First in flight, North Carolina’s Kitty Hawk was the site of the 1903 Wright Brothers’ history-making air voyage. The state has a profound legacy in tobacco agriculture and today is known for its top research universities and college basketball titans of Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. They’re also known for their beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, and state parks. We’d like to add something to that already impressive list: a recognition that North Carolina is home to some of the most quaint towns in America. 

From waterfront towns to mountain retreats, raging rivers, and dense forests, there’s much to see and do in the state. Each town on our list has something unique to offer, from shopping and dining to significant historical sites. So, fire up that mental RV, and let’s tour eight of the towns that make our list of favorites.

New Bern

The riverfront town of New Bern exudes charm with its waterscapes, marinas, bridges, brick buildings, Georgian and bungalow homes, Greek revivals, and Victorian mansions. The town was originally the state’s first capital and was also the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. One can even visit the old pharmacy where the soda drink was invented.

Take a walk along the historic waterfront downtown and enjoy the shops, or take a boat ride on the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Cow Cafe is a great place to enjoy a scoop of ice cream or hop onto one of the historic trolly tours. 

New Burn is about 80 miles from Raleigh, and there’s a regional airport for added convenience. 

Hendersonville

The Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance frame the picturesque town of Hendersonville. The historic downtown plays host to events all year round, from the Garden Jubilee in spring to the Antique Sidewalk Show and Chalk It Up in Summer and their most celebrated Public Art Display, “Bearfootin’ in Hendersonville,” which includes the ever-popular Bear Statues. From May through September, one is likely to find live music along with great shops and downhome dining options. Shine on Main has a winning ambiance, an outdoor patio, and solid homestyle food, cocktails, and craft beers. 

The area has a deep agricultural heritage, and one place to experience that is The Historic Johnson Farm. A working farm that includes a display of local agricultural history. Don’t forget to visit the apple orchards and consider a hike in the nearby Dupont State Forest. 

Beaufort

One of the oldest and coolest small towns in North Carolina, Beaufort makes a lot of top small-town lists. Beaufort is located in the Inner Banks region, which is a 21st-century term invented by tourism promoters to describe inland coastal communities in the state. While the term might be new, the town isn’t. Beaufort dates all the way back to 1713 before the American colonies won their independence. 

Located on an inlet channel that leads south to the Atlantic Ocean, the town has deep nautical roots. There are day-long boating tours exploring the sites and waterways. If staying on land is more your speed, there are some wonderful walking and biking tours (such as the Hungry Town Guided Tours). The downtown boasts several well-preserved buildings and homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are boutique shops, museums, and delightful restaurants. Perhaps take a stroll through some Colonial and Civil War graveyards. This is a great town to call home and a good budget travel location. 

Blowing Rock

Known as the “Crown of the Blue Ridge,” this storybook mountain town, named after the rock formation and its broad views of the Blue Ridge Mountain peaks, forests, and Johns River Gorge, has many wonders to entice the eye. Taking in all the natural beauty, one finds it hard to imagine all the ugliness this stunning nature saw during the American Civil War as guerrilla battles raged in the hills and valleys. Today, thankfully, this is a peaceful spot to reflect.

In the fall, Blowing Rock is rich with foliage. In the winter, the nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain offers downhill skiing and snow sports. In the summer, locals flock here to escape the heat and humidity of the lower elevations. Besides all the outdoor hiking and activities, the town itself is as quaint as it gets, which is why it supposedly served as the inspiration for author Jan Karan’s fictional town of Midford in her popular book series. 

Take a walk through the downtown and experience the Colonial-era homes, shopping, and restaurants that this popular small-town destination has to offer. Storie Street Grille is one such hidden gem with a fine atmosphere and a menu that includes locally caught fresh trout. There’s plenty to see and do, but this is also a great place to just rest. 

Edenton

The waterfront town of Edenton is packed with historical significance and has become a historical tourist destination and desirable retirement community. First established in 1712, the town was the second capital of the state and hosted the Edenton Tea Party in 1774, a protest in solidarity with the Boston Tea Party. This is also the birthplace of Harriet Jacobs, a slave whose autobiography, from 1861, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, would go on to become an American classic. 

The downtown has homes from the Colonial and Antebellum periods. Named on various top small-town lists, Edenton makes it easy to see what attracts visitors and locals to this lovely village. There’s the 1867 Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of 1776, the Cupola House built in 1758, and many other beautifully preserved buildings and architecture to enjoy from another era. Besides the historical tours, there are shops, restaurants, and local entertainment to experience. The Table at Inner Banks Inn has a great seafood selection with a modern twist.

Brevard

The mountain town of Brevard is a nature lover’s delight. Located in Transylvania County, there’s so much to see. The fall foliage is something else. Mountain peak lookouts offer sweeping views of valleys and lush forests. There are many hiking trails, including some that are kid-friendly. The area boasts over 250 natural waterfalls. There are rocks to climb, rivers to raft, mountains to hike, and fish to be caught. There’s horseback riding and gorgeous campsites. If you’re a birder, this is the environment to spy on our winged friends. It’s easy to see why Brevard is a popular vacation spot. 

If you’re more the type that likes to relax, read a book, and people-watch, there’s a cute downtown with shopping, dining, and some excellent local breweries. Stop by the Blue Ridge Bakery for something sweet or the vintage Cardinal Drive-In for some Americana nostalgia. There are art galleries and a couple of museums to peruse, and summer brings live music to the town, which pairs quite nicely with alfresco dining. 

Pilot Mountain

Pilot Mountain is a small town located in Surry County. Named after the local landmark, it is a metamorphic monadnock formation that rises to a height of 2,421 feet. The quartzite sits at the heart of the Pilot Mountain State Park, which is a 3,000-acre preserve that offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and campsites. The park is known for its rock climbing and rappelling and, of course, the panoramic mountain-top views. Nearby Yadkin River allows for canoe and kayak adventures and picnic areas. Try Carolina Ziplines for some treetop adventures. 

The town of Pilot Mountain is believed to have served as the inspiration for the fictional Mount Pilot in the long-running, popular ’60s-era television hit, The Andy Griffith Show. The Titled Ladder is the perfect Main Street restaurant to grab a cold beer and bite to eat on the patio while listening to live music on the weekends. The Mount Pilot Country Store is a great place to find your next treasure! 

Belhaven

The small town of Belhaven is located on the Pungo River, which feeds into the Pamlico Sound. The Sound marks the designation between the Inner Banks and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This haven getaway features waterscapes, boating, and other water activities. A saunter along the waterfront is the perfect place to catch a sunset at the end of the day. Are you a local history fan? Stop by the Belhaven Memorial Museum to learn more about this town’s story and see some local artifacts. 

Perhaps antiques are your pastime. You won’t be disappointed by Attic Life, a downtown shop in a converted old house that’s full of gems of yesteryear. The Tavern At Jack’s Neck is located a block from the Pungo River docks and is a beautiful bar and restaurant. Adorned with rock fireplaces and built from walnut, hickory, and cypress woods of the area, you’ll appreciate the atmosphere as much as the food. Don’t miss the Friday night oyster bar! 

Quaintest Town Tour 

North Carolina has so much history and natural beauty that it really should be considered as one’s next vacation spot. The outdoor activities and nature make these towns, with easy access to state parks and mountain ski resorts, great for the whole family. The quaint, picturesque waterfront towns are also perfect for a romantic couples’ getaway. We hope you enjoyed exploring these small towns with us!