9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In North Carolina
From the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the breezy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina is full of places where history, nature, and Southern hospitality come together. Throughout the Tar Heel State, you will find charming small towns where the magic really comes alive. Whether you are exploring the waterfront town of Southport, where fishing boats and oak-lined trees set the scene, or breathing in the mountain air in Bryson City, each of these nine towns invites you to slow down, explore, and discover the best North Carolina offers.
Bryson City
Affectionately known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City sits where the Smokies meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. To take in all the views of this beautiful town, ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Fun for the entire family, you can choose from steam-powered or diesel locomotive rides, as you sit back, relax, and see small-town North Carolina life up close. Make a special trip in November or December with the kids to take The Polar Express™ Train Ride, where you will receive hot chocolate and a special visit with Santa during the ride. To fully immerse yourself in the town’s nature, head to Deep Creek Trail, which features paved roads, biking trails, and hiking trails for you to explore. There are three cascading waterfalls within Deep Creek that you can see by taking an easy hike down Waterfall Loop, which is less than two-and-a-half miles total. If you want to learn more about the history of Bryson City, the best place to explore is the Swain County Heritage Museum. Located in the town’s historic courthouse, the museum has detailed displays featuring a restored log cabin, tools from early settlers in the area, a church organ dating back to 1887, and activities for kids.
Southport
Located on the southeastern tip of the state, the town of Southport sits at the meeting spot of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Sailors have frequented this historic seaside town since the 1500s, but it has also caught the eye of Hollywood more recently. The city is popular for filming movies and TV shows, such as Under the Dome and The Summer I Turned Pretty. You can see exact filming locations and learn more about the town’s impressive history by taking a 45-minute ride with Southport Fun Tours around the waterfront district. To explore the heart of the city, head to the Southport Pier and Riverwalk. After walking the pier, head to Waterfront Park right next to it, where there are swings, a water fountain, and gazebos, making it a perfect place to spend a sunny day. If you plan your trip around Independence Day, you will not want to miss the North Carolina 4th of July Festival. As one of the state’s most significant celebrations, the festival includes a Naturalization Ceremony to welcome some of the area’s newest citizens, an Arts and Crafts Market featuring local vendors, a Veteran’s Recognition ceremony, and an impressive fireworks show on the waterfront.
Waynesville
About 30 miles west of Asheville, you will find Waynesville, which is known for its stunning foliage in the fall. As you plan your trip to the town, be sure to check the Haywood Arts Regional Theater schedule so you can catch a show. The venue is beautiful, sitting on an eight-acre National Historic Site, and it puts on various performances throughout the year, in almost every genre imaginable. The theater sits on property owned by the Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, a popular spot to visit in town. At the museum, you will see various exhibits, such as The Native American Collection, which features handcrafted items from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Navajo Nation, the Hopi, the Sioux Nation, and the Acoma. After a fun day exploring Waynesville, sit back and relax with a drink at Frog Level Brewing Company in the heart of downtown. Set on the water, the brewery has an outdoor beer garden, serves pub food, and often features live music for a fun and relaxing setting. Its outdoor space is pet-friendly, so it is the perfect spot for dinner if you are traveling with your pup.
Asheboro
About 70 miles west of the state capital, Raleigh, sits the charming town of Asheboro, which is most famous for being the home of the North Carolina Zoo. A haven for wildlife conservation, as you stroll through the zoo, you will see animals from around the world, from grizzly bears to elephants, and everything in between. The zoo hosts “Meet the Keeper” encounters throughout the day, where you can watch animal feedings and see training sessions in action. Another fun way to spend an afternoon in Asheboro is visiting the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame. Across 20,000 square feet, the museum is home to an impressive collection of civilian and military aircraft, including the Piper J-3 Flitfire, which Orville Wright, of the Wright Brothers fame, flew. As you drive around Asheboro, visit the Pisgah Covered Bridge, one of only two remaining covered bridges in the state. Initially built in 1911 for only $40, today it is a designated Local Historic Landmark located at 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Road. Before leaving Asheboro, pick up the perfect souvenir with a stop at the Collector’s Antique Mall. The store is famous for its elaborate and changing front window displays, and inside, there is a variety of antiques from nearly 100 different dealers, so you are sure to find something special.
Highlands
Highlands is in the southwestern part of the state, not far from the borders of Georgia and South Carolina. With an elevation of over 4,100 feet, it is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River and has plenty to explore. Outdoor adventurers will love visiting Dry Falls in the Nantahala National Forest. A paved trail leads to the 80-foot waterfall, which curves behind the falls, where you can walk behind it without getting wet. After an early morning hike to the falls, head for brunch at the Blue Bike Cafe. Split a basket of the housemade biscuits, get your sugar fill with a smores pancake, or keep it lighter with avocado toast. Whatever you choose, remember that the restaurant closes at 3:00 pm. Get in touch with your artsy side while in Highlands with a visit to the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. Sitting on a former horse farm, the venue is part museum, with its rotating artistic exhibitions, and part education center, with classes and workshops, where you can learn skills like drawing and woodturning. The center also hosts a Holiday Market in November and December, where you can shop for locally made goods that make perfect gifts.
Edenton
Sitting along the shores of Edenton Bay and the Albemarle Sound is Edenton, which is the epitome of small-town waterfront living. Edenton is known for its rich history and for being North Carolina’s first Colonial capital. One of the top places to visit in town is the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, one of the country's last remaining screw-pile lighthouses. You can tour the structure and learn more about life on the water over the years. Another way to take a step back into the past in Edenton is by visiting the Cupola House and Gardens. Initially built in 1758, the house still has historically accurate furnishings and is known for its intricate Georgian woodwork. You can take a 45-minute guided tour of the house to learn more about its 250-year-plus history. If there is one food North Carolinians are particular about, it is good BBQ. Head to Old Colony Smokehouse on North Broad Street for a meal that will not disappoint. With its market-style service counter, all the food on the menu is prepared fresh daily by a third-generation butcher, and all of the meat is completely wood-cooked for an unbeatable flavor.
Hendersonville
Life slows when you escape the big city to visit Hendersonville, just 25 miles south of Asheville. Take the kids for an adventure they will not forget at the Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, where they can act like an 1800s-era prospector for a day! After searching for sapphires, rubies, and more, you can turn your finds into jewelry to take home with you. What do you get when you combine a museum and an arcade? The Appalachian Pinball Museum. With an impressive collection of vintage and modern-day pinball machines, you can pay a flat fee and play as much as you want, making it a perfect way to spend a playful afternoon. Did you know that most of North Carolina’s apples are grown in Henderson County, where Hendersonville is located? If you love honeycrisps, Granny Smiths, and more, head to the town over Labor Day weekend for the annual North Carolina Apple Festival on Main Street. The festival features over a dozen local apple growers, including live music, a Family Fun Zone, a parade, and countless delicious apple treats.
Manteo
Located in the Outer Banks, Manteo (pronounced man-ee-o), offers the perfect mix of history and modern amenities. Explore Manteo's beautiful outdoors by visiting the Elizabethan Gardens, where each season offers something new to explore. As you walk through the gardens, keep your eyes out for marble statues, soaring birds, a babbling fountain, and all that is in bloom. No visit to Manteo is complete without a visit to The Lost Colony, an outdoor theater performance that tells the story of Sir Walter Raleigh and the 117 colonists who vanished, with nothing more than a mysterious message carved into a tree left behind. To take an even deeper dive into the area's history, visit Island Farm, a living history exhibit that shows what everyday life was like for those living in the Outer Banks in the mid-1800s. From April to December, when you visit the farm, you can help with gardening, try weaving, and even play 1800s-era games.
Southern Pines
In the south-central part of the state, known as the Sandhills, you will find Southern Pines. The area is known for its excellent golf courses, so if you like to hit the links, visit the Southern Pines Golf Club. Since 1906, the club has been open to the general public seven days a week and features a 6,500-yard vintage course. After you play, you can grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, 1906 Grill, which offers American Fare. Not a golfer? No worries! You can still enjoy the outdoor beauty of Southern Pines by visiting Reservoir Park. Once there, you can explore the more than 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, or go fishing and boating on the 95-acre lake. The park also has grills and picnic tables, so enjoying lunch out in the sun is easy. If you want to head inside, explore the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, the former estate of author James Boyd and his wife Katharine. Today, the venue hosts various events, from jazz performances to author meet-and-greets, so be sure to check the calendar leading up to your trip. If you want to grab a drink before heading out of town, check out Hatchet Brewing Company, a veteran-owned taproom with a selection of beers, ciders, seltzers, and wines. The brewery often hosts food trucks and music bingo, so there is plenty to enjoy while sipping your favorite brew.
These small towns in North Carolina prove that the most memorable adventures are not always found in the busiest cities. These destinations blend natural beauty with a welcoming spirit that makes you feel at home. From sampling fresh apples in Hendersonville to playing golf in Southern Pines, these nine towns invite you to slow down, savor the scenery, and create lasting memories with the people who mean the most to you. Your hardest decision will be deciding which town to visit first.
