9 Most Memorable Small Towns in North Carolina
North Carolina is on the Atlantic coast, between Florida and New York. North Carolina is bounded to the north by Virginia, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and to the west is Tennessee.
North Carolina signed the US Constitution in November of 1789, becoming the 12th of the original 13 states to join the Union. The geography of NC can be divided into three distinct geographic regions: the Coastal Plain in the east, Piedmont in the center, and the Mountains in the west (specifically the Appalachian Mountains). The Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains can be found in North Carolina and are also a part of the majestic Appalachian Mountain range. Each distinct region has something unique to offer, not only in terms of geography and climate but the culture, points of interest, and incredible people.
Highlands
Being just over 4,000 feet above sea level, Highlands, North Carolina, serves as an escape for Georgia and Carolina's residents longing to escape the intense humidity and heat during the summers. The cooler temperatures combined with the incredible mountain scenery have a way of drawing in locals and vacationers alike. The waterfalls in Highlands are one central aspect of the natural beauty in the area, with stunning falls like the Dry Falls. These walk-behind falls are a beautiful place to relax; contrary to its name, they are roaring. The Callasaja River Gorge is another immaculate site worth visiting when you're in the area. The Dry Falls are just a few miles from town along US Highway 64, and the Cullasaja River Gorge is a little over 8 miles west of Highlands.
The Highlands Historical Society Museum is lovely in one of North Carolina's oldest libraries. It's an ideal place to learn about Highlands' history through photo exhibits, journals, and other artifacts. The museum is one of three buildings that make up Highlands Historic Village; Bug Hill Cottage and Prince House are the other two interesting buildings full of rich history and information. After a long day of outdoor recreation and exploration, head to The Secret Garden, The Ugly Dog Public House, or one of the other various restaurants for a delightful bite. When your belly is full, why not head to Main Street to browse the local shops? Main Street Gifts is a popular shop with all sorts of unique items worth gifting. Highlands is one of the cutest towns in the US.
Bryson City
Bryson City is most well-known for its mountain scenery. After all, it is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This means there is plenty of room for all sorts of outdoor adventures and recreation, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, tubing, horseback riding, and zip lining. Near the town center, there are several exceptional hiking opportunities, including the Deep Creek Area. The Deep Creek area offers waterfall trails, rapids, and stunning views of the majestic Smoky Mountains.
The Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum is an excellent place to learn about the area's rich history. The restored log cabin porch, the 1887 church organ, and the old schoolhouse desks are a few of the various items you can view. There is also a space designated for children's activities. Anyone passionate about fishing, especially fly fishing, might find the Fly Fishing Museum of The Southern Appalachians fascinating. The museum has interesting exhibits and videos, the evolution of rods, and much more.
Hop aboard a train and experience the Tuckasegee River Excursion. People love the ride and the hour and twenty-minute layover in Dillsboro before heading back to Bryson City. It's an adventure worth taking, and they often have seasonal or holiday events. For instance, this past winter holiday kicked off the Polar Express ride. If all your money is spent at the 50-plus shops in Dillsboro, you can head to some of Bryson City's local shops; many of them are on Everett St. You can find gift shops, boutiques, clothing stores, antique shops, and a chocolate shop (to name a few). When your belly starts growling, there are numerous restaurants to choose from, with everything from Italian Cuisine and pizza shops to old-fashioned homemade cooking, BBQ, Mexican, and more.
Folkstone Inn is a beautiful pastoral bed and breakfast serving a hearty breakfast. This Smoky Mountain bed and breakfast is an incredible 1920s farmhouse in a rural setting. Take a short walk down the road from the inn, and you can catch a fantastic view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that's not the only lodging accommodations; there are other B&Bs, inns, and hotels.
Blowing Rock
This beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway town is beyond memorable; if you are heading to the mountains, you might consider stopping here for a night or two. Blowing Rock gets its name from a unique geological formation, an ancient gneiss outcrop whose rocky bulk causes the wind to blow vertically instead of horizontally. This natural and unique effect makes objects appear as if they are floating skyward. This incredible formation and much more make Blowing Rock one of the coolest small towns in North Carolina.
The 1888 Museum is a historical hotel cottage, the last remaining part of the Watauga Hotel. If it is the Blue Ridge scenery you long for, consider visiting the Gilded Age Estate. This incredible estate was owned by the textile tycoon Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha. Explore the 3,600 acres comprised of highland fields and forest on horseback or foot. Aside from the Parkway Craft Center, there are 25 miles of carriage trails, perfect for a carriage ride. The Tweetsie Railroad is an excellent place for the entire family. Sugar Mountain is a great place to hit the slopes on skis or zip lining. Blowing Rock is a picturesque mountain town with incredible dining options, excellent shops, and charming bed and breakfasts.
Main Street is the place to be to explore the local shops. The Best Cellar, Bistro Rocca, and Six Pence Pub are a few of the delightful restaurants to choose from.
Edenton
Edenton is a picturesque town on Albemarle Sound. This small North Carolina town has many 18th and 19th century. Edenton is the state's second oldest town, steeped in rich history and culture. The Maritime Underground Railroad served as an escape for enslaved people before emancipation.
Hop aboard a trolley for a town tour and explore the beautiful historic homes open to the public. The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse is one of the few remaining screw-pile lighthouses in the US and is worth checking out. The Inner Banks Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast in the historic district, sitting on 2.75 acres of land, and it is only a short walk to the Edenton Bay waterfront. Visit "Edenton's Living Room" (The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center), an 18th-century Georgian mansion with incredible porches overlooking Edmonton Bay. Inside this historic mansion, you'll find a wealth of local history.
Broad Street is Edonton's main street, and that's where you will find a majority of local shops. You will find everything from coffee shops and boutiques to general stores, outdoor clothing shops, discount stores, and more. When hunger strikes, you have numerous dining options, with everything from fast food restaurants, BBQ joints, and pizza shops to authentic ethnic cuisines and pubs. Edenton is one of the most charming towns in North Carolina.
Washington
Washington, aka Little Washington, is a spectacular riverside destination with incredible coastal scenery. It is riddled with small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities. Washington is situated at the junction of the Pamlico and Tar Rivers. These rivers serve as the second-largest estuary along the east coast. Stroll along the Palmetto Boardwalk and explore the nature trails of Goose Creek State Park.
The historic waterfront is a sight to behold. There are five historic walking tours throughout this former port town. The Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum houses an incredible slice of history pie. Paranormal lovers might enjoy a tour of the Washington Haunted House property, a Victorian mansion dating back to the 1800s.
There are numerous shops throughout Washington worth stopping into. You will find an array of restaurants; several of them serve fresh fish and seafood and are located along the water. However, you can find everything from fast food and home-cooked meals to fine dining and authentic ethnic cuisine. The Little Inn at Washington is a beautiful bed and breakfast. Book your room early for your next weekend getaway.
Seagrove
Seagrove, North Carolina, is a rural paradise. Pottery lovers especially love this area, and it only makes sense, seeing as this charming small town is the heart of the state's pottery tradition. Seagrove is situated in the beautiful countryside and Uwharrie foothills. The area is home to dozens of studios and ceramic shops, many of which include working potters at the helm. The Uwharrie Crystalline is a prime example of such a shop whose pieces are fired with unique crystal-infused glazes. The result is one-of-a-kind wares.
The Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery is dedicated to preserving a 200-year-old pottery tradition. It is definitely worth taking a peek inside and checking it out. You can find a wealth of pottery shops to browse and buy wares, but there are numerous local shops, including a knit shop and gift shops. After a long day of exploration and shopping, head over to the Duck Smith House Bed and Breakfast and book your room; the wrap-around porch is a lovely spot to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Head to a local coffee shop or stop into the Seagrove Family Restaurant for charming hospitality and home-cooked meals. Seagrove is truly one of the most quaint small towns in the southern US.
Hillsborough
Hillsborough, North Carolina, is only a 20-minute drive from Chapel Hill and Durham. However, it feels like you're miles away from the college towns. Located near Eno River State Park and the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, you're bound to find an excellent assortment of outdoor adventure options. Hillsborough has its own Riverwalk, a serene paved greenway, which is part of North Carolina's 1,175-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
The historic buildings along the town's main street include a fantastic and lively food and drink scene, including Panciuto, a cozy trattoria. You will also find an outpost of the popular Weaver Street Market, a sustainable coop with a community at the forefront of everything. Bring the family over to Maple View Farm ice Cream for some delicious old-fashioned milkshakes and stunning rocking chair views of the Hilsborough's countryside.
The Orange County Historical Museum and the Burwell School Historic Sites are interesting places to explore, especially for history lovers. The historic Ice House is a unique point of interest, as is the Nash-Hooper House. Both locations are historic landmarks. Hillsborough has one of the best historic districts in North Carolina.
Manteo
One of the things that makes Manteo an ideal location is the town's proximity to the Outer Banks. Manteo is also the largest of the two communities on Roanoke Island, and this village is a gateway to Nags Head, Hatteras, and other destinations on the barrier island chain. This unforgettable small town in North Carolina has much to offer.
While most beach towns are merely a bit more than an endless strip of vacation rentals, Manteo is a storied location brimming with waterfront eateries, antique shops, and incredible bed and breakfasts. The White Doe Inn is a prime example of said bed and breakfasts, and it has been graced with the National Register of Historic Places distinction. Roanoke Island was the site of the strange and mysterious Lost Colony, an English settlement that seemingly vanished during the 1580s.
Island Farm is a living history site full of interesting information about life in the area during the 1850s. Roanoke Island Festival Park is where history comes to life; it's a must-visit location for the entire family. Pottery, clothing, books, art, and boutique shops are just a few places to find gifts and things. Head to one of the local restaurants for a bite to eat; you have numerous options to choose from. The Blue Water Grill and Raw Bar are popular places to grab some food.
Sylva
With less than 3,000 residents, Sylva is a 19th-century mountain town with laid-back vibes. Sylva tends to attract outdoor enthusiasts longing to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains and tube or raft along the Tuckasegee River. Between adventurous excursions, breweries, unique shops, and local spots, there is a quirky little place called Lulu's on Main that's a go-to for locals and tourists alike, and this has been the case for decades. Sylva is an off-the-beaten-path town in North Carolina worth exploring.
Speaking of quirky, the American Museum of the House Cat is an interesting place to visit. The Jackson County Courthouse is one of several historic buildings in the town's historic district.
North Carolina is full of southern hospitality, whether you are visiting a large or small town. Each one of these small towns has something grand to offer, and it's not likely that you'll return home without incredible memories. With waterfront towns, house cat museums, historic sites, and a wealth of history, there seems to be something unique and exciting around every bend. Speaking of bends, what about all the outdoor recreation and fun on the water?
