9 Gorgeous North Carolina Towns To Visit In 2023
Also known as the “Old North State,” North Carolina is a place full of beauty featuring natural surroundings, stunning ocean views, and plenty of fascinating American history to learn about. For travelers headed to this part of the country, a visit to North Carolina’s towns would be a highlight of any trip. Boasting historic landmarks, coastal vistas, and charming southern hospitality, a trip to any of these small towns will not disappoint. These gorgeous North Carolina towns are ideal locations for relaxation, aesthetically-pleasing views, and a host of activities.
Banner Elk
Located at the base of Beech Mountain, the picturesque town of Banner Elk was founded in the 1840s and today is home to a population of just over 1,000 inhabitants. For a variety of fun outdoor activities, tourists can enjoy time spent at Watauga Lake where hiking, sailing, fishing, and even white water rafting are on offer. Alternatively, for the alpine sports enthusiast, winter is the perfect time to visit Banner Elk as skiing and snowboarding at the Sugar Mountain Resort never disappoints! In addition, historic landmarks such as the Elk Hotel (1856) and the Chester and Lowe House (both listed on the National Register of Historic Places) offer tourists a chance to be taken back in time to Banner Elk's history and origin.
Boone
Established in the 1870s, the town of Boone serves as the seat of Watauga County where just over 19,000 residents call home. Named for the famous frontiersman, Daniel Boone, the town is beautifully situated within the Blue Ridge Mountains, meaning visitors will surely never find a shortage of natural splendor to enjoy! Spend time at a number of welcoming green spaces and parks including the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the ever-calming Watauga River. For a unique and special excursion for the entire family, do not forget to take a most scenic journey on the Tweetsie Heritage Railroad which connects to the nearby town of Blowing Rock.
Davidson
The town of Davidson can trace its history to the 1830s, and today remains a welcoming college town with a population of just over 15,000 residents. A short 30 minute drive from the city of Charlotte, Davidson is the home of the aptly neamed Davidson College (est. 1837). Featuring a quaint downtown area complete with an assortment of coffee shops, bookstores, and a vibrant community, this area is always brimming with students and young professionals. Those seeking some outdoorsy fare here, spend time at the nearby Lake Norman for some great opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and or simply sunbathing.
West Jefferson
Situated within the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the town of West Jefferson is indeed a scenic and charming community where guests can get a real sense of Americana. Home to a population of just over 1,000 residents, tourists can enjoy an host of great local restaurants, stores, and galleries in town or within its vicinity, including the Old Barn Winery and the Antiques on Main shop. Meanwhile, the whole family can enjoy time spent at the local cheese making factory or perhaps take a visit to the historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church which houses some beautiful European art. Also known as the “Church of the Frescoes,” artwork in the style of the great masters adorns the interior for an unexpected and moving experience for all.
Blowing Rock
The town of Blowing Rock is just a short eight miles from the aforementioned town of Boone and offers its residents and guests alike beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near the border with Tennessee, this welcoming place of just under 1,500 people greets all with a great variety of souvenir shops and local eateries that all give a genuine snapshot of small town USA. In addition visit the Blowing Rock land formation, a rocky outcropping that will surely make for some special and unique photo opportunities. And with the Tweetsie Heritage Railroad, a vintage ride to the town of Boone and the adjacent amusement park ensure everyone in the family will have something fun to remember long after day’s end.
Beaufort
The seat of Carteret County, the coastal town of Beaufort was founded back in 1713 making it North Carolina’s fourth oldest colonial settlement. Home to a population of just under 4,500 residents, the natural beauty and Southern charm of Beaufort make it an ideal place for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Spend time near the Newport River and the wonderful assortment of walking trails and waterfront restaurants, or even take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through the Beaufort Historic District. Meanwhile for the history enthusiast, an afternoon at the North Carolina Maritime Museum should not be missed. Here lies some truly fascinating exhibits spotlight the Civil War, 18th century piracy in the region, and some of the ocean’s fiercest predators!
McAdenville
Though it has a population of just under 900 residents, the town of McAdenville is truly big on community spirit. Indeed this Gaston County locale is affectionately known as “Christmas Town USA”, and it remains one of the most endearing places to visit during the Yuletide season. During this time the entire town is decorated with Christmas lights, which includes some 400 trees and over 200 wreaths hung up on light posts, businesses, and other buildings. Indeed the stunning lights of McAdenville make for quite the winter holiday for any passing motorist! And if in town outside of Christmastime, visitors can still enjoy plenty of other charming sights. This includes the Historic District and its assortment of Victorian style and other 19th century homes that bring guests back in time to America’s formative years.
Mount Airy
First settled in the 1750s, the town of Mount Airy is now the home of nearly 11,000 residents and lies very near the border with the State of Virginia. Visitors can expect to find plenty of charming natural ambience, historic intrigue, and fun for the whole family when in town and with its mild winters and hot summers there is never really a bad time to discover Mount Airy. Enjoy the sights and smells of the annual Autumn Leaves Festival, while a tour of the downtown includes numerous landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Renfro Mill (1893) and the William Carter House (1834) amongst many other 18th and 19th century edifices. Meanwhile for the TV lover, do not forget to explore the Andy Griffith Museum. The actor and television pioneer was born in Mount Airy, and the museum celebrates his life and career in an informative and immersive environment sure to provide fun education for all.
Dillsboro
Dillsboro is the home of only 213 permanent residents (according to 2020 census numbers), yet this picturesque and truly charming town should certainly not be overlooked by any passing traveller. Founded in the 1880s and located along the banks of the Tuckasegee River, this former rail town remains a place of splendid old time charm. Take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and enjoy beautiful vistas of the same named mountain range or enjoy an quiet afternoon along the waterfront. In addition visitors can enjoy a variety of historic landmarks including the Jarrett House hotel (1884), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With welcoming local eateries and smiling folks all around, Dillsboro makes for a very special day trip for anyone in Jackson County.
Conclusion
Looking for coastal views, fascinating American history, and special southern charm? Then the State of North Carolina may be just the place. Also known as the “Old North State”, North Carolina and its beautiful and friendly small towns offer great natural surroundings and intriguing stories of the past for vacation spots that will surely leave both the young and old appreciative. From the historic streets of Mount Airy to the scenic views of West Jefferson and beyond, these and other North Carolina towns continue to remind all that some of the best of Americana can indeed be found in the smaller communities with truly big time feel.
