6 Coziest Small Towns in North Carolina
North Carolina’s coziness comes from river breezes that cool front porches and mountain air that makes every latte feel earned. In small towns like Black Mountain, you can wander between art studios and cafés with the Blue Ridge rising just behind the rooftops. Ocracoke offers a different kind of comfort with its salt air, soft light, and an easy village rhythm shaped by ferry rides and sandy paths.
What makes the towns ahead so inviting is the way people put down roots and stay; locals build communities that endure, and visitors can’t help but want in. Here are six places where North Carolina feels especially snug.
Bath
The small village of Bath, which is situated along the lovely Pamlico River near its meeting point with Pamlico Sound, has the distinction of being the oldest existing town in North Carolina. Bath was the then-colony of North Carolina’s first capital from 1712 to 1722, and also spent part of that period as a hideout for the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Much of the town is now a state historic site called Historic Bath, with buildings restored to their colonial-era appearance and walking tours that recount the town’s colorful political and pirate history. The remainder of Bath also has a historic feel, but also offers modern dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Black Mountain
The city of Asheville is the best known community in western North Carolina’s picturesque Blue Ridge region, while its nearby neighbor in Buncombe County, Black Mountain, stands as an underappreciated gem. Black Mountain has much of the same eclectic and independent spirit as Asheville, but with a cozier setting in a town of about 8,000. Black Mountain maintains a big arts and culture scene for a small town, with events like the Lake Eden Arts Festival and venues like the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Downtown Black Mountain also includes multiple historic districts, including the site of the former Black Mountain College, that are great for walking tours.
Edenton
The location of the town of Edenton, along the Albemarle Sound, was in 1658 the site of the first successful English settlement in what is now North Carolina. It took another 50-plus years for the town to be established, and in 1774 Edenton experienced its own colonial protest, the Edenton Tea Party, that was modeled after the more famous Boston Tea Party. Edenton has done a great job preserving its long history, with architectural highlights such as the 1767 courthouse and 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton Bay. The historic downtown area and stunning waterfront combine to make for a perfect walking tour, or you can hitch a ride on one of the town’s trolley tours.
Mount Airy
The western North Carolina town of Mount Airy served as the inspiration for a beloved fictional town, which in turn continues to inspire today’s Mount Airy. Actor Andy Griffith was born in Mount Airy and utilized his hometown as a model for the town of Mayberry in the 1960s television series, The Andy Griffith Show. Mount Airy honors this association through recreations of iconic locations such as Floyd’s Barbershop and memorabilia including Andy’s police cruiser from the show. Nonetheless, even if one is unfamiliar with The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy remains an excellent destination for visitors. The town is renowned as one of the birthplaces of bluegrass music, and vibrant live performances persist at venues such as the historic Earle Theatre, established in 1938.
New Bern
New Bern, situated at the confluence of the Meuse and Trent Rivers and formerly a significant port city, attracts history enthusiasts for numerous reasons. It was North Carolina’s last colonial capital and the first state capital; consequently, the reconstructed Tryon Palace, the colonial governor’s residence, along with its luxurious gardens, is located centrally within the town. For those with a more modern and commercial historical interest, a visit to the pharmacy where Pepsi Cola was invented in 1898 is recommended. The charming and timeless downtown area of New Bern is ideal for walking tours, as is the waterfront district. Union Point Park provides excellent water views and regularly hosts concerts and festivals.
Ocracoke
The town of Ocracoke, situated on Ocracoke Island at the opening to Pamlico Sound, exudes a tranquil charm that is not typically encountered in the busier Outer Banks beach towns located further north. There are no bridges leading to Ocracoke Island, necessitating visitors to depend on ferries operating from both the north and south. As a result of this geographical isolation, Ocracoke maintains a slower pace of life and preserves a greater extent of its natural coastal beauty. While large beachfront homes and condominiums are scarce, Ocracoke features a beachfront campground managed by the National Park Service. If you seek a truly secluded and restorative beach vacation, Ocracoke may be an ideal destination for you.
What image comes to mind when you think of a cozy small town? Are you browsing local shops along a classic main street? Are you waking up to the smell of coffee at a charming and historic bed-and-breakfast? Or are you enjoying the peaceful serenity of an uncrowded beach? If any (or all) of these cozy images ring true for you, start making plans to head to North Carolina. And save some time to explore the state and uncover some cozy small towns of your own!
