These 12 Towns In North Carolina Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025

Raleigh is the capital and a national hub for research and technology. Charlotte is the "Queen's City" and has size and sizzle to back up that claim. And Asheville is a haven for the naturalist and artist alike. But North Carolina’s smaller towns rival the vibe and vibrancy of bigger cities. They each have offerings — from historical landscapes to festivals you can't find elsewhere in the state. Though it was a tall order, here we have made a list of the 12 small towns in North Carolina that have captured the affection of travelers to the state.

Beaufort

This coastal town is steeped in maritime history. The Beaufort Historic District boasts beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes. The North Carolina Maritime Museum showcases artifacts from shipwrecks, including Blackbeard’s flagship Queen Anne’s Revenge. Just offshore, the Rachel Carson Reserve offers a glimpse of wild horses and pristine marshland. Seasonal events like the "Beaufort Pirate Invasion Festival" celebrate the town's swashbuckling past.

Bath

Founded in 1705, Bath holds the title of North Carolina’s first incorporated town. Visitors can explore the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the state’s oldest surviving church building, and walk along the Pamlico River waterfront where colonial life once thrived. Bath was also once home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard. Today, the town’s quiet streets and historic homes make it a living time capsule.

Seagrove

Known as the “Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States,” Seagrove and the surrounding area is dotted with more than 100 working potteries. The North Carolina Pottery Center tells the story of this 200-year tradition, while local studios let visitors meet artisans and see pottery come to life. The annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Show and Studio Tour showcases new works and honors this craft heritage.

Bryson City

A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a hub for outdoor adventure. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train excursions through river gorges and mountain valleys. In the nearby Deep Creek area of the Smokies, visitors can hike to waterfalls or tube down mountain streams. Or go downtown to sip and stroll through craft breweries and local art galleries that reflect the town’s welcoming spirit.

Hillsborough

Hillsborough features over 100 preserved structures in its historic district dating back to the Revolutionary War. The Burwell School Historic Site explores education in the antebellum South, while the Ayr Mount estate showcases Federal-style architecture. Outdoor lovers enjoy the Eno River State Park and the Riverwalk Greenway, while art lovers can browse the town’s galleries and attend local cultural festivals like the upcoming and spooky "Hillsborough Halloween Spirits Tours" and the annual "Revolutionary War Living History Day."

Highlands

Located on a high Appalachian plateau, the aptly named Highlands, NC, is known for its cool climate and scenic beauty. Nearby waterfalls such as Dry Falls and Glen Falls are hiking meccas, as is the Highlands Biological Station, which offers lush gardens full of local plant life and hiking trails. Its lively arts scene includes the Highlands Performing Arts Center, which hosts live theatrical performances and the and the yearly "Highlands - Cashiers Film Festival." If you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur, don't miss the annual "Highlands Food and Wine Festival," and indulge in some select artisan goods.

Edenton

Edenton sits gracefully on the Albemarle Sound, often called one of America’s prettiest small towns. The Cupola House and Penelope Barker House highlight colonial architecture, while the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse recalls the town's maritime heritage. Festivals such as the biennial "Edenton Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes and Gardens" invite visitors to step back in time on a self-guided tour through two centuries of history while enjoying waterfront views.

New Bern

New Bern was founded in 1710 and is North Carolina’s first capital and the birthplace of Pepsi. The town’s Tryon Palace served as the governor’s mansion in the colonial era and now anchors a museum complex and sprawling gardens. Its riverside downtown brims with shops and art galleries, such as the original shop where Pepsi was first made. New Bern also hosts festive events like "MumFest," a fall celebration of flowers, arts, and live music, as well as the "Coastal Christmas Flotilla."

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock lays perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is named for its legendary rock formation, where winds swirl dramatically upward from the gorge. Visitors enjoy the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, and outdoor enthusiasts flock to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park for hiking and horseback riding. The town’s annual "WinterFest" adds a seasonal highlight with ice sculptures and polar plunges for the bravest of souls.

Saluda

Saluda stands near the Blue Ridge foothills and is known for its longstanding railroading past. Once home to the steepest mainline railroad grade in the United States, the town honors this heritage at the Saluda Historic Depot Museum. The Green River Gorge nearby is a magnet for outdoor adventurers who want to explore the old-growth forests and sharp ravines. Each spring, the "Saluda Arts Festival" brings the streets of Saluda alive with works from local artisans including painting, drawing, sculptures, woodworking, jewelry, live music, and many other art mediums.

Banner Elk

Banner Elk sits between Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, making it a year-round outdoor playground. In winter, skiing dominates, and in summer, hiking and mountain biking take the spotlight. But Banner Elk boasts adventure within its own city limits with the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster. The town is also known for the quirky "Woolly Worm Festival," where caterpillars 'race' to predict the coming winter. Appreciate the local flavor and relax after your outdoor adventures at the Banner Elk Winery or the Grandfather Vineyard & Winery.

Brevard

Called the “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, with more than 250 cascades nearby. Bring your binoculars on your hike and try to catch a view of the rare White Squirrel, the town's mascot, and the inspiration for the annual "White Squirrel Weekend." The celebration of the town's furry friend has a White Squirrel Photo Contest and a White Squirrel Dance-off. If you crave a musical vibe, then make a pilgrimage to the "Brevard Music Center Summer Festival," which draws international performers. Go downtown and grab some delectable treats at the Blue Ridge Bakery or eat back in time at the Cardinal Drive-In for classic burgers and fries.

Make Your Next Trip to the Tarheel State a Memorable One

North Carolina is a state with something for everyone. If you want to hike mountains, lounge at the beach, shop in a big city, or just sit down to a barbeque meal, this state is ready for your stay. But as it often goes in travel, the spots not so big on the map often offer the biggest adventures. This list highlights lesser-known destinations that beckon travelers with their unique takes on North Carolina’s history and culture. Stop by any of these 12 towns and start making your own memories and build a list of your own.