9 Gorgeous North Carolina Towns To Visit
In North Carolina along the mountains, places like Boone and Blowing Rock feel connected to the Blue Ridge rather than built over it. Closer to the water, Beaufort offers a quieter pace shaped by its working harbor and historic homes along the waterfront. Farther inland, Davidson feels anchored by its college and tree-lined streets, with a downtown that stays lively without ever feeling crowded. Towns like these show how different parts of North Carolina live at their own rhythm, whether that means mountain mornings, coastal afternoons, or evenings spent on a walkable main street.
Banner Elk
Located at the base of Beech Mountain, the picturesque town of Banner Elk was founded in the 1840s and today is home to a population of just over 1,000 inhabitants. For a variety of fun outdoor activities, tourists can enjoy time spent at Watauga Lake where hiking, sailing, fishing, and even white water rafting are on offer. Alternatively, for the alpine sports enthusiast, winter is the perfect time to visit Banner Elk as skiing and snowboarding at the Sugar Mountain Resort never disappoints! In addition, historic landmarks such as the Elk Hotel (1856) and the Chester and Lowe House (both listed on the National Register of Historic Places) offer tourists a chance to be taken back in time to Banner Elk's history and origin.
Boone
Established in the 1870s, the town of Boone serves as the seat of Watauga County, where just over 19,000 residents call home. Named for the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, the town is beautifully situated within the Blue Ridge Mountains, so visitors will surely never find a shortage of natural splendor to enjoy! Spend time in a number of welcoming green spaces and parks, including the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the ever-calming Watauga River. For a unique and special excursion for the entire family, do not forget to take a most scenic journey on the Tweetsie Heritage Railroad, which connects to the nearby town of Blowing Rock.
Davidson
The town of Davidson dates back to the 1830s and is today a friendly college town with a population of just over 15,000. Located only a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, it is home to Davidson College, founded in 1837. The charming downtown area features a variety of coffee shops, bookstores, and a lively community, constantly bustling with students and young professionals. For outdoor activities, residents and visitors can enjoy nearby Lake Norman, which offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, or simply basking in the sun.
West Jefferson
Nestled in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, West Jefferson is a picturesque and inviting small town that offers a true taste of Americana. With around 1,000 residents, visitors can explore a variety of local restaurants, shops, and galleries, including the Old Barn Winery and Antiques on Main. Families can enjoy visiting the local cheese factory or explore the historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, renowned for its exquisite European art. Known as the “Church of the Frescoes,” its interior features masterful artwork that provides an unexpectedly inspiring experience for visitors.
Blowing Rock
The town of Blowing Rock is just eight miles from Boone and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located near the Tennessee border, this friendly town of under 1,500 residents features a variety of souvenir shops and local restaurants, providing an authentic small-town USA experience. Visitors can also see the Blowing Rock land formation, a rocky outcrop perfect for unique photo opportunities. Additionally, the Tweetsie Heritage Railroad offers vintage rides to Boone and an amusement park nearby, ensuring plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy and remember long after the day ends.
Beaufort
Beaufort, the county seat of Carteret County and a coastal town, was established in 1713, making it North Carolina’s fourth oldest colonial settlement. With a population just under 4,500, Beaufort's natural beauty and Southern charm make it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages. You can enjoy the scenic Newport River, explore numerous walking trails and waterfront dining options, or experience a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Beaufort Historic District. For history buffs, a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum is a must, featuring captivating exhibits on the Civil War, 18th-century piracy in the area, and some of the ocean’s most formidable predators.
McAdenville
Though it has a population of just under 900 residents, the town of McAdenville is truly big on community spirit. Indeed this Gaston County locale is affectionately known as “Christmas Town USA”, and it remains one of the most endearing places to visit during the Yuletide season. During this time the entire town is decorated with Christmas lights, which includes some 400 trees and over 200 wreaths hung up on light posts, businesses, and other buildings. Indeed the stunning lights of McAdenville make for quite the winter holiday for any passing motorist! And if in town outside of Christmastime, visitors can still enjoy plenty of other charming sights. This includes the Historic District and its assortment of Victorian style and other 19th century homes that bring guests back in time to America’s formative years.
Mount Airy
First settled in the 1750s, the town of Mount Airy is now home to nearly 11,000 residents and lies very near the border with the State of Virginia. Visitors can expect plenty of charming natural ambience, historic intrigue, and fun for the whole family. With its mild winters and hot summers, there is never really a bad time to discover Mount Airy. Enjoy the sights and smells of the annual Autumn Leaves Festival, and take a tour of downtown that includes numerous landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Renfro Mill (1893) and the William Carter House (1834), among many other 18th- and 19th-century edifices. Meanwhile, for the TV lover, do not forget to explore the Andy Griffith Museum. The actor and television pioneer was born in Mount Airy, and the museum celebrates his life and career in an informative and immersive environment sure to provide fun, educational experiences for all.
Dillsboro
Dillsboro is the home of only 213 permanent residents (according to 2020 census numbers), yet this picturesque and truly charming town should certainly not be overlooked by any passing traveller. Founded in the 1880s and located along the banks of the Tuckasegee River, this former rail town remains a place of splendid old time charm. Take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and enjoy beautiful vistas of the same named mountain range or enjoy an quiet afternoon along the waterfront. In addition visitors can enjoy a variety of historic landmarks including the Jarrett House hotel (1884), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With welcoming local eateries and smiling folks all around, Dillsboro makes for a very special day trip for anyone in Jackson County.
Conclusion
Looking for coastal views, fascinating American history, and special southern charm? Then the State of North Carolina may be just the place. Also known as the “Old North State”, North Carolina and its beautiful and friendly small towns offer great natural surroundings and intriguing stories of the past for vacation spots that will surely leave both the young and old appreciative. From the historic streets of Mount Airy to the scenic views of West Jefferson and beyond, these and other North Carolina towns continue to remind all that some of the best of Americana can indeed be found in the smaller communities with truly big time feel.
