7 of the Friendliest Towns In North Carolina

North Carolina is well known for its diverse landscape, encompassing the highest mountains east of the Mississippi River, as well as a breathtaking coastal scene, and all the land in between. The state also houses a vast collection of state parks and nature preserves, making it an explorer's delight. Every town and city in the state shares its own unique charm, featuring well-decorated main streets, alongside a variety of museums, galleries, and events. 

The people of North Carolina are not to be forgotten -- with the all-encompassing scenery and plenty to see and do, the Tar Heel State also boasts some of the friendliest small towns, home to welcoming communities, exciting events, and inviting hotels, inns, and B&Bs. 

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is one of the best mountain towns for a summer vacation in North Carolina. The village sits just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the ideal stop on a fall road trip through North Carolina. Grandfather Mountain is one of the most popular attractions year-round, though it is especially breathtaking in the fall months as the colorful foliage emerges.

The town is an excellent location for hiking and camping trips with plenty of trails and campgrounds scattered throughout the area. For scenic water views, check out the local waterfalls, such as Linville Falls and Glen Alpine Falls. Alongside its outdoor attractions, Blowing Rock hosts a vibrant downtown scene, featuring local shops, eateries, and boutiques, perfect for an afternoon spent wandering and relaxing. Annual events include a horse show, July 4th celebration, and the Blue Ridge Craft Trail.

Bryson City

Bryson City is just west of the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a popular spot for tourists and explorers alike. It also offers the unique attraction of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which is a scenic ride through the tunnels, rivers, gorges, and valleys that make up the Great Smoky Mountains. Those in search of an exciting adventure enjoy white water rafting along the Nantahala River, while a more relaxing day is spent fly-fishing on Noland Creek, Forney Creek, or Deep Creek. A plethora of trails fill the area, ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. After exploring the great outdoors, find rejuvenation and relaxation in one of the welcoming day spas.

The town hosts a charming main street, with spots for refreshments like beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as farmer's markets, live music, and gorgeous murals and street art. Year-round festivals and special events include the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat, Memorial Day weekend festival, and Freedom Fest.

Hillsborough

Hillsborough is one of the most picturesque towns in North Carolina, located along the Eno River and boasting access to the Eno River State Park. Stroll along the riverside, enjoy a picnic in the park, or camp out overnight and stargaze, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the small town. Visitors can also hike along the Occoneechee Mountain or traverse along the Occoneechee Speedway Trail, which documents the 1948-68 NASCAR seasons.

Alongside its natural beauty, the small-town charm shows itself in historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Alexander Dickson House, as well as a lit-up downtown area featuring local antique shops and small businesses. There is also a rich nightlife, with plenty of bars and pubs lining the streets, ideal for listening to live music, grabbing a bite to eat, and indulging in a drink or two.

Mount Airy

One of the most popular towns in the Appalachians, Mount Airy sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is often considered the birthplace of bluegrass music. The town is well-known for being Andy Griffith's hometown, and therefore the "real life" town of Mayberry. Visit in time for the annual Mayberry Days Parade, immersing in the charming and vintage atmosphere of the area. For a day filled with refreshments, tour Mount Airy wineries, or hike the Pilot Mountain for an adventurous trip. The music scene at Earle Theater is worth writing home about, while the Mount Airy Antique Mall might house your next great vintage find. Popular events include the Historic Downtown Ghost Tours, Live Music at Round Peak Vineyards, and Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In.

Sylva

Sylva is one of the cutest towns in North Carolina, housing the postcard-worthy Jackson County Courthouse, which was built in 1914, and is now the town's public library. Cafes, boutiques, and breweries are just steps away from the charming courthouse, lining the town's main street with plenty to see and do. The town also sits midway between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, so plenty of outdoor adventure awaits, from hiking day trips to camping excursions.

Live music is available year-round in Sylva, but one of the most popular attractions is Concerts on the Creek, which starts Memorial Day weekend in Bridge Park downtown. The Greening Up the Mountain event also draws in visitors, celebrating the beginning of spring with street vendors, which offer treats, music, and handcrafted goods.

Manteo

Manteo is a quaint town ideal for a weekend getaway, situated on the state's tiny Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks. Nestled in the picturesque Shallowbag Bay, the coastal town boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, housing a marina perfect for boating trips, beachy waterfront areas that the whole family can enjoy, and the breathtaking replica Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Stroll along the charming residential streets, find solace in one of the welcoming B&Bs, and watch a sunset glimmering on the waterfront. The downtown area hosts plenty of dining spots, a brewery, and a rum distillery, as well as kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals. Find the Roanoke Island Festival Park just across the bay, which hosts summer concerts, a fossil pit, and the Outer Banks History Center.

Southport

Southport sits on the northwest bank of the Cape Fear River and comes alive in summer as vacationers flock to the area because of its seaside atmosphere and welcoming energy. The streets are chock full of friendly vendors, cute little boutiques, and locally owned shops. There are also a number of galleries and unique eateries scattered along the downtown core.

The small town is also a popular destination for movie lovers, having been the filming location for popular movies and TV shows such as A Walk to Remember, Safe Haven, and The Secret Life of Bees. It is no surprise that the water draws in visitors as well, with boating, fishing, swimming, and beach-going as popular activities in the area. Enjoy kayaking through the marshes, catch a game of golf, or, if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of sea turtles making their way to the ocean in the early morning.

Visit These Friendly North Carolina Towns

It is no secret that North Carolina deserves a spot on any bucket list, but these small towns stand out for their inviting communities and friendly atmospheres. Discover everything from cute little parks to vast state parks, as well as unique local shops and stops that are sure to make the memories extra special. From the autumn trees of Blowing Rock to the riverfront of Southport, there is something worth exploring no matter where you travel.