The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In North Carolina
North Carolina is a wonderful state in the southeastern U.S. that knows how to impress visitors. The state offers a bit of everything to appeal to travelers who crave a scenic adventure. With countless commercial, historical, and natural locales and landmarks, there is no shortage of what can be found and cherished for years to come. These can't-miss towns in the "Tar Heel State" are sure to bring some splendid memories!
Blowing Rock
A quirky village town with plenty of scenic stops, Blowing Rock is not one to miss out on! The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is a mainstay for Appalachian cultural exhibits and friendly lessons about American artworks lost to time. Moses Cone Memorial Park is also an option for neocolonial Cone Manor legacies, historic handmade quilts, and sunny afternoon comfort.
For waterfront itineraries, Broyhill Park, with its tranquil canine trails and pond solitude, lets travelers see underrated parts of Blowing Rock. At High Country Candles, guests will always feel welcomed while shopping for exotic candles and the coolest hand-poured masterpieces!
Hendersonville
Located south of Asheville, Hendersonville makes travel more spectacular and interesting. The Mineral & Lapidary Museum is known for its meteorite rock collections and paleontological showrooms that will astonish anyone! At the Appalachian Pinball Museum, vacationers are surrounded by retro arcade games, nostalgic video gaming chit-chat, and unrivaled pinball appreciation, making for a special moment.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is a detour for extravagant wine and hard cider tastes that pair well with the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Haus Heidelberg German Restaurant is a must for authentic Bavarian dishes and some of the best crispy bacon sides in town!
Bryson City
Seen as the "Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park," Bryson City is a marvel to experience in person. At the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, guests can encounter fly fishing history and southern culture fused together. The Great Smoky Mountain Railway is a trendy attraction for all who want to participate in vintage dining while absorbing countryside scenery!
Deep Creek is a prominent hiking retreat option for cascading waterfalls and easygoing picnic getaways. River's End Restaurant is an iconic local favorite, where newcomers can witness breathtaking Nantahala Gorge views while chowing down on delicious burgers and sandwiches or sipping signature cocktails!
Manteo
A Roanoke Island destination that is quite overlooked on most itineraries, Manteo has many vibrant stopping points! Roanoke Island Festival Park is known for its kid-friendly replicas, American Indian displays, and 16th-century costumed roleplays. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is viable for lighthouse fanatics who prefer pretty coastal cottage vibes and a bit of ocean calmness.
The Elizabethan Gardens is an unparalleled natural adventure with its botanical fanciness, butterfly house thrills, and peaceful greenhouse splendors. Evening entertainment may be easily found at the Waterside Theatre, a performing arts locale with stunning "Lost Colony" performances and a New World historical ambiance unlike any other!
Beaufort
Beaufort, found in the Inner Banks of North Carolina, is an Atlantic Coast destination with lots of beauty to take in. The North Carolina Maritime Museum houses famous pirate ship heirlooms, knowledge of whale skeletons, and steamboat heritage. Those looking for natural endeavors can enjoy Rachel Carson Reserve, a laidback salt marsh landscape with wild horse habitats and alluring coastal surroundings.
For a unique travel experience, guests can hop aboard a tiki boat with Beaufort Tiki Bar Cruises and witness downtown glamour across the Crystal Coast. Taylor's Creek Antiques is an overlooked locale that sells fancy furniture pieces and classical paintings, and even has a cute historic porch!
Edenton
Also recognized as the "First Capital" and "The Port of Roanoke," Edenton is another Inner Banks town that creates a joyful itinerary! The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center welcomes backpackers with its guided tours of colonial waterfront upbringing and renowned Tea Party contributors from a bygone era. Visitors to Elizabeth Vann Moore Park can rest easy while admiring family playground sites and preserved Edenton Bay scenery.
People who want harborside thrills can explore the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, a 19th-century landmark for navigational watchpoints and photogenic views worth a return visit! Surf, Wind, and Fire is a hip locale that creates a meaningful trip for all who want to shop for surfing equipment and other downtown goodies.
Sylva
Sylva, situated in the Plott Balsam Mountains, is a testament to the state's most intriguing wonders. The American Museum of the House Cat is an uncanny stop for cat memorabilia, carousel trinkets, and friendly felines that like to be petted! Pinnacle Park is a hiking paradise with campsite crowds, hardwood forests, and looping trails that lead to an unforgettable summit peak.
Literature lovers can browse through City Lights Bookstore's charming collection and have some spare time to mingle with the locals. Baxley's Chocolates is guaranteed to attract sweet tooths thanks to its fudge and mango sorbets, gelato samples, and lovable owners!
Banner Elk
Within the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Banner Elk, a small town that combines relaxation with city vibrance. Sugar Creek Gem Mine is a hospitable attraction that promises gemstone mining adventures and jewelry creations for young ones. Apple Hill Farm is a mountaintop segue with adorable alpacas, goats, and other animals worth seeing many times over; it also has festive barnyard tours and Christmas celebrations!
For tourists with a penchant for gardening, Grandfather Mountain Nursery Garden Center and Landscaping has everything one may need for outdoor satisfaction. Stonewalls Restaurant's esteemed salad bar and steak varieties are not opportunities to pass up!
Concluding Thoughts
All of these amazing small towns in North Carolina should not be discounted. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar one is with traveling around the country, the "Tar Heel State" is sure to bring smiles to anyone who needs newfound destinations or exciting places. By getting out of one's comfort zone and witnessing the state's finest locales and landmarks, one will never want to leave!
