7 of the Quirkiest Towns in North Carolina
When visiting North Carolina, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of popular resort destinations. Places like Beaufort and Blowing Rock tend to steal the spotlight, leaving the quirkiest towns as memorable experiences for those seeking a trip beyond the conventional. Whether for their stunning natural allure, historical significance, or vibrant community spirit, these small towns in North Carolina offer an immersive all-American experience built around each town's unique appeal. Towns like Bath emphasize state history, while Little Switzerland adds a European twist to the American cabin escape experience. Read along the list of the 7 quirkiest small towns in North Carolina, and plan your escape to communities with more to offer than just a busy main street.
Mount Airy
Opening the list of quirkiest towns in North Carolina is Mount Airy, a standout destination for being the filming location of the Andy Griffith Show. Film enthusiasts flock to Mount Airy to enjoy a lived experience of the legendary TV show, while vacationers seeking a memorable escape are attracted by the town’s well-preserved historic feel. The town’s Good Times Trolley Tour offers insights into Mount Airy's past, while quirky buildings like the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and Historic Earle Theatre, where visitors can still catch a live show, perfectly exemplify the town’s historical element. Antiques and collectibles play a significant role in the charming small-town ambiance of Mount Airy. Along N Main Street, establishments like the Mayberry Antique Mall attract collectors and enthusiasts to the town's sprawling 18,000 square feet filled with diverse antiques. Aside from the TV show’s dedicated displays, tours, and museums like the Mayberry Squad Car Tour, cool things to do include browsing the town’s artistic street murals.
Bath
Bath stands out as one of the quirkiest towns in North Carolina for its rich history as one of the very first settling colonies in the state. Located on the Pamlico River, it was prominent in historic trade and agriculture. From browsing historic homes to learning about the famous pirate Blackbeard and touring the historic district of Bath, visitors can enjoy a self-navigated tour. Despite its small size and population, Bath has no shortage of things to do. Complementing Bath’s exceptionally well-preserved architecture are charming homestays and welcoming locals like those at The Inn on Bath Creek, along with community events that bring tourists and locals together, such as Bathfest, showcasing the best of local musical talents and food vendors. Visit North Carolina’s oldest church, the first state port built in 1715, and catch scenic views of Bath Creek from Bonner’s Point on Front St.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs, named after its natural gifts of healing mineral springs, this small town is the place to be for a relaxing getaway amidst nature. Aside from boiling waters to kick back and relax, Hot Springs is home to a vast range of outdoor activities, from hiking popular trails like Max Patch trail, to whitewater rafting through Frech Broad River that loops around the small town. Located 35 mi from Asheville and 102 mi from Arkansas, Hot Springs is also considered a gateway town to the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee National Forest on Tennessee borders. Cruise to Hot Springs along Highway NC 209 on an eye-opening trip, and make your visit to Hot Springs a forest escape to remember when staying at locally acclaimed far-out secluded cabins. A few unique stays that Hot Spring’s appeal include the Laughing Heart Hostel located on the Appalachian Trail on the southern end of town and Mountin Valley Cabins On Mountin Valley Dr.
Duck
Duck stands out as one of the smallest towns on this list of the quirkiest small towns in the Tar Heel State. It is a small beach community with a suburban island lifestyle that sets it apart. Local events like the 14th Annual Duck Jazz Festival and the rotating Art Show on the Lost Colony Theater grounds enhance this unforgettable summer getaway town. Visiting Duck also means exploring other small towns on Barrier Island, such as Kitty Hawk and the 17-mile Nags Head, known for upscale dining spots with fresh sea-to-table cuisine, like Mike’s Fish Co. and Blue Moon Beach Grill. The Duck Town Park Boardwalk is the perfect spot to catch a sunset in Duck, while Duck’s Coffee and Books stands out as a quirky, countryside living-themed café and one of the oldest still-operating businesses. The shops on the main Boardwalk, disguised as residential homes stretching along the coastline, contribute to the town’s charm with over 27 small businesses including restaurants and boutiques.
Bryson City
Located in Swain County, Bryson City is the neighboring town to the Native American community of Cherokee and a gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains. From gem hunting to horseback riding and ziplining, Bryson City is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the best family-friendly escapes in North Carolina. Unique experiences that contribute to the town’s appeal include the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, nature-centric cabins, and hidden waterfalls like Tom Branch Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Juney Whank Falls. Stroll down central Everette Street for its many businesses and attractions, like La Dolce Vita Coffee and the train museum, and browse artistic murals and fish sculptures across town in your free time away from recreational activities. Iconic murals to look out for in Bryson City include the colorful hand-painted wooden quilt block series spread across town and the American Heritage Railways.
Little Switzerland
As its name suggests, Little Switzerland, with a community of just over a hundred people, is famed for its American take on European culture, introduced during the town’s settling era. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland is a crossover community with Swiss and German influences and is usually at its liveliest in the summer due to the influx of vacationers and travelers. The rustic, cozy atmosphere and surrounding mountainous vistas of the Appalachian Mountains add to the town's welcoming allure, making it one of the best relaxing forest escapes in the Tar Heel State. Lodging options include a range of historic wooden cabins amidst nature and welcoming homestays, reflecting its origins as a resort town established in 1910. Popular stays in town include the Switzerland Inn on High Ridge Street, Big Lynn Lodge, and Alpine Inn for an affordable overnight stay. Shop at the town's wooden-front General Store, built in 1927, browse the Trillium Gallery to appreciate creative local efforts, and grab a bite of local delicacies at The Swiss Shoppe when exploring Little Switzerland. Whether as a romantic getaway, family escape, or wilderness exploration adventure, Little Switzerland offers a perfect, nature-centric year-round escape.
Lexington
The small town of Lexington, North Carolina, is nicknamed the "Barbecue Capital of the World" for being home to some of the best Carolina-style smoked cuisine, complemented by exceptional local wines. The town's distinguished atmosphere includes unique agricultural-focused activities like strawberry picking and events such as the Davie County Agricultural Fair at the Lexington Kiwanis Club. Other quirky elements contributing to the town’s appeal include its historic, locally-owned small businesses like the popular Candy Factory Shop on Main Street and The Grimes Brothers Mill, which dates back to 1879. Located 23 miles from Winston-Salem, Lexington offers a perfect small-town escape, complete with breathtaking natural vistas in popular areas like the Yadkin River, the elevated Wake Aqua Park, and the expansive Boone’s Cave Park.
Ultimately, the quirkiest small towns in North Carolina redefine the small-town experience in the state, inviting travelers to an experience beyond the conventional weekend getaway. Whether drawn to explore the surrounding nature of Bryson City or the movie-themed village of Mount Airy, there is an engaging experience for all interests in North Carolina.
