The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In North Carolina
North Carolina has a rich history and a lot of culture. It is filled with small towns that carry a hospitable spirit. So it makes sense that the state has become such a popular destination. Travelers come to go gem mining in Franklin, see the waterfalls in Bryson City, and peruse the specialty shops and galleries in downtown Waynesville. These and the five other towns on this list draw visitors with their history and plenty to do.
Franklin
While the town of Franklin may not be that large, covering just under five square miles, it sits within the 531,148-acre Nantahala National Forest, and it is packed with things to do. Outdoor activities abound, but the town is also known as the "Gem Capital of the World." Not just the gem capital of the US, but of the whole world, so gem mining is a must when visiting this small town. Sheffield Gem Mine, Old Cardinal Gem Mine, and Rose Creek Mine are just a few of the places where visitors can dig for garnets, sapphires, and even rubies. The town itself has some gems of its own as well. A day can be spent hunting for treasures at the Uptown Gallery, sipping craft beer at the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company, and indulging in succulent BBQ at Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQ.
Sylva
Small town charm is the biggest draw in the town of fewer than 3,000 people that is known as Sylva, NC. This special place is chock-full of culture and the opportunity for outdoor activities. Visitors that choose Sylva looking for outdoor activities can begin their adventure just steps from the downtown area by hiking Sylva's own Pinnacle Park. It is a 3.4-mile hike that reaches an elevation of 5,008 feet, and the starting point is less than a mile from town. After a day of hiking, or shopping at In Your Ear Music or the City Lights Bookstore, visitors tend to flock to the local breweries. There are three different options on Main Street alone, Lazy Hiker Brewing, Innovation Brewing, and Balsam Falls Brewing. To end the day, dinner at the town's favorite restaurant, Lulu's on Main, is a must.
Bryson City
If you think Sylva sounds like a small town, then wait until you hear about Bryson City. This culture-packed town has fewer than 2,000 residents living in it, but it is visited by many more who come to the region to explore the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For outdoor adventures without leaving the town, tubing on the Tuckasegee River or at nearby Deep Creek is a popular activity and tube rentals are available at Bryson City River Tubing and JJs Deep Creek Tubes. If opting for a more culture-rich experience, the town has a lot to offer too. A ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, shopping for souvenirs and gifts at Bryson City Outdoors or Madison's on Main, and dinner at the historic Fryemont Inn, which is also a lodging option, is a great way to spend a day in Bryson City.
Waynesville
Waynesville is on the larger size on this list of must-see North Carolina towns, so there is even more to see and do. The downtown area is bursting with quaint little shops and eateries. Readers of USA Today voted its Main Street the second-best in America. The two-story Mast General Store is an attraction in and of itself. Housed in a building that dates to the 1930's, you can find everything from nostalgic treats and candy to cast iron pans and pottery at this highly visited store. Metzger's Burl Wood Gallery is where visitors go to buy live edge wood furniture, and the Funky Fern Emporium is where shoppers can find unique treasures like gemstone troll dolls and quirky art prints.
Lake Lure
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure offers a more laid-back atmosphere than the towns already mentioned. In this small town, it is all about the opportunity for outdoor activities. Visitors go to Lake Lure to hike the Rumbling Bald Trail at Chimney Rock State Park, take in views of Hickory Nut Gorge, and, of course, swim, paddleboard, boat, and kayak in the roughly 720-acre man-made lake. Pine Gables Log Cabins provides the perfect resting spot following a day of adventure in Lake Lure, with eight rustic log cabins available for rent, and the nearby Appalachia Restaurant will provide a touch of elegance to round out the trip.
Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley is a tiny little town situated in the Great Smoky Mountains that packs a worthy punch when it comes to things to do. For the adventurous type, it is widely known for the Cataloochee Ski Area, where visitors can rent equipment and hit the slopes. About four miles from that, Tube World is a popular spot as well. Featuring 12 snow tubing lanes, with tubes available on site, it is a great way to experience the outdoors in Maggie Valley even if you aren't a skier. For something a little more laid back when visiting this small town, a trip to the Wheels Through Time vintage motorcycle museum, featuring several rare motorcycles, and a homestyle lunch at Country Vittles, is a great way to spend a day.
Mount Airy
In the Piedmont Region of North Carolina sits a small town of only about 10,000 residents that not only oozes with charm but also offers access to great outdoor adventures, like exploring nearby Pilot Mountain. But what Mount Airy is really known for is being the birthplace of Andy Griffith and the inspiration behind the fictional town of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. For fans of the show, there is much to see and do. Mayberry Squad Car Tours, the Andy Griffith Museum, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, and the famous pork chop sandwich from Snappy Lunch, once frequented by the legend himself, all contribute to the whole Mayberry experience. And to top it all off, you can even stay at Andy Griffith's childhood home, which now operates as a bed and breakfast that goes by the name, Andy's Homeplace.
Washington
Closer to North Carolina's coast, located within the Inner Banks region, is the small town of Washington, the first town in the US to be named after the nation's first president. Often referred to as "Little Washington" to distinguish it from the country's capital; it differs in many ways. Its location on the Pamlico River, which opens into the vast Pamlico Sound, lends it a distinct marine culture. This means fresh seafood is readily available at places like Slammin Sammy's Oyster Bar and Grub Brothers Eatery. After filling up on seafood, a stroll along the downtown waterfront boardwalk and a visit to the North Carolina Estuarium is a great way to experience the culture of this small town.
The Simpler Side of North Carolina
The great state of North Carolina has it all. Big cities, rural areas, coastal towns, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches, and more. Out of everything that the state has to offer, the state's small towns are where visitors can find relaxation, charm, culture, and adventure, and there are plenty worth visiting throughout the state. The small towns on this list encourage visitors to enjoy the simpler side of life, so if that is what you are looking for in a vacation destination, you'll find it in one of these must-see North Carolina towns.
