North Carolina is charming in many ways, from the coast to the mountains.
There are so manygreat small townsin the Tar Heel Statefar too many to countso choosing our favorites is challenging.
But we’ve picked 20small towns across the statethat we love.
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Visit any of thesesmall towns, and you’ll run into locals who will greet you like family.
Plus, these towns are full of history andecological wonders.
These are the best small towns in North Carolina that make us crave a road trip.
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Banner Elk
Population:1,039 (2023)
This western North Carolina town is a paradise for outdoor adventurers.
There is also a beach and a pier at Wildcat Lake.
Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historic homes.
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This coastal treasure promises ecological adventures galore.
This village in the western part of the state is on Blue Ridge Parkway.
Brevard
Population:7,801 (2023)
Summertime in Brevard is a small-town dream.
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It offers arts, music, and festivals aplenty.
Brevard is also known as theLand of Waterfallsdue to its numerous cascading water features.
Bryson City
Population:1,447 (2023)
Step into this Smoky Mountain hamlet and be transported.
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Hop aboard a family-friendlysteam train ridein this mountain gem of a city.
The mountain peaks surrounding it reach up to more than 5,000 feet.
And the lush area has plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventurers.
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Davidson
Population:15,246 (2023)
Plan a quick weekend trip in this charmingcollege townoutside of Charlotte.
Davidson’s main street offers a variety of stores and restaurants.
And the community takes pride in fostering a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environment.
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This southeastern North Carolina town is proudly friendly and family-oriented.
It’s nestled in the Nantahala National Forest, the largest national forest in North Carolina.
There, you’re free to experience hiking, rafting, waterfalls, and more.
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Hendersonville
Population:15,145 (2023)
Enjoy the shops and restaurants on Hendersonville’s charming Main Street.
The Henderson County Heritage Museum exhibits Civil War artifacts and a replica of a 1900sgeneral storein downtown Hendersonville.
Nearby, Jump Off Rock overlooks the idyllic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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And remember to stop at the area vineyards too.
Visit the Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail.
Or visit the rainforest mountain waterfalls in a town that has become a national waterfall destination.
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It is also considered a quiet haven for artists and writers.
Walk the boardwalk along the water, browse the shops, or learn the area’s history.
Mount Airy
Population:10,471 (2023)
The residents of Mt.
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Airy often call the town Mayberry, and there are many reasons why.
It’s a charming New England-style village, considered one of the safest cities in North Carolina.
It’s also centrally located between the beach and the mountains and offers recreational andworld-class golfing.
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Both the novel’s setting and filming location take place in Rodanthe.
See the real-life cedar-clad beach houses of Sparks' story come to life.
This picturesque small town sits at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains and has many events worth visiting.
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Try their annual Greening Up the Mountain street festival that welcomes spring or their weekly concerts during summer.
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