In North Carolina, we truly have it all. The beach, the mountains, and everything in between. And while we are home to some major cities there are still places in our state where you can take a step back and enjoy a slower pace of life. In fact, some of the best weekend getaway locations in North Carolina are charming small towns. Travel & Leisure documented what they describe as the best 12 North Carolina Small Towns. Each of the below towns was featured on their list. Read on to see what they are, and learn a little about what makes them unique.

Some I’ve visited- Blowing Rock is a summer must for my parents and me while Pittsboro was a fun work outing a few years ago. One you may know from TV and another is one of the most famous artisan towns in the world. Reading up on some of the beach towns has me longing for an Outer Banks vacation as opposed to my normal South Carolina beach trip. And while I’ve lived my entire life in North Carolina this is the first I’m hearing of the “Inner Banks”. There are still so many places left to explore, I can’t wait to plan a getaway soon!

Travel & Leisure’s Favorite North Carolina Small Towns

• Bryson City

  This Smoky Mountain town borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In the town, you’ll find unique shops, galleries, lodging, and restaurants. Venture out the the surrounding area and you have the perfect backdrop for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Or take a scenic railroad tour.

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• Pittsboro

  This charming little town is located in Chatham County not too far from Raleigh. A stay at Fearrington Village is the perfect way to spend a weekend. While you’re in the area you can visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue, grab a drink the Chatham Beverage District, or shop for pottery.

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• Mount Airy

  Of course, the real-life Mayberry was a must for this list. And there is plenty related to The Andy Griffith Show to check out including the Andy Griffith Museum and the Mayberry Replica Courthouse. Stay in the historic downtown in a bed & breakfast, and enjoy shopping for antiques and other treasures. 

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• Banner Elk

  Banner Elk is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Boone and another town on this list in an area known as the High Country. This single stoplight town gives you a front-row seat to the great outdoors, delicious dining, and ski resorts such as Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. Plus you’re just minutes from Grandfather Mountain.

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• Washington (Little Washington)

  Washington is on the part of the NC coast known as the “Inner Banks”. You’ll quickly fall in love with its small-town charm and scenic Pamlico River views. Downtown streets are lined with colorful crab statues and feature restaurants and shopping. You’ll feel the coastal vibes as boats line the town’s waterfront like a postcard.

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• Highlands

  Located along scenic highway 64 Highlands is one of the highest elevation towns east of the Mississippi. While it may be small this town is luxurious. It features critically acclaimed restaurants and the gorgeous Old Edwards Inn.

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• Sylva

  The foot of the Great Smoky Mountains is home to Sylva and it’s “all American” Main Street. Downtown is packed with restaurants, stores, galleries, bookshops, and breweries. And at Christmas, it’s one of the best “Christmas Towns” in Western NC. 

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• Hillsborough

  Hillsborough’s downtown historic district finds itself on the National Register of Historic Places.  There you’ll find more than 100 homes, churches, schools, and other structures that date back to the late 18th and 19th centuries. You can check out Revolutionary War reenactments and guided tours of the historic district. Or visit the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area.

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• Seagrove

  You may have heard of Seagrove Pottery, and that’s the same Seagrove. The town is home to the largest concentration of working potters in the country. It’s conveniently located in the middle of the state and surrounded by farmland.

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• Manteo

  Manteo, located on Roanoke Island, will forever be tied to the Lost Colony. And while that’s a part of the history its not all Manteo has to offer. This coastal town features a marina and waterfront which are home to the replica Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. And finding a place to stay is easy with the largest amount of Bed & Breakfasts and Inns on the Outer Banks.

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• Blowing Rock

  This small town is located right outside Boone. Park your car and don’t worry about moving it as you walk to shopping, dining, music in the park, or the brewery or wine bar. Blowing Rock hosts local artists each year throughout the summer for their Art In the Park Festival.

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• 12. Edenton

  Edenton was North Carolina’s first Colonial capital. The town has been preserved and is often described as the prettiest small town in the South. While in town you can visit the oldest “in-tact” Colonial courthouse in America (circa 1767). Climb the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, or take historic trolley tours.

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