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- Hendersonville: best small towns in North Carolina to visit. Hendersonville is nestled deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the perfect gateway to some of the state’s best nature.
- Saluda: cute towns in North Carolina. Saluda is tiny, home to only 600 people, and offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in some quiet mountain life.
- Hillsborough. North Carolina isn’t all mountains peaks and gushing rivers, the little town of Hillsborough is a perfect example of the state’s artsy side.
- Hot Springs. You probably won’t be surprised to learn what the main attraction of this little town is. The hot springs of the area are the only ones in the state and make the perfect destination for a bit of rest and recuperation.
- Saluda
- Ocracoke
- Saxapahaw
- Bryson City
- Blowing Rock
- Lexington
- Highlands
- Rodanthe
- Pinehurst Village
- Brevard
Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasn’t much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. The town’s proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks. ...
This small NC island is also the name of the southern-most town of the Outer Banks. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. A (free!) ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Once ashore, you’ll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocr...
Central North Carolina’s finest offerings come together in this small, humble town. The downtown feels different to wander through, thanks to the brick mill buildings that fuse with the natural area. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. However, its proxim...
Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolina’s most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls. If you are looking for easy a...
Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rockfor an upscale dining and vacation experience. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. Legendary fudge shops, pubs, andfine dining establishmentsprovide so many options; you’ll have to come back to t...
One of the best things to do in North Carolina is enjoy world-class BBQ. While the best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NCall use Lexington sauce. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state. North Carolina is one of the pork capitals of the count...
Highlands is a picturesque North Carolina town nestled amidst the southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. This small town boasts an impressive elevation of 4,118 feet above sea level, earning it the distinction of being one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River! Located on a plateau within the southern Appalachian Mou...
Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate, which is partly what makes the OBX beachesso ideal. Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. You can camp right ...
North Carolina’s middle section is full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and playing golf. A world-class golf course at nearby Pinehurst resort has defined the town as the golf capital of a state rich in opportunities for a tee time. Inside the clubhouse lies a museum that broadcasts more of the history of the area. The village ...
Albino squirrels dance along the open campus of Brevard College, which intermingles with the town center. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest, as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day. Some of thebest hiking in NCcan be found around Brevard. The area has attracted thousands of s...
Jan 3, 2018 · Learn more in this article. 4. Southport. Flickr/Toto. Recently named one of the happiest small towns in America, this coastal paradise is a photographer's dream. Check out this article to discover other fantastic reasons why you'll want to visit this utopia located along the Cape Fear River. 5. Beech Mountain.
Mar 4, 2024 · Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, relaxing beach getaways, or immersive cultural experiences, North Carolina has it all. The state’s small towns are particularly enchanting, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of the region.
- Ocracoke. The town of Ocracoke is located on Ocracoke Island. The most popular way to get to Ocracoke Island is via a drive-on ferry from Hatteras. The ferry ride is free and takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
- Hatteras. Hatteras is one of the best OBX towns for water sports! Windsurfing, kite surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding are all popular in Hatteras. If water sports aren’t your thing, you can still get out on the water on a fishing charter!
- Manteo. Another one of the prettiest small beach towns in the Outer Banks is Manteo! Home to the mysterious Lost Colony, Manteo is an adorable little town located on Roanoke Island.
- Rodanthe. Rodanthe is home to the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. For years it was a station for maritime rescue. It has since been decommissioned and turned into a museum you can visit!
Jan 8, 2024 · 8 Best Small Towns in North Carolina for Outdoor Enthusiasts. Shane Fraser January 8 2024 in Places. From the majestic mountains to the calm coastline, explore the best small towns in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts, like Sylva, Brevard, and Swansboro.
If you’re open to living in a small town, there’s one place that’s even warmer year round than Wilmington. It’s Southport, a town of 4,000 residents located 32 miles south of Wilmington. Southport (and nearby areas) is particularly warmer in the winter when it enjoys daytime temperatures of 60-63 °F compared to 57-60 °F in Wilmington.
