9 Towns in North Carolina With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

North Carolina is a Southeastern State known for its diverse landscape, including the snowy Blueridge Mountains, coastal Outer Banks, and urban Research Triangle. This makes it a perfect state for thriving villages with bustling downtowns, which are ideal for raising families or soaking up country color. Many of these hamlets enjoy historical landmarks, adorable restaurants, and original shops. Whether you're looking for a new home or a weekend getaway, these are some you've got to check out.

Davidson

Home to Davidson College, founded in 1837, Davidson is located on the banks of bucolic Lake Norman and less than a half-hour drive from Charlotte. The area is known for its scenic shop-able neighborhoods; Davidson is the quintessential example. Its downtown strip is sometimes called "Restaurant Row" and includes famous eateries such as Kindred, with its stylish takes on American cuisine, and the Famous Toastery, with its fluffy eggs and flapjacks. If you bring your kiddos along, they will love fun spots like Escape 109 and Whit's Frozen Custard.

Outdoorsy folks will enjoy days on Lake Norman, which offers boating, fishing, hiking, and many annual festivals. Also popular is nearby Rural Hill, a farm with over 250 years of Scottish heritage that was the home of the Davidson family for three generations. The Loch Norman Highland Games and North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival take place there every year. If you're looking for a little bit of history, a taste of local cuisine, and plenty of enthusiasm, you've got to check out the Davidson area.

Mount Airy

Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show is more than just fictional perfection; it's based on Andy Griffith's hometown of Mt. Airy, North Carolina! Fans of the 60s TV hit can visit the Andy Griffith Museum, take a ride in a Mayberry Squad car, or enjoy a show at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. The downtown area also offers shoppers some unique experiences. For example, check out Crisanthemum Ceramics, which offers classes and quirky gifts like Pen Friends. Lovers of classic movies, old-school radio, and bluegrass music will flip for the entertainment at the Earle Theatre and the Old Time Music Heritage Hall. With a population of just over 10,000, Mt. Airy is less than a 40-minute drive from Winston-Salem's urban center and just over a 90-minute drive from Charlotte. If you visit the region, it's a wonderful way to soak up the small-town flavor.

Hillsborough

Hillsborough is an artsy town located along the Eno River and less than a 20-minute drive from both Durham and Chapel Hill. A stroll downtown will bring you to popular shops like Carlisle & Linny Vintage Jewelry, where you can buy vintage jewelry, bags, hats, and even estate jewelry. If you're hungry, stop by the Hillsborough Bakeshop & Pasta Co, where you can enjoy everything from morning buns to tea cakes to spaghetti dinners. Those who love outdoor activities won't want to miss nearby Blackwood Farm Park, which offers four miles of hiking trails, a historic farmhouse, fishing, and picnicking. Moreover, Occoneechee Speedway Trail offers a walking trail exploring the history of NASCAR. Each year, seasonal events like the Handmade Parade and the Holiday Tree Lighting highlight the woodsy downtown spirit that so many love about the area.

Belmont

Located only fourteen miles from Charlotte, Belmont offers a small-town feel while you're enjoying big-city life. Confectionaries like The Cotton Candy Factory and Cinnaholic will satisfy your sweet teeth while you walk along. Restaurants like Drift on Lake Wylie and Old Stone Steakhouse will fill your belly. Finally, reliable accommodations like Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn mean you'll feel right at home when you visit. If you love the outdoors, boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and picnicking are all part of the fun at Lake Wylie. Late spring and early fall offer perfect weather that will make you wonder if you're ready for a move to North Carolina.

Southport

Situated at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of Cape Fear River, Southport has a population of less than 5,000 residents. It remains, however, known throughout the state as a charming place to live and visit. Thanks to its glorious views, scenes from movies like "A Walk To Remember" and "The Secret Life of Bees" were filmed in Southport. Fans of craft beer will want to check out the Southport Tap and Cellar, where you'll enjoy fine IPAs and seltzers, a knowledgeable staff, and social games like cornhole and shuffleboard. And waterfront restaurants like the Fishy Fishy Cafe will keep everyone in your family happy with its fun southern-kissed seafood dishes.

History buffs will appreciate sites like The Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. Golf, beaches, and preserves name Southport a great place for those who love the outdoors. If you're looking for somewhere to stay, know that the beachside escape is no stranger to visitors. Modern B&Bs like LaPolena and household names like The Hampton Inn mean you'll feel right at home.

Washington

Along the peaceful banks of the Pamlico River sits the little hamlet of Washington, with a population of less than 10,000 people. Visit the Palmico/Tar River estuary, the second-largest in the country. You can take a pontoon ride, tour the exhibits, or saunter along the boardwalk. The downtown area includes many riverside restaurants, including Grub Brothers Eatery & Little Jug, where you'll find creative mess meals like POSSUM IN THE TRASH. You can also check out the Southern Grace Boutique, which has romantic clothing, shoes, and accessories. If you like to bike, fish, or boat, you can't go wrong with the beautiful Inner Banks town of Washington. Several B&Bs with peaceful Southern porches are available if you're in town for the weekend.

Duck

If you love the Outer Banks, you won't be able to get enough of Duck, a former duck-hunting town now known for its beaches, boardwalk, and activities. Shopping downtown means you'll find plenty of local shops, including the flagship Duck Donuts, which makes warm, delicious doughnuts to order. Art lovers can visit the Sea Dragon Gallery, which offers photography, painting, and crafts.

Biking, off-road driving, kite-flying, fishing, and boating are all popular athletic activities with visitors and guests. An ample number of houses and condo rental areas are available for those from out of town, but you can also stay at traditional B&Bs or hotels. For example, you could book a room at the Sanderling Resort and enjoy panoramic views of the Currituck Sound while eating dinner. The village also offers a variety of spas and yoga studios for those who love to feel fit. Visit Aqua Spa and get a manicure while sipping a mocktail and taking in a gorgeous sunset, or enjoy a restorative yoga class at Village Yoga. If you can't get enough of serene beach weather, adorable shops, and waterfront activities, Duck is the ideal place to visit during warmer months.

Franklin

Located just over an hour from Asheville, Franklin offers a small-town feel in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The bucolic wooded areas in the region are popular for hiking, camping, and fishing. Explore the Women's History Trail, which celebrates the contributions of Macon County women. Or stroll along the Little Tennesee River Greenway, where you'll find a coffee shop and gifts. If you love local cuisine, visit 828 Cafe, where you'll find North Carolina-friendly versions of French Toast, BLTs, and acai bowls. Franklin's nature-canopied setting makes it the ideal location for annual outdoor festivals, which you've got to check out if you're in town. These include The Independence Day Parade & Celebration, Pickin' On the Square, and Pumpkinfest.

Matthews

Less than a half-hour drive from Charlotte is the historic downtown of Matthews, where you'll find historic shops, delightful restaurants, and an active nightlife. Explore Renfrow Hardware, a 120-year-old establishment with a Lodge Cast Iron, local honey, and fresh produce. There's also a greenhouse, poultry supplies, and baby chicks! Check out old artifacts and historical information at the Matthews Heritage Museum, or taste the fresh wares from local purveyors at the Community Farmers Market. You can also enjoy local clothes and jewelry at Painted Tree Boutique and stay for the evening to catch a show at the Matthews Playhouse. The thriving neighborhood scene makes Matthews the perfect side trip if you're visiting Charlotte and looking for some small-town flavor.

Visiting North Carolina doesn't mean you've got to get trapped in a touristy city. The Tar Heel State is the home of breezy beaches, colorful mountain ranges, and peaceful rivers, all of which make wonderful backdrops for quaint small towns. If you love to shop, fish, or saunter down Main Street, you've got to check out one of North Carolina's adorable downtown neighborhoods. You'll be in a friendly mood in no time!