Discover the charm and beauty of these North Carolina’s small towns to visit. You will find rich history nestled in the mountains, along the coast and in between.
North Carolina is home to some of the most picturesque small towns in the country. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway or a charming place to call home, these towns offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the mountains to the coast, here are some of the best and most quaint small towns to visit in North Carolina.
We lived in Charlotte when I was a small child until I was in the third grade. I still have family all over North Carolina. My earliest memories of visiting my grandparents were in Charlotte. In fact, my Papa worked at the airport and my Mom would take us there to watch the airplanes take off and land. After we moved to Georgia, my grandparents moved back to their hometown of Rockingham, N. C. which we loved to visit. My Mom grew up in Rockingham, a small mill town back then. If you travel Highway 74 between Charlotte and Wilmington, you’ll pass Rockingham on the way.
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Table of Contents
- 1.Banner Elk
- 2.Bath
- 3.Beaufort
- 4.Blowing Rock
- 5.Boone
- 6.Calabash
- 7.Davidson
- 8.Edenton
- 9.Highlands
- 10.Hillsborough
- 11.Mount Airy
- 12.New Bern
- 13.Swansboro
- Visit North Carolina Small Towns
- More Places To Visit in the Southeast
1.Banner Elk
Located near Boone in the gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains. Banner Elk is known as the ski capital of the south. Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, the south’s two largest ski resorts are located here.
Escape to the North Carolina mountains where Boone, Blowing Rock, and Grandfather Mountain are all just over a half-hour drive away from Banner Elk. Stay close by at one of the quaint 5-star Bed and Breakfast Inns or bed down at a fabulously decorated mountain lodge with all the amenities.
To Do
Drive over to Grandfather Mountain and spend the day and brave the Mile High Swinging Bridge if you dare. Of course there is skiing, tubing and all of the fun things you can do in the snow at a Resort. One the most fun things to do is ride the Alpine Coaster on the side of the mountain. If you enjoy a good roller coaster, this is a different kind of coaster experience. Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park is also nearby. There is no shortage of ways to have fun in Banner Elk and it’s surrounding areas.
Shopping and Eating
There is more to Banner Elk than skiing though. This High Country small town boasts some of the best restaurants in the Tarheel state. You will find everything from Bar-b-que and fried pickles in a downhome environment to fine dining with exotic menu options with white linen tablecloths and fancy wine menus. The Artisanal is a fine dining upscale farm to table restaurant with an impressive wine selection.
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to shop at local stores. There are plenty of places to shop with everything from boutiques and antiques to books and balms.
2.Bath
Bath is North Carolina’s oldest town having been settled in the 1690’s. It is the location of the state’s first church and first library. Bath’s proximity to the sea paired with the mazes of inlets and hidden coves along the North Carolina’s coast made this area a perfect hideout for pirates. Thus the famous pirate Blackbeard made Bath his home and the rest is history.
To Do
Bath is a great place to stop and see on your way to the Outer Banks. Enjoy a walking tour, visit the historic colonial homes and don’t miss the oldest church building in the state, St. Thomas Episcopal Church established in 1734. The walking tour can be done by car if needed. Be sure to read the historic plaques along the way.
Shopping and Eating
Grab some lunch at Blackbeard’s Tavern or Old Town Country Kitchen. Browse specialty shops and antique stores with unique finds.
3.Beaufort
Beaufort is a charming town established in 1709 with a rich history and stunning waterfront views on the Outer Banks.
To Do
Beaufort offers a small town getaway in a stunning seaside setting. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic district, which features beautiful homes and buildings dating back to the 1700s. I encourage you history buffs to take the Historic Building Tour which includes; Carteret County Jail c.1829, the Apothecary Shop and Doctor’s Office c.1857, and the Carteret County Courthouse of 1796. Another fun walking tour is the Old Burying Ground Tour with guides in period dress. You can find The Old Burying Ground in the book “199 Cemetery’s To See Before You Die”
The town also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing on nearby Shackleford Banks.
Don’t miss the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which is one of only three in the state. The museum is home to artifacts from the wreckage of Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Shopping and Eating
Pick your pleasure for dining along the boardwalk. You will find everything from fresh seafood to BBQ. There is no shortage of quaint specialty shops in historic Beaufort. If you happen to be visiting on the weekend, stop by the Farmer’s market downtown.
4.Blowing Rock
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the charming town of Blowing Rock is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Located in the NC High Country, about 10 miles south of Boone and 24 miles east of Banner Elk.
To Do
Visit the Blowing Rock attraction, an iconic geological formation that provides sensational views of the surrounding gorge and summit.
Visitors can hike the trails at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a historic mansion to explore.
There is also Tweetsie Railroad, the Spa at Chetoal Resort, Museums, Grandfather Mountain and don’t miss a drive on this stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Shopping and Eating
The walkable downtown also boasts lots of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
5.Boone
Nestled in North Carolina’s High Country among the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is named for Daniel Boone who is said to have visited often. It’s about a 20 minute drive between Blowing Rock and Boone and just over a half hour drive between Banner Elk and Boone. Folks like to visit this area in the summer to cool down as temps are more comfortable.
To Do
If you happen to visit in the summer, try to be see Horn in the West, an outdoor Revolutionary War drama, which portrays the story of early settlers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drama performance includes tales of how Daniel Boone helped to win the American Revolution at the Battle of Kings Mountain. You can also visit Grandfather Mountain or Tweetsie Railroad. Explore the Appalachian culture at the area museums and history center. Go canoeing and kayaking in the summer or skiing and snowboarding in the winter. There are many annual festivals throughout the year, especially during the peak tourist season in the summer.
Ride the Linn Cove Viaduct, a seven mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can explore the Visitor center on the south end of the Viaduct and hike the trails in that area.
Shopping and Eating
Visit Betty’s Biscuits in downtown Boone for breakfast or lunch. You will find a large variety of menu options in Boone for any meal of the day and the majority of locally owned restaurants have great reviews. Dessert places and coffee shops are there. If you love your favorite chain restaurant like Five Guys or Chik fil a, you will find those too. Bonus, there is a food truck scene going on in Boone too!
Shop until you drop in Boone at any of the many antique, thrift and specialty stores and boutiques. Don’t skip the Farmer’s Market. You won’t be disappointed. You will also find our favorite home stores like; TJ Maxx, Home Goods and Hobby Lobby. There is plenty of shopping to be done in Boone.
6.Calabash
Don’t miss Calabash N. C. if you can help it. We always visit Calabash when we vacation at Myrtle Beach. It’s only about a 20 minute drive. Originally a fishing village settled around 1733, Calabash is known for it’s many seafood restaurants. It is the birthplace of “calabash seafood’ and known as “The Seafood Capital of the World.” Part of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands with beaches, lighthouses, golf and seafood a short distance away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach S.C.
To Do
Golfers will be in their happy place at Calabash because there are 8 championship golf courses to choose from. The two local beaches are Sunset Beach and Holden Beach. You can talk a relaxing walk to Bird Island from Sunset Beach. Visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina and spend a day doing watersports. Go down to the Marina and rent a boat for the day. Take a dolphin cruise.
Shopping and Eating
One of my all time favorite places to shop on any vacation is Callahan’s of Calabash. They are a giant, 35,000 square foot shop loaded anything you can think of. The Christmas part is called St. Nick Nack’s and it is where I spend most of my time. My favorite thing is gazing at all of their decorated trees. We always buy an ornament for each of our daughter’s and ourselves when we go to Callahan’s.
The I-17 corridor between Myrtle Beach and Calabash is full of places to shop, anything you can think of. We enjoy stopping along the way at many of the antique and thrift shops. There are many boutiques with unique items as well. You can also drive a short distance down to the Tanger Outlet Mall at Myrtle Beach or any of the many, many places to shop at Myrtle.
See 13 Best Places To Shop At Myrtle Beach
When you visit the seafood capital of the world you can expect to find many seafood restaurants. I recommend The Boundary House right next door to Callahan’s. Their menu includes mush more than seafood. We love the decor and the food and service are top notch.
7.Davidson
Davidson, located just north of Charlotte, is a small town with a big personality. The town is home to Davidson College, a prestigious liberal arts college that brings a youthful energy to the community.
To Do
Visitors can explore the charming downtown area, which is filled with locally-owned shops and restaurants. The town also boasts a beautiful greenway, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
Shopping and Eating
Don’t miss the Davidson Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday morning, where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods from local vendors. Head down to restaurant row on Main St. for lunch or dinner. Shop the many quaint stores in the charming downtown area.
8.Edenton
Edenton is a charming town located on the Albemarle Sound in northeastern North Carolina. Founded in 1712, it is one of the oldest towns in the state and is known for its well-preserved historic colonial- and plantation-era architecture. Edenton was named one of America’s prettiest towns by Forbes Magazine.
To Do
Visitors can take a walking tour of the town’s historic district, which includes over 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other popular attractions in Edenton include the Cupola House, a restored 18th-century plantation home, and the Edenton Bay Maritime Museum, which showcases the town’s maritime history.
Shopping and Eating
Stroll three blocks of downtown shops and boutiques housed in historic buildings filled with charm and character. But don’t stop there, if you are in the market for more, there are popular chain stores available to suit your shopping needs all located within a short distance in this quaint small town.
Take your pick among the locally owned restaurants including coffee shops, breakfast, lunch or dinner hot spots. Some of your favorite chain restaurants are in Edenton as well.
9.Highlands
Highlands, located in the western part of the state, is a picturesque mountain town that offers stunning views and outdoor activities. Highlands is a great weekend get-away destination especially in the summer when the small population swells to over five times it’s normal size, so book your room early.
To Do
Visitors can hike to the top of Sunset Rock for a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains or take a dip in the refreshing waters of Dry Falls. The town also has a thriving arts scene, with galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. Don’t miss the Highlands Food and Wine Festival, held every fall, where you can sample delicious food and wine from the area’s top chefs and wineries.
Visit the Highlands Nature Center with free admission to view local Flora and Fauna, take a hike or explore the rich natural heritage of the southern Blue Ridge.
Shopping and Eating
How much do you enjoy browsing an upscale boutique? Take your pick, there are plenty in the post card perfect downtown of Highlands.
Dining options are plenteous from upscale to casual with menu choices including seafood, Italian, Asian-American cuisine and even good old fashioned burgers and pizza. A few minutes outside of town, you will find On the Verandah, a local favorite overlooking Lake Sequoyah for waterfront fine dining. For a casual breakfast or lunch, visit the Blue Bike Cafe on N. 4th Street.
10.Hillsborough
State Highway 70 or Interstate 40 will bring you to Hillsborough between Greensboro and Durham. Only about a 45 minute drive from Raleigh or Greensboro or one hour from Winston Salem makes it a great place for a day trip. Check out Hillsborough on Instagram.
To Do
History seekers can tour the Visitors Center, which served as Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s headquarters when he surrendered the largest of the Confederate armies to Gen. William T. Sherman, leading to the end of the Civil War. Guided tours of the historic district are a great way to explore the more than 100 homes, churches, school, and other structures from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Take the self guided Gardens and Cemeteries Tour. Stroll along the Riverwalk along the Eno River.
Shopping and Eating
Shopaholics will be in their own corner of Heaven with the tons of boutiques, shops and stores with wares including everything under the sun. Vintage, new, antique, you name it and you will find something you like in Hillsborough.
The hardest decision you make will be deciding where to eat. There are a plethora of locally owned restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I want to encourage you to try Big Bob’s City Grill, a hotspot with the locals, famous for their burger and fries.
11.Mount Airy
Are you a fan of the retro Television program Andy Griffith? If you said yes, you’ll want to make a trip to Mt. Airy. It’s Andy Griffith’s real hometown, where the actor was born and the inspiration for the TV show. Mt. Airy is only a few miles from the Virginia state line.
To Do
Visit Pilot Mountain State Park where you can camp in tents or RV, go rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing or paddling. Yes, it is called Pilot Mountain but in the TV show there is a nearby bigger city called Mt. Pilot.
Andy Griffith fans will enjoy visiting the Replica Courthouse, Floyd’s City Barber Shop and the Andy Griffith Museum. Snap some photos at one of the murals you will find downtown.
If you happen to visit the area in October, be sure to attend the Surry Sonker Trail. The Surry Sonker Festival is held the first Saturday in October. Sonker is a unique cobbler dessert and a local delicacy with it’s own festival.
Shopping and Eating
Renfro Sock Outlet Store is a must do, it is on Main St., right next door to Wyatt’s Trading Post. There are plenty of shops, boutiques and antique stores to browse too.
Old North State Winery where ambiance runs wild in a refurbished old hardware store building dating back to 1890 located on Main St. Not just a winery, make reservations to experience a fabulous chef inspired menu including comfort foods and unique menu options.
Have breakfast or lunch at Barney’s Cafe on Main St. Reviews are great with good service and good food at reasonable prices. You can even get a fried bologna sandwich at Barney’s. In the mood for BBQ? Go eat at Little Richard’s on Frederick Street. Choose any combination of meat and sides on the menu, sandwiches and even chicken tenders if you insist. Be sure to try their hush puppies and deep fried chips.
Do you love fried okra? Try Leon’s Burger Express downtown for more than burgers. There are more restaurants than I can name but trust me, you will find something you want to eat in Mt. Airy with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
12.New Bern
Named after the capital of Switzerland by the Swiss immigrants who founded the city. New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and the second oldest colony of North Carolina which means there is rich history to be explored. New Bern is located at the Neuse River near the Outer Banks.
To Do
The birthplace of Pepsi-cola. History center and museums, self guided or guided tours of historical points of interest in North Carolina’s second oldest colony.
History is brought to life at Tryon Place, the first original Governor’s mansion built in what was at that time the Colony of North Carolina. You can take an interactive tour of the palace as well as 16 acres of gardens. Visit the soda fountain and Pepsi gift shop in the location where Pepsi-Cola was invented.
Take a walk down at Union Point park where you can sit, relax and watch the water and boats or visit the sculptures and statues. Take your own bean bags and play cornhole on the permanent boards in the park.
Shopping and Eating
There is shopping galore in New Bern with everything you can think of. Quaint boutiques and shops with unique gifts, clothing stores, arts and crafts shops and much more. Make a stop in Mitchell Hardware downtown. They sell everything you didn’t know you needed. You can find great gifts and take a picture with the bear out front.
Try Baker’s Kitchen downtown for breakfast or brunch. The butter syrup is legendary and great on the chicken and waffles. Got a hankering for seafood? Visit Captain Ratty’s on Middle Street. You will also find; Vegetarian, Indian, Vegan, American and any type of food you crave in New Bern.
13.Swansboro
Spend a day exploring the picturesque colonial port of Swansboro with it’s first permanent settlement dating back to 1730. Bordered by both the Intercoastal Waterway and the White Oak River, water sports are a big activity for both visitors and residents. Land lovers will also be right at home with plenty to see and do.
To Do
Water sports include; kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, boat tours and more. Enjoy the great outdoors by visiting any of the many parks around Swansboro. You can picnic at a park if you like. There is even a nautically-themed playground that has picnic tables and a bathroom. Stroll the Historic Homes tour or the Historic Walking Tour through the downtown area. You can even take a Spirit of Swansboro Ghost Walk if you dare.
Shopping and Eating
Shopping on the waterfront in downtown means lots of quaint boutiques with unique items of interest, shops and even galleries to browse.
Dining does not disappoint in Swansboro. Have breakfast or lunch at Yana’s Ye Olde Drugstore Restaurant. The locals love this 50’s style diner with Elvis memorabilia everywhere. If you’re in the mood for seafood, try Riverside Steak and Seafood, another favorite with the locals. But don’t stop there, you can find anything from American to Mexican and even a good Pub if that’s your cup of tea.
Visit North Carolina Small Towns
As you can see, there are many great small towns in North Carolina to visit. From the mountains to the beaches and all parts in between. North Carolina soil has seen a lot of rich history from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. The coast brings more history where pirates roamed and fishing villages began. Through the years tourist attractions have grown out of historical sites.
You will find small North Carolina towns to stay and play like Banner Elk or New Bern and some that make a great day trip like Mt. Airy or Calabash.
If you travel into North Carolina from one of it’s bordering states, be sure to stop at the welcome center. They have a nice selection of free brochures giving you loads of tips and valuable information of the many places to visit. Some brochures come with discount coupons as well. Try to notice as you travel along the interstates in North Carolina they have often planted wildflowers in the median and they are beautiful to see on your journey.
