12 Small Towns in North Carolina to Visit for a Weekend Getaway
Explore the small towns to visit for a weekend escape in North Carolina with a blend of historic agricultural communities, hiker havens, and gateways to beautiful mountain-side communities like Blowing Rock. Home to some of the best small-town experiences, visits to North Carolina may include scenic highway cruises like the Cherohala Skyway when visiting from Tennessee or the pine-shaded roads through Highway 64 from Franklin to Highlands on the Georgia/North Carolina border. From the cozy, homely feeling of romantic, historic escapes like the Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn in Washington to family-friendly activities like gem hunting in Franklin, North Carolina, makes up the perfect weekend getaway for its abundance of atmospheres and attractions.
Wake Forest
As one of the best weekend escape towns in North Carolina, Wake Forest is a city renowned for being a historic college community (despite the namesake college moving to Winston-Salem in 1956) and one of the fastest-growing American suburbs located just 16 miles from the capital, Raleigh. The small-town ambiance and abundance of local restaurants, family-owned businesses, and more make Wake Forest a desirable escape for city dwellers chasing a welcoming overnight or short weekend escape.
Highlights of your weekend escape to Wake Forest include watersport activities at Falls Lake State Recreation Area and quirky artistic displays like the Artists' Loft at Wake Forest Coffee and the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre For the Arts. The Wake Forest Historical Museum, located on Main St adjacent to Calvin Jones House, is one of the best places to learn about the town’s developing history. Lions Gate B&B and the nearby Clarion Pointe Wake Forest make up some of the best lodging options for your visit to Wake Forest.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock offers an ideal weekend destination in North Carolina for its scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named after one of its main attractions, Blowing Rock gets its name from the unusual rock formation that overlooks the Johns River Gorge. It is one of the best destinations to enjoy a rugged rocky setting, wake up to some fresh pine-tree breeze, and hike to scenic destinations like the Flat Top Fire Tower trail, rewarding adventurists with panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding nature and skylines of the central communities of Boone, and Blowing Rock.
Located 8 miles south of Boone, Blowing Rock’s most popular tourist attractions include the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Grandfather Mountain, the tallest mountain in the area, and The Appalachian Fossil Museum. Main Street Blowing Rock offers many lodging options, some of its most popular being Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins and Azalea Garden Inn.
Brevard
Known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to over 250 waterfalls and endless hiking trails, Brevard is a picturesque town in the western part of the state. Experience the nature-made waterslide when visiting the Sliding Rock in Brevard, a 60 ft smooth surface rock slide challenge for the adventurous. Hike to Rainbow Falls, venture down endless rugged cycling paths, and spot the distinctive white squirrels known for inhabiting the nearby Pisgah National Forest.
A stop at Brevard is also an excellent stop for tourists visiting Asheville for its 30-mile proximity: a weekend escape or a quick highway stop for travelers passing through the Scenic Highway 64. Lodging options in Brevard include cozy hotels located amidst the vibrant nature like Hampton Inn Brevard, along with more central stays like The Inn at Brevard, which was built in 1885 and furnished with classy vintage furniture.
Beaufort
The world-class fishing town of Beaufort is synonymous with fine dining in the area and is home to North Carolina’s famous Maritime Museum. The Nautic town enjoys a one-of-a-kind atmosphere thanks to its location on the southern edge of North Carolina’s southernmost hook, which curls around the Neuse River and stretches towards the Atlantic. Spend your visit to Beaufort in remnants of its developing history when you book your stay at the Inn on Turner, which was built in 1866; more popular holidays include the Pecan Street Inn.
In this naturally gifted town, visitors can expect to spot a range of species, ranging from wild horses to hundreds of different bird species. Topping the list of must-do things in Beaufort is taking an Island Express Ferry to ride to Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Hendersonville
Located in the central-western part of the state, Hendersonville is a small town with big city attractions and is conveniently located near multiple major cities. Sitting 103 miles to Charlotte, North Carolina, and 20 miles from Asheville, Henderson ranks as a great place to escape from the city.
Henderson County Heritage Museum, the Historic Downtown Hendersonville with its many murals and galleries, along with Western North Carolina Air Museum, are among the most popular attractions in town. Art on 7th, Gallery 435, and Woodland Art are among the most popular artistic displays to check out during your getaway to Hendersonville. For a cozy, memorable stay in Hendersonville, spend the night at classy Victorian homes like the 1898 Waverly Inn and the homely Charleston Inn.
Davidson
Home to Davidson College, this town enjoys a tourist-targeted atmosphere, a walkable downtown, and access to Lake Norman. Enjoy a well-rounded experience of what the small towns of North Carolina have to offer without venturing too far away from the city when visiting Davidson. Artistic displays and galleries like the wooden-stone sculpture gallery and the Van Every/Smith Galleries at Davidson at the main campus that narrate the university’s history as a crucial part of the town’s developing past are some of the notable creative attractions in town.
Zone out into a small business walking tour throughout the city’s brick wall and wooden-front central street shopping hub, from a local tasting tour with Tour De Food that starts at the Old Cotton Mill to engaging and blending in with locals at community markets like the Davidson Farmers Market. Visitors seeking central rentals can book their stay at the Davidson Village Inn, while places like Homewood Suites around the town’s parameters offer a calmer and more relaxing experience.
Banner Elk
Banner Elk is an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise with a broad range of recreational opportunities, from hiking to skiing and snowboarding in colder seasons. The gateway town to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small town is commonly recognized among skiers for being a central chill spot between Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Unwind in the small community after a day of hectic outdoor activities and sample local wineries and restaurants, and don’t miss your chance to get close to wildlife at the Animal Farm of Apple Hill.
Locally renowned dining spots in Banner Elk include Sorrento’s Italian Bistro and Bayou Smokehouse, while Banner Elk and the Grandfather Vineyards have some of the best-tasting rooms in town. Classy stays that will set the tone for your small-town escape include the Litlle Inn on Main Street along the waters of Shawneehaw Creek, Perry House Bed & Breakfast, and Beeches Be Crazy as more central options.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy is a popular escape for being the official filming spot of a Hollywood Sitcom, The Andy Griffith Show. State tourists and fans flock to the small town for insight into behind-the-scenes of the iconic TV series and a quirky, picture-perfect weekend escape. Adding to the town’s appeal is a range of delicious restaurants, antique shops, and a welcoming 1800 historic atmosphere downtown Mount Airy.
Visitors can launch their tour of Mount Airy by sipping on some of its cultural delicacies in places like Round Peak Vineyards or Old North State Winery and try southern desserts at state-renowned chains like Sonkers Trail. Mount Airy was named Mayberry in the popular TV series, and its main street is a mix of iconic destinations from the show, like the Mayberry Replica Courthouse, and old-school attractions like the Earle Theater. Heart and Soul Bed and Breakfast, the Andy Griffith Parkway Inn, and Hampton Inn Mount Airy top the lists as some of the best places to stay in the mountain town.
Franklin
This hidden gem is home to an industry of hidden gems, as Franklin is most famous for its jewel mining industry. Events like the Macon County Gemboree Jewel show, which happens twice annually, commemorate the historic industry in the town of Scottish and Cherokee Indian cultures. Friendly locals, a slower pace of life, and Nantahala National Forest, which stretches over 530,000 acres and offers abundant recreational activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip lining, and fishing, will highlight your weekend escape to Franklin.
Must-do family activities in Franklin include gem hunting at local mines like the Old Cardinal Gem and Rose Creek Mine. Franklin Terrace Bed and Breakfast, Hilltop Inn, and A Sapphire Inn are some of the best central stays to explore the town, with many other secluded cabins and nature-centric options.
Highlands
Located 19 miles from Franklin, Highlands is an ideal small town for those looking for a romantic weekend getaway. Better yet, Highlands embraces the cozy allure without leaving out natural elements, making for a blend of recreational and tourist-centric experiences. Hike the Dry Falls Trail leading to an overlook cliff of the Cullasaja River. One of the locally renowned dining options in Highlands includes the Old Edwards Inn and its Wine Garden, while some popular local events to catch are the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music concert in May and the Fireworks Show in December.
Washington
North Carolina’s best-kept secret, Washington is a tight-knit community that stands out for its expansive historic district, Goose Creek State Park and its 8-mile shoreline stretch, and maritime culture, including places like The Estuarium, a natural science museum that educates visitors about the state’s early history, environments, and eco-systems through a display of over 200 exhibits dating back to 1988. Other historically important destinations to explore during your visit to Washington include the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum, which showcases American agricultural history with tales from eras of slavery and preserves artifacts from developing times. However, a trip to Washinton is not complete without hitting the waters and chartering boats at Chocowinity Bay on the Pamlico River or other popular watersport hubs. Little Washington Inn near the waterfront docks makes for a perfect affordable weekend stay in the heart of town, while places like Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn offer more of a luxurious, romantic escape.
Edenton
One of the most underrated towns for a weekend escape is Edenton, a waterfront town dotted with breathtaking 18th and 19th-century beautiful Victorian homes and buildings. Uniquely situated in the Inner Banks on Albemarle Sound, Edenton offers a true vacation tucked away picturesquely in Edenton Bay. One of the less popular tourist destinations on the list makes a lovely romantic escape for its many dining options, a lively local scene of community events, and cozy classic accommodations like the Inner Banks Inn and Captain’s Quarters Inn.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these 12 small towns provide the perfect weekend escape in North Carolina. Choose your preferred atmosphere or try something new for an unforgettable getaway in the Tar Heel State.
