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Becoming the 12th state to join the Union in 1789, North Carolina is a state filled with American tradition, southern charm, and an abundance of natural beauty. While the state is home to a little under 11 million residents, over 43 million people visit it yearly, demonstrating the widespread appeal of its attractions. From the towering peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to its historic coastal towns, North Carolina opens its arms with the promise of diverse experiences and unforgettable adventures. If you find yourself scrambling to make vacation plans for 2024, look no further, as these seven towns in the southern coastal state will not disappoint.

Banner Elk

Perfectly located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk offers a relaxing escape and connection with nature. To immerse themselves in the Banner Elk experience, travelers can stay in one of the town’s cozy lodges and enjoy an evening sipping tea by the fireplace. The outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding Banner Elk are endless, ranging from riding the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, ziplining, and relaxing on the sandy beaches of Wildcat Lake. For its small size, Banner Elk has an impressive amount of culinary options. Artisanal, open seasonally, has a warm, rustic environment and is a great option for those looking for a more upscale dining experience. Bella’s is an excellent place to stop for breakfast, serving waffles, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and more.

New Bern

Perched along the Neuse River, New Bern is not only a scenic town, but also the origin of Pepsi-Cola. Soda lovers must stop by the Pepsi Store, located in the exact location where Pepsi was born. The attraction contains a museum, souvenir shop, and soda shop where visitors can grab a Pepsi from the quaint soda fountain bar. After grabbing a cold Pepsi, travelers can head down to either the Trent or Neuse River, where they can participate in a variety of watersports such as canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or even rent a boat. For those looking to immerse themselves further in nature, they can head over to the Croatan National Forest and appreciate wildlife and scenery along Catfish Lake or Great Lake. Want to finish off the day in a refined fashion? Baxters 1892 is a true gem. As a cocktail bar and restaurant inspired by 1920s jazz clubs, it will feel like a trip back in time.

Sylva

Sylva is a scenic town at the base of the Smoky Mountains, offering a diverse option of activities to its visitors. Its Main Street is lined with charming shops, galleries, bookshops, breweries and restaurants. Perhaps one of Main Street’s most well-known attractions is the historic Jackson Country Courthouse, built in 1914. It is the most photographed courthouse in the state due to its beautiful architecture and picturesque hill location. The town has mouthwatering culinary options: Lulu’s is a cozy restaurant offering fresh dishes such as steaks, pasta, and sandwiches, and Innovation Brewing has an impressive variety of 32 beers on tap. Sylva is also a great town to visit during holidays. On the 4th of July, they host a booming fireworks display and concert, and around Christmas, the town sparkles with Christmas lights, has a Winter Market, and Christmas Parade.

Blowing Rock

Nestled in the lush and green North Carolina mountains, Blowing Rock is a charming town perfect for a romantic getaway, girls' trip, or family vacation. The parks, trails, and forests surrounding the small town are a haven for outdoor lovers, with spots to go birding, horseback riding, skiing, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Hikers also have various trails to choose from, such as the nearby Appalachian Trail and the Glen Burney Trail, which descends into the stunning John’s River Gorge. Blowing Rock also combines art and nature through the incredible Blowing Rock Art and Sculpture Trail, a nature trail that meanders through the town, with various fascinating sculpture installations on the path. The town’s charming lodging options deserve a mention as well, such as Bob Timberlake Inn, located in a beautiful and historic manor house.

Saluda

Saluda is a hidden gem in North Carolina, a small, historic mountain town surrounded by waterfalls. Travelers must take a trip out to Pearson’s Falls, a botanical preserve with a short trail leading to a jaw-dropping 90-foot waterfall. Dupont State Forest is another great gem for hikers, featuring various trails with cascading waterfalls, one trail even leading to a 125-foot waterfall! Visitors can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing in the park. The town itself has lots of history to share with its visitors. The best place to start is the Saluda Visitor Center, which in addition to providing visitor information, has a history slideshow about the town that dives into Saluda’s past. Continuing our history exploration, Thompson’s Store was a mercantile opened in 1890 that continues to function as a small grocery store today. Stepping into Thompson’s feels like a trip back in time, with many vintage displays intact.

Southport

Southport is a charming, sunny seaside town located along the Atlantic coast. Interestingly enough, Southport has been featured in many big movies over the years. Cinema buffs can go on a golf cart tour which stops by filming locations of more than 40 productions, including Dawson’s Creek, A Walk to Remember, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and more. Additionally, the town features a multitude of waterfront dining options, such as Fishy Fishy Cafe and Provision Company, both offering stunning seaside views and deliciously fresh seafood. Adventurers have plenty of nearby beaches to explore, such as Oakland Island and Caswell Beach, which features the Oak Island Lighthouse, a 153-foot-tall lighthouse built in 1958! Southport is filled with historic homes that visitors can admire, some even offering lodging. Travelers will fall in love with Robert Ruark Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast in a Victorian-style home.

Edenton

Edenton is yet another waterfront town, sitting along the Albemarle Sound. The town boasts many historic buildings dating back to the 18th century. The 1767 Chowan County Courthouse and the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse are two must-see historic landmarks. The Edenton Trolley is another great way to immerse travelers in Edenton’s story, as it takes them to various historic points around the town in a quaint trolley service. Visitors can appreciate the Edenton Bay by going on a boat tour that takes them across the breathtaking marina with gorgeous views of the harbor and showcases historic landmarks. Culinary options in Edenton are diverse and expansive, ranging from seafood to fine dining to barbecue. Old Colony Smokehouse is a true southern gem, offering traditional and high-quality smoked meats.

Final Thoughts

Concluding our tour of these 7 cute towns in North Carolina, it becomes even more evident why so many tourists pour into the state every year. Between cascading waterfalls, waterfront restaurants, and cozy historic inns, the state has something that everyone will love. Whether you are planning a vacation for a large family, a friends’ getaway, or a romantic honeymoon, every one of these towns is guaranteed to leave your group reminiscing on their adventures and eagerly anticipating their next visit to the charming state.