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Posted in North Carolina January 03, 2018 by Robin Jarvis
12 Charming Small Towns In North Carolina You Simply Can't Ignore In 2018
Big city life aside, the Tar Heel State has a solid backbone made up of tiny towns and charming communities. We love our small towns in North Carolina, don't we? But there are so many it's nearly impossible to seek them all out. Here's a bucket list to get your started. Now it's up to you to make sure you get out and explore each one in the coming year. Let's go!
1. Elizabethtown
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr/Jerry Dincher
Stroll the streets of the revitalized historic downtown or head over to Jones Lake State Park for a more natural adventure in Elizabethtown. But there's much more to discover about this small town. Truth be told: if you've never thought about visiting, then maybe it's time you should. Learn more in this article.
2. Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock State Park
Don't be surprised if your day trip to Chimney Rock turns into an overnight excursion - in a good way. The tiny, bustling town is nestled at the base of two of the state's notoriously huge natural attractions. Experiencing each of them — and the town — is quite an adventure and you'll want to make sure you have time to see and do it all. Find out more in this article.
3. Shelby
Facebook/City of Shelby, North Carolina
The are many wonderful surprises awaiting discovery in Shelby, located between Charlotte and Asheville. But most notably is some of the best North Carolina (is there any other kind?) BBQ you'll ever taste. When you're finished indulging, slip away and go check out the carousel and the other fun attractions that also make this NC town so amazing. Learn more in this article.
4. Southport
Flickr/Toto
Recently named one of the happiest small towns in America, this coastal paradise is a photographer's dream. Check out this article to discover other fantastic reasons why you'll want to visit this utopia located along the Cape Fear River.
5. Beech Mountain
TripAdvisor/jsoloca
With a year-round population of a mere 323 residents, this mile-high mountain town is a nature lover's dream in every season. And the views are to die for! During the winter, the ski resort on the mountain is teeming with activity. Find out what makes Beech so special during the summer months in this article.
5. Beaufort
Beaufort-NC
Picturesque and serene, the town of Beaufort offers a little of something for everyone. From boating, to dining, shopping and just plain gawking at all the historic homes and waterscapes, this small town belongs on your 2018 bucket list. Learn more in this article.
7. Bath
Flickr/Greg Duckworth II
North Carolina's oldest town, Bath, is seemingly lost in a time capsule, making it the perfect spot to visit if you're a real history buff — or if you love pirates. The famous pirate Blackbeard bedded down here for some time before he was killed in Okracoke in 1718. But Edward Teach isn't the only interesting thing about this small town. Keep reading here to learn about the mysterious curse that may be surrounding Bath.
8. Burnsville
Wikipedia/Shapard Wolf
There's much to love about the town of Burnsville. From the town square to the historic downtown itself and the towering Mt. Mitchell, this mountain town has long been admired by locals and visitors alike. Discover some of the best attractions in Burnsville in this article.
9. Wanchese
Wikipedia/Morgan Riley
This small fishing village on Roanoke Island in Dare County quite simply seems frozen in time. Travel back to a day when everything in this community revolved around fishing. But wait, it still does! It's been proven this tiny town is one of the oldest fishing villages around. Head out to Wanchese on the southernmost tip of Roanoke Island for an immersive lesson in the past, present and future — all in one day. Find out more in this article.
10. Hayesville
TripAdvisor/Old Jail Museum
Located in the southwestern corner of the state, Hayesville is an eclectic small town to visit. From the Old Jail Museum to the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit and the ever-popular Walnut Hollow Ranch, you'll never run out of things to do in Hayesville. But there's also a delectable secret hidden in this small town: a restaurant that's worthy of a trip all the way across the entire state - just for a meal. Don't believe me? Find out more in this article.
11. Crumpler
Facebook/The Cabins at Healing Springs and Healing Springs Farm
The community of Crumpler, located to the northeast of Jefferson, isn't an official town. But that doesn't matter to the scores of human beings that make regular treks to the healing springs found in Crumpler. Find out exactly where you'll find North Carolina's Fountain of Youth in this article.
12. Brevard
Wikipedia/Travis K Witt
There are many things to admire about Brevard including a bevy of outdoor activities ranging from waterfall chasing, to hiking and even rock climbing, if that's your thing. But the small mountain town is hiding a secret spot that, once you find out about it, you won't be able to sleep until you get to go. Read on to find out more!
North Carolina's small towns are at the very heart of the Tar Heel State. Likewise, adventure is abundant to those willing to seek it out. Take a look at this woodsy adventure park with a terrifying swinging bridge that will make your stomach drop.
12 Charming Small Towns In North Carolina You Simply Can't Ignore In 2018
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Robin Jarvis
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: [email protected]
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