These Small Towns in North Carolina Come Alive in Summer

While North Carolina can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in summer, and particularly on the plains along the Atlantic Coast, it is a nature lover’s playground that only a few other states can hold a candle to. From award-winning beaches with powder-soft sand, to heart-ravishing mountain scenery that looks straight out of a movie, to several charming small towns with rich, fascinating history, North Carolina deserves to be on a summer vacation bucket list. And while you may enjoy touring such cities as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, cute, little towns are often better access points. They are not crowded, not in a hurry, and not expensive. If you are ready to lace up for North Carolina, read on to discover 7 small towns in the 12th state to join the Union.

Beaufort

Called “America’s Favorite Town,” Beaufort is curled up on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, an 85-mile stretch whose beaches are known for their crystal clear waters—hence the name “Crystal Coast.” First-time visitors to this gem of a town will enjoy learning about the history, culture, and maritime heritage of the Beaufort area — at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Also, this museum houses many historical artifacts and exhibits including the wrecks of a ship sailed by Edward Teach, popularly known as Blackbeard— who is regarded as among the most ruthless pirates in maritime history. Also, Old Burying Ground in Beaufort's historic district—is home to centuries-old tombstones that reveal a lot about the town and its rich heritage. Then again, you can get on a boat and cross over to Rachel Carson Reserve where miles of beautiful, sandy trails will lure outdoor enthusiasts. If this is not enough, Hunting Island, one of North Carolina’s most-loved parks, is just about 35 minutes away.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock’s population might be tiny, just about 1,400, but its vacation promise is pretty decent. For starters, many consider this town, deservedly called "Crown of the Blue Ridge," as among North Carolina's most scenic mountain villages. Located only 8 miles south of Boone, on a frame of the heart-melting Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock’s natural setting is among its most admired aspects. Aside from Blowing Rock’s historic downtown and excellent culinary scene, the town provides other impressive opportunities for adventure. Between enjoying amusement rides at Tweetsie Railroad, a popular summer vacation pastime, a first-time visitor will enjoy taking a tour of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, an enormous country estate of Moses Cone. Known as the “Denim King,” Moses Cone and his brothers produced a third of denim fabric in the world during their lifetime.

Banner Elk

Banner Elk is another North Carolina charmer that welcomes many more to its bosom than its everyday number. And that is especially true of summer. Sandwiched between Sugar Mountain Resort to the south and Beech Mountain Resort to the north, Banner Elk does not completely sign off—even in winter. Sugar Mountain Resort, for instance, boasts the largest ski area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Yet when summer comes knocking, Banner Elk becomes a beehive. The historic Mill Pond, for instance, a delicious piece of blue-space charm, is a visitors’ favorite. Then again, summer sees many trooping to Mile High Swinging Bridge,  the highest suspension footbridge in the United States. This place features excellent hiking trails and boasts views many will love to treasure.

Mount Airy

Make no mistake. Mount Airy’s fame is not all hype. Home to about 10,400 residents, Mount Airy is curled up along the Ararat and Yadkin Rivers in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town’s very setting, therefore, is a priceless promissory note. While there are many things one can associate with Mount Airy, many people associate it with celebrated American actor Andy Griffith—and to Griffith’s then wildly famous television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Summer sees this town welcoming visitors keen to indulge in a Griffith-themed adventure that often features such attractions as Floyd’s City Barber Shop — where Griffith got his hair cut when he lived in the town. Other attractions include Andy's Homeplace, the actor’s boyhood home now available for nightly rentals and conveniently located within walking distance from downtown.

Bath

If you are looking for a small North Carolina town to lace up for, how about one whose 2023 population stands at only 243? Then again, how about a town whose official name evokes notions of showers, saunas, natural pools, and such? Welcome to Bath, a speck of a town that hugs the Pamlico River about 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Before we touch on its water offers, history buffs will love to set foot in a town celebrated as the oldest in North Carolina. Strolling through Bath’s historic downtown district is an evocative step back in time. For those who will want to be on the water, however, the Pamlico River is a sure bet. And for even more adventure—and more water—Goose Creek State Park, about 10 minutes away, will check almost every box.

Southport

You will find the cute, little town of Southport hidden on the northwest bank of the tidal Cape Fear River — where it plunges into the sea —  about 30 minutes south of Wilmington. The fact Southport served as the backdrop of such award-winning movies as the romantic drama film A Walk to Remember, makes it a destination worth checking out. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Southport has been featured in not less than 40 movies. While the Open King Mackerel Tournament, one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast lights up Southport in late September, summer vacationers often look for such attractions as the Southport Marina, a living capsule of the town’s maritime heritage. Besides, the appropriately-named “Marsh Walk” features a wide boardwalk, shaded views, and tranquil vistas. Never mind that it ends in the middle of nowhere.

Beech Mountain

Fans of small towns will want to swing their backpacks over their shoulders—and head to Beech Mountain—a town of just about 600 residents located near the North Carolina – Tennessee state line. Perched on the furrowed top of the curvacious Blue Ridge Mountains, Beech Mountain sits at an elevation of up to 5,506 feet. This makes it the highest town on the Eastern seaboard. Because of this, Beech Mountain is a much sought-after summer vacation destination. At such an elevation, Beech Mountain features cooler summers ideal for outdoor pursuits.  A ski resort sits right in the heart of Beech Mountain and is usually repurposed into a downhill mountain bike park in the summer. Then again, first-time visitors can tour the Land of Oz, a popular theme park which guests can visit three weekends in September for their Autumn at Oz events.

The Takeaway

North Carolina, many will agree, is among the most beautiful states in America. Its history is rich and fascinating. Its landscape is diverse and beautiful. Her people are also warm and welcoming. Yet many summer adventurers sometimes bypass the state—because of the coastal plain's oft-touted humid conditions. However, from Beaufort to Blowing Rock, Banner Elk to Bath, North Carolina boasts several small towns summer vacationers can not get enough of. Just fill your car tank and prove this fact for yourself.