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They are saying good issues are available small packages, and in North Carolina, that is most definitely the case. A few of the smallest cities in North Carolina could make the largest impressions, typically 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 of quirky, deeply rooted in group, and refreshingly unpolished. Their populations could also be lower than 2,000 folks, however all of them appear to have a singular aspect hustle or a robust opinion – and loads of time to speak about each.
For those who’re seeking to get off the principle 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 effectively above their weight.
Come for a competition, 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 ample in quiet forests, mountaineering trails, rivers, and waterfalls, in addition to small city allure.
Although folks come for the character, folks 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 Middle.
What actually makes Brevard a small city with huge allure, nonetheless, is its annual festivals and traditions. The annual Brevard Music Middle Summer time Pageant from June to mid-August and Mountain Music Pageant in September draw 1000’s to witness world-class musicians taking the stage, whereas occasions just like the White Squirrel Weekend Pageant (sure, Brevard has white-colored squirrels) have a good time the city’s quirky aspect.
Yr-round, Brevard has a thriving arts scene with a Fourth Friday occasion and an up-and-coming craft beer scene. You’ll want to go to The Hub and Pisgah Tavern, a motorcycle 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 superbly preserved houses, a scenic harbor overlooking the Albemarle Sound, and a peaceable downtown that seems 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. Filled with cobblestone streets, 18th-century houses, and quaint retailers within the waterfront buying district, the principle motive to return 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 discovered 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 Pageant celebrates the city’s Revolutionary roots with parades, reenactments, and family-friendly actions, whereas occasions just like the Edenton Bay Seafood Pageant convey 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 12 months spherical.
3. Beaufort
- Inhabitants: 4,895 (2024)
- Dimension: 7.84 sq mi (20.31 km2)
One in every of 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 present.
Beaufort might have a inhabitants of just 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 e-book 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 latest years, however it nonetheless stays sparsely populated with fewer than 10,000 folks. What’s attracted folks to Hillsborough is its historic tree-lined downtown crammed with 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 character. In downtown, the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts shows works by 21 native artists, and The Eno Arts Mill is a multi-purpose area 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 12 months you go to, artwork is in all places in Hillsborough, making it one of the 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 shocking woodland with miles of mountaineering trails (a few of that are on the Mountains-to-Sea Path), and Eno River State Park, recognized 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, folks 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. Suppose quaint boutique retailers, cozy cafés, and impartial 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 few of the most notable annual festivals in Swansboro are Pirate Fest, held in Could, Mullet Pageant, held in October, and, after all, Independence Day and Christmas are huge occasions to have a good time right here.
With full of life festivals and year-round adventures available, Swansboro could also be small in dimension, however what it presents is much 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.” Actually, there are extra boats right here than there are folks, with roughly 3,000 boats residing within the marinas right here.
This waterfront village on the Pamlico Sound punches effectively above its weight in allure 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 just a few artwork galleries, a historical past museum, and sea-to-table eating places, however the largest draw right here is unquestionably the water.
Sailers and anglers are as a lot part of the city as its historic houses. Seemingly each dwelling has a dock, so that you received’t have a tough time discovering a spot to solid 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 Pageant in October convey the city to life with crusing competitions, stay music, and native meals, making it a year-round vacation spot for these searching for allure, boating, and a contact of coastal journey.
7. Mount Ethereal
- Inhabitants: 10,583 (2024)
- Dimension: 11.86 sq mi (30.73 km2)
The true-life inspiration for Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Present, and the house of Andy Griffith, Mount Ethereal isn’t just a small city crammed with nostalgic allure, 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 competition that includes a parade, stay music, checkers tournaments, and appearances by the Andy Griffith Present solid members.
Except for the Andy Griffith connection, Mount Ethereal is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and is full of Appalachian mountain vibes. Its downtown streets are lined with classic retailers and domestically owned cafés, all crammed with 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 likely one of the most unusual cities that appear to be 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 highway journey.
Little Switzerland is an unincorporated group that was based in 1910 and constructed to appear to be a Swiss alpine village. It has a inhabitants of lower than 100, however this tiny mountain village looms massive in allure and character.
Recognized for sweeping mountain views and crisp air, this city receives lots of of tourists every day however doesn’t lose its allure – 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 due to the village’s historic lodges, which make the city’s character 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 basic 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 character far past its dimension.
Perched on the Blue Ridge escarpment, Blowing Rock has breathtaking mountain views, quaint streets lined with boutique retailers, and comfortable cafés, giving it a small-town scale that makes it straightforward 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 competition and the Concert events within the Park showcase native expertise and creativity, whereas seasonal occasions just like the Blowing Rock Winterfest convey 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)
Typically known as the “Apple Capital of North Carolina,” Hendersonville is likely one of the greatest foodie locations in NC and combines scenic magnificence with a vibrant downtown full of retailers, cafés, and seasonal festivals.
Hendersonville sits within the Blue Ridge foothills, simply south of Asheville, and has tree-lined streets, historic houses, and a downtown full of boutiques, galleries, and cafés that could be small in dimension 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 Pageant attracts greater than 250,000 guests, making it one of many area’s largest Labor Day weekend occasions! Annually, Predominant Road turns right into a full of life showcase of crafts, music, and, after all, native apples.
In addition to its full of life occasions and even livelier locals, Hendersonville can also be surrounded by scenic mountaineering trails, native farms, and picnic spots, exhibiting that small-town dimension 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 despite the fact that this tiny mountain city has few folks, it leaves an enormous impression. Nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Saluda is understood for its slender streets and Victorian-era houses that give it a storybook high quality.
Whereas the city itself is small and sleepy, it’s surrounded by forests crammed with mountaineering trails, waterfalls, and the long-lasting Gorge Zipline, which makes it a magnet for outside lovers searching for each journey and tranquility.
In the case of annual occasions, the Saluda Arts Pageant in Could attracts 1000’s of individuals to have a good time the area’s native artisans, crafters, and musicians. Spring Inexperienced Bash is one other huge occasion in Could with stay music and group spirit that pulls folks to Saluda, and it additionally goes all out at Christmas.
Saluda’s dimension could also be modest, however its group power makes it a vacation spot price stopping for, not simply passing by way 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 presents 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 most interesting.” Neighborhood spirit, farm-to-table eating, and distinctive group traditions.
Its Scottish heritage is just not the one factor that Laurinburg is understood for; it’s additionally recognized for its festivals, such because the annual Scotland County Highland Video games, which is effectively price visiting Laurinburg for in October. Not solely is it an opportunity to have a good time 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 Pageant, Relay for Life, and Christmas on Predominant.
In Laurinburg, there’s no small quantity of heat, allure, 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 called 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 straightforward to walk round and soak within the real heat of the group.
In fact, the annual Lexington Barbecue Pageant is the principle occasion of the 12 months, 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 foremost the explanation why it’s a small city with an enormous character.
14. Tub
- Inhabitants: 241 (2024)
- Dimension: 0.92 sq mi (2.37 km2)
Tub is called NC’s oldest city, and is wealthy in colonial historical past and coastal allure. Though the primary port of entry, it has simply over 200 residents, however this tiny city carries a character far bigger than its dimension.
Tub has an enthralling vibe, with cobblestone streets, colonial-era houses, and a waterfront that feels frozen in time. Its historic structure, quiet river views, and quaint retailers really feel like strolling by way of a storybook.
The annual Tub 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 12 months sees a small group occasions calendar full of enjoyable issues to do – from historical past lectures to operating 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 definitely not least, the tiny riverside village of Saxapahaw is a former mill city became 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 allure with a inventive, artsy power. Each summer time, 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 folks from far and broad 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, situated about an hour east of Raleigh.
