8 Most Quaint Small Towns in North Carolina
North Carolina's Kitty Hawk was the site of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight in 1903, a history-making moment in aviation. The state has a profound legacy in tobacco agriculture and today is known for its top research universities and the college basketball titans of Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. It is also known for its beaches, mountain ranges, and state parks. We'd like to add something to that already impressive list: North Carolina is home to some of the most quaint towns in America.
The state has waterfront towns, mountain retreats, raging rivers, and dense forests, so there is plenty to see and do. Each town on our list offers something a little different, with its own mix of shops, restaurants, and historic sites. So fire up that mental RV, and let's tour eight of our favorites.
New Bern
A popular cafe in New Bern, North Carolina. Image credit Wileydoc via Shutterstock
The riverfront town of New Bern is full of historic character, with its waterscapes, marinas, brick storefronts, and a mix of Georgian, Greek Revival, and Victorian homes. New Bern served as North Carolina's first state capital, home to Tryon Palace, and it is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. One can even visit the old pharmacy where the soda was invented.
Take a walk along the historic waterfront downtown and enjoy the shops, or take a boat ride on the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Cow Cafe is a good place for a scoop of ice cream, or hop onto one of the historic trolley tours.
New Bern is about 110 miles east of Raleigh, and there's a regional airport for added convenience.
Hendersonville
The Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance frame the town of Hendersonville. The historic downtown hosts events all year round, including the Garden Jubilee in spring, the Antique Sidewalk Show and Chalk It Up in summer, and its most celebrated public art display, "Bearfootin' in Hendersonville," with its popular painted bear statues. From May through September, you will often find live music along with shops and down-home dining. Shine on Main has a winning ambiance, an outdoor patio, and solid homestyle food, cocktails, and craft beers.
The area has a deep agricultural heritage, and one place to experience it is the Historic Johnson Farm, a working farm with a display of local agricultural history. Don't forget the apple orchards, and consider a hike in the nearby DuPont State Forest.
Beaufort
One of the oldest and coolest small towns in North Carolina, Beaufort makes a lot of top small-town lists. It sits in the Inner Banks region, a 21st-century term invented by tourism promoters for the state's inland coastal communities. While the term might be new, the town isn't. Beaufort dates all the way back to 1713, well before the American colonies won their independence.
Located on an inlet channel that leads south to the Atlantic Ocean, the town has deep nautical roots, and there are day-long boating tours of the sites and waterways. If staying on land is more your speed, there are walking and biking tours such as the Hungry Town Guided Tours. The downtown has several well-preserved buildings and homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, along with boutique shops, museums, and restaurants. You can even stroll through some Colonial and Civil War graveyards. This is a great town to call home and a good budget travel destination.
Blowing Rock
Known as the "Crown of the Blue Ridge," this mountain town is named for the nearby rock formation and its broad views of the Blue Ridge peaks, forests, and the Johns River Gorge. Taking in all that natural beauty, it is hard to imagine the violence these hills saw during the American Civil War, when guerrilla fighting reached the mountain valleys. Today, thankfully, it is a peaceful spot to reflect.
In the fall, Blowing Rock is rich with foliage. In winter, the nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain offers downhill skiing and snow sports. In summer, locals flock here to escape the heat and humidity of the lower elevations. Beyond the hiking and the outdoor activities, the town itself is the draw, which is why it is often said to have inspired author Jan Karon's fictional town of Mitford in her popular book series.
Take a walk through the downtown and enjoy the historic homes, shopping, and restaurants that this popular destination has to offer. Storie Street Grille is one local favorite, with a fine atmosphere and a menu that includes locally caught trout. There's plenty to see and do, but this is also a great place to simply rest.
Edenton
The waterfront town of Edenton is packed with historical significance and has become a tourist destination and desirable retirement community. First established in 1712, it was North Carolina's first colonial capital and hosted the Edenton Tea Party in 1774, a protest in solidarity with the Boston Tea Party. It is also the birthplace of Harriet Jacobs, born into slavery, whose 1861 autobiography, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, became an American classic.
The downtown has homes from the Colonial and Antebellum periods. Named on various top small-town lists, Edenton makes it easy to see what attracts visitors and locals to this village. There is the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse in the state, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, begun in 1736, the Cupola House of 1758, and many other well-preserved buildings from another era. Besides the historical tours, there are shops, restaurants, and local entertainment. The Table at Inner Banks Inn has a strong seafood selection with a modern twist.
Brevard
The mountain town of Brevard is a nature lover's delight. Located in Transylvania County, it has plenty to see, and the fall foliage is something else. Mountain lookouts offer wide views of valleys and forests, and there are many hiking trails, including some that are kid-friendly. The area claims more than 250 waterfalls. There are rocks to climb, rivers to raft, mountains to hike, and fish to catch, plus horseback riding and good campsites. If you're a birder, this is the place to spot some winged friends. It's easy to see why Brevard is a popular vacation spot.
If you're more the type that likes to relax, read a book, and people-watch, there's a cute downtown with shopping, dining, and some excellent local breweries. Stop by the Blue Ridge Bakery for something sweet or the vintage Cardinal Drive-In for some Americana nostalgia. There are art galleries and a couple of museums to peruse, and summer brings live music to the town, which pairs quite nicely with alfresco dining.
Pilot Mountain
Pilot Mountain is a small town in Surry County. Named after the local landmark, a quartzite monadnock that rises to 2,421 feet, the town sits below a peak that anchors Pilot Mountain State Park, a roughly 3,700-acre preserve with hiking trails, horseback riding, and campsites. The park is known for its rock climbing and rappelling and, of course, the panoramic views from the top. The nearby Yadkin River is good for canoeing and kayaking, with picnic areas along the way. Try Carolina Ziplines for some treetop adventures.
The town of Pilot Mountain is believed to have inspired the fictional Mount Pilot in the long-running 1960s television hit The Andy Griffith Show. The Tilted Ladder is a good Main Street spot to grab a cold beer and a bite on the patio while listening to live music on weekends, and a country store on Main Street is a fine place to find your next treasure.
Belhaven
The small town of Belhaven is located on the Pungo River, which feeds into the Pamlico Sound. The Sound marks the divide between the Inner Banks and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This haven getaway features waterscapes, boating, and other water activities. A saunter along the waterfront is the perfect place to catch a sunset at the end of the day. Are you a local history fan? Stop by the Belhaven Memorial Museum to learn more about this town's story and see some local artifacts.
Perhaps antiques are your pastime. You won't be disappointed by Attic Life, a downtown shop in a converted old house that's full of gems of yesteryear. The Tavern At Jack's Neck is located a block from the Pungo River docks and is a beautiful bar and restaurant. Adorned with rock fireplaces and built from walnut, hickory, and cypress woods of the area, you'll appreciate the atmosphere as much as the food. Don't miss the Friday night oyster bar.
Quaintest Town Tour
For its size, North Carolina packs in a lot, with history and natural beauty in roughly equal measure. The mountain towns sit near state parks and ski slopes, the waterfront towns near the sounds and the ocean, and most are walkable enough to cover in a single day. They suit a family trip built around the outdoors just as well as a quiet weekend among old downtowns, and these eight each make a strong case for a visit.
