Located in southeastern United States, North Carolina boasts some of the region’s finest natural scenery – as well as a large number of enchanting towns and small cities.
A farmhouse in rural North Carolina (Photo: Chuck via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
TravelMag.com invited 50 travel writers, photographers and other select industry professionals to name their three favourite towns and small cities in North Carolina. Below you will find the results of that survey, presented in alphabetical order, with each destination featuring its own distinctive character and charm. We hope our Top 10 list inspires you to visit some of them in the future.
Beaufort
Set on the waterfront, Beaufort lays claim to being North Carolina’s third-oldest town. This former pirate hangout, once frequented by the notorious Blackbeard himself, is now a charming port town, replete with preserved historic buildings and eye-catching maritime views. One could easily spend a full morning combing the beach for shells or exploring the Crystal Coast by surfboard or cruise ship. Among the town’s main attractions is the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, where calming ocean vistas, unspoilt islands and salt marshes await. For a morning coffee or a blue crab dinner at sunset, there are several inviting cafes and restaurants along the water’s edge
A colourful autumnal scene in Beaufort (Photo: Mercuryrabbit via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Black Mountain
It’s easy to see why Black Mountain is such a popular spot. Set in Buncombe County, with awe-inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this restful little town has a close-knit community feel and a thriving arts and crafts scene. Follow hiking and biking trails past waterfalls and mountain streams and stop along the way to fish for trout or simply to soak up the scenery. The path around Lake Tomahawk makes for a pleasant postprandial stroll after dining at one of the handful of local restaurants. The area also attracts golfers, with three well-regarded courses within easy reach.
A yellow-tinted depot in Black Mountain (Photo: Keith Hall Photography via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Blowing Rock
The spectacular mountain village of Blowing Rock is a convenient base for adventurous activities including hiking, spelunking, bouldering and skiing. The “Crown of the Blue Ridge” is also a great spot for relaxing at a spa before settling into a comfy inn or cosy cabin. Don’t miss the famous Blowing Rock, a craggy outcrop set 4,000 feet above sea level, where you can stand and feel the curious upward lift of the windy ‘blowing rock’ phenomenon that gave this place its name. Other places of interest include Moses Cone Memorial Park, where there are walking trails to explore and lakes for bass and trout fishing.
A woman poses with a bucolic vista of Blowing Rock in the background (Photo: Alexis Graham via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Boone
Named after the explorer and pioneer Daniel Boone, this town is the quintessential mountain retreat. Many are drawn here by the promise of year-round adventure sports, such as skiing, white water rafting and hiking. For a memorable road trip, traverse the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is particularly impressive come the arrival of autumnal colours. Other attractions include the Daniel Boone Native Gardens, the stalactites and stalagmites of the Linville Caverns and the family-friendly Tweetsie Railroad ride. Or for a taste of old-time Americana, check out the Mast General Store.
Traffic lines the road in central Boone (Photo: John Whalen via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Carolina Beach
This casual coastal destination features a famous boardwalk offering plenty of old-fashioned seaside charm, complete with an arcade, food stalls and a Ferris wheel. If you’re looking to get out onto (or under) the water, local fishing charters take beginner and pro anglers out daily, as well as running regular scuba diving excursions. On land, there are hiking trails and camping facilities at Carolina Beach State Park, where the eagle-eyed may spot a Venus flytrap. A local organisation runs a series of nature talks about another natural wonder – the loggerhead sea turtle, a protected species that can often be seen nesting on the beach here in the summer months.
A food stall at a funfair in Carolina Beach (Photo: Jamie Middleton via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Hillsborough
Sitting on the banks of the Eno River, frequent historical re-enactments commemorate Hillsborough’s role as a political hub during the Colonial and Revolutionary Periods. The historic town remains peppered with 18th and 19th-century architecture, and exudes a close-knit community feel, including a sizeable creative community of artists and writers. Landmarks of interest include the town churches, Quaker-plan and plantation houses, as well as the Greek Revival-style Old Orange County Courthouse.
Woodland walkers stroll along a footpath in Hillsborough (Photo: John Meckley via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Kitty Hawk
Part of North Carolina’s scenic Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk is famous for its association with the Wright Brothers, who made their first successful powered plane flights nearby. Today, the stunning stretches of coastline and unspoiled, sandy beaches draw visitors from far and wide. There is a family-friendly promenade with a video arcade and a mini golf course, plus an 18-hole course with ocean views a couple of miles out of town. The Kitty Hawk Woods Nature Reserve, made up of forest and wetlands, is a haven for deer and rare birdlife.
A rickety old store in Kitty Hawk (Photo: Jon Warlick via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
New Bern
Named after the Swiss city of Bern by European settlers, New Bern is notable for being the city where Pepsi Cola was invented. The riverfront city is home to a series of protected buildings dating from the early 18th-century, and a laid-back, friendly community that is proud of its history and enviable natural assets. There are myriad ways to enjoy the great outdoors here, from golfing to hiking in the Croatan National Forest to exploring the Trent and Neuse Rivers by boat. Visitors can also follow an educational walk at the New Bern Battlefield Park, a 30-acre site that served as a battleground during the American Civil War.
A clock tower peeks above the trees in New Bern (Photo: Ken Lund via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Southport
Peaceful Southport is situated on the banks of the Cape Fear River. Here you can find an attractive collection of restored buildings set along tree-lined streets and a tranquil pier with picture-postcard views across the water. Uncover the history of Southport at the impressive Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center. Other attractions include the NC Maritime Museum, the Old Brunswick County Jail and a series of pleasant waterways, which you can explore by kayak or tour boat.
A carved wooden child holds onto a buoy at Southport harbor (Photo: Agatha Donkar via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Pinehurst
Golfing enthusiasts are drawn to this charming spot for its historic Pinehurst Resort, which has hosted a number of prestigious golf tournaments down the years. The village was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect also known for his contributions to New York’s Central Park. It features a central green space, distinctive curving lanes and plenty of whispering pine trees – for which it was named after. An architectural highlight is the intriguing Mystic Cottage, the former home of the village’s founding father. Other attractions include artisan shops as well as luxurious spa centres that offer treatments using local botanicals.
A stars & stripes flag hangs proudly atop a pole in Pinehurst (Photo: Jimmy McDonald Follow via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)