9 Stress-Free North Carolina Towns For A Weekend Retreat

It is easy to get caught up in the everyday stress of life and lose sight of what truly matters. However, when you live in a state as beautiful as North Carolina, there is no excuse to stay holed up in the office all month! Even if you only have a weekend to spare, the state is full of all kinds of gorgeous towns, home to forested gorges, apple orchards, and 100-foot waterfalls. For a quick reset, a trip to one of these nine towns will help you unwind, recharge, and reconnect with the best things life has to offer.

Black Mountain

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Mountain is home to just 8,500 residents and lies only 15 minutes from Asheville, making it an easy spot for a quick weekend escape. Travelers can immerse themselves in nature by hiking Catawba Falls Trail, a 3.5-mile path that leads to a series of cascades that total 100 feet. Afterward, head back into town to sip a craft beer on the outdoor patio at Lookout Brewing Company, where you can enjoy the crisp fall air. You can complete your experience with a night away at the Peri Social House, an incredibly cozy boutique hotel that doubles as a coffee shop and bar.

Saluda

Slightly south of Black Mountain lies the town of Saluda, known for its natural attractions like the Green River Gorge. This gorge is filled with old-growth forests, white water, and steep ravines that make it a hub for outdoor recreation. If you are looking for a particularly unique way to explore the Gorge, consider an afternoon ziplining with The Gorge Zipline, which is set right at the gorge’s rim! The town is also filled with a variety of quaint shops, such as the M. A. Pace General Store, which dates back to 1899, creating a somewhat nostalgic experience. Travelers can unwind for the evening at the Saluda Inn, a modern, yet historic property that is listed on the National Historic Registry.

Little Switzerland

Named due to its resemblance to the Swiss Alps, you won’t find many places more beautiful than Little Switzerland. There are several waterfalls in the surrounding area, such as Tom’s Creek Falls, an 80-foot cascade that is in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. Provision Haus is the perfect place in town to grab an afternoon pick-me-up, serving both coffee and a variety of ice cream flavors. If you are seeking a hotel room with a view, look no further than the Switzerland Inn, perched high in the mountains and offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge.

Hendersonville

Hendersonville is a particularly ideal destination to visit in the fall, as it is surrounded by farms and orchards. Travelers can stop by Justus Orchard one morning, where they can pick their own apples, grab a freshly baked pastry from the bakery, or enjoy a cider from the taproom. Downtown, from May through October, the Hendersonville Farmers Market takes place each Saturday, selling local products like eggs, meat, dairy, honey, produce, and baked goods. Travelers looking for a conveniently located inn will love The Henderson, which is just a block from Main Street and set in a building on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beaufort

Situated in North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Beaufort is a laid-back beach town that is small enough to explore in a weekend yet large enough to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Travelers wanting to explore the water can rent a boat for the day from Beaufort Paddle, which has single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and SUP boards available. You won’t have a hard time finding a good seafood restaurant, either. Blackbeard’s Grill and Steam Bar serves a variety of seafood favorites, including steamed oysters, crab cakes, and fish and chips. To wake up overlooking the water, consider lodging at the Inlet Inn, which is located right on the banks of Taylor’s Creek.

Southport

Named as “America's Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, you will quickly feel the stress fade away upon arriving in Southport. Several companies in the area offer both sailing and fishing charters for those eager to explore the sea. Southport Fishing Charters is a great option, guided by a captain who has been fishing since he was a boy. Prefer to stay on dry ground? Check out some of the coffee shops or boutiques along North Howe Street, such as Lexi B's Boutique, which sells women’s clothes and accessories. To end a relaxing day by the sea, check into the River Hotel of Southport, set along the Cape Fear River with a private balcony in every room.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, promising a weekend full of beautiful scenery. Its namesake landmark, The Blowing Rock, is a cliff edge with a 4,000-foot drop that overlooks the surrounding peaks, offering views unlike any other. There are plenty of hiking trails near town as well, such as the Moses Cone Trails, a 25-mile trail network that meanders around features like old apple orchards, a barn, and a lake. Travelers can enjoy a luxurious night away at the Chetola Resort, which sits on a 75-acre property in the mountains.

Sylva

Situated at the foot of the Smokies, Sylva is perfect for hikers and has been making a name for itself in the brewery scene as well. For travelers seeking a challenging hike, Pinnacle Park offers 1,400 acres of trails that climb to elevations over 5,000 feet. To reward yourself after a hike, head over to Balsam Falls Brewing Co. for a craft beer, which has been operating in the community since 2017. Hotel Sylva, a clean and modern boutique hotel, is just a five-minute walk from the brewery, meaning you could walk back after if you want!

Edenton

As North Carolina’s second-oldest town, Edenton is a historic coastal village set on the shores of Edenton Bay and the Albemarle Sound. Travelers can learn about these three centuries of history on a Historic Edenton Trolley Tour, which lasts for roughly 50 minutes, narrating some of the town’s most significant historic landmarks. To take advantage of the town’s waterfront location, consider an afternoon of paddling on one of the nearby water trails, such as the Catherine/Warwick Creek, which winds through picturesque hardwood swamps. Need a place to stay? The Inner Banks Inn is a great choice, sitting on a tranquil property in the historic district and serving an elaborate complimentary breakfast each morning.

Let this be a sign to enjoy a weekend getaway this fall. When you live in North Carolina, there are numerous places nearby to explore, allowing you to enjoy a little adventure without needing to put in that PTO request. Whether you prefer to spend your Saturday afternoon exploring the seas on a fishing charter, looking out at the mountains in a mountainside inn, or hiking along a challenging trail, you won’t have a hard time finding a town that fits your interests. So go ahead and make that hotel reservation: you deserve it!