9 Small Towns in North Carolina With Big Charm
From the picturesque coastal retreat of Kitty Hawk to the mesmerizing forests of Sylva that invite exploration along enchanting trails, North Carolina is a haven that attracts travelers from far and wide. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State, visitors to North Carolina are set for an eye-opening experience through quirky communities like New Bern decorated with bear statues, natural splendors in places such as Sylva and Lake Lure, and even calming secluded getaways when visiting towns like Manteo that make for an unforgettable escape. With a founding history dating back to the 1600s, North Carolina is one of America's earliest English colonies, boasting a legacy rooted in national aviation, architectural marvels, and agricultural traditions. Each of the nine small towns in North Carolina possesses big charm that radiates an undeniable allure.
Highlands
Highlands is a small community built around the mountain escape experience enhanced with hidden waterfalls, an upscale business scene, and outdoor adventures for all ages. Attractions in the town include The American Museum of Engraved Glass, the surrounding Nantahala National Forest, and heartwarming annual events to complement your small-town stays. These include the classical Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music concert and the springtime bear shadow event that brings out the town's musical talents and vendors. Wrap up your visit to Highlands by browsing its falls on a self-guided falls-finding itinerary to catch views of natural gems like Dry Falls, Secret Falls, and the easily accessible Bridal Veil Falls on Highway 64. Choose between luxurious and affordable overnight rentals when visiting Highlands, with options that range from classy Old Edwards Inn and Spa to the affordable far-out Wells Hotel Near Kelsey hiking trails.
Washington
The small city of Washington in Beaufort County ranks for its heartwarming community and is steeped in endless recreational potential found in the vibrant nature of Goose Creek State Park and Washington Park. The charming small-town experience in Washington is centered around watersport activities, annual community events, and the creative local efforts of businesses and community centers to beautify their town. Sitting on the waters near the walkable Moss Landing Marina is the North Carolina Estuarium, an interactive maritime center and one of the town’s main attractions. At the same time, Main St is another welcoming destination to learn about the small town named after ex-president George Washington. Catch a live performance at the Turnage Theatre when visiting Main St in Washington, and walk to find a vast array of American cuisine dining options. Locally renowned restaurants to try include Down On Mainstreet for some American grub and Pitt Street Brewing for a local pint on the docks of the Pamlico River.
New Bern
The charm of The First Capital of North Carolina stems from its historical significance, local annual events, and beautiful waterfront vistas and architectural masterpieces. Unique attractions that differentiate the town include its adorable bear statues, with over 60 that pay tribute to the town’s Swiss roots, and being named after Bern, the capital of Switzerland, where bears are abundant. Can’t-miss attractions in New Bern include the North Carolina History Center, Tryon Palace, and the birthplace of world-renowned soft drink, The Pepsi store. Lawson Creek Park, the 30-acre historic Battlefield Park, and Croatan National Forest are a few of the town’s naturally abundant destinations. Additionally, New Bern is surrounded by other charming small towns to visit along the way, like Swansboro, 40 mi away, Jacksonville, and the beach escape city of Atlantic Beach.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is one of the more popular tourist destinations, with a balance of small businesses, scenic mountain vistas, and a range of waterfalls along hike-able trails. The beauty and appeal of Blowing Rock can be attributed to its surrounding views of nearby ranges, while its lively community also plays a significant part in annual events. The famous Blowing Rock Music Festival, Blowing Rock Winterfest, and the classical music performance of Symphony By The Lake are a few of the live events to catch in town. Venture out to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway when visiting Blowing Rock and take a day to stroll its downtown area to get to know and support local shopowners downtown Blowing Rock, like Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen, The Best Cellar Restaurant, and Windwood Antiques. Top-rated lodging options for an upscale experience in town include the Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock and far out Gideon Ridge.
Sylva
Sylva makes the list of small towns with immense charm for being a nature-centric escape beautified by its natural surroundings, like The Great Smoky Mountains, which sit 45 miles away, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is an excellent overnight stay for those chasing scenic natural vistas of waterfalls and cliff views, as its central area allows for a relaxing small-town experience on Mill St, the town’s primary small business district. Spend a night at the Blue Ridge Inn near Jackson County and browse the stretch of local businesses with aesthetically pleasing old-school architecture, like the redbrick Sylva Herald publishing house. Hollywood-acclaimed Sylva was also the filming location of the Grammy-winning 2017 movie Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Take a hike through breathtaking views at West Fork Trail of Pinnacle Park, and interact with friendly locals and other travelers at one of the local taphouses like Innovation Brewing and the stone-decorated Lazy Hiker Pub.
Bath
Established in 1705, Bath is known as one of the founding communities of North Carolina, and much of its charm lies within its antiquity and historic attractions. History buffs and families flock to Bath to learn about the early history of North Carolina with an immersive experience amplified by exceptionally well-preserved architecture and waterfront views of Bath Creek. With only 245 residents, Bath is nicknamed the First Town In North Carolina and one of the best destinations for a weekend to live the old-school North Carolina lifestyle. Tour the historic homes of Bath featuring furniture and decor from the 18th century and travel back in time while visiting the Bonner House, Captain Coutanch’s house, and the oldest church in North Carolina, built in 1734. To explore more of the historic element in Bath, visit the town’s Historic District with tour maps provided at the Bath Visitor Center, and experience the city like a local with homely stays like Between Water & Main Bed and Breakfast and The Inn on Bath Creek.
Kitty Hawk
A small town in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, Kitty Hawk is charming for its secluded summer escape atmosphere and calming aquatic resorts. Kitty Hawk Fishing Pier, Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial stand out as the community's most popular attractions. At the same time, the nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a must-see for home to the the tallest dunes in North Carolina. Tour the whole 72 mi stretch of Bodie Island when visiting Kitty Hawk and stop to find an abundance of outdoor recreational activities near places like Bodie Island Lighthouse and Coquina Beach and explore other residential beach communities like Duck or cross the Washington Baum Bridge over to Manteo and make a visit to Kitty Hawk an Island town-hopping trip.
Lake Lure
Lake Lure is a small town with a big charm for its unique geographical location in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain area, sitting adjacent to Chimney Rock State Park. Beautiful landscapes and nature-centric experiences are a significant part of the getaway experience, emphasized by guided boat tours like Lake Lure Adventure Company, cinematic history, untouched natural recreational paths for biking, hiking, and more, like Buffalo Creek Park. Lake Lure is often frequented for its crystal clear waters and picturesque nature, like Morse Park, Garner Cove, and the likable Hickory Nut Falls. Visiting Lake Lure is also enhanced by welcoming nature-centric stays like Evening Shade River Lodge Motel and Cabins or Elysium Lodge on Broad River. Lake Lure's beauty also attracted film directors to shoot classic masterpieces in the area, including Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans. Despite the endless recreational potential, no visit to Lake Lure is complete without peeping at the stunning vistas from atop Chimney Rock State Park, offering a distant glimpse of the town's layout around its lake.
Manteo
Finally, the island town of Manteo is the largest community on Roanoke Island. It is state-renowned for being one of the best summer escape towns for its well-rounded blend of touristy amenities. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, The Mother Vine, and The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum are some of Manteo’s main attractions. Other factors that contribute to the town’s appeal include the Roanoke Island Festival Park, with its replica ship of the original Elizabeth II, which brought out early settlers of North Carolina, and Island Farm, which showcases the lifestyles of locals 150 years ago. Learn about the town’s historic missing colony and visit Manteo’s neighboring town of Wanchese, located 5.4 mi from Manteo, when touring the Roanoke island area.
In conclusion, the best small towns in North Carolina with big charm are a blend of history, culture, and natural appeal. Unlike the typical American town that attracts visitors for one specific facet, the small towns of North Carolina are a well-rounded immersive experience of all elements that make North Carolina one of the most diverse states in America. From the lively downtowns and community events of Washington and Blowing Rock to the tranquil mountain retreat of Highlands, pack some bags and head out to North Carolina to find your new favorite small town.
