10 Quirkiest North Carolina Towns To Visit In 2025
In 2024, tourists spent $36.7 billion in North Carolina, a record-breaking increase of more than 3% from the previous year. Clearly, the state has become a favorite destination. But if you are looking to explore a quirkier side of North Carolina, visiting places off the beaten path, the following towns should be on your radar. Each of these towns may be small, but they are bursting with eccentricity, featuring barbecue festivals, Andy Griffith Show landmarks, and a historic Smoky Mountain railroad. If you want to experience the Tar Heel State in a whole new way, these towns should be the first on your list!
Lexington
As the self-proclaimed “Barbecue Capital of the World,” Lexington has been serving barbecue for over a century. Each year, the town exhibits its legendary barbecue skills during the Lexington Barbecue Festival, which has been taking place since 1984, featuring lots of smoked meats, live music, family-friendly fun, and more. During the rest of the year, travelers can enjoy barbecue at the Barbecue Center, the oldest barbecue establishment in town that continues to cook on pits. While exploring the town, keep an eye out for Lexington’s famed painted pigs, a public art project designed to help revitalize the downtown district.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy, the hometown of Andy Griffith, served as a major inspiration for both the Andy Griffith Show and the fictional town of Mayberry. Travelers hoping to see the town through Andy Griffith’s eyes can book a ride with Mayberry Squad Car Tours, which takes guests around in a vintage-style police car to visit landmarks like Floyd’s Barber Shop, Snappy Lunch, and the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Afterwards, stop by the Andy Griffith Museum, which has the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from the show. Travelers looking to spend the weekend in town can even lodge in Andy Griffith’s Childhood Home, which is now available to rent for the night!
New Bern
If you love soda, New Bern should be on your itinerary this year. As the birthplace of Pepsi, the town is home to The Pepsi Store, a part museum, part soda shop, and part souvenir store that is filled with Pepsi history and memorabilia from over the decades. After immersing yourself in Pepsi’s history, stop by the Tryon Palace to learn more about the state’s history. This palace was constructed in the late 18th century as the first capital of the state, offering tours of the palace and gardens today. Those wanting to explore the natural surroundings of New Bern can spend an afternoon at the Croatan National Forest, a 160,000-acre area with bogs, saltwater estuaries, pine forests, and swamps that is popular for hiking, biking, camping, and more.
Duck
Named for the abundance of waterfowl that rival the number of residents, Duck sits on a barrier island and offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Although Duck is home to fewer than 1,000 year-round residents, the population swells each year during the Duck Jazz Festival in October, a free music festival that has two stages of jazz musicians. Year-round, travelers can relax at the Town Park & Boardwalk, an 11-acre park with maritime forests, a willow swamp, and lots of green spaces. Make sure to grab a souvenir from one of the town’s quirky gift shops, such as Farmer’s Daughter, a southern lifestyle outfitter.
Little Switzerland
Little Switzerland was established in 1910 as a mountain retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains, named for its resemblance to the Swiss Alps. Today, many residents have taken this name to heart, constructing buildings that resemble Old World-style Swiss chalets. The Switzerland Inn is an excellent example of this charming hisory and architecture, dating all the way back to 1910 and offering rustic mountain view suites and cottages today. In the summer, travelers can stop by Geneva Hall in the evenings during one of its square dancing nights. To appreciate the area’s natural beauty, consider driving out to Crabtree Falls, a 60-foot cascade that can be reached via a 3-mile hiking loop.
Seagrove
Nicknamed the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States”, pottery collectors from around the world have visited Seagrove for its handcrafted items. Seagrove Potters hosts a variety of pottery-themed events throughout the year, including Stepping Into the Craft - Summers in Seagrove this July, which features hands-on clay experiences, kiln openings, and live demonstrations. The North Carolina Pottery Center also offers workshops and exhibitions throughout the year that highlight the state’s pottery heritage. For a ceramic souvenir, stop by one of Seagrove’s many studios or galleries, such as Seagrove Creations Pottery Gallery, which sells pottery, jewelry, handbags, and other handcrafted items.
West Jefferson
Cheese lovers from across North Carolina will want to visit West Jefferson, famous for the Ashe County Cheese factory. This family-owned factory has been making artisan cheeses since 1930 and gives visitors the chance to tour the facilities, watch cheese making in action, and sample some of their high-quality cheeses. While in town, travelers should also check out West Jefferson’s art scene. From June through October, on the second Friday of the month, the town’s galleries extend their hours in the evenings for the Gallery Crawls, an event that allows visitors to stroll the streets and appreciate local art. The Ashe Civic Center also hosts occasional music, theater, and dance events for those seeking some live entertainment.
Saluda
Each July, Saluda prepares to host the annual Coon Dog Day Festival, an annual celebration of Coon Hound dogs! Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy plenty of quirky activities, such as the “Every Dog’s a Star” show that celebrates all dog breeds, the the AKC Registered Coon Hound Dog Show, live music, dancing, and more. After enjoying this beloved dog festival, head to The Gorge Zipline for an adrenaline rush. This tree-based canopy tour features 11 ziplines that soar from treetop to treetop. Green River Barbecue is a popular place to grab dinner at the end of the day, serving in-house smoked meats alongside local drafts and ciders.
Bryson City
Nearly 40% of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies within the same county as Bryson City, giving visitors unbeatable access to the mountains. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful terrain is on a ride with the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, a steam-powered train that departs right from the heart of town, winding through forests, lakes, rivers, and more. Consider checking out some of the waterfalls in the area as well, such as Juney Whank Falls, which drops a total of 90 feet from top to bottom. Bryson City is also a great place to spend the Fourth of July, holding an annual Freedom Fest that consists of a Firecracker 5K, local artisans and food vendors, live music, and fireworks.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs lives up to its name as the site of North Carolina’s only natural hot springs. Hot Springs Resort and Spa is one of the most popular places to soak, offering modern-style jacuzzi tubs near the banks of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. Travelers can also unwind at Broadwing Farm Cabins, an 85-acre property where each cabin comes with its own private hot tub filled with natural mineral water. For incredible mountain views, plan an afternoon hike up Max Patch, a 4,629-foot peak with panoramic summit views accessible via a 2.4-mile loop trail.
Final Thoughts
There are so many unexpected attractions and festivals in North Carolina to discover. Although Seagrove is home to fewer than 300 residents, it has a pottery scene comparable to that of a much larger city. Towns like Little Switzerland, meanwhile, will feel like a small getaway to Europe, without even leaving the state! Regardless of the town that catches your attention, you are sure to find something unforgettable in these towns.
