9 Stress-Free North Carolina Towns For A Weekend Retreat
In North Carolina's small towns, travelers find a quieter and more naturally enriched side of the state. Heading east to the Outer Banks, travelers can retrace the flight path of the Wright Brothers at the site of the first successful airplane journey, and they can take in the incredible views by the United States' tallest brick lighthouse at the edge of Cape Hatteras. Shifting inland, there's the surprisingly bucolic oasis near Durham, and a friendly village near the Virginia state line that a certain TV sitcom fell in love with (as "Mayberry") in the 1960s. And out at the Blue Ridge Mountains, folks can cross a Mile High Swinging Bridge and climb to some of the highest peaks in the American Southeast. This only scratches the surface of all that visitors can see and do across the state. For even more ideas on how to spend the perfect weekend across the state, here are our nine favorite stress-free North Carolina towns for a weekend retreat.
Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills may be a tiny beach town on North Carolina's Outer Banks (about 86 miles south of Virginia Beach, Virginia), yet it's also a longtime haven for daredevils where adventures really take flight. After all, this is the home of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the first successful airplane flight on December 17, 1903. A few blocks north, Avalon Pier is a fun spot for fishing and sightseeing at the Atlantic Ocean. For those wanting to actually touch the sand and surf, Oregon Avenue Beach is an easy-access spot to spend a day at the beach. And for anyone wanting a quieter experience in open nature, Nags Head Woods Preserve is one of the U.S. East Coast's largest remaining maritime forests and a prime destination for spotting wildlife like bobcats, river otters, and over 150 species of birds.
Back by Oregon Avenue, Cavalier by the Sea is one of the few hotels in the area that offers unobstructed beach access, making this a great place to stay for those wanting to spend plenty of time at the ocean. When booking, guests can choose from standard rooms or larger cottages that are ideal for family beach vacations.
Buxton
While the Outer Banks abound in beautiful beach towns worth exploring, the town of Buxton on Hatteras Island claims the tallest landmark on the coast. That would be Cape Hatteras Light Station, the United States' tallest brick lighthouse at 198.49 feet. Lighthouse keepers guided ships through the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" to safe harbor here starting in 1870. Speaking of that "Graveyard of the Atlantic," Cape Point is a wondrous spot to behold those mighty North Atlantic currents, and to take advantage of these special conditions for surf fishing, beachcombing, and shell hunting. For another uniquely wild Outer Banks experience, folks can hit the trail at Buxton Woods Reserve and experience the coastal wilderness as it's existed since pre-colonization times. And just north of town, Kite Point is a reliable spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing on the Pamlico Sound side.
On the west end of town, travelers will find The Inn on Pamlico Sound, a full-service boutique hotel featuring locally sourced coastal dining at their Cafe Pamlico, a scenic setting for special events, and a fine selection of "beachy chic" guest accommodations.
Atlantic Beach
Shifting to North Carolina's Crystal Coast, around 144 miles east of Fayetteville, Atlantic Beach has everything one needs for the ideal coastal getaway. At the east end of town, Fort Macon State Park is home to a carefully restored Civil War era military fort, about five miles of hiking trails, and roughly 1.5 miles of oceanfront beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing. If anyone wants to venture farther out, Bogue Banks Expeditions runs eco boat tours and fishing charters where guests can see more of the Crystal Coast, cruise by undeveloped barrier islands, and spot local wildlife like wild ponies and dolphins. Then, for a wild experience on dry (or, at least, drier) land, it's a short drive up to Croatan National Forest, over 159,000 acres of coastal woods that shelter rare plants like the Venus flytrap and pitcher plant, along with black bears, turkeys, ospreys, and alligators. And in case someone can simply use a chill day at the beach, Tom Doe Memorial Beach is a clean and welcoming white sand beach right in town.
Located just beyond the Atlantic Beach Causeway, Island Inn of Atlantic Beach makes a comfortable and convenient "base camp" in the heart of town. Here, guests can stretch out in homey condo-style units within easy walking access to many of Atlantic Beach's fine shops, restaurants, and beaches.
Goldsboro
About halfway between New Bern and Raleigh, Goldsboro is an overlooked and underrated destination to enjoy some classic Southern living, even if only for a weekend. Just west of town, Busco Beach is the place to go for epic ATV rides with riding tracks and trails that span across their 1,800-acre property. Or, for a more genteel day on the open greens, Lane Tree Golf Club is a beautifully landscaped and naturally hilly 18-hole golf course. In case anyone desires a different kind of taste of local culture, they can drive over to Elroy Farms Market and peruse their selection of seasonal farm-fresh produce. And since this is North Carolina barbeque country, Three65 Bar & Grill is a tasty place to enjoy some smashburgers, brisket, and plenty more local delights.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Goldsboro is a safe, friendly, and comfy place to spend the night. The property offers free wifi and streaming entertainment, complimentary on-site parking, and a free hot breakfast buffet.
Hillsborough
Just beyond Durham and Chapel Hill, Hillsborough offers a more serene side of the fast-growing Research Triangle metro region. Those wanting a quiet day in nature can head up to Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area for three miles of leafy hiking trails and open space for picnics and birdwatching sessions. Also nearby is Eno River State Park, a beautifully verdant forest preserve with ample opportunities to go hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A little farther east, folks can find a whole lot of farm-fresh goodness at Broken Spoke Farm, including organically grown berries, seasonal vegetables, and house-made (dairy and vegan) ice creams. And for anyone craving some fine adult beverages, Eno River Brewing near downtown has a menu full of locally made craft beers, hard ciders, and non-alcoholic libations.
Staying in town, guests can check into The Colonial Inn and discover an Ascend Collection boutique hotel that overflows in proper Southern hospitality with well-appointed rooms and suites, 100% smoke-free grounds, complimentary coffee and water bottles, and delicious local grub at Spencer's Tavern.
Mount Airy
Ever since hometown legend Andy Griffith introduced the world to the fictional town of Mayberry, folks have been flocking to Mount Airy (around 38 miles northwest of Winston-Salem) to discover the real-life friendly small town that inspired the setting of The Andy Griffith Show. Those wanting a fully-immersive deep dive into the classic 1960s TV show can stop at The Andy Griffith Museum for a vast collection of archives and artifacts from his life and career, including actual costumes and props used in the filming of The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. A few blocks away, the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History covers more of the local story, with a Saura indigenous wigwam, a reconstructed traditional log cabin, and a railroad room full of model trains. On the east end of town, H.B. Rowe Environmental Park is a more natural side of Mount Airy and a launchpad for hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking along the Ararat River. Returning downtown, Thirsty Souls Community Brewing is the spot for a tasty array of house-made craft beers and artisan pizzas.
A few blocks south of downtown, Andy Griffith fans can enjoy the ultimate Mayberry experience at The Andy Griffith Home Place. Not only does Griffith's teenage home welcome visitors, but they can even book a stay at this house with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a back porch, and their own robust collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia.
Boone
It's a roughly 102-mile journey from Charlotte to Boone, yet it leads to a beautiful Appalachian Mountain town that looks and feels a world away from the troubles of the outside world. This definitely rings true at the nearby Grandfather Mountain, where visitors can learn more about the Blue Ridge ecosystem at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, hit the local hiking trails, and traverse the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Then, to the north of town (and near the Tennessee state line), Elk Knob State Park covers the Elk Knob summit and surrounding lands, with ample opportunities for year-round recreation. Switching to the east end of town, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is a 185-acre wonderland for cyclists seeking epic thrills on this extensive network of designated bike trails. And a short drive south of Boone leads to Moses Cone Memorial Park, a gorgeous Gilded Age historic estate that also has some 25 miles of trails across this 3,500-acre property, along with the Southern Highland Craft Guild, where local artists sell their work and give the occasional demonstration April through November.
Set in the heart of Downtown Boone, The Horton Hotel occupies a beloved historic landmark, now fitted out with sleek loft-style accommodations, a cool rooftop bar, and a central location for stepping out and exploring more of the town's fine dining and nightlife establishments.
Hot Springs
Named for the natural thermal springs that rise in this green corner of the Appalachian Mountains, Hot Springs sits about 37 miles north of Asheville and makes a soothing, refreshing weekend getaway. Anyone hoping to embark on a major hiking excursion can rest assured that the Appalachian Trail runs right through town, and hikers can keep going all the way to Springer Mountain in Georgia (or Katahdin in Maine). Or, for an easier journey, the Lover's Leap Trail is a pleasant 1.7 mile path that presents panoramic views of the French Broad River and the nearby mountains. And for everyone who prefers to traverse the mountains on two wheels, they can try riding The Meadow Fork Loop and Hot Doggett trails for amazing biking journeys.
After a busy day hiking or biking, travelers may understandably be looking for the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak up some healing vibes. Fortunately, the Hot Springs Resort And Spa has their own assortment of hot spring-fed soaking tubs, and they offer a selection of primitive campsites, RV hook-up sites, and fully-equipped vacation rental cabins for overnight stays.
Bryson City
Though huge crowds of tourists often venture into the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains from the Tennessee side, there's a whole nother side awaiting curious travelers' discoveries on the North Carolina side, and Bryson City is the perfect place to go to access this other side of the Smokies. Yes, visitors can access the south side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and take in the high Appalachian vistas of this wilderness preserve without having to deal with the heavier traffic in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. And for those wanting an even more comfortable ride through the mountains, they can hop aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers a number of special seasonal journeys, including fall foliage tours, wine and spirit tastings on wheels, and the winter holiday Polar Express. Speaking of wine and other adult beverages, Deep Creek Winery is a mountainside tasting room for small-batch, hand-selected wines, while Mountain Layers Brewing Company has a constantly rotating lineup of tasty and refreshing craft beers on tap.
Whether one comes to Bryson City for the mighty mountains or the satisfying craft culture, Calhoun House Inn & Suites makes a wonderful base for exploring it all. This all-suite property has guest quarters suitable for families, as well as those who just want a little more room to roam.
Where to Relax, Renew, and Refresh for a North Carolina Weekend
What makes a weekend in these nine towns work is how differently they read depending on which end of the state a traveler picks. The coastal towns turn on water and open sky: the Wright Brothers' launch site at Kill Devil Hills, the Cape Hatteras beacon at Buxton, the barrier-island charters out of Atlantic Beach. The mountain towns trade that horizon for elevation and forest, from the Mile High Swinging Bridge above Boone to the thermal soaks and Appalachian Trail miles at Hot Springs to the quieter Smokies gateway at Bryson City. In between sit the inland picks, where Mount Airy leans on its Mayberry connection and Hillsborough on farm markets and river trails. Any one of them fits a two-day trip, and a traveler willing to string a few together can cross most of North Carolina without ever booking a hurried itinerary.
