heard of it. The town is situated along the Tuckasegee River and is best known as the starting point of the renowned Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. This scenic train ride takes passengers through the numerous mountains and hills in the area, ultimately concluding at the Bryson City Depot.
Tourism, particularly from visitors using the railway, plays a crucial role in supporting Dillsboro's local economy. Despite its modest size, the town offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and accommodations to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a small city located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, which is also adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. This unique location makes water activities plentiful and popular. Depending on the time of year, residents and visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and jet skis.
The downtown area has successfully preserved its historical buildings and maintains a trolley service that continues to operate today. Additionally, Wilmington is home to a branch campus of the University of North Carolina. This presence of students contributes to a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, especially for a town of its size.
New Bern
Nestled along the estuary of the Neuse River, New Bern is a charming small town that feels like it has been preserved since the turn of the century. Steamboat rides frequently stop in New Bern as they navigate the rivers and coast, adding to the town's allure. Visitors can explore a wide variety of unique shops that offer an impressive selection of specialty items.
New Bern is also known as the birthplace of the iconic soft drink Pepsi-Cola, which was first created in 1889. The original Pepsi-Cola store still stands today and offers an exciting experience for visitors. This historic location features numerous relics and artifacts from the company, all while maintaining the same vintage charm it had over a century ago.
Hot Springs
Nestled high in the Appalachian Mountains is the small town of Hot Springs, located along the scenic French Broad River. This town exemplifies a typical mountain community in North Carolina.
The area is rich in natural mineral springs, some found within resorts and others hidden in the wilderness. The French Broad River serves as a popular destination for rafting and various river activities, which adventurous visitors can enjoy with a guide or a group of friends.
Bath
The sleepy town of Bath was the first area settled by European colonists in what is now North Carolina. The early colonial buildings are still preserved and attract many visitors. The colonial village is often inhabited by actors and tour guides dressed in period-appropriate attire, including tricorne hats and powdered wigs instead of baseball caps and blue jeans.
First settled in the late 1600s, Bath remained an important town until the end of British rule in America. Today, it is still a small community with a population of just a few hundred people. Bath is located at the end of Bath Creek, which flows into the larger Pamlico River. The region surrounding the town is home to numerous streams and creeks, offering ample opportunities for exploration.ing ample opportunities for exploration.
Bryson City
Bryson City is a small yet significant town located on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. It is noticeably larger than its counterpart, Dillsboro, and offers much more than just a railway experience.
Many whitewater rafting adventures begin in Bryson City, thanks to the fast currents and rough waters of the Tuckasegee River, which make it an ideal location for the sport. These rafting expeditions provide excellent opportunities to explore and visit other towns downstream from Bryson City. If railroads and river rapids are not to your liking, there are plenty of guided excursions available that lead to several incredible waterfalls in the surrounding area.
Summary
The small river towns of North Carolina are something special; rustic, quaint, and well-preserved. Regardless of the time of year, rural North Carolina is a great place to visit. Taking this journey during the Holiday season might be the best time of the year to do so. Many of these towns host robust Christmas festivals that you will not be able to find in big cities.
