6 Towns in North Carolina With Thriving Local Businesses

North Carolina is a beautiful state with a rich history. It is also home to several thriving small towns. Although lesser known, these small-town hidden gems overflow in community, culture, and commerce. When visiting, the best way to show appreciation for these small towns is to support the local economy. These small towns are made up of a plethora of exciting markets, vibrant cafes, and unique artisanal shops. From Brevard to Hillsborough, uncover seven towns in North Carolina with thriving local businesses worth visiting.

Brevard

Located in Transylvania County, Brevard is a small town called the “Land of Waterfalls”. Regarding food, a few popular spots are Blue Ridge Bakery, Vescovo, and Bracken Mountain Bakery. Blue Ridge specializes in homemade pastries, pies, and cakes made fresh every day. The Vescovo Neighborhood Eatery is an Italian restaurant with an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and Bracken Mountain Bakery is a popular local bakery. For some shopping, visitors should head to the Transylvania Farmers Market for fresh fruits, meats, and vegetables or to Local Color to shop for vibrant art creations by local artists.

Hendersonville

Also known as the “City of Four Seasons,” Hendersonville is a bustling small town with a strong economy in tourism, retail, and services. The Underground Baking Co., McFarlan Bake Shop, and Appalachian Coffee Company are a few of the area's best eateries. From delectable pastries to artisanal bread, sugary sweet treats, and a warm cup of joe, these cafes are a great place for visitors to fuel up before a day of exploration. The Borth River Farms in Hendersonville is a family-run farm that offers visitors the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries, tomatoes, and more while also offering unique experiences such as GellyBall, laser tag, and a riverside picnic.

Mount Airy

Mount Airy is a town in Surry County. It is a beautiful town with 10,566 welcoming residents. Mayberry on Main is a store frequented often by visitors for its unique array of gifts and souvenirs. A visit to Mount Airy is incomplete without heading to Bear Creek Candy Kitchen. The store specializes in handmade fudge and chocolate with fun flavors like blueberry cheesecake fudge, chocolate amaretto fudge, and banana pudding fudge. Avid readers should consider stopping at Pages Books and Coffee. It is a great place to hang out, enjoy a brew, and a good book.

Edenton

Often referred to as the South’s prettiest town, Edenton abounds in local businesses. Firstly, the Edenton Coffee House, located on Broad Street, is the best place for visitors to begin their day. The cafe is affordable and serves locally roasted coffee, homestyle lunch, and delectable baked goodies. Also located on Broad Street is the Governor’s Pub, which serves wings, pizza, burgers, and other traditional pub fare. Next up and on the shopping agenda is Chowan Arts Council, which sits adjacent to Edenton’s waterfront park. It is a gallery displaying local art and selling gift items for special occasions.

Blowing Rock

Located just off the Blue Ridge Pathway, Blowing Rock has many award-winning restaurants and an array of downtown shops. A few of the town’s most visited restaurants include Best Cellar and Bistro Roca. Best Cellar was established in 1975 and has served delicious food for the past 47 years. It is centrally located on Sunset Drive near shops, galleries, and boutiques. The restaurant prides itself on making its food fresh every day. Bistro Roca is an upscale New American bistro that opened in 2005 and serves wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and more. For shopping, visitors can check out The Mountain Thread Company, which specializes in handmade rope baskets and fabrics.

Franklin

Franklin is a small town nestled in the Nantahala National Forest. Known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” it was incorporated in 1855. Given its moniker, a visit to Ruby City Gems & Minerals is a must. It is North Carolina’s largest gem, mineral, and jewelry store. The store is open from Tuesday to Saturday and sells fossils, native items, cut stones, and more. Readers will enjoy a visit to A Novel Escape (located on Main Street), which houses a large collection of new and used books. For food, travelers can stop at Franklin Cafe, also located on Main Street, or Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub on Stewart Street.

Experience the Heart of North Carolina

Visiting these small towns and becoming patrons of their local establishments is more than just a simple transaction. It gives travelers an insight into the heart of these communities where the local culture blossoms and traditions are celebrated. These small towns are a testament to the genuine hospitality of North Carolina, the Tar Heel State. By visiting and supporting these local businesses, visitors can fully experience and appreciate their charm and culture. So, when planning your next vacation, consider these seven towns in North Carolina with thriving local businesses.