8 Adorable Small Towns In North Carolina
When it comes to adorable towns, North Carolina has visitors and residents covered with its southern hospitality, natural beauty from the Appalachian Mountains, iconic coastline, and numerous natural spots throughout the state. Add to that the abundant charm and warm, welcoming spots like Beaufort, allowing people to go island hopping via ferry, Blowing Rock, with its unique rock features, and Cornelius, giving people access to Lake Norman and other natural wonders, making them very attractive for visitors looking for a break from larger cities.
Blowing Rock
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains is the town of Blowing Rock, which has a walkable downtown, incredibly breathtaking natural wonders nearby ready to enjoy, and many local attractions. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has 10 must-see exhibits showcasing incredible art, local history, and the town's heritage. Admission to the museum is free, and it hosts wonderful events for people to enjoy. Main Street has wonderful and exciting local businesses, restaurants, and shops to visit, from the likes of The Town Tavern, which has a large patio, plenty of TVs to watch sporting events, and can host live music, and Hanna's Oriental Rugs and Gifts, where people can find fabulous rugs and other antiques.
The town has access to exquisite natural wonders and trails, such as the Bass Lake Trail, a one-mile loop around Bass Lake that offers scenic views of the landscape, regardless of the season. On the southern end of town is Blowing Rock itself. Often considered the state's oldest travel attraction, it is a rock formation known for its winds blowing upwards, hence earning its unique name.
Hillsborough
Just 14 to 15 miles west of Durham is the town of Hillsborough, which has a rich Colonial history, pristine nature, and a wonderful cultural and arts scene. On the southern end of town is the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, which is 190 acres of land to explore, three miles of hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and an area for picnicking. In the heart of downtown is River Park, which is a lovely spot to enjoy during a relaxing day. The River Park Arch is an attractive landmark that welcomes people to the park, has the Eno River flowing through it, and is home to the Eno River Farmers Market, where visitors can purchase fresh produce.
Churton Street boasts a wonderful array of local shops, restaurants, and museums for locals and visitors to enjoy in the quaint community. The Wooden Nickel Pub serves hot and fresh wings, burgers, and appetizers, along with locally crafted beer and Matthew's Chocolates, where people can enjoy locally crafted sweets in a calm setting. The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts is owned and operated by 21 local artists, who present visitors with lovely and unique paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, fine woodwork, and much more. The gallery also hosts local events for everyone to enjoy, and is a must-visit for those who enjoy fine contemporary art and custom craftwork.
Beaufort
The coastal town of Beaufort is the third-oldest in the state, as it has well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture and a rich maritime history. Beaufort's downtown is one of the most attractive places to visit in the state, being an extremely walkable area with lovely shops, bars, and restaurants to visit, along with enjoying the natural landscape and ocean views. Clawson's 1905 Restaurant and Pub is the place to be for craft beer, freshly cooked seafood, and local events. The rest of Front Street features places to dock boats, as well as ferries like the Island Express Ferry Service, which transports people to the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Additionally, the Beaufort Docks are available for those looking to explore the waters and go on fishing expeditions.
Natural wonders to explore near town include the Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari, where wild horses graze the land in peace, and are believed to be descended from horses brought to the area centuries ago. Ferry access is available from the Island Express Ferry Services to the Wild Horse Sanctuary and back, and operates year-round. A secluded beach to visit is the Bird Shoal Beach, where people can enjoy the views of the Beaufort Inlet and the ocean, stroll along the sand, and collect shells and sand dollars.
Nags Head
Nags Head is a coastal beach town renowned as a vacation spot due to the dunes in Jockey's Ridge. The ridge itself is the tallest dune on the Atlantic Coast, offering its visitors stunning views of the landscape, allowing people to go hiking, kite flying, and is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. Parallel to the dunes is Nags Head Beach, where visitors and residents are treated to miles of sandy shoreline, allowing people to soak up the sun, go surfing, explore Jennette's Pier, go fishing, and enjoy scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The town itself is relaxing and an enjoyable place to enjoy local restaurants and hotels. Mia's Boutique Hotel is a lovely place to spend the weekend in town, offering its guests oceanfront rooms and balconies, a swimming pool, and an area for people to walk their dogs. Just a stone's throw away from Mia's is the Dunes Restaurant, where its patrons are treated to freshly cooked southern-style meals and refreshing drinks at the bar.
Black Mountain
Just east of Asheville on the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the town of Black Mountain. The town is very walkable and is nicknamed "The Little Town that Rocks." A very entertaining place to enjoy in the community is the White Horse Black Mountain. This music venue also gives back to the town by hosting benefit concerts and free community programs. White Horse hosts various events for locals and visitors to enjoy. Just down the street is Cousins Cuban Cafe, where patrons are treated to homemade Cuban meals and hosts various events.
The Swannanoa Valley Museum preserves the history and culture of not just the town, but the region all around. The museum offers hiking programs for those seeking outdoor adventures and hosts a variety of events. Lake Tomahawk Park is a lovely place in town to enjoy scenic views, go on a relaxing walk, go fishing at the pier, visit the pavilion, play at the tennis courts, and go to the swimming pool.
Cornelius
Cornelius is an attractive suburban town on the shores of Lake Norman, making it an ideal spot for water activities on the lake. Enjoy the water at Safe Harbor Kings Point, a local marina on the lake, offering a place for boaters to dock their vessels, go fishing, take scenic cruises, and participate in water activities such as kayaking and rowing. The Carolina Grace Lake Norman boat rental service offers year-round yacht rentals with a heated upper deck for memorable experiences on Lake Norman.
The LakeHouse Wine Bar and Grill is a delightful restaurant serving patrons diverse menu options like zucchini chips, crab cake, Atlantic salmon, and much more, while enjoying the spectacular views of the lake and landscape. A lovely park to visit near the lake is Ramsey Creek Park, a 46-acre park featuring public swimming access, boat launches, a playground, a lakefront beach open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and hiking trails.
Edenton
Right on the Albemarie Sound and near the Roanoke River is the town of Edenton. A historic site to see in town is the Roanoke River Lighthouse, which was built back in 1886 and remains a popular spot for residents and visitors alike, as it sits on the Albemarle Sound and the Colonial Waterfront Park. The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center is another adorable landmark sitting next to the waterfront. Admission to the house is free, and it is the home of the Edenton Historical Commission, the Historical Edenton Trolley Tour, and the Barker House Shop.
Broad Street, which stretches into downtown, is an enjoyable street to venture through and explore the local shops and restaurants in town, from the likes of Waterman's Grill, where patrons are treated to delectable seafood, and Surf, Wind, and Fire, where shoppers can get the latest apparel and merchandise for any outdoor activity. A delightful hotel to visit in town is the Captain's Quarters Inn, which is a warm, welcoming bed and breakfast, offering its guests a calm and lovely place to enjoy, with cozy rooms and amazing amenities.
Ocean Isle Beach
Near the South Carolina border is the small seaside town of Ocean Isle Beach. The Ocean Isle Beach itself is a wide expanse and a must-visit for beachgoers. The beach is seven miles long of sandy bliss, providing some of the best sunset vantage points to enjoy. The Ocean Isle Beach Pier is situated right in the middle of the beach, making it the perfect spot for fishing and a great location for a relaxing walk or a light jog. Not far from downtown and directly on the beach is the Ocean Isle Inn, a hotel offering its guests rooms with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding region. The hotel has an outdoor firepit, perfect for getting cozy, a continental breakfast, an oceanfront pool, and sundecks. The hotel can also host weddings for a tranquil beachfront nuptial.
In the heart of town is the Museum of Coastal Carolina, where visitors can learn more about the coastal life and history of the community, with numerous exhibits honoring the ocean. Next to the museum is the Town Center Park, which has a playground and a local concert venue for summer concerts, and is also a stone's throw away from local shops and restaurants for a quick bite to eat, like Shaka-Laka Bowls of Ocean Isle Beach and Sand Dollars Bar and Grill, to satisfy those cravings in an incredible coastal setting and local fare.
Adventuring to Adorable Towns
Each of these adorable towns gives residents and visitors something to look forward to, whether it is an incredible local business, shops, museums, a restaurant, or access to the vast nature, such as the beach, a place to collect gems, or hiking trails. These spectacular North Carolina towns deliver with their local charm, friendliness, and places to make new memories that will last a lifetime. The state is full of history, nature, and outdoor recreation, with towns like Edenton, Black Mountain, and Ocean Isle Beach that will keep people returning for more. Whether you are seeking a laid-back beach or a rugged rock-hunting gem, treasure surely awaits.
