North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful small towns in the nation. Trust me, I’ve written multiple articles on the subject. While places like Bath, New Bern and Brevard maintain consistent, popular tourism throughout the year, sometimes you just want a life lived simply. An easy stroll down Main Street and a few conversations with familiar faces. These 11 small towns will give you just that, plus transport you back to a simpler time.
- Edenton
Flickr / -ted This charming, coastal town has a vibe all its own. With just 5,000 residents it’s certainly a place where people know your name. As one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, Edenton also has beautiful architecture.
- Hot Springs
Flickr / David Wilson This rugged and wild mountain town has a population of just 800. With the Appalachian Trail running straight through, residents see a lot of traveling faces, but regardless, the feel and community has remained the same for years and years.
- Rodanthe
Flickr / Bill Dickinson Rodanthe is one of the last few OBX towns that retains its original charm. With only 339 residents, the beach vibe is fully alive here. It’s safe to say life is lived by the tide.
- Tryon
Flickr / Frank DiBona Birthplace of Nina Simone, this little mountain town has strikingly remained a place all its own. Between winemaking, Steeplechase, and equestrian activities…you’re treated to a whole, unique culture in Tryon.
- Bald Head Island
Flickr / Lee Ruk While many vacationers flock here during the summer months, it still keeps quaint, small beach charm year round. Only accessed by ferry, there’s no way life is not lived simply when golf carts are your main form of transportation. The 13,000-acre island is home to 300 yearlong residents.
- Saluda
Flickr / Frank DiBona Just 40-miles from Asheville, this small town is one of the best kept secrets in the mountains (shhh). Residents enjoy close proximity to hiking, biking, and gorgeous waterfalls. Visitors love the laid back, unique atmosphere. It’s a place you’re sure to fall in love with.
- Washington
Flickr / -ted Washington is one of the coolest coastal towns you’ll find. While it flies under the radar, this riverside town is brimming with charm.
- Southport
Flickr / Gerry Dincher For Wilmington residents looking for that small town vibe, Southport is just a hop and skip away. While still located in the Wilmington metropolitan area, it radiates beachy vibes that’ll turn that walk into a stroll, keeping your phone in your pocket, and truly living in the moment.
- Blowing Rock
Flickr / John Dyer If the above picture is any indication, Blowing Rock is a place you’ll want to stop and smell the roses (or at least check out the mountain views). Residents love the close proximity to hiking trails, ski resorts, and adventure. Many also retire here and enjoy the slow-pace of day-to-day living.
- Oriental
Flickr / Zach Frailey While many, popular coastal towns are on the top of your destination list - add Oriental for something truly unique. The docks are lined with colorful shrimp boats and you can’t resist the smell of salt in the air. It’s a relaxing place, minus the crowd.
- Mount Airy
Flickr / Kevin Oliver If you’ve ever watched Andy Griffith, Mayberry exists right in Mount Airy. This beautiful small town almost feels back in time.
There are so many beautiful places, and beautiful towns, it was VERY hard to narrow this list down…trust me, I could list about 30! Do you have any personal ties to these places, or want to include any?
Flickr / -ted
This charming, coastal town has a vibe all its own. With just 5,000 residents it’s certainly a place where people know your name. As one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, Edenton also has beautiful architecture.
Flickr / David Wilson
This rugged and wild mountain town has a population of just 800. With the Appalachian Trail running straight through, residents see a lot of traveling faces, but regardless, the feel and community has remained the same for years and years.
Flickr / Bill Dickinson
Rodanthe is one of the last few OBX towns that retains its original charm. With only 339 residents, the beach vibe is fully alive here. It’s safe to say life is lived by the tide.
Flickr / Frank DiBona
Birthplace of Nina Simone, this little mountain town has strikingly remained a place all its own. Between winemaking, Steeplechase, and equestrian activities…you’re treated to a whole, unique culture in Tryon.
Flickr / Lee Ruk
While many vacationers flock here during the summer months, it still keeps quaint, small beach charm year round. Only accessed by ferry, there’s no way life is not lived simply when golf carts are your main form of transportation. The 13,000-acre island is home to 300 yearlong residents.
Just 40-miles from Asheville, this small town is one of the best kept secrets in the mountains (shhh). Residents enjoy close proximity to hiking, biking, and gorgeous waterfalls. Visitors love the laid back, unique atmosphere. It’s a place you’re sure to fall in love with.
Washington is one of the coolest coastal towns you’ll find. While it flies under the radar, this riverside town is brimming with charm.
Flickr / Gerry Dincher
For Wilmington residents looking for that small town vibe, Southport is just a hop and skip away. While still located in the Wilmington metropolitan area, it radiates beachy vibes that’ll turn that walk into a stroll, keeping your phone in your pocket, and truly living in the moment.
Flickr / John Dyer
If the above picture is any indication, Blowing Rock is a place you’ll want to stop and smell the roses (or at least check out the mountain views). Residents love the close proximity to hiking trails, ski resorts, and adventure. Many also retire here and enjoy the slow-pace of day-to-day living.
Flickr / Zach Frailey
While many, popular coastal towns are on the top of your destination list - add Oriental for something truly unique. The docks are lined with colorful shrimp boats and you can’t resist the smell of salt in the air. It’s a relaxing place, minus the crowd.
Flickr / Kevin Oliver
If you’ve ever watched Andy Griffith, Mayberry exists right in Mount Airy. This beautiful small town almost feels back in time.
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