With light traffic, unique attractions and events, and lots of space to breathe, these 9 small towns are among North Carolina’s most charming.
North Carolina is known for several things: beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, rich culture, and incredible food. It’s also home to some delightful small towns that make fantastic places to visit or live.
Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, outdoor fun, fascinating history, or distinctive draws, you’ll find them at these 9 charming small towns scattered throughout the Tar Heel State.
1. West Jefferson
Nestled in northwestern NC in scenic Ashe County, West Jefferson is the epitome of a lovely mountain town. Ashe County grows the most Christmas trees in the state, and with all those Christmas tree farms, you won’t find major-city amenities like public transit or big-box shopping.
But you will find an adorable, walkable downtown with public art, a free summer concert series, unique local businesses like the James Beard-nominated Dalaya Thai and Ashe County Cheese (North Carolina’s oldest cheese plant), and numerous art galleries. Throw in endless breathtaking mountain vistas and easy access to the New River and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area’s 1,000+ square-foot acreage, and you can see why everyone’s smitten with Sylva.
2. Brevard
Want to chase waterfalls, glimpse rare white squirrels, and enjoy fun festivals and events galore? You can do all that and more in Brevard. Located roughly 30 minutes from Asheville and less than 10 miles from the South Carolina border, Brevard is known as the Land of Waterfalls on account of the 250 waterfalls in the area—including Bridal Veil Falls, seen in the 2012 film, “The Hunger Games.”
Brevard is also home to private liberal arts institution Brevard College, as well as the prestigious Brevard Music Center, a school and venue that holds performances year-round. Its summer concert series is particularly popular.
3. Sylva
From its opportunities for outdoor recreation and walkable downtown to its unexpectedly sophisticated local businesses and quirky attractions, there’s a lot to love about Sylva.
Its location near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes outdoor access easy peasy, and its proximity to Western Carolina University in nearby Cullowhee injects the town with lively energy.
In addition to its quaint downtown (seen in the award-winning 2017 film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”), which boasts globally inspired restaurants, Sylva is home to the entertainingly offbeat American Museum of the House Cat.
The town also boasts an impressive array of architectural styles and noteworthy landmarks, most notably the iconic Jackson County Courthouse, the most photographed courthouse in the state.
4. Hot Springs
Located roughly 45 minutes north of Asheville in neighboring Madison County is the tiny town of Hot Springs, the state’s only spot with natural geothermal mineral springs. Historically known as a place of health and healing, the area attracted throngs of sick people seeking the healing properties they believed were associated with the natural, heated spring water.
While people no longer believe the water’s a panacea, the town still sees plenty of visitors seeking the relaxing experience of a soak in one of the secluded outdoor jetted mineral tubs at Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Because it’s also located between Spring Creek, the French Broad River, and the Appalachian Trail (which passes directly through downtown), Hot Springs is also ideal for outdoor recreation of all kinds, including hiking and rafting. Excellent dining options include the Iron Horse Saloon and Big Pillow Brewing.
5. Mount Airy
The picturesque town that inspired the fictional Mayberry of “The Andy Griffith Show,” Mount Airy is a refreshing glimpse into the past. While it’s known for its iconic attractions from the show, like the Mayberry Courthouse and Jail, squad car, and Floyd’s Barber Shop, Mount Airy is also home to other sights.
These include the grave of Chang and Eng Bunker, the world’s original conjoined “Siamese twins,” as well as a museum dedicated to the brothers. It’s also home to the Mount Airy Granite Quarry (known by locals as “The Rock”), the largest open-face granite quarry in the world.
As for sustenance, it offers nostalgic eateries like the Mayberry Drive-In, Snappy Lunch (get the pork chop sandwich), and Opie’s Candy Store. There are also contemporary spots like Thirsty Souls Community Brewing. Wine aficionados will want to check out the award-winning wines along the Surry County Wine Trail.
6. Saxapahaw
A tiny, historic mill village located in Alamance County along the Haw River, Saxapahaw is honestly worth a visit on account of its fun name alone. Its convenient location between Chapel Hill, Greensboro, and Raleigh makes it easy to pop in and experience its thriving arts and music scene, delectable restaurants, and recreational activities.
Arts are in bloom year-round, thanks to free community events like Saturdays in Saxapahaw, seasonal markets, workshops, and more.
With a gourmet restaurant located inside a rural gas station and convenience store, it’s easy to see why the Saxapahaw General Store aptly bills itself as “Your local five-star gas station.” Stop by for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including vegetarian and vegan options) made with locally sourced ingredients or to simply hang out with others at this community gathering spot.
Craft beer enthusiasts will be remiss if they don’t check out the NC Ale Trail By Rail, which transports folks to local breweries between Raleigh and Charlotte by train. It includes a stop in Saxapahaw at Haw River Farmhouse Ales.
7. Hillsborough
With arts, upscale shops, and numerous fabulous, funky restaurants and watering holes (including the Wooden Nickle, Village Diner, and Nash Street Tavern, which features live music and laidback vibes), the small town of Hillsborough packs a powerful punch. Known as “America’s Little Literary Town”, Hillsborough is located along the Eno River about 20 minutes from the major metropolitan hubs of Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, and Research Triangle Park.
Hillsborough boasts an unexpectedly lovely rural, rustic feel. This is due in part to the 100+ beautifully preserved homes and architectural marvels spanning three centuries, such as the exquisite 19th-century Montrose Gardens in the town’s Historic District. The historic dirt Occoneechee Speedway (one of the first two NASCAR tracks to open) and Occoneechee Speedway Trail offer both a glimpse into the area’s racing past and access to the area’s natural beauty. The beloved Riverwalk Greenway also showcases the serene beauty the Eno River brings to the town.
Fun fact? Legendary jazz musician (and Duke Ellington collaborator) Billy Strayhorn spent his summers in Hillsborough.
8. Southport
With its waterfront location, rich maritime history, incredible seafood eateries, and proximity to area attractions like Fort Fisher and Oak Island, it’s easy to see why striking Southport has been heralded as “America’s Happiest Seaside Town.”
This golf-cart-friendly spot makes the most of its picturesque place at the mouth of the Cape Fear River with the Southport Pier and Riverwalk as well as the nine-acre Southport Waterfront Park, both of which amplify the town’s relaxed vibes and idyllic views.
Speaking of Southport’s scenic beauty, you may have seen it before. It was featured in the 1997 cult slasher “I Know What You Did Last Summer” as well as in Netflix’s American crime drama television series “The Waterfront.”
Fun fact: Southport is home to one of the South’s oldest recorded Fourth of July celebrations, drawing around 50,000-60,000 people during its annual Independence Day fetes.
9. Ayden
If ever there were a place tailor-made for foodies, it’s the cozy town of Ayden, where barbeque lovers in particular find themselves in hog heaven. Located roughly six miles south of Greenville and 16 miles north of Kinston in Pitt County, this small town is known as the “Capital of East Carolina Whole Hog BBQ.”
That’s thanks, in part, to the nationally renowned Skylight Inn BBQ, which has been serving hickory wood-smoked barbecue since 1947. Down the street from Skylight is the town’s other barbecue titan, Bum’s Restaurant, founded in 1963.
There’s more than barbecue, though. Ayden’s also the self-proclaimed “Collard Capital of the World,” on account of the rare variety of yellow cabbage collards grown there. The prevalence and popularity of these collards led to the town’s Collard Festival, which has been held in early September since its inception in 1975 and features music, dancing, eating, and more.
