The Best North Carolina Travel Destinations For Retirees

North Carolina is a gem for retirees seeking a destination for a peaceful vacation. And when it comes to choosing the best North Carolina travel destinations for retirees, there's a lot to choose from. Natural beauty and cultural charm come together in many small towns scattered about the state. You can find serene lakes and beaches, as well as mountains that stretch as far as you can see. Retirees are particularly drawn to places where they can relax and enjoy a quiet vacation, while still having opportunities for great food and a sense of community. Here are some of the best destinations for retirees who want to explore some of the best-kept secrets in America — that won't be secrets for much longer.

Blowing Rock

In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies the charming town of Blowing Rock. Visitors go there in the spring and fall on vacation to enjoy the stunning views and watch the breathtaking change of colors in the foliage. Those same things are a draw for retirees to make Blowing Rock their next travel destination. Blowing Rock has a lot of natural and historical appeals that give residents plenty to do. Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy having a scenic spot for a picnic or the low-impact walking trails available at the Blowing Rock natural rock formation. If your taste is more for the arts, you will love the BRAHM, the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, where you can see creations from local artists and exhibits from across the globe. Retirees find appeal in slowing down with a visit to Blowing Rock.

Southern Pines

If you are looking for a picturesque town where you can enjoy mild weather and spend your days improving your golfing skills, Southern Pines may be for you. The world-class golf courses at the nearby Pinehurst Resort are a draw for lovers of the game and for those looking to spend time in a tranquil setting. Art lovers will enjoy the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. There you will find art exhibits from local legends and up-and-comers, as well as enjoy concerts and book readings. Food lovers will be in heaven in downtown Southern Pines where you can find a place to relax with a drink at Chapman’s Food and Spirits or a delicious meal at Southern Prime Steakhouse. Southern Pines is a relaxing slice of North Carolina to for retirees to visit.

Lake Lure

Surrounded by stunning views of mountains and the glistening lake, this tranquil piece of America is a breath of fresh air for many retirees. If you spent your career in the hustle and bustle of a city, Lake Lure is a great place to slow down and take it easy during your visit. Even though life is slower in Lake Lure, it is not without things to do. If you love the outdoors, you will find plenty of places to spend your time having a relaxing hike or seeing the gorgeous North Carolina scenery. The nearby Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure Flowering Bridge have astounding vistas and beautiful green spaces and landscapes that retirees will enjoy. When you want to do something indoors, you will find places to socialize and get coffee at The Hatchling Coffee House. You can also have a world-class meal at Lake House Restaurant Bar & Grill. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a peaceful vacation and stretch your budget, you will find serenity and affordability in Lake Lure.

Hendersonville

The Blue Ridge Mountains offer many scenic locations that draw retirees. Hendersonville is a peaceful community offering mild temperatures, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of cultural activities. History lovers will enjoy visiting the nearby home of famous writer Carl Sandburg, who won three Pulitzer Prizes and wrote many books and poems. Theatergoers will have access to the Flat Rock Playhouse, also not far away; there they can see live performances of classic plays and contemporary shows. Retirees also find appeal in Hendersonville because there are many places to find physical activities. The Pisgah National Forest is not far away and is a welcome sight for people who love hiking, watching wildlife, and spending time outdoors. What can be more peaceful than fishing on the banks of a tranquil lake as the sun sinks low in the sky? Hendersonville is an ideal destination for those who want to visit a peaceful small town without leaving the modern world behind.

New Bern

Would you like to spend time walking down historic streets in a peaceful community and watching sailboats fill the river on a gorgeous spring morning? That could be the way most of your days are spent when you visit New Bern, the first permanent capital of North Carolina. This historic town offers plenty of tranquil areas for retirees to enjoy downtown life, as well as green space to have a picnic or a peaceful walk along the waterfront. History lovers will enjoy Tryon Palace, a historically accurate reconstruction of the original 18th-century home that was destroyed by fire. Visitors also love having access to delicious restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops. If you like fine dining, you will love having dinner at The Chelsea or at Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant. Have a delicious meal made with local, fresh ingredients while you look out at the glistening waters of the river. New Bern is a top choice destination for retirees.

Asheboro

If you want a central area that gives you access to explore many parts of North Carolina, visiting Asheboro might be a good option. From there you can explore many of the mountain and waterfront communities throughout the state. Asheboro is a welcoming town filled with natural beauty and a slow pace of life that retirees find attractive. If you want to spend a lot of time outside, Uwharrie National Forest is a great place. Hiking along scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery, fishing on peaceful waters, and watching vibrant sunsets without large crowds of tourists are some of the activities you will find in Asheboro. When your daytime activities are done, there are still plenty of things to find in Asheboro’s downtown area. Have a casual meal and a drink at America’s Roadhouse, where you will find burgers, steaks, and chicken along with delicious cocktails. If you want something more formal, visit The Black Lantern Tea Room & Bakery to get a meal and some tasty desserts. Asheboro has a lot to offer, while being a central hub to visit many other places in North Carolina. And you can always take a fun trip to the North Carolina Zoo.

Bath

If you are a history buff and want to see a preserved historic village, you will love visiting Bath. This tiny community is ideal for retirees who want to escape crowded vacation spots and spend time in a historically significant area. While small and quiet, you will find plenty of ways to occupy yourself in Bath. Bath is historically significant as being one of the first places in North Carolina settled by the Europeans. Many buildings they erected are still intact or have been meticulously recreated, such as the 1790 Van Der Veer House. Bath is also known as having been one of the towns where the notorious pirate known as Blackbeard settled after gaining a royal pardon. His retirement did not last long, as he soon returned to piracy and was killed in 1718. Being small and quiet, Bath escapes the rush of tourists, making it ideal for retirees looking for a peaceful place to rest. There are a few restaurants downtown where you can find a delicious, quiet meal. Blackbeard’s Tavern is a great place to grab a bite and a drink while watching the sailboats on the water. Another option is Old Town Country Kitchen where you can get a homemade burger or many other comfort classics.

Brevard

Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Brevard, also known as the land of waterfalls. There are more than 250 waterfalls that surround the area in various parks and natural reserves. A favorite pastime of many retirees who visit is to see as many of the waterfalls as possible, such as the 125-foot High Falls in DuPont State Forest. Some are easy hikes, making it a great low-impact recreation. There are many other things to see when you visit Brevard. If you like music, you will want to attend a concert at Parker Concert Hall, where you can hear beautiful orchestral music performed by the students of the Brevard Music Center. Visit in the summer and you can enjoy their annual music festival and enjoy chamber music, opera, bluegrass, and jazz. Learn more about the county's history by visiting the Transylvania Heritage Museum. The exhibits there offer retirees a place to enrich themselves and see the culture of the early settlement and how it became what you see today. Brevard is full of small-town charm and a plethora of natural beauty. Retirees will find plenty to do in a relaxing atmosphere that offers nature and culture.

Conclusion

Retirees looking to embrace a peaceful community on their next trip will find North Carolina a perfect destination. Whether you prefer the beautiful mountains, the sunny coast, or relaxing by a lake with your line in the water, there are places that cater to everyone. When you want a place with a mild climate, welcoming towns, vibrant culture, and lots of delicious food, North Carolina is full of ideal places to visit.