North Carolina is the 28th-largest and ninth-most populous of the United States full of beautiful, charming, small towns. The wild and rugged Appalachian Mountains; the sunny, sandy beaches; and the gently, rolling land of the Piedmont region all make North Carolina an amazing place to visit. Its historical significance, contributions to the arts and culture, world-class sports, and recreational opportunities bring thousands of tourists every year, some of who stay and grow roots. You may have already visited some of the biggest cities in the Tar Heel State, but here are seven small towns that define North Carolina also worthy of your consideration.
- Bermuda Run
Town of Bermuda Run/Facebook In 1999, the Town of Bermuda Run, in Davie County, was incorporated. It has about 2,600 people living in the fully gated residential community near country clubs and golf courses. Here you can enjoy shopping, great restaurants, and fantastic people.
In the summer, concerts are featured, such as Envision, bringing a high-energy stage show just for you.
Town of Bermuda Run/Facebook
Another reason to visit is the popular and historic Win-Mock Farm Dairy in Kinderton, a village that was annexed into the town in 2012.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons The 1930s structure has become a favorite place for weddings and other celebrations.
- Brevard
Paige Harrington/AllTrails This town, in Transylvania County, boasts about 7,800 residents. Its location at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest draws in hundreds of visitors every year.
Some of them enjoy fly fishing. How about you?
The City of Brevard, North Carolina/Facebook
For an indoor activity, explore the Crystal Mountain Gem Mine.
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine Here you can keep all of the gemstones that you find.
- Canton
Peggy Anthony/AllTrails With a population of about 4,300, Canton, in Haywood County, North Carolina, is a beautiful place to visit starting with Skinny Dip Falls and Graveyard Ridge Trail Loop, a 9.5-mile moderately challenging route that requires about five hours of your time.
Summers and special occasions bring concerts to this cool town also.
Canton, North Carolina/Facebook
And summer carnivals too. What an amazing dog!
Canton, North Carolina/Facebook
- Columbus
Town of Columbus, NC/Facebook With a smaller population of about 1,200, Columbus is a town in Polk County, North Carolina offering history, wineries, and recreational activities.
If only we could remember these days. The Polk County History Museum opened in 1998, offering such glimpses of the past and educational programs.
Polk County History Museum/Facebook Its collection includes cultural and natural objects related to the area from pre-Columbian to present-day eras, such as fossils, tools, clothing, and art.
And if you like wine or just the magnificent countryside, Russian Chapel Hills Winery, formerly known as Green Creek Vineyards, is a place to visit.
Russian Chapel Hills Winery/Facebook Taste some wine or host an event in this beautiful space.
- Dunn
The City of Dunn, NC/Facebook You’ll find that many of the approximately 9,700 people of Dunn, in Harnett County, North Carolina, take pride in their town.
And one extraordinary former resident, General William C. Lee, had developed the plans for the air invasion of Normandy on D-Day. While he had trained to jump with his men, a few months before the day he had a heart attack and was sent home.
Major General William C Lee Airborne Museum/Facebook He turned on the radio and listened to the invasion in his home on Divine Street, the current site of the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum. This photo is of 101st Airborne soldiers somewhere in England after returning from fighting in Europe.
If you are in the mood for something more exhilarating, check out the fun at GALOT Motorsports Park.
GALOT Motorsports Park/Facebook Watch from the stands or participate in the competitions of Super Pro, Footbrake, and Jr. Dragster. Stay alert for the car shows and other featured events at this exciting park in North Carolina.
- Ellerbe
The Berry Patch/Facebook A little over 1,000 residents inhabit this charming town located in Richmond County, North Carolina. Visitors see the largest berry in the world at The Berry Patch.
Gun enthusiasts go for target practice at DeWitt’s Outdoor Sports.
DeWitt’s Outdoor Sports, LLC/Facebook In addition to shooting tips, you can book a special event here with the large outdoor space and a dining hall.
You history lovers should visit the Rankin Museum of American Heritage, featuring three main areas of interest including local history, natural history, and Native American culture.
Rankin Museum of American Heritage/Facebook The impressive, 4,900-square-foot facility was founded based on the lifetime collections of Dr. Pressley R. Rankin, Jr., MD, of Ellerbe.
- Franklin
Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce/Facebook The 4,000 people of Franklin, in Macon County, North Carolina, have the pleasure of driving along the Cullasaja Falls on U.S. 64 east, dropping more than 200 feet into the gorge below.
And nature lovers also enjoy the vantage point of Wayah Bald Lookout Tower.
RVnChick/TripAdvisor The 5,342-foot elevation in the Nantahala National Forest gives free panoramic views.
And more history is available at the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center.
The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center, Inc./Facebook It was established by the Scottish Tartans Society to offer reliable information on Scottish Highland Dress traditions within the U.S., and to serve the Scottish-American heritage community.
Have you set your sights on any one of these charming, small towns that define North Carolina? If you visit one, please tell us about your experience in the comments below. And if you feel like exploring further, here are some more of the best places to visit in The Tar Hill State.
Town of Bermuda Run/Facebook
In 1999, the Town of Bermuda Run, in Davie County, was incorporated. It has about 2,600 people living in the fully gated residential community near country clubs and golf courses. Here you can enjoy shopping, great restaurants, and fantastic people.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The 1930s structure has become a favorite place for weddings and other celebrations.
Paige Harrington/AllTrails
This town, in Transylvania County, boasts about 7,800 residents. Its location at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest draws in hundreds of visitors every year.
The City of Brevard, North Carolina/Facebook
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
Here you can keep all of the gemstones that you find.
Peggy Anthony/AllTrails
With a population of about 4,300, Canton, in Haywood County, North Carolina, is a beautiful place to visit starting with Skinny Dip Falls and Graveyard Ridge Trail Loop, a 9.5-mile moderately challenging route that requires about five hours of your time.
Canton, North Carolina/Facebook
Town of Columbus, NC/Facebook
With a smaller population of about 1,200, Columbus is a town in Polk County, North Carolina offering history, wineries, and recreational activities.
Polk County History Museum/Facebook
Its collection includes cultural and natural objects related to the area from pre-Columbian to present-day eras, such as fossils, tools, clothing, and art.
Russian Chapel Hills Winery/Facebook
Taste some wine or host an event in this beautiful space.
The City of Dunn, NC/Facebook
You’ll find that many of the approximately 9,700 people of Dunn, in Harnett County, North Carolina, take pride in their town.
Major General William C Lee Airborne Museum/Facebook
He turned on the radio and listened to the invasion in his home on Divine Street, the current site of the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum. This photo is of 101st Airborne soldiers somewhere in England after returning from fighting in Europe.
GALOT Motorsports Park/Facebook
Watch from the stands or participate in the competitions of Super Pro, Footbrake, and Jr. Dragster. Stay alert for the car shows and other featured events at this exciting park in North Carolina.
The Berry Patch/Facebook
A little over 1,000 residents inhabit this charming town located in Richmond County, North Carolina. Visitors see the largest berry in the world at The Berry Patch.
DeWitt’s Outdoor Sports, LLC/Facebook
In addition to shooting tips, you can book a special event here with the large outdoor space and a dining hall.
Rankin Museum of American Heritage/Facebook
The impressive, 4,900-square-foot facility was founded based on the lifetime collections of Dr. Pressley R. Rankin, Jr., MD, of Ellerbe.
Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
The 4,000 people of Franklin, in Macon County, North Carolina, have the pleasure of driving along the Cullasaja Falls on U.S. 64 east, dropping more than 200 feet into the gorge below.
RVnChick/TripAdvisor
The 5,342-foot elevation in the Nantahala National Forest gives free panoramic views.
The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center, Inc./Facebook
It was established by the Scottish Tartans Society to offer reliable information on Scottish Highland Dress traditions within the U.S., and to serve the Scottish-American heritage community.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USAAddress: WinMock at Kinderton, 168 E Kinderton Way, Bermuda Run, NC 27006, USAAddress: Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USAAddress: Crystal Mountain Gem Mine, 31 S Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712, USAAddress: Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USAAddress: Russian Chapel Hills Winery, 2662 Green Creek Dr, Columbus, NC 28722, USAAddress: General William C Lee Airborne Museum, 209 W Divine St, Dunn, NC 28334, USAAddress: GALOT Motorsports Park, 4129 NC-242, Dunn, NC 28334, USAAddress: The Berry Patch, 351 Cargo Rd, Ellerbe, NC 28338, USAAddress: DeWitt’s Sporting Clays, 443 Jimmy Carriker Rd, Ellerbe, NC 28338, USAAddress: Rankin Museum of American Heritage, 131 Church St, Ellerbe, NC 28338, USAAddress: Cullasaja River RV Park, 6269 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USAAddress: Wayah Bald Parking Area, Wayah Bald Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USAAddress: Scottish Tartans Museum, 86 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
