10 Romantic Small Towns In North Carolina For A 3-Day Weekend
The Tarheel State of North Carolina might have developed a lucrative reputation as a great place to take care of business. Yet beyond the bank offices of Charlotte and the lab campuses of the Research Triangle, North Carolina also offers a more pleasant, relaxing, and even romantic state of mind. At the Blue Ridge Mountains, couples can chase wondrous waterfalls and drive the winding roads to discover magnificent mountain vistas. At the Outer Banks, folks can surf some of the East Coast’s most phenomenal waves or simply stroll the seemingly endless sandy shores. And in between, this state overflows in charming surprises.
In case anyone can use some more specific options for a special couple’s trip, please keep reading, as we’ve put together this handy shortlist of 10 romantic small towns in North Carolina for a three-day weekend.
Bryson City
Around 163 miles northeast of Atlanta (Georgia) is Bryson City, a North Carolina town that opens up to some of the southeast’s most incredible mountain scenery. After all, Bryson City sits at the foot of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the United States’ most visited national park with many of the nation’s highest peaks east of the Mississippi River. Yet near Bryson City, visitors can enjoy some less-frequented treasures like the waterfalls of Deep Creek and the hiking trails that connect to the “Road to Nowhere.” Yet for those who’d rather sit back and enjoy the ride, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers several stupendous train journeys into the mountains.
Beyond the park, there’s plenty more to see and do in town. For one, there’s the Swain Arts Center, a community-centered institution that hosts live music performances and a local visual art gallery. Then, for a chill date night, folks can head over to 4 Queens Mexican Grill and enjoy a lovely, low-key atmosphere alongside some hearty Mexican cuisine. And for the perfect romantic weekend at Bryson City, couples can stay at Longview, a sleek Scandinavian-style boutique resort with comfy and cozy rooms and suites that sport exceptional mountain views.
Canton
It’s a roughly 135-mile drive from Charlotte to Canton, yet this Appalachian Mountain town looks and feels far removed from the troubles of the outside world. A short drive south leads to some of the best hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including Mount Pisgah and Frying Pan Lookout Tower. Or, for a nice place to simply stop and take in the views, Mills River Overlook sports incredible mountain and ridge vistas. And whenever visitors need to stop and refuel, Southern Porch offers authentic Southern comfort food with small-town charm.
Whenever couples are ready to call it a day, it’s a nice drive down to Engadine Inn & Cabins. This is a wonderful boutique inn set on some 12 scenic acres, yet also one that offers uniquely furnished guest suites, as well as larger cabins for couples who can use a little extra room to roam.
Hot Springs
Just as the name suggests, the warm and welcoming town of Hot Springs is the ideal place to rest, relax, and recharge in the Appalachians, just 76 miles east of Knoxville (Tennessee). This town just so happens to have North Carolina’s only known thermal spring, and Hot Springs Resort & Spa has its own set of spring-fed mineral baths that are ideal for soaking up the soothing vibes. Meanwhile, for those who are more in the mood to get active, the Appalachian Trail runs right through town, and the French Broad River is a world-class river for fishing with healthy populations of smallmouth bass, catfish, and muskie in the water.
After a busy day in the mountains or at the river, visitors can mosey on down to Big Pillow Brewing to taste some the region’s finest local craft beers, grab some delectable grub at the attached Grey Eagle Taqueria outpost, and even stay for karaoke nights and live music performances. Then, folks can check into Broadwing Farm Cabins and take advantage of their secluded cabins that have their own private spring-fed mineral water hot tubs.
Blowing Rock
Nestled high in North Carolina’s High Country, about 59 miles southeast of Johnson City (Tennessee), is the spectacular town of Blowing Rock. The town is named for the Blowing Rock, a rocky outcropping that hangs over the Johns River Gorge some 3,000 feet below and sports panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Speaking of those mountains, Grandfather Mountain State Park is also in the area, and it’s been honored as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve for its unique ecological diversity and its 13 miles of gorgeous hiking trails. In addition, Blowing Rock is within a short drive of Sugar Mountain Resort, a local ski area with 20 ski and snowboard trails across 125 acres along with designated tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating areas.
For a different perspective on Blowing Rock, visitors can pop over to Moses Cone Memorial Park and tour this historic estate featuring a 1901 Gilded Age mansion, 25 miles of trails wandering through the park’s forest and fields, and even the seasonal Southern Highland Craft Guild market carrying works from local artists. From there, it’s a pleasant journey back into town to stay at Hotel Embers, a beautiful boutique hotel with a prime location near the town center and a stylish collection of guest rooms and suites.
Hillsborough
It’s a mere 13 miles from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough, yet this small town maintains its own distinct environment that combines rich history and dynamic contemporary creativity. For a fascinating throwback, travelers can head to Ayr Mount and tour this grand 1815 estate. If folks prefer something more modern, Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is an artist-owned gallery featuring a wide variety of sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass art, woodwork, and much more.
If anyone craves a different taste of local culture, Yonder functions as “Hillsborough’s unofficial living room” and serves great hand-crafted cocktails alongside a lively calendar of events, while Botanist and Barrel crafts its own exceptional wines and ciders at its lovely local farm. And back in town, The Colonial Inn makes guests feel right at home with its lush landscaped grounds and wonderfully appointed rooms.
New Bern
About 115 miles southeast of North Carolina’s present-day capital of Raleigh is New Bern, the state’s first capital and the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous beverages. No visit to New Bern feels complete without a stop at the Tryon Palace, the carefully reconstructed 18th-century estate that served as the royal governor’s residence during British Colonial rule. Nearby Croatan National Forest offers the Croatan Saltwater Adventure Trail, a multi-day paddling route with coastal ecosystems, history stops, and flexible trip lengths depending on your itinerary. And for a sweeter taste of history, The Birthplace of Pepsi lets folks experience the place that launched one of the world’s most iconic soda brands in 1898.
For an exciting and unique night out, the New Bern Civic Theatre hosts a variety of Broadway-style theatrical productions and shows by New Bern’s own Walk-In Bathtub improv comedy collective. And just down the road from the theatre, Hanna House Bed & Breakfast is a stately Victorian home that now functions as a comfy bed-and-breakfast with elegant guest rooms and a full gourmet breakfast every morning.
Emerald Isle
Anchoring the west end of Bogue Banks is Emerald Isle, a Crystal Coast beach town that’s ideal for easy-breezy romantic weekends. Nearby lies Hammocks Beach State Park, a pristine coastal preserve where visitors can kayak or canoe their way to the secluded shores of Bear Island. Or, for a much easier beach day, the town’s own Emerald Isle Beach offers some 12 miles of clean, soft sand and azure Atlantic Ocean water. And for something nice to do on dry land, it’s a short drive inland to Star Hill Golf Club, which offers up to 27 holes to tee off and play the greens.
Once folks are ready to cap off the day with something extra special, Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar serves up some of the Crystal Coast’s finest gourmet fare and expertly crafted cocktails. Then, couples can retreat to the lovely Lighthouse Inn & Suites for a boutique hotel near the heart of town that’s also mere steps away from the beach.
Beaufort
Often hailed as “America’s Favorite Town” for its down-home cozy atmosphere and its illustrious maritime charm, the town of Beaufort works incredibly well for a different kind of romantic weekend. Perhaps the main attraction here is Beaufort Historic Site, which maintains some 12 blocks of the 1713 Plan of Beaufort Towne and offers enticing glimpses into past Coastal Carolina life. Also downtown is the North Carolina Maritime Museum, the one place where travelers can find artifacts recovered from Blackbeard’s infamous Queen Anne’s Revenge, which ran aground in 1718. Even better, the main museum campus is just across the street from the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, a working boatbuilding facility that preserves the local tradition of crafting fine wood-based boats.
In case anyone wants to get on a boat enjoy the full Beaufort experience, Family Time Fishing Charters offers half-day and full-day excursions into the open water, where guests can try to catch mackerel, bonito, speckled trout, mahi mahi, and even giant Atlantic bluefin tuna. But even if guests’ fishing trips come up empty, they can take heart in the fact that the Beaufort Hotel has its own 34° North Restaurant serving spectacular local seafood. Of course, the hotel also has cool coastal chic rooms and suites that are chock-full of sweet amenities like extra-large flat-screen TVs and automated blackout curtains.
Edenton
Where the Chowan River flows into Albemarle Sound, around 70 miles south of Norfolk (Virginia), Edenton combines historic charm and present-day natural beauty to make the perfect storybook getaway. To see how Edenton inspired the famed Nicholas Sparks to write The Rescue, visitors can stop at nearby Bertie Beach, take in the stunning scenery, and walk along the park’s two-mile nature trail. In addition, there’s Bennett’s Millpond, a gorgeous pond that’s perfect for quiet reflection, and for great paddling and kayaking excursions on the water. And in town, the Roanoke River Lighthouse is a well-preserved 1886 structure that now shines bright on Edenton’s waterfront.
For a more curated journey into local history that shares stories spanning from the early days of United States independence to local woman Harriet Jacobs’ brave escape from slavery via the Underground Railroad, Edenton also offers guided Trolley Tours to several more fascinating landmarks around town. Whatever folks decide to do in and around Edenton, The Carolina Experience has travelers covered with Captain’s Quarters and Granville Queen Inn, a pair of boutique bed-and-breakfasts offering elegant guest rooms, delectable homemade breakfast every morning, and a great location near the waterfront.
Nags Head
Perched at North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks, just 97 miles south of Virginia Beach, is the picture-perfect beach town of Nags Head. Speaking of the beach, Jockey's Ridge State Park has the U.S. Atlantic Coast’s tallest living sand dune system, and it’s a fantastic place for hiking, hang gliding, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. Meanwhile, the public beach by Nags Head Fishing Pier is a favorite among surfers for its consistent wave action. And for those who prefer enjoying the coastal views from a dry expanse of greens, Nags Head Golf Links offers up to 18 holes for golfers to play right by Roanoke Sound.
After a busy day exploring the beaches (or playing golf), couples can relax and refuel at Dune Street Rawbar & Grill, a local restaurant showcasing exceptional locally sourced seafood enhanced with globally inspired flavors. Then, they can retreat to the comfy confines of First Colony Inn, a dazzling bed-and-breakfast with generously appointed guest rooms and a prime location near the beach.
Couples Will Love Playing and Staying Together in North Carolina
Across North Carolina, couples will find many exciting and enticing places to rekindle the flames of romance and passion. Bryson City opens up a ruggedly gorgeous world of mighty mountains at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while the Appalachian Trail leads to the soothing and refreshing waters of Hot Springs. New Bern and Beaufort provide fascinating glimpses into North Carolina’s rich and storied past, as Nags Head makes the perfect present-day place to experience the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks. From the towering peaks of the Appalachians to the tranquil shores of the Atlantic Coast, North Carolina really does make the ideal state for romantic getaways.
