9 Timeless Towns In North Carolina

North Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies and boasts a settlement history that goes back almost 500 years. The Tar Heel State, therefore, is dotted with several quaint, old-timey, and charming small towns, some of which predate the establishment of the Union by several years. From Bath, North Carolina’s oldest town, to Beaufort, Spanish for “beautiful fort,” North Carolina boasts an interesting mix of the old and the new. If you want to go the way of nostalgia — complete with centuries-old, red-brick buildings — discover below nine timeless towns in North Carolina.

Bath

The “First Town” — as Bath is known, boasts a settlement history that goes back more than 300 years. As a first-time visitor, one will imagine he is in the 1700s, especially because Bath has several buildings and attractions that date back to that period. For example, you have the Palmer-Marsh House, a National Historic Landmark that predates the Declaration of Independence by about 25 years. One of the building’s most conspicuous features is its 17-foot wide double chimney. On Craven Street, you will see another timeless treasure: St. Thomas Episcopal Church. This church was built in 1734 and is the oldest surviving church building in the entire state. Like almost everything in the town, it is just a few yards from the water.

The evangelist George Whitfield, who used to travel with a casket to prove he was not afraid of death, reportedly cursed Bath for 100 years for its wicked ways. We don’t know if the curse worked, but Bath slowly lost its glory, especially after the capital was transferred 14 miles away to Washington. Of course, Bath is also associated with “Blackbeard,” arguably the most notorious pirate in history. So, why not crown your tour with some cold beer at Blackbeard Tavern, a Main Street establishment that also serves the most delicious shrimp for miles?

Manteo

Prep your taste buds for some of the freshest seafood in the world. Whether you choose Blue Water Grill, perhaps to also enjoy the nice view of the marina — or O'Neal's Sea Harvest — for some melt-in-the-mouth fried fish baskets, you will enjoy your stay at Manteo, surprisingly the site of England’s first colony in the New World. You will notice that the town is handsomely dotted with craftsman-style bungalows, some of which are ensconced inside white picket fences.

Stroll along the boardwalk to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, the only river lighthouse in Dare County. If in the warmer months, hop on a dolphin cruise, and mingle with some of the most playful and intelligent animals in the world. You never know; this may turn out to be among the best two hours of your life. That said, no one misses Elizabethan Gardens, a sensory space that features over 500 species of plants and a beautiful 16th-century-style gazebo.

Edenton

“Timeless” does not begin to describe Edenton, a relaxed former port town on Albemarle Sound. It looks like a page plucked from a fairytale novel — or a scene from a Hallmark movie. As North Carolina’s first colonial capital, Edenton’s history runs deep. For example, before Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Edenton served an honorable part in the Maritime Underground Railroad, providing safe passage to several slaves seeking freer environs. Even if you can find your way, it is often advisable to start your adventure at the Historic Edenton Visitor Center, especially to get a holistic layout of the town’s most captivating historical attractions.

Plus, the Visitor Center offers tours to several landmarks, including the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. Keep in mind that the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse is North Carolina’s oldest government building in continuous use. Then there is the Cupola House, believed to be the finest Jacobean house south of Connecticut. The Herringbone Edenton, which stands right beside the lighthouse in a quaint, historic building, is a wonderful waterfront restaurant with fantastic outdoor seating.

Mount Airy

Did you know that Mount Airy is associated with a delicious sandwich that you cannot find anywhere else in North Carolina? The best way to picture Ground Streak is to imagine it as a loose-meat cousin to the hamburger. Ironically, this sweetness has its roots in the heart-rending miseries of the Great Depression years. If you want to be initiated into this culinary habit, the place to go is the Dairy Center, a nice, little spot that has been cooking ground steak for about 70 years. Remember that Mount Airy is in the heart of the Yadkin Valley, a peaceful, captivating stretch known for beautiful scenery, award-winning wines (it is North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area), and the largest llama farm in the Southeast.

That said, many Americans associate Mount Airy with famous actor Andy Griffith — and several sites speak to this association — including the Andy Griffith Museum, home to the largest collection of Andy Griffith-related artifacts and memorabilia. The Mayberry Replica Courthouse and Jail, right on Main Street, is famous for having been featured in the Andy Griffith Show. Wind up your tour with a visit to the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, where you will learn about the largest open surface quarry in the world.

Hillsborough

There is a reason Hillsborough is called "The Small Town with a Big History." Start at the Visitor Center. Except if you were told — or read an on-site placard — you would not know that this home served as General Joseph E. Johnston’s headquarters during the surrender of the largest Confederate Armies to General Sherman, an event that marked the end of the Civil War. If you want to learn about how the Indigenous people along the Eno River once lived their lives, a mid-morning at the nearby Occaneechi Village Replica Site will do the trick. Alternatively, spend some time at the Burwell School Historic Site, which tells the story of one of North Carolina's earliest schools for girls. If you have some more minutes on your hands, visit Ayr Mount, widely regarded as the finest Federal-era house in North Carolina’s Piedmont region.

Salisbury

Striking the sweet spot between historic and modern, Salisbury is a vibrant college town about half an hour’s drive from Charlotte. Catawba College was founded in the 1850s, while Livingstone College, which produced the first African‑American neurosurgeon in the United States, was founded in 1879. If you want to start your trip with a bite, La Cava Restaurant is an interesting venue, especially because it was once a church. The Faith Reformed Church opened here in 1897, and its original stained glass windows are still among its most recognizable and nostalgic features.

Take a slow-paced trolley tour while enjoying the breeze — or curate a personalized itinerary that suits your interests. Attractions here include the Rowan Museum, which has the distinction of being North Carolina's only prison during the Civil War. Taking the cue, among all the national cemeteries in the country, Salisbury National Cemetery contains the largest number of unknown burials. Many of these were captured Union soldiers incarcerated at the nearby prison.

Beaufort

Do you know the best way to take in Beaufort’s famed beauty? Stroll along its spellbinding waterfront. Remember, there is a way to do it, especially with ice cream purchased from Beaufort Creamery. Alternatively, everyone raves about Beaufort Paddle, a well-established enterprise that offers Stand Up Paddle Board and kayak rentals. Timeless? The fact Beaufort is the second-oldest city in North Carolina speaks to this. Historic attractions here include the North Carolina Maritime Museum, whose extensive collections include artifacts from Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's ill-fated ship. That said, time stops at the Old Burying Ground, where some gravestones date back to the 1700s. The good thing about this peaceful space is that is scenic and nostalgic in almost equal measure. If you love old buildings, however, check out John C. Manson House, a Federal-style mansion built in 1825.

New Bern

From the name itself, you can easily guess that New Bern has an element of Swiss heritage. The 18th-century immigrants named their new settlement after Switzerland’s Bern, a work of art in its own right. The Harvey, which has served as a college and a Civil War Military barracks, is today one of only two e-Boutique luxury hotels in the state. In a sense, it has had the proverbial nine lives of a cat and boasts a rare 5-star rating on Google Reviews. At the historic Tryon Palace, you have about 250 years of history to explore. It is a meticulous reconstruction of the original 1770 Governors residence, the handiwork of architect John Hawks. To his credit, John Hawks was the first professionally trained architect in North Carolina and among the first in the American colonies. If you still want to swim in history, the North Carolina History Center, one of the “greenest” public buildings in the state, is loved for its rare artifacts and rotating exhibitions.

Cherokee

Cherokee and the area around it is famous for native elk herd viewing, hiking in the Great Smokies, and lots of fishing fun. You may not know this, but before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and European explorers, the Great Cherokee Nation was the largest of all southern tribes. The history of the Cherokee people is that of a proud and intelligent people with democratic values — as first-time visitors will enjoy learning at the one-of-a-kind Museum of the Cherokee People along Tsali Boulevard. If you want to play some poker or roulette, Harrah's Cherokee Casino provides an unmatched experience. The trick, however, is to start at the Cherokee Welcome Center, a clean, nice spot with all the information a first-timer may need. Just don’t miss the Oconaluftee Indian Village, especially to see what life was like in an 18th-century Cherokee Indian village.

The Takeaway

From its beautifully painted brick homes to its tree-lined streets, Charlotte is often a top contender for the most beautiful town in the United States. Charlotte is also historic — a timeless beauty settled way before the American Revolution. Yet, Charlotte is not the only timeless town in North Carolina. You have Edenton, the site of North Carolina’s oldest government building in continuous use. You also have Beaufort, whose spellbinding waterfront has attracted visitors for centuries. Whichever town you pick, expect a memorable and nostalgic experience.