North Carolina
10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in North Carolina
![10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in North Carolina 10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in North Carolina](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w1200-q80/upload/58/9b/d7/shutterstock-2345982629-1.jpg)
North Carolina’s prettiest small towns are a delightful blend of historic communities, forested retreats, and tranquil fishing villages. The state’s beauty is rooted in its diverse cultural heritage and well-preserved architecture that invites you to step back in time. From the historic allure of Bath, where tales of settlers and pirates linger, to the rugged, mountainous charm of Banner Elk, these picturesque towns showcase North Carolina’s rich history and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for scenic trips or peaceful overnight escapes.
Beaufort
The small town of Beaufort consistently ranks on almost every list of the best small towns to visit in North Carolina and is best recognized among locals as a historic fishing village. It was one of the locations famous early pirates of the area used as a base, thanks to its strategic location along the Atlantic waters. The beauty of Beaufort extends from its sailboat docks to its boardwalk and verdant streets lined with 18th-century architecture. Visitors to Beaufort can experience the best of both worlds, with a lively community scene and easy access to nearby natural preserves for those seeking adventure. Popular attractions include the Rachel Carson Reserve, Fort Macon State Park, and the beautiful coastal landscapes along Beaufort’s sandy shores. The town also offers family-friendly activities and unique opportunities such as diving, parasailing, horseback riding, and more, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement. Top-rated tours for a memorable trip to Beaufort include Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition, Beaufort Pirate’s Revenge, and Beaufort Parasail on Front Street.
Blowing Rock
![Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Editorial credit: Jeffery Scott Yount / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/e9/fb/b4/shutterstock-2420608869.jpg)
Blowing Rock is one of the most scenic escapes for those looking for a balanced natural and community-centric escape. Named after the unique rock and adventure hiking paths like the Grandfather Mountain Bridge, they attract hikers from all over. The variety of small family-owned businesses that are often disguised as old residential buildings is also a significant part of the community experience in Blowing Rock. Iconic businesses like Take Heart gift shop on Main St and The Village Cafe. A visit to the scenic town of Blowing Rock can be spent staying in the town’s many cabin options or more historic stays like Chetola Resort or the Victorian Inn. Panoramic natural vistas are also a must-see when exploring the town’s beauty, with one of the most notable scenic spots being the Yadkin Valley Overlook.
Bath
![Bath, North Carolina. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath,_North_Carolina By Bernstein613 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117070840](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/b0/3d/28/bath-aerial.jpg)
Bath, renowned for its rich history and museums, is a must-visit small town that exemplifies the beauty of historical significance. As one of the most popular towns in North Carolina, Bath holds the distinction of being the oldest European settlement in the state, founded in 1705. History enthusiasts and those eager to delve into America’s early days will find a wealth of experiences in Bath. The town is home to the Palmer-Marsh House, a well-preserved residence filled with artifacts and memorials from the colonial period, and the Bonner House, which dates back to 1830 and offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. Visitors can further immerse themselves in Bath’s history by taking a self-guided tour through its historic downtown, which features notable stops like North Carolina’s first port, the state’s first library, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church, one of the earliest-built structures in the area, dating back to 1734. Whether exploring the town’s roots or enjoying its charming ambiance, Bath provides a deeply enriching historical experience enhanced by its serene waterfront setting.
New Bern
![Spanish Moss Overhangs a Sidewalk with Benches in New Bern. Editorial credit: Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/3b/4d/51/shutterstock-2205172607.jpg)
New Bern stands out as one of North Carolina’s culturally diverse small towns, celebrated for its preservation of the values, architectural designs, and culture of its early settlers. First discovered by Swiss and German explorers, New Bern also boasts a rich history serving as the state capital from 1770 to 1792. The town is home to well-preserved homes and government buildings, including Tryon Palace, which served as North Carolina’s first Capitol, and the castle-like Blades House, each reflecting the beauty and diverse European influence that shapes this historic town. Adding to New Bern’s beauty is a collection of over 50 bear statues that dot the town, making for an exciting self-guided exploration of the town. A visit to New Bern is particularly heartwarming due to its blend of natural beauty and community charm, enhanced by small businesses, statues, and floral decor that dot the town’s central streets during warmer seasons.
Southport
![Storefronts in downtown Southport, with a mix of unique retail shops and restaurants. Editorial credit: zimmytws / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/f5/72/50/shutterstock-2291096167.jpg)
The beauty of Southport is in its experiential element, adorned with Victorian homes, historic attractions, and a peaceful waterfront setting. Nicknamed “The Happiest Seaside Town,” Southport’s charm is known worldwide, having been the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including scenes from the romantic film Safe Haven and the 1986 drama Crimes of the Heart. Southport is a charming coastal town known for its historic waterfront and picturesque streets. The town’s idyllic setting at the mouth of the Cape Fear River provides stunning views of the water, making it the perfect overnight, scenic, romantic escape enhanced with a vibrant culinary scene. Some of the most popular dining spots in town include Oliver’s on the Cape Fear, Edgewater 122, and Eric’s Grille near Smithville District Park. For a well-rounded experience in Southport, visitors can stay in some of the town’s oldest iconic stays like Captain Newton’s Inn and LaPolena Bed & Breakfast.
Edenton
![Aerial View of Businesses on Broad Street in Edenton, North Carolina. Editorial credit: Kyle J Little / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/59/e8/08/shutterstock-2221913215.jpg)
Edenton is one of the prettiest towns, offering a peaceful, natural escape from bustling cities and crowds. This charming small town draws adventurers with its abundance of water recreation and outdoor activities, including camping, picnicking, and more. Visitors can explore picturesque spots like the 18th-century Barker House, take a leisurely stroll along the Edenton Bay waterfront, or enjoy a peaceful picnic at Colonial Park. For history buffs, the Edenton Historic District showcases beautifully preserved colonial homes and structures that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Edenton’s quaint charm and historical significance make it a must-visit destination. Some of the town’s most scenic camping spots include Rocky Hock Campground and Pembroke Creek Park, a local favorite for fishing and family-friendly outdoor fun. Visitors can also enjoy a historically immersive stay in town, with top-rated lodging options such as Captain’s Quarters Inn and the 1904-built Inner Banks Inn. The best time to visit Edenton is during its annual events, including the lively Edenton Music and Water Festival, the Chowan County Regional Fair, and the festive Christmas Extravaganza and Flotilla.
Banner Elk
![Downtown Banner Elk road in North Carolina. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/b9/e5/fa/shutterstock-2081532577.jpg)
Banner Elk adds an upscale twist to the typical North Carolina getaway with world-class dining and cozy cabin rentals, making it one of the state’s most romantic destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town comes alive during the winter ski season, offering a lively atmosphere with unique art displays and charming small businesses. While its small-town charm and eclectic dining are part of the allure, Banner Elk also boasts a peaceful countryside vibe, with highlights such as self-guided wine tours and family-friendly farm visits. Top-rated art spots like the Art Cellar Gallery and It’s All About the Art add to the town’s beauty, while popular tasting rooms and vineyards, including Grandfather Vineyard and Eagles Nest Winery, offer delightful experiences. No visit to Banner Elk is complete without indulging in its extensive variety of dining options. From the elevated Southern cuisine at Artisanal Restaurant to fine American BBQ at The Pedalin’ Pig, the town’s culinary scene offers something for every palate. Visiting during annual events enhances any trip to Banner Elk, with notable community gatherings like the Art on the Greene festival, which showcases local talent, or enjoying live music surrounded by nature at the Eagles Nest Amphitheater.
Tryon
![Tryon, North Carolina. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryon,_North_Carolina By Janet Gray - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15098612](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/56/a6/ac/trade-st-2.jpg)
Tryon is a charming town celebrated for its scenic beauty, equestrian heritage, and agricultural roots, offering a peaceful escape into North Carolina’s countryside life. Known for its slow-paced lifestyle, Tryon combines a thriving business community with distinctive attractions like the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which attracts horse enthusiasts from all over the state. Situated near the South Carolina border, Tryon’s natural appeal is complimented by a walkable central shopping district, with family-owned shops like The Nest Artisan Market lining Trade Street, providing a tranquil experience far from the hustle and bustle of city life. For adventure seekers, Mountain Brook Vineyards offers breathtaking panoramic views, while a hike to Pearson’s Falls, a stunning 90-foot waterfall, rewards explorers and nature lovers with a jaw-dropping sight. Tryon also hosts vibrant events that bring the community together, such as the Block House Steeplechase in April and the Summer Tracks concert series from June to August at Roger Park’s Amphitheater.
Hillsborough
![King Street scene in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Editorial credit: Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/51/f4/f2/shutterstock-2236404419.jpg)
Hillsborough is a beautiful town known for its historic charm, with over 100 homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also a small community perfect for a quick countryside escape, offering U-pick farms like Eno River Farm with its strawberry patches. Visitors can also discover quirky local attractions such as Ayr Mount, once considered one of North Carolina’s finest residential structures. Unique experiences in Hillsborough are highlighted by natural attractions like The Great Indian Trading Path and the site of the Occaneechi farming village, excavated by UNC in the 1980s and now featured along the scenic Riverwalk. Whether wandering through the town’s historic streets and admiring its architecture or enjoying the agricultural offerings, visitors are recommended to complete their experience by stopping at some of the town’s top dining spots. Notable options include the Wooden Nickel and Saratoga Grill, both offering a traditional taste of the local dining scene.
Hot Springs
![The Appalachian Trail goes right through downtown along Bridge Street in Hot Spring. Editorial credit: Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/f1/74/9c/shutterstock-1084196627.jpg)
Finally, Hot Springs ranks as one of the prettiest small towns in North Carolina for being a natural wellness retreat and relaxing small-town getaway. Home to some of the state’s best natural attractions, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views, including the famous Lover’s Leap, renowned for its panoramic vistas of downtown and the surrounding landscape. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy water activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and more, while the warm mineral water springs remain a year-round draw. The relaxing Hot Springs Resort & Spa attracts thousands of visitors from across the state annually. Beyond the spas and wellness centers, the town’s natural beauty extends into lush forests and parks, such as Pisgah National Forest and the nearby Rich Laurel Wildlife Area, offering outdoor enthusiasts both scenic beauty and challenging adventures.
Ultimately, the prettiest small towns in North Carolina are a blend of historic communities, wellness retreats, and secluded natural escapes. Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in the untouched beauty of the mountains, soak in the rich history of the state’s oldest settlements, or enjoy the vibrant charm of quaint waterfront villages, plan your visit to the lesser-known but culturally rich, pretty small towns in North Carolina for an unforgettable small town trip.
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North Carolina
North Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for August 23, 2024
![North Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for August 23, 2024 North Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for August 23, 2024](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/07/27/USAT/74571341007-image.jpeg?auto=webp&crop=1021,576,x0,y190&format=pjpg&width=1200)
The North Carolina Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Friday, August 23, 2024 results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from August 23 drawing
28-30-44-66-69, Mega Ball: 02, Megaplier: 3
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from August 23 drawing
17-24-28-34-39, Lucky Ball: 02
Winning Pick 3 numbers from August 23 drawing
Day: 8-0-9, Fireball: 4
Evening: 2-7-8, Fireball: 1
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from August 23 drawing
Day: 0-1-0-7, Fireball: 9
Evening: 5-8-4-1, Fireball: 9
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from August 23 drawing
19-21-26-37-38
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Double Play numbers from August 23 drawing
01-09-16-17-32
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.
For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:
- Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
- Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.
When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.
North Carolina
WATCH: Wildfire Smoke Concentrations Rising in North Carolina, Fall-Feel Remains This Weekend
EARLY SATURDAY Cool low 50s are expected along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) by Saturday morning. East of North Carolina and Virginia’s High Country, morning lows will range from the mid-50s to near 60 degrees from Mount Airy into the Piedmont Triad. THIS WEEKEND Moderate air quality levels return to the region as wildfire smoke moves into the airea and ground-level ozone formation becomes more likely with warmer 80s. Low humidity remains the predominant feature of the forecast through early Sunday as high temperatures gradually return to the low 80s Saturday. By Sunday, dewpoints are forecast to be in the upper 50s to near 60 with comfortable humidity as highs climb into the upper 80s.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s highest court won’t fast-track appeals in governor’s lawsuits
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s highest court has decided it won’t fast-track appeals of results in two lawsuits initiated by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper that challenged new laws that eroded his power to choose members of several boards and commissions.
The state Supreme Court, in orders released Friday, denied the requests from Republican legislative leaders sued by Cooper to hear the cases without waiting for the intermediate-level Court of Appeals to consider and rule first on arguments. The one-sentence rulings don’t say how individual justices came down on the petitions seeking to bypass the cases to the Supreme Court. Cooper’s lawyers had asked the court not to grant the requests.
The decisions could lengthen the process that leads to final rulings on whether the board alterations enacted by the GOP-controlled General Assembly in late 2023 over Cooper’s vetoes are permitted or prevented by the state constitution. The state Supreme Court may want to review the cases even after the Court of Appeals weighs in. No dates have been set for oral arguments at the Court of Appeals, and briefs are still being filed.
One lawsuit challenges a law that transfers the governor’s powers to choose state and local election board members to the General Assembly and its leaders. A three-judge panel of trial lawyers in March struck down election board changes, saying they interfere with a governor’s ability to ensure elections and voting laws are “faithfully executed.”
The election board changes, which were blocked, were supposed to have taken place last January. That has meant the current election board system has remained in place — the governor chooses all five state board members, for example, with Democrats holding three of them.
Even before Friday’s rulings, the legal process made it highly unlikely the amended board composition passed by Republicans would have been implemented this election cycle in the presidential battleground state. Still, Cooper’s lawyers wrote the state Supreme Court saying that bypassing the Court of Appeals risked “substantial harm to the ongoing administration of the 2024 elections.”
In the other lawsuit, Cooper sued to block the composition of several boards and commissions, saying each prevented him from having enough control to carry out state laws. While a separate three-judge panel blocked new membership formats for two state boards that approve transportation policy and spending and select economic incentive recipients, the new makeup of five other commissions remained intact.
Also Friday, a majority of justices rejected Cooper’s requests that Associate Justice Phil Berger Jr. be recused from participating in hearing the two cases. Cooper cited that the judge’s father is Senate leader Phil Berger, who is a defendant in both lawsuits along with House Speaker Tim Moore. In June, the younger Berger, a registered Republican, asked the rest of the court to rule on the recusal motions, as the court allows.
A majority of justices — the other four registered Republicans — backed an order saying they didn’t believe the judicial conduct code barred Justice Berger’s participation. The older Berger is a party in the litigation solely in his official capacity as Senate leader, and state law requires the person in Berger’s position to become a defendant in lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of state laws, the order said.
The court’s two registered Democrats — Associate Justices Allison Riggs and Anita Earls — said that the younger Berger should have recused himself. In dissenting opinions, Riggs wrote that the code’s plain language required his recusal because of their familial connection.
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