2025's 9 Best Small Towns To Visit In North Carolina
Although North Carolina is known as the “Tar Heel State,” its other moniker, the Old North State, makes far more sense. It is the first area England attempted to settle in 1587, on Sir Walter Raleigh’s “lost colony” of Roanoke Island. While it was the 12th state to join the union, it was the first to declare independence in 1775.
These pivotal events took place against a stunning backdrop, from the majestic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, history buffs, nature lovers, and foodies discover the exceptional experiences the small towns of North Carolina offer. Here are 2025’s nine best small towns to visit in North Carolina, worthy of a spot on your travel itinerary.
Bath
Bath sits on the banks of the Pamlico River and is the first incorporated town of North Carolina. Lovers of history and architecture alike will appreciate the well-preserved colonial architecture, while those who like a little intrigue will delight in the town’s ties to the notorious pirate, Blackbeard.
As North Carolina’s first port, Bath was rife with political rivalries, vulnerable to Indian invasions, and most scandalously, a haven for wayward pirates. Amongst the most infamous is Edward Teach/Thatch, better known as Blackbeard. A braided beard set afire with fuses and a chest strapped with three pairs of threatening pistols were the trademarks of his short, hellraising career. The Bath State Historic Site has a room dedicated to the defiant character who attained celebrity status following his pardon by colonial Governor Charles Eden. A historic marker dedicated to Blackbeard stands on Main Street.
The town’s historic site also offers tours of period homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Palmer Marsh House. Built around 1751, it was originally the home of a wealthy merchant. The expansive two-story design likely housed the merchant’s store on the main floor. The house features a wide central passage designed to carry refreshing breezes between the front and back doors, five bedrooms, and a spacious parlor. The historic site bears the name of its later owners, Robert Palmer and Jonathan Marsh.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is a humble structure built in 1734 by the town’s first rector, Reverend John Garzia, and completed by Reverend Alexander Stewart. Despite its understated design, the little red brick church features embellished red paving tiles, a Queen Anne's Bell recast in 1765, the silver chalice received by Reverend Garzia in 1738, and a silver candelabra rumored to have been given to the reverend by King George II.
Cap off your historical visits by getting a slice of handmade pizza at Blackbeard’s Tavern. Although ties to the pirate are in name only, the tavern's warm welcome and waterfront views are the perfect way to end your day.
New Bern
New Bern is a quaint waterfront town located at the meeting point of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. The town bears the name of Switzerland’s capital, Bern, and is the second-oldest town in North Carolina. Strolling the town’s historic districts provides a glimpse at the different periods and eras, from Victorian mansions to Georgian homes and Federal-style buildings to Greek revival houses.
New Bern’s storied history includes a short stint as the state capital and the capital of the North Carolina colonial government. The remnants of the town’s prestige still stand at the Tryon Palace, completed in 1770 by the Royal Governor William Tryon. It is the first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina, and its stylish Georgian architecture was renowned as one of the finest public buildings across all the American colonies. Period-costumed guides offer tours of the building and surrounding gardens.
Fast forward to 1898 when local pharmacist Caleb Bradham happened upon a unique mixture that became Pepsi-Cola, originally dubbed “Brad’s Drink,” pharmacy customers could not get enough of the refreshing concoction. The pharmacy still stands at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets, where you can enjoy an ice-cold cola at the Birthplace of Pepsi.
Today New Bern is a cultural hotspot where artists and their admirers gather for Artwalk every second Friday of the month to explore over 30 stores and galleries, including the latest exhibits and permanent collections at Bank of the Arts.
Just a few minutes south of New Bern is the northern tip of Croatan National Forest, offering 160,000 acres of the East’s only true coastal forest. Visitors can hike the peaceful pine forests or canoe and fish in the surrounding tidal rivers and Bogue Sound, where saltwater estuaries, bogs, and raised swamps are alive with diverse wildlife.
Beaufort
Beaufort sits opposite Morehead City on the Beaufort Inlet and Bogue Sound, a lovely waterfront community along the Atlantic Ocean’s Crystal Coast. It falls into place as the third-oldest town in North Carolina, with even deeper ties to the infamous Mr. Teach.
The wreck of Blackbeard’s flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, lies just offshore from Fort Macon State Park with its secrets hidden under 20 feet of water. Its location off the coast of Atlantic Beach can be reached via boat, but true buccaneers take their chances on the 40-foot replica, The Revenge. Sword fights, sea shanties, and a cruise past the bones of The Queen Anne's Revenge create a spirited adventure for adults and kids alike. The brave at heart can also take a ghostly night cruise.
Blackbeard is not the only Captain to lose his ship to the Atlantic. Beaufort is a shipwreck destination where avid divers explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Discovery Diving charters explore the mysterious depths of local wrecks, including WWI German gunboats, tankers, WWII torpedoed U-boats, fishing trawlers, and an 1899 passenger-freighter.
Fort Macon is a restored pre-Civil War fort where you can watch cannon and musket demonstrations, explore the exhibits, or take in the breathtaking views. Swim or spot dolphins in the waters of the park’s beach or birdwatch while hiking through the salt marsh and over dune fields.
Treat yourself to the flavors of Eastern North Carolina at 34° North Restaurant & Bar, with calming views of Taylor’s Creek and Rachel Carson Reserve while dining on fresh-caught seafood.
Boone
Venturing away from the coast, Boone is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. The namesake of American hero and pioneer Daniel Boone, the town is known for its outdoor adventures.
The drive alone is an experience visitors are unlikely to forget. The world-renowned Blue Ridge Parkway is your introduction to the scenic views of the mountains, offering a leisurely drive with over 20 overlooks to take in the awe-inspiring vistas. The colors of the fall make the trip even more spectacular, but traveling throughout the year will never disappoint.
Hickory Ridge History Museum is home to six historic cabins, complete with period furnishings. Interpreters in period clothing guide you through some of the oldest structures in the area while demonstrating the routines and skills the settlers of the area used to survive, from blacksmithing to hearthside cooking and weaving and spinning to candle making. It is also home to the longest-running Revolutionary War drama set outdoors, Horn in the West. Celebrating the life of Daniel Boone and settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the story depicts their struggle for freedom before and during the War for Independence.
Booneshine Brewing Company celebrates the spirit of the High Country, where locals and people just passing through gather to enjoy a selection of craft beers and stick-to-your-ribs eats. You could not find a prettier setting to experience Boone's warmth and creativity.
Edenton
Edenton is located on the peaceful banks of the Albemarle Sound. Its Inner Banks location offers a quiet respite from the more heavily traveled Outer Banks region. The town’s namesake, Charles Eden, was North Carolina’s governor from 1714 until his death in 1722 providing a good argument to make Edenton North Carolina’s first official Colonial capital.
A vintage trolley takes you on a guided tour of the town’s history, visiting notable Downtown Historic District sites from the beautifully restored Victorian mansions of Edenton Bay to the site that sheltered Harriet Jacobs during her escape via the Underground Railroad.
If you would rather hit the sites on foot, head to the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the oldest public building in North Carolina and the oldest courthouse still in use. It is not only regarded as the finest Georgian courthouse in the South but also one of the most important public buildings in colonial America. The detailed restoration of the Roanoke River Lighthouse stands atop stilts in Edenton’s harbor. Tour the restored rooms of the charming white clapboard building, complete with period furniture and artifacts, and climb the winding staircase to admire the views from the light cupola’s balcony.
To get a feel for the town’s indelible spirit, plan your visit between April and November on the first Sunday of the month when the Edenton Block Party is in full swing. Each party celebrates a different theme, shutting down King Street to accommodate a rotation of food trucks, live music, and activities. Join locals and foodies sipping and munching their way through the social district to experience the most flavorful food and drink of the season.
Blowing Rock
This small mountain town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains sits on the Eastern Continental Divide. Blowing Rock is named after an Indian legend about star-crossed lovers from warring tribes. When the young brave leapt from the mountain, torn by his tribe and love, the Great Spirit returned him to the rock on a gust of wind.
The Blowing Rock site has been a North Carolina attraction since 1933, reached by a short scenic walk affording breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill.
The small town covers just 3 square miles but offers over two dozen hotels and inns and close to 30 restaurants. The surrounding large homes, including those built by noted artist Elliott Daingerfield, take advantage of the views overlooking the Pisgah National Forest.
Dangerfield’s first home, Edgewood Cottage, was rebuilt on Main Street next to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. You can take a self-guided tour and meet the artist in residence in the summer. Elliott Daingerfield held ladies’ painting classes at the cottage, making it an apt location to serve as a hub for Blowing Rock’s Cultural Corner.
The Art and History Museum is also worth a visit. It has five permanent collections and five rotating exhibitions, offering an opportunity to discover the work of High Country artists on a docent-led tour.
Mr. Daingerfield’s estate home is now the world-renowned boutique resort and spa, Westglow, which maintains the name given to the estate by the artist. The hotel’s vintage piano bar serves globally inspired drinks on elegant green velvet stools surrounded by the artist’s work, an enchanting spot to unwind after a day of touring the area.
Hillsborough
Hillsborough sits in the North-Central region of North Carolina on the banks of the Eno River. The flowing river has always been central to the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. A reconstructed 17th-century Occaneechi Village offers insights into how the area's original people lived over 300 years ago. The site includes four huts, a fire pit, a lean-to, a palisade, and a work arbor where volunteers work to maintain this important representation of the Occaneechi heritage. You can reach the site along the River Walk Greenway.
Although the town is known for its history, it also offers an edgier side that appeals to music and art lovers and tipplers alike. Volumes Records & Beer combines the best of two worlds: good beer and good music. Order a beer and browse their selection of vinyl records while listening to the tunes selected by music-obsessed staff. Yonder: Southern Cocktails and Brew shares their version of classic pairings, offering a selection of potent potables along with a rotation of live music and art installations. If you prefer sipping beers in a backyard setting, Eno River Brewing serves up signature pours and brews in comfy lawn chairs on the banks of the river.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy stands up to its name with its idyllic location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, what visitors might not expect is to find themselves in a town where the Andy Griffith Show is a cult favorite.
As the hometown of the show's namesake, the spirit of the fictional town of Mayberry is alive and well in Mount Airy. Starting with a life-sized statue of the famed character and his beloved son Opie (aka Ron Howard), the Andy Griffith Museum tells the story of the town’s favorite son with the largest collection of Andy Griffith-related items in the world.
Next, the town’s famous Mayberry tours include Wally’s Fillin' Station, a ride down Main Street in a Mayberry squad car, and iconic Mayberry landmarks, including Barney’s Cafe, Floyd’s Barber Shop, and Andy’s original homeplace.
You can also enjoy a meal at the 1920s diner, Snappy Lunch, where Andy Griffith ate as a young boy. You might just find your own private heaven when you taste their famous fried pork chop sandwich.
Manteo
Manteo is located on Roanoke Island between the Croatan and Roanoke Sounds. The intriguing European aspect of the island dates back to 1587 when 117 English men, women, and children landed on the island to establish a permanent settlement. When English ships arrived to deliver supplies three years later, they found the colonists had vanished.
The Lost Colony is an intriguing, world-class play performed in the true style of symphonic drama. The work of esteemed playwright and creator of this particular form of historical play, Paul Green, the performance takes place overlooking Roanoke Sound.
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a historical replica of the screw-pile lighthouse that once protected the southern entrance to Croatan Sound, near Wanchese. The cottage-like building sits at the foot of a 40-foot pier over the waters of Shallowbag Bay, offering panoramic views of the waterfront and insights into the town’s Maritime heritage.
The enchanted Elizabethan Gardens were designed for Queen Elizabeth I and stand as a memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists. The grounds include a Carrara marble statue of Virginia Dare, the first child born to the first English colony. The Sunken Garden is the Garden’s most revered feature, offering an endless barrage of color with the changing seasons.
Finish your day with drinks at the first distillery on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Outer Banks Distilling is in the heart of downtown, where the Wheel House Lounge serves up handcrafted cocktails featuring their line of legacy rums. Feel free to grab a cocktail and explore Manteo’s downtown social district.
North Carolina's vast history weaves an intriguing tale of American firsts. In a state where heroes like Daniel Boone share places in history with notorious characters like Blackbeard, you will surely discover some captivating towns along the way. Whether you are an adventurer, weekend warrior, or road tripper, these nine best small towns in North Carolina offer unrivaled travel experiences in the hills and on the shores of this magical state.
