The Best Small Towns in North Carolina to Chill Out In 2024

North Carolina is loaded with diverse landscapes and a variety of small towns within its borders that serve as gateways to its many must-visit destinations. From its forested mountains to the west to its idyllic Atlantic coastline to the east, this state is sure to satisfy anyone looking to get out of the city and experience the more laid-back rural areas dotted throughout. Let us take a look at the chillest towns you can find on the way, regardless of what corner of the Tar Heel State you are in.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and year-round outdoor activities. The town is named after The Blowing Rock, a cliff formation with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This natural landmark is a must-see for visitors and provides a perfect spot for landscape photography. Nearby, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a recommended route to drive giving access to some more breathtaking views in the surrounding area along the way.

Blowing Rock’s small but pleasant downtown area holds a number of useful amenities, like outfitters, restaurants, and hotels. The town also hosts a number of worthwhile events throughout the year, such as the Blowing Rock Winterfest and Art in the Park, which will be held again in 2024.

Beaufort

Beaufort, a coastal town in North Carolina’s Inner Banks region, can double as a historic adventure of learning and a relaxing stay by the water. Established in 1709, Beaufort is one of North Carolina’s oldest towns, and its historic district features beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century homes, many of which are still in use in one way or another.

Explore the town’s past further at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which even houses artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. For a more immersive experience, the nearby Rachel Carson Reserve will give you the opportunity to observe wild horses, spot coastal birds, and explore salt marshes by kayak or on foot.

Beaufort’s waterfront, with its boardwalk, marinas, and seafood restaurants, is a favorite for evening walks and dining with views of Taylor’s Creek.

Hendersonville

Hendersonville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a thriving arts scene to match the wonderful nature surrounding it. The heart of Hendersonville features a variety of galleries, with popular choices being Art on 7th and Art Mob Studios & Marketplace

The lively downtown also hosts events like the North Carolina Apple Festival, which celebrates the region’s apple-growing heritage with parades, live music, and plenty of local produce. Be sure to visit this 2024 for the area's best picks.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the surrounding hills. DuPont State Recreational Forest, located just a short drive from town, contains miles of hiking trails, many of which lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Furthermore, the nearby Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the former residence of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, provides additional hiking trails and a chance to learn about Sandburg’s life and work.

Edenton

The town of Edenton can be found along the Albemarle Sound in the northeastern part of the state and has a distinctly Southern feel. Founded in 1712, Edenton is often referred to as the "South’s Prettiest Small Town" due to its colonial architecture, pleasant weather, and rural setting.

The town’s historic district includes landmarks such as the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, one of the oldest in the nation, and the Cupola House, an example of early American architecture with beautifully maintained gardens. Be sure to explore more of the town’s history through guided walking tours or by visiting the Historic Edenton State Historic Site, which reflects on the colonial past of this region.

Looking to spend more time outside? Edenton’s waterfront park is perfect for easy walks, picnics, and even kayaking along the peaceful waters of the Albemarle Sound.

New Bern

New Bern sits where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet near the coast. As the state’s second-oldest town, founded in 1710, New Bern is home to a wealth of historical landmarks that ought to be seen. The most notable of these is Tryon Palace, the reconstructed colonial governor’s mansion, which provides tours of its elegant rooms and the rest of the property grounds. Nearby, the North Carolina History Center provides another interactive look at the history, both human and natural, of this beautiful area.

New Bern is also known as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, and visitors can stop by the original pharmacy where the drink was first created. Make sure to grab a cold one, as the weather can often get quite hot and humid in this part of the country.

Banner Elk

Banner Elk is in the High Country of North Carolina and is a small mountain town with all the vibes that come with that moniker. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk is a popular stop before some very notable natural landmarks, including the nearby Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town’s elevation provides cool mountain breezes in the summer and vibrant foliage in the fall, making it a year-round destination for sightseers in these parts.

The wild lands around Banner Elk offer easy access to hiking trails, fly fishing streams, and in the winter, skiing at the nearby Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts. The town itself has a variety of lodges, stores, outfitters, and restaurants to suit your stay.

The Woolly Worm Festival, which celebrates the coming of winter with quirky, family-friendly activities, is another way to have fun in the colder months here.

Bath

Bath is the oldest town in North Carolina. Founded in 1705 and located along the Pamlico River, Bath played a pivotal role in the state’s early history as a port and base of trade to the New World. The town’s historic sites, such as St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the oldest church building in the state, and the Palmer-Marsh House, a colonial-era residence that gives visitors a glimpse into 18th-century life in this part of the Atlantic coast. For those interested in local lore, Bath was allegedly once home to the infamous pirate Blackbeard, adding an element of intrigue to its historical narrative.

Bath’s waterfront setting is perfect for boating, fishing, and getting great views of the Pamlico River. The nearby Goose Creek State Park is full of additional outdoor activities, including trails for hiking and birdwatching.

Take a Break in North Carolina

From the historic streets of Bath to the mountain vistas of Banner Elk, these towns are sure to give you an ideal setting for some much-needed relaxation and adventure along the way. Whether you're exploring colonial history in Edenton, enjoying the arts in Hendersonville, or taking in the coastal beauty of Beaufort, each of the iconic towns on this list highlights the tranquility and allure that make North Carolina an exceptional place to unwind on the east coast,