12 Most Overlooked North Carolina Towns For 2025

North Carolina has experienced a population boom in the last several years. The majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the sun and surf of the Outer Banks, and the business opportunities in the Research Triangle have brought in visitors and new residents alike. North Carolina is a state with something for just about every taste.

But beyond the well-trodden destinations lies another layer of the state, smaller towns that quietly preserve history, celebrate local culture, and offer access to natural beauty without the crowds. There are numerous North Carolina towns that live up to the Mayberry-esque scenes you might imagine if you have ever watched The Andy Griffith Show and crave that down-home feel. These communities aren’t the first stops on most itineraries, yet they brim with character and experiences that reward the curious traveler. From historic mills to riverside parks, charming main streets to local museums, here are 12 overlooked towns in North Carolina you’ll want to add to your travel list.

Valdese

Valdese is a town in Burke County largely shaped by its Waldensian heritage. Waldensians were ascetic Italian Catholics who faced persecution from the Church for their standards of preaching, and settled in what is now Valdese in the late 19th century. A must-see is the Trail of Faith, a collection of outdoor exhibits and structures that chronicle the Waldensians’ journey from Italy to the Blue Ridge foothills. The Waldensian Heritage Museum deepens the story with artifacts, photographs, and preserved documents. For a touch of nature, the nearby McGalliard Falls Park offers a waterfall and mill ruins, a good resting stop for an afternoon picnic. And if you’re in town on a Saturday night, catch a performance at the Old Rock School Auditorium, which regularly hosts bluegrass concerts and community events.

Washington

Known as “Little Washington,” this Beaufort County town sits on the Pamlico River. Get your steps in and stroll along the Washington Waterfront Docks, a peaceful promenade with views of sailboats and fishing vessels. The North Carolina Estuarium is a hidden gem, offering interactive exhibits about the state’s estuarine ecosystems and river life. History buffs should stop by the Turnage Theater, a restored 1930s vaudeville venue that now hosts plays, concerts, and film screenings. For a local bite, downtown’s Main Street features numerous shops and eateries that make for a relaxed afternoon of browsing and dining in this small but vibrant community.

Elkin

Elkin lies in the heart of Surry County and combines mountain scenery with small-town charm. The Downtown Elkin Historic District is lined with boutiques, antique shops, and local restaurants, with architecture dating from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. Outdoor lovers and history buffs alike can explore the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, a Revolutionary War route that passes through town. If you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur, Elkin Creek Vineyard offers tastings in a serene countryside setting. And no mountain town in North Carolina would be complete without a thriving arts scene, so check out the Foothills Arts Center, which supports regional artists through rotating exhibitions and workshops. Elkin feels like a gateway to the Yadkin Valley wine region without being overwhelmed by crowds.

Mount Airy

Despite its legacy as the inspiration for Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy is still overlooked compared to bigger destinations. Visitors can explore the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, showcasing life in the Blue Ridge foothills. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Pilot Mountain State Park nearby, with multi-use hiking trails for those who want to trek on foot, bike, or ride on horseback to the panoramic view at the peak. And speaking of Andy Griffith, visit the Andy Griffith Museum and see memorabilia from shows throughout the legendary actor's career. Refuel after your day's adventures at Snappy Lunch or Barney's Cafe and eat like a Mayberry regular.

Brevard

Brevard is tucked into Transylvania County and often overshadowed by Asheville. Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” the town is near Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, both popular but less crowded than larger parks. Within town, the Brevard Music Center draws world-class performers each summer, but off-season, its campus is still worth a wander. The Transylvania Heritage Museum highlights local history with a collection of artifacts and stories. Be sure to grab your safari hat and look for the white squirrels, a unique population that has become Brevard’s unofficial mascot.

Oxford

Oxford is the county seat of Granville County. The town blends historic architecture with small-town hospitality. Conveniently located an hour from Raleigh, Oxford offers plenty within its own city limits. The Granville County History Museum provides insights into the area’s past, including Native American history and tobacco farming. Stroll the Oxford Historic District, where antebellum-style homes and restored buildings in Victorian style line quiet streets. Downtown Oxford features plenty of antique stores and boutiques. Unwind at the end of your day and stop by Tobacco Wood Brewing Company, a female veteran-owned brewery that’s become a local favorite.

Marion

Marion is located in McDowell County and serves as a charming gateway to the beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can step back in time inside the Carson House, a historic plantation museum with genealogical records and seasonal events. The Carson House was home to Revolutionary War veteran and McDowell County founder Col. John Carson, and was also the county seat until a courthouse was built. If you prefer some time outdoors, check out Lake James State Park, which is just minutes from downtown Marion. Lake James offers recreationists miles of hiking trails and boating access for fishing and swimming. But perhaps no event in Marion is as celebrated as the WNC Bigfoot Festival, founded in 2018 and hosted in Marion every May, for believers and skeptics of the legendary creature.

Laurinburg

Located near the South Carolina border, Laurinburg is a town that values history and culture. Visitors can tour the historic John Blue House, constructed by John Blue Sr., a 19th-century inventor who built the home in the style of the riverboats he admired while visiting family in Mississippi.The grounds are open year-round and host numerous town and county festivals, including the Scotland County Highland Games. Laurinburg is also home to the Carolinas Indian Museum, which features over 40 exhibits that showcase the history of regional tribes like the Lumbee and Tuscarora. If you plan on stopping by Laurinburg soon, then be sure to mark your calendar for the Kuumba Festival, which takes place every September in the downtown area and has food, music, and dance honoring the African American heritage of the town.

Tarboro

Tarboro, in Edgecombe County, is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. Its Town Common, dating back to 1760, is a unique park space that has hosted community gatherings for centuries. The Blount-Bridgers House & Arboretum served as the final home of Continental Army Officer Thomas Blount and now features an arts center and museum highlighting 19th-century life and contemporary artworks. Tarboro’s Historic District spans more than 45 blocks of preserved architecture, making it a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Take a load off from a full day of exploring at Indian Lake Park and fish for bass, bream, and catfish.

Shelby

Shelby is often bypassed on the way to Charlotte or Asheville, but it offers a wealth of its own local culture. Music fans will appreciate the Earl Scruggs Center, which celebrates the life and influence of the bluegrass legend who invented today's most common banjo picking style. Downtown’s Don Gibson Theatre, named after the country music star, hosts live performances in an intimate setting. Food lovers can’t miss a stop at Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, a family-run institution serving classic Carolina barbecue. For fresh air, head to Hanna Park, a community green space with trails and open fields.

Newton

As the seat of Catawba County, Newton boasts history, art, and community spirit. Start with the History Museum of Catawba County, housed in a former courthouse with exhibits on local heritage celebrating the town's rich textile and furniture legacy. The Newton Depot offers a fascinating look at the region’s railroading past and has full-scale vintage trains on display. For art lovers, the Green Room Community Theatre stages productions in a historic building downtown. The Newton Performing Arts Center also hosts music and cultural events, making this small town a surprising hub of artistic expression.

Burgaw

Burgaw lies in Pender County, the poster child for an Eastern North Carolina small town. Its Historic Downtown Square is surrounded by century-old buildings and a charming courthouse. For a deeper dive into the town's history, visit the Pender County Museum, which tells the story of the county’s past as a hub for the naval and timber industries and has WWII relics, antique farming equipment, and clothing from ages past. The town also celebrates its agricultural roots with the annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival, drawing visitors from across the state each summer with its local flavor.

Adventure Everywhere You Look

North Carolina’s lesser-known small towns may not draw the same attention as its mountain resorts or bustling cities, but their charm lies in quiet streets, proud histories, and authentic experiences. From the waterfalls of Brevard to the historic commons of Tarboro, each of these towns tells a story of resilience, tradition, and community. For travelers looking for off-the-radar destinations, these overlooked locations offer exactly what makes North Carolina a travel hub: a mix of downhome history, nature, and small-town spirit.