7 Underrated Small Towns to Explore in North Carolina
North Carolina has more good small towns than a single road trip can cover. The seven below sit outside the usual Asheville-and-Outer-Banks circuit and run working downtowns of their own. One inspired Mayberry. Another is famous for its white squirrels. A third anchors a wine region most people don't know North Carolina has. Each one runs a downtown with enough on the calendar to fill a weekend and enough surrounding terrain to fill a second one.
Brevard
Brevard sits in western North Carolina and is a popular starting point for trips into Pisgah National Forest. The forest is known for its thick woods and many waterfalls. Looking Glass Falls is one of the best-known stops nearby, with a roadside view and a pool that draws swimmers on warm days.
Downtown Brevard is small but easy to enjoy. The Oskar Blues Brewery taproom serves beers brewed on site, and the Brevard Music Center hosts outdoor performances each summer in a strong setting. The Transylvania County Courthouse and the older homes along Main Street give the town a clear sense of its history.
The annual White Squirrel Festival celebrates Brevard's famous white squirrels with live music, vendors, and family-friendly events downtown.
Statesville
Looking for a quieter stop outside of Charlotte? Statesville is less than an hour north of the city and has a downtown grounded in local history. Lake Norman is a short drive south, which gives visitors another easy side trip.
The Academy Hill Historic District is known for its older homes and historic buildings. Iredell Museums, in the middle of town, adds more to see with exhibits focused on local history, art, and regional culture.
If you visit during the holidays, the annual Statesville Christmas Parade brings festive crowds and decorated streets to downtown.
Elkin
Elkin sits in the Yadkin Valley, North Carolina's most established wine region and the state's largest American Viticultural Area. Its position along the Yadkin River also makes it a good stop for kayaking and fishing. The town works well as a base for scenic drives and longer outings into the surrounding hills.
Wineries are a big part of the draw here. Elkin Creek Vineyard is a popular stop, and other nearby options include Piccione Vineyards and Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery. Together they give visitors a good sample of the area's wine scene.
The historic Reeves Theater is another good reason to stop, with film screenings and live performances in a restored old venue downtown.
Southport
Southport sits on the southeastern coast near Wilmington. The town rests along the Cape Fear River and is close to beaches, parks, and other coastal natural areas.
The waterfront is the main draw for many visitors. You can walk by the water, watch the boats, and stop for seafood at places like Oliver's on the Cape Fear and Provision Company. Closer to downtown, Moore Street Oyster Bar and Blue Cow Grille are also popular picks.
Southport is also home to the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitor Center, which covers the area's military, maritime, and local history near the waterfront.
Nearby Oak Island adds more to do, with broad beaches and the Oak Island Lighthouse.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy is best known as the boyhood hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show. Many visitors start at the Andy Griffith Museum, which covers the actor's life and his ties to the town.
The area also offers easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the wider Appalachian Mountain range. That means hiking, camping, and scenic drives are all close by. Pilot Mountain State Park is a short drive away and is known for its rock formation and long views.
Back in town, Old North State Winery and the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History add more local flavor and background on the area's past.
Marion
Marion is another good base for Blue Ridge scenery, with Linville Gorge one of the best-known natural spots nearby. The gorge is one of the deepest in the eastern United States and is a favorite for big views and rugged landscapes.
Downtown Marion is worth some time too. The McDowell County Courthouse stands out as a local landmark, and the Marion Historic District has shops, restaurants, and galleries in older buildings. Seasonal events and community gatherings keep downtown active.
The nearby Catawba River gives visitors another way to enjoy the outdoors, whether that means paddling, picnicking, or just spending time by the water.
New Bern
Founded in 1710, New Bern is the second-oldest town in North Carolina and once served as the colonial and early state capital. It sits where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet, giving it a strong waterfront setting and easy access to boating and other water activities.
There is a lot of history packed into town. Tryon Palace, a reconstruction of the colonial governor's residence completed in 1959 on the original site, has museum exhibits, guided tours, and gardens that are worth a walk. The nearby New Bern Firemen's Museum is another worthwhile stop, especially for visitors interested in local history.
New Bern is also the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, invented by local pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1898. Visitors can stop at the Birthplace of Pepsi shop downtown, on the site of the original Bradham's Pharmacy.
See Another Side of North Carolina
From the coast to the mountains, these underrated small towns make worthwhile road-trip stops. Some are good for hiking, some for waterfront time, and all of them offer a mix of local history and working downtowns. Adding any one of them to a North Carolina route is a way to see what the state looks like outside the better-known destinations.
