9 Storybook Towns In North Carolina

Fairytales often evoke images of distant lands, but North Carolina residents know that magical escapes are closer than they seem. Picture horseback riding through the Smokies, chasing waterfalls in lush forests, or attending ice sculpting festivals. These charming experiences await in some of the state’s most enchanting small towns. Ready to step into your own storybook adventure? Discover these nine unforgettable destinations.

Sylva

Lying at the edge of the Smoky Mountains, Sylva is surrounded by natural wonders, including waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. Explore Smoky Mountain National Park on horseback with Smokemont Riding Stables, passing by native flora and fauna, wooded scenery, and mountain streams. Those who enjoy hiking can head out to Pinnacle Park, a 1,400-acre reserve with some of the region’s most challenging trails. Lake Glenville, with 26 miles of shoreline, is another great place to explore, home to three waterfalls and seven islands. Voted by Southern Living as their “Favorite Restaurant in the Region”, make sure to grab a bite at Lulu’s on Main, featuring an eclectic atmosphere and a fresh, diverse menu.

Hendersonville

Life slows down in Hendersonville, a walkable town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering plenty of hiking trails and parks nearby. Travelers can take a hike in Bell Park, a 69-acre park filled with forests, wildflowers, and waterfalls. The Blue Ridge Parkway is another popular gem, offering over 100 hiking trails and scenic overlooks. After a hike, unwind at one of Hendersonville's nearby wineries, such as Burntshirt Vineyards or Marked Tree Vineyard. For a fascinating historical tour, check out Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the country spanning 8,000 acres, available for tours upon reservation.

New Bern

Located along the Neuse River, the charming town of New Bern is most famous for being the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. Visitors can explore the Pepsi Store, which features a museum, gift shop, shop, and a soda fountain where they can enjoy a cold Pepsi. The nearby Neuse and Trent rivers offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. To surround yourself with nature, the Croatan National Forest provides peaceful trails and beautiful views of Catfish Lake. To end the day in a refined manner, enjoy dinner and drinks at Baxters 1892, a cocktail bar with a 1920s jazz club vibe.

Edenton

Edenton is a waterfront town located along Edenton Bay and Albermarle Sound. For a memorable experience out on the water, Harbor Town Cruises offers scenic tours aboard custom-built Hysucat boats. The newly established Hendrix Park & Cannon’s Ferry River Walk is a great way to appreciate Edenton’s waterways as well, perfect for an afternoon of paddling, fishing, and picnicking. For modern interpretations of Southern dishes and American cuisine, grab dinner one night at The Herringbone On The Waterfront, housed in a 19th-century ice house, tying Southern architecture, cuisine, and heritage together.

Banner Elk

Situated in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk offers a peaceful escape and diverse natural attractions. Visitors can relax in one of its cozy lodges, such as Lodges at Elkmont, enjoying evenings by the fireplace with a warm drink. Outdoor activities are abundant, from riding the thrilling Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and ziplining to unwinding on Wildcat Lake’s sandy shores. Despite its small size, Banner Elk boasts exceptional dining options. Artisanal, open seasonally, provides an upscale experience with a rustic, inviting atmosphere. For a hearty breakfast, Bella’s serves favorites like breakfast burritos, waffles, and biscuits and gravy, making it a must-visit spot to start the day.

Brevard

Sometimes referred to as "North Carolina's Land of Waterfalls", Brevard is home to over 250 waterfalls to explore. Some of the most iconic include Bridal Veil Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Hooker Falls. Pisgah National Forest, home to some of these falls, also attracts countless tourists each year, covering more than 500,000 acres with more than 400 miles of hiking trails. Those looking to fuel up before a hike have several quaint options to choose from, Bracken Mountain Bakery being a great option with European-style pastries and breads. After the hike, grab dinner at one of Brevard's restaurants on Main Street, such as Bohemian Restaurant, which offers a number of internationally-inspired dishes.

Blowing Rock

Although Blowing Rock is beautiful year-round, it truly becomes a winter wonderland in the colder months. Appalachian Ski Mountain, established in 1962, was North Carolina’s first ski destination in the high country. It welcomes skiers of all levels with skiing and snowboarding lessons, as well as features an ice skating rink for skaters. At the end of January, Blowing Rock puts on its annual WinterFest event, hosting ice sculpting, a festival of lights, a polar plunge, and an ice stroll, among other events. Year-round, visitors can enjoy shopping on Blowing Rock’s Main Street, some gems including Martin House Gallery, the Village Shoppes, and McCoy Minerals.

Saluda

Tucked in North Carolina’s mountains, Saluda is a historic town surrounded by stunning waterfalls. Pearson’s Falls is one of the town’s highlights, a botanical preserve with a short trail leading to a breathtaking 90-foot waterfall. Nearby, Dupont State Forest offers scenic hiking trails, including one to a towering 125-foot waterfall, plus opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking. To learn about Saluda’s past, start at the Saluda Visitor Center, which shares information with visitors and offers a slideshow that dives into the town’s heritage. Don’t miss Thompson’s Store, a vintage-style mercantile established in 1890 and still operating today!

Southport

Southport has been grabbing the attention of Hollywood for years, with famous movies and shows such as Stephen King’s Under the Dome, Nicolas Spark’s Safe Haven, and the more recent Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty all being filmed in town. The historic district is filled with museums and landmarks to see, such as the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Old Smithville Burying Ground, and Old Brunswick County Jail. For some memorable waterfront seafood, grab lunch at Fishy Fishy Cafe. Visitors can enjoy views of Cape View River at Waterfront Park, which offers picnic tables, a fishing pier, and walkways.

Final Thoughts

Feeling stuck in a rut? It might be time for a getaway. Whether you want to dive into the interesting history of Pepsi, explore a town that inspired Hollywood films, or soar through the Blue Ridge Mountains on a zipline, these nine towns promise unforgettable experiences. After all, your next adventure is closer than you think!