8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in North Carolina
North Carolina is widely regarded as a hospitable, scenic state that maintains both Southern charm and Appalachian Mountain vistas. As one of the original 13 colonies, North Carolina was the 12th to ratify the Constitution and enter the Union on November 21, 1789. Its motto is "First in Flight' due to it being the site where Orville and Wilbur Wright first flew a plane in 1903. Today, the state has many small towns to visit where you will see the Great Smoky Mountains, rock art, gorges, the birthplace of Pepsi, and the inspiration for The Andy Griffith Show. Here are 8 whimsical North Carolina towns to explore.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy was the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in the show The Andy Griffith Show. This makes sense as the actor himself was born in the town. Fans of the show will love exploring this quaint town and seeing the many sites related to Andy Griffin, such as his birthplace home, the Andry Griffith Museum, and the Andy Griffith Playhouse, where he performed on stage. Fans can also go for a ride in a Mayberry Squad Car Tour or visit the Mayberry Replica Courthouse. Beyond these activities, visitors to Mount Airy can also hit the trails and see many picturesque places, such as Stone Mountain State Park, which has 16 miles of trails. Campers and hikers alike will appreciate the 3,703-acre Pilot Mountain State Park. Don't forget to check out the quaint antique shops in Mount Airy, such as Elkin Antique and Collectibles and Beary Country.
New Bern
Settled in 1710 by immigrants from Switzerland, they named it after the capital of Switzerland. New Bern is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. It has a reputation for being a beautiful place, and it earned the nickname "the Athens of the South." It's easy to see why, with its many historic buildings to explore going back to the 1700s. You can see an example of Georgian-style mansions at the Tryon Palace Governor's Mansion, first completed in 1770. New Bern also saw a major Civil War battle in 1862, which you can visit at the Civil War Battlefield Park, located just outside of the city. New Bern was also the birthplace of Pepsi, where Caleb Davis Bradham first created the drink in the 1890s. You can visit its origins at the Birthplace of Pepsi Store. Lastly, if you'd like to get a hike in, visit the Croatan National Forest, nestled on the Atlantic coast.
Beech Mountain
Sitting an elevation of 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area enjoys beautiful weather and equally picturesque hiking trails. Most visitors go to the Emerald Outback, which has around seven miles of trails around the mountain itself. There are several other trails in town, such as Upper Pond Creek, Wild Iris, Lower Pond Creek, and more, for hikers of all different skill levels. Beech Mountain has many spots for fishing as well, with Lake Coffey offering brown, rainbow, and brook trout. For indoor activities, try out the Beech Mountain History Museum or enjoy North Carolina hospitality at Fred's General Mercantile, which offers food, snacks, tools, souvenirs, and more.
Bryson City
Located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a top-tier destination for hikers, bikers, and general outdoor enthusiasts. The town is located in both the park itself and the Nantahala National Forest, which both have scenic trails to explore. These trails include the Graveyard Field Hike up to a waterfall, the Bartram Trail, which winds around Western North Carolina, the Nantahala River Gorge, and, of course, the Appalachian Trail itself, a 2,189-mile path that runs through the entire mountain range. Beyond the great outdoors, Bryson City has a vibrant arts and crafts community, which you can see on downtown murals or at stores and workshops such as Pincua Pottery, Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, and Swain Arts Center.
Edenton
Edenton was the first colonial capital that was established in the late 1600s and incorporated in 1722. There is a lot of history packed into this town. In fact, in Edenton you can see one of the oldest buildings from colonial times, the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, a spot that is still in use by the North Carolina Supreme Court twice a year. There are several other historic sites in town, such as the Penelope Barker House, an 18th-century Georgian-style mansion, the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, and the 1736 Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. The area has a gentle charm, which you can experience by going hiking or fishing at Hendrix Park & Cannon's Ferry River Walk on the Chowan River. Downtown Edenton has several locally owned boutiques, such as 26 Windows Gallery, Barker House Gift Shop, and Broad Street Bazaar.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is a town with a rich history, established in 1889. Visitors can take in many breathtaking and romantic views in Blowing Rock, such as at the Glen Burney Trail, which will take you by the Cascades, Glen Burney, and Glen Marie waterfalls. At the Moses Cone Memorial Park, you can hike up to Flat Top Mountain, go fishing at the Bass and Trout Lakes or see the historic mansion called The Cone Manor. Before you leave town, make sure you try out some local produce and wine from Apple Hill Farm or Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.
Banner Elk
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk prides itself as being a place to "escape, unwind and indulge." There are many opportunities to do all three of those things in Banner Elk, such as at Grandfather Mountain. At this attraction, you can walk across the mile-high swinging bridge, visit the Nature Museum, or explore hiking trails. You can escape at the beach of Wildcat Lake, a 13-acre lake with a white sand beach, canoe rentals, and more. For a more thrilling adventure, try out North Carolina's only mountain roller coaster, the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster. If you visit in the winter, Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort are both nearby, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Lastly, make sure to try out the town's rich culinary scene at Bayou Banner Elk, Cam Ranh Bay, and other restaurants.
Sylva
This whimsical city was named one of the Top 10 Cleanest Cities in the U.S. for its well-maintained streets and natural landscape, which includes more than 50 species of trees on its Tree Walk. Sylva is the county seat of Jackson County and owns the majestic Pinnacle Park. This park offers gorgeous views of streams, waterfalls, and more as you ascend up for 3.4 miles. Sylva is also close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a great hub for your larger trip through the region. You don't have to go far out of town for fishing opportunities, as Scotts Creek runs right through downtown and provides trout. Beer drinkers will have a great time in Sylva, as it features more than 120 craft beers and ales at Innovation Brewing, Nantahala Brewing, Lazy Hiker Taproom, and Balsam Falls Brewing.
North Carolina may not be the most well-known of the original 13 colonies, but it makes up for it with picturesque landscapes and a rich cultural tradition that you can see in any of these small towns. Due to its location within the mountains, you'll get to visit many mountain towns, which have quaint antique stores, majestic hikes, and more. You'll also get a chance to see some of the oldest buildings in America, such as Edenton, New Bern, and other places. Consider visiting these whimsical towns the next time you're traveling in North Carolina.
