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They are saying good issues are available in small packages, and in North Carolina, that is most actually the case. A number of the smallest cities in North Carolina could make the most important impressions, usually tucked between mountains, marshes, or windswept barrier islands.
Since we moved to North Carolina, we’ve found so many small cities that put on their personalities proudly on their sleeve – most are a bit quirky, deeply rooted in group, and refreshingly unpolished. Their populations could also be lower than 2,000 individuals, however all of them appear to have a singular aspect hustle or a robust opinion – and loads of time to speak about each.
In case you’re seeking to get off the primary vacationer path, hit the again roads, and uncover among the quaintest and but most inspiring cities, these are the locations to pin. From artsy mountain hamlets to riverfront mill cities to coastal villages, these small cities punch properly above their weight.
Come for a pageant, a café, or simply to flee the hustle and bustle of town, and also you’ll depart with a way of group, peace, and a newfound love for the easier issues in life. As a result of in North Carolina, small doesn’t imply sleepy.
1. Brevard
- Inhabitants: 7,973 (2024)
- Dimension: 5.36 sq mi (13.88 km2)
Nestled on the entrance to the Pisgah Nationwide Forest in a county aptly nicknamed “Land of Waterfalls”, Brevard is a small city that’s plentiful in quiet forests, mountain climbing trails, rivers, and waterfalls, in addition to small city appeal.
Although individuals come for the character, individuals keep for the group. The streets are dotted with artwork galleries, boutique retailers, cozy cafés, and artisan bakeries, with buskers standing on corners on weekends – in all probability college students on the famend Brevard Music Heart.
What actually makes Brevard a small city with huge appeal, nonetheless, is its annual festivals and traditions. The annual Brevard Music Heart Summer season Competition from June to mid-August and Mountain Music Competition in September draw 1000’s to witness world-class musicians taking the stage, whereas occasions just like the White Squirrel Weekend Competition (sure, Brevard has white-colored squirrels) rejoice the city’s quirky aspect.
12 months-round, Brevard has a thriving arts scene with a Fourth Friday occasion and an up-and-coming craft beer scene. Be sure you go to The Hub and Pisgah Tavern, a motorbike store and beer backyard that sells craft beer from native breweries.
2. Edenton
- Inhabitants: 4,492 (2024)
- Dimension: 5.57 sq mi (14.43 km2)
The historic waterfront city of Edenton could also be quaint with fantastically preserved properties, a scenic harbor overlooking the Albemarle Sound, and a peaceable downtown that appears like stepping again in time, however it’s removed from sleepy.
Edenton is the First Colonial Capital of North Carolina, and is steeped in historical past and historic landmarks. Stuffed with cobblestone streets, 18th-century properties, and quaint retailers within the waterfront buying district, the primary cause to come back to Edenton is for the historical past and coastal setting, however many individuals quickly study to remain for its vibe.
Being a small and close-knit group, Edenton has realized to create its personal enjoyable. All year long, cultural and group occasions and festivals flip this quiet haven right into a full of life hubbub of exercise. In October, the annual Edenton Tea Social gathering Competition celebrates the city’s Revolutionary roots with parades, reenactments, and family-friendly actions, whereas occasions just like the Edenton Bay Seafood Competition deliver the area’s coastal delicacy to the plate.
Whether or not it’s attending a farmer’s market or a trivia night time in a downtown wine store, Edenton’s occasions calendar is packed all yr spherical.
3. Beaufort
- Inhabitants: 4,895 (2024)
- Dimension: 7.84 sq mi (20.31 km2)
One among our favourite coastal cities is the charming historic city of Beaufort on NC’s Crystal Coast. This small and relaxed city is brimming with historic structure and relaxed vibes, incomes it the title of one of many “Finest Small Cities in America” for journey by USA At this time.
Beaufort might have a inhabitants of slightly below 5,000, however it brims with character and historical past, most notably being the place the place the notorious pirate, Blackbeard, as soon as stayed.
Its quaint retailers, cozy cafés, seafood eating places, and artwork galleries make wandering the city a pleasure, or when you love the outside, you may kayak throughout the sound to Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve for a glimpse of untamed horses, or cross over to Fort Macon State Park for a hike.
Whether or not you need chilled out days sitting on porches with a very good ebook otherwise you need to get out and discover the city’s maritime and pirate heritage, Beaufort has a lot to supply.
Learn extra: Enjoyable Issues to do in Beaufort, NC: a Pirate City of Many Treasures and right here is 36 hours in Beaufort itinerary information.
4. Hillsborough
- Inhabitants: 9,773 (2024)
- Dimension: 5.66 sq mi (14.67 km2)
The quaint river city of Hillsborough has seen a increase in residents over current years, however it nonetheless stays sparsely populated with fewer than 10,000 individuals. What’s attracted individuals to Hillsborough is its historic tree-lined downtown full of historic colonial buildings that include boutique retailers and family-owned eateries, in addition to its thriving arts scene.
Hillsborough’s connection to artwork is what makes it a small city with an enormous persona. In downtown, the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts shows works by 21 native artists, and The Eno Arts Mill is a multi-purpose house the place artists work. There’s a Final Friday and Artwork Stroll occasion hosted by The Hillsborough Arts Council, which options gallery exhibitions, poetry readings, and extra all through March – October, and the annual Handmade Parade in April transforms the city right into a full of life celebration of creativity.
It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, artwork is all over the place in Hillsborough, making it one of the vital charming and inventive small cities in North Carolina.
The small city itself is charming and community-driven, however it’s additionally surrounded by pure magnificence. On its doorstep is the Occoneechee Mountain State Pure Space, a surprising woodland with miles of mountain climbing trails (a few of that are on the Mountains-to-Sea Path), and Eno River State Park, identified for its rivers and waterfalls on the Eno River, the place you may fish or kayak.
5. Swansboro
- Inhabitants: 4,165 (2024)
- Dimension: 2.38 sq mi (6.16 km2)
Nicknamed “The Pleasant Metropolis by the Sea,” Swansboro is a laid-back coastal gem with a phenomenal waterfront, native retailers, and entry to seashores and nature. Because it’s surrounded by water, individuals come right here for the abundance of water sports activities you may get pleasure from, from kayaking or standup paddleboarding the Intracoastal Waterway or water snowboarding alongside the White Oak River, or swimming from the seashores rolling into the Bogue Inlet – water lovers will love Swansboro.
The city itself pairs historic streets and waterfront views with a relaxed, small-town power. Assume quaint boutique retailers, cozy cafés, and unbiased artwork galleries; there’s no scarcity of choices to spend your days meandering round, discovering bargains, and distinctive finds.
Though lower than 5,000 residents, this group goes huge all year long with annual festivities. A number of the most notable annual festivals in Swansboro are Pirate Fest, held in Might, Mullet Competition, held in October, and, in fact, Independence Day and Christmas are huge occasions to rejoice right here.
With full of life festivals and year-round adventures available, Swansboro could also be small in measurement, however what it affords is way from small-scale.
6. Oriental
- Inhabitants: 903 (2024)
- Dimension: 1.64 sq mi (4.26 km2)
Oriental is a tiny city with fewer than a thousand residents, however it’s often known as the “Crusing Capital of North Carolina.” The truth is, there are extra boats right here than there are individuals, with roughly 3,000 boats residing within the marinas right here.
This waterfront village on the Pamlico Sound punches properly above its weight in appeal and nautical vibes, with a surprisingly full of life cultural scene. Regardless of the inflow of boaters, Oriental maintains a laid-back vibe. It has a small downtown with a number of artwork galleries, a historical past museum, and sea-to-table eating places, however the largest draw right here is certainly the water.
Sailers and anglers are as a lot part of the city as its historic properties. Seemingly each house has a dock, so that you received’t have a tough time discovering a spot to forged a line to catch some flounder or tarpon.
Oriental additionally has full of life festivals that remember its deep connection to the water. The annual Oriental Cup Regatta in November and The Ol’ Entrance Porch Music Competition in October deliver the city to life with crusing competitions, stay music, and native meals, making it a year-round vacation spot for these in search of appeal, boating, and a contact of coastal journey.
7. Mount Ethereal
- Inhabitants: 10,583 (2024)
- Dimension: 11.86 sq mi (30.73 km2)
The actual-life inspiration for Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Present, and the house of Andy Griffith, Mount Ethereal isn’t just a small city full of nostalgic appeal, however has additionally garnered standing as an All-American Metropolis in 1994.
This city has actually leaned into the Andy Griffith theme, opening retro diners and kitschy Americana eating places, in addition to internet hosting the well-known Mayberry Days, a week-long pageant that includes a parade, stay music, checkers tournaments, and appearances by the Andy Griffith Present forged members.
Apart from the Andy Griffith connection, Mount Ethereal is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and is filled with Appalachian mountain vibes. Its downtown streets are lined with classic retailers and domestically owned cafés, all full of hometown satisfaction that makes you need to keep some time.
Come for the nostalgia, however keep for the genuine group spirit, scenic foothills, and quirky character.
8. Little Switzerland
- Inhabitants: 94 (2023)
- Dimension: doesn’t have formally outlined geographic boundaries
The tiny mountain village of Little Switzerland is without doubt one of the most unusual cities that appear like Europe in North Carolina, providing postcard-perfect mountain views, a handful of boutique retailers, and shut proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it a serene and scenic cease on this iconic NC street journey.
Little Switzerland is an unincorporated group that was based in 1910 and constructed to appear like a Swiss alpine village. It has a inhabitants of lower than 100, however this tiny mountain village looms massive in appeal and character.
Recognized for sweeping mountain views and crisp air, this city receives tons of of tourists every day however doesn’t lose its appeal – inviting you to decelerate, store for distinctive finds and domestically crafted artwork, get pleasure from a plate of home-cooked smoked trout or a cooked-to-perfection barbecue, earlier than settling in for the night time at one of many three historic, family-run inns.
What makes Little Switzerland distinctive is its enchanting European vibes, largely because of the village’s historic lodges, which make the city’s persona as huge because the mountain vistas surrounding it.
9. Blowing Rock
- Inhabitants: 1,336 (2026)
- Dimension: 3.29 sq mi (8.51 km2)
One other traditional city within the Blue Ridge with gorgeous overlooks, eclectic retailers, eating places, and family-friendly points of interest like Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock is a Excessive Nation city that radiates persona far past its measurement.
Perched on the Blue Ridge escarpment, Blowing Rock has breathtaking mountain views, quaint streets lined with boutique retailers, and comfy cafés, giving it a small-town scale that makes it simple to discover on foot, but the power of its artwork and eating scene makes it really feel something however quiet.
The annual Artwork within the Park pageant and the Concert events within the Park showcase native expertise and creativity, whereas seasonal occasions just like the Blowing Rock Winterfest deliver the group along with lights, music, and vacation cheer.
Learn extra: Enjoyable Issues to Do in Boone, NC: A Good Mountain Getaway
10. Hendersonville
- Inhabitants: 15,656 (2024)
- Dimension: 7.44 sq mi (19.28 km2)
Usually referred to as the “Apple Capital of North Carolina,” Hendersonville is without doubt one of the greatest foodie locations in NC and combines scenic magnificence with a vibrant downtown full of outlets, cafés, and seasonal festivals.
Hendersonville sits within the Blue Ridge foothills, simply south of Asheville, and has tree-lined streets, historic properties, and a downtown filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés which may be small in measurement however have been amplified by the native hospitality and the connection to the encircling orchards.
Though it has a small inhabitants of round 15,000, the annual North Carolina Apple Competition attracts greater than 250,000 guests, making it one of many area’s largest Labor Day weekend occasions! Every year, Primary Avenue turns right into a full of life showcase of crafts, music, and, in fact, native apples.
In addition to its full of life occasions and even livelier locals, Hendersonville can be surrounded by scenic mountain climbing trails, native farms, and picnic spots, displaying that small-town measurement doesn’t imply small-time enjoyable.
11. Saluda
- Inhabitants: 653 (2024)
- Dimension: 1.56 sq mi (4.03 km2)
Saluda is a Victorian-era rail city with artsy vibes, with a inhabitants of just some hundred, however though this tiny mountain city has few individuals, it leaves an enormous impression. Nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Saluda is thought for its slender streets and Victorian-era properties that give it a storybook high quality.
Whereas the city itself is small and sleepy, it’s surrounded by forests full of mountain climbing trails, waterfalls, and the long-lasting Gorge Zipline, which makes it a magnet for out of doors lovers in search of each journey and tranquility.
In relation to annual occasions, the Saluda Arts Competition in Might attracts 1000’s of individuals to rejoice the area’s native artisans, crafters, and musicians. Spring Inexperienced Bash is one other huge occasion in Might with stay music and group spirit that pulls individuals to Saluda, and it additionally goes all out at Christmas.
Saluda’s measurement could also be modest, however its group power makes it a vacation spot value stopping for, not simply passing by means of.
12. Laurinburg
- Inhabitants: 15,130 (2024)
- Dimension: 12.71 sq mi (32.91 km2)
A historic city with Scottish heritage and a three-time All-America Metropolis, Laurinburg sits within the Sandhills of NC and affords a mixture of historic structure, native retailers, and community-centered cafés. It’s a kind of cities the place you roll up, and also you suppose, “ah sure, that is genuine North Carolina at its best.” Neighborhood spirit, farm-to-table eating, and distinctive group traditions.
Its Scottish heritage is just not the one factor that Laurinburg is thought for; it’s additionally identified for its festivals, such because the annual Scotland County Highland Video games, which is properly value visiting Laurinburg for in October. Not solely is it an opportunity to rejoice the city’s Scottish heritage with music, dancing, and athletic competitions, however it additionally showcases the city’s proud sense of historical past and tradition. Different notable occasions all year long are the John Blue Cotton Competition, Relay for Life, and Christmas on Primary.
In Laurinburg, there’s no small quantity of heat, appeal, and distinctive character to witness.
13. Lexington
- Inhabitants: 19,904 (2024)
- Dimension: 19.22 sq mi (49.78 km2)
Lexington is world-famous for its barbecue scene and full of life ambiance, particularly within the fall season. This Piedmont city is named the Barbecue Capital of North Carolina and has a tradition that’s served with a aspect of Southern satisfaction.
Lexington’s streets are lined with iconic pitmasters’ eating places, cozy diners, cafes, and boutique retailers. Its small-town scale makes it simple to walk round and soak within the real heat of the group.
In fact, the annual Lexington Barbecue Competition is the primary occasion of the yr, drawing in tens of 1000’s of tourists every fall. This city’s culinary heritage and the emphasis it locations on it are one of many primary the reason why it’s a small city with an enormous persona.
14. Bathtub
- Inhabitants: 241 (2024)
- Dimension: 0.92 sq mi (2.37 km2)
Bathtub is named NC’s oldest city, and is wealthy in colonial historical past and coastal appeal. Though the primary port of entry, it has simply over 200 residents, however this tiny city carries a persona far bigger than its measurement.
Bathtub has a captivating vibe, with cobblestone streets, colonial-era properties, and a waterfront that feels frozen in time. Its historic structure, quiet river views, and quaint retailers really feel like strolling by means of a storybook.
The annual Bathtub Heritage Days, held across the Fourth of July, celebrates the city’s colonial roots with reenactments, stay music, parades, craft festivals, and fireworks, whereas the remainder of the yr sees a small group occasions calendar filled with enjoyable issues to do – from historical past lectures to working golf equipment, there’s no scarcity of group spirit right here.
15. Saxapahaw
- Inhabitants: 1,501 (2023)
- Dimension: 5.52 sq mi (14.29 km2)
Final however actually not least, the tiny riverside village of Saxapahaw is a former mill city changed into a cultural scorching spot. The city, centered across the historic Rivermill, has been reinvented right into a community-focused hub the place arts, music, and breweries are celebrated.
Nestled alongside the Haw River, Saxapahaw blends small-town appeal with a inventive, artsy power. Each summer season, it hosts Saturdays in Saxapahaw at The Haw River Ballroom, the place stay music fills its rustic, restored music venue.
It additionally has an up-and-coming foodie scene, with Saxapahaw Common Retailer and The Eddy Pub attracting individuals from far and vast to pattern their farm-to-table menus, while weekly farmers’ markets preserve the power alive.
Whether or not you’re drawn to the city for stay music or for native delicacies, Saxapahaw will depart an enormous impression.
Take pleasure in experiencing reimagined previous mills? You’ll like to expertise Rocky Mount Mills, positioned about an hour east of Raleigh.
