7 Perfect Towns In North Carolina For A Long Weekend

North Carolina’s various landscapes provide slightly little bit of all the things. From the coastal gems within the Outer Banks with serene seashores to cute small towns in North Carolina’s majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, every spot presents various experiences that cater to each traveler’s wants and pursuits.

The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and Wright Brothers National Memorial are among the many top-rated spots to discover in North Carolina and are simply accessible from some small cities on this listing. An extended weekend in one in all these charming spots can be a journey into the center of North Carolina’s soul.

Some boast centuries-old landmarks and museums that inform tales of the state’s previous, whereas others appeal vacationers with their vibrant arts scenes, scenic mountaineering trails, and comfy downtowns. For these craving journey, rest, or a mixture of each, these excellent North Carolina cities promise a refreshing and provoking lengthy weekend getaway.

7 Beaufort

A seaside city enchanting vacationers with its maritime heritage, historic houses, and entry to the breathtaking Rachel Carson Reserve

Beaufort is likely one of the oldest towns in North Carolina worth visiting, because it’s steeped in historical past and coastal appeal. Based within the early 1700s, this city retains its historic appeal as seen in colonial-era houses and maritime museums. Along with its historic attract, Beaufort’s inviting really feel and pure magnificence make it an ideal vacation spot for an adventure-filled lengthy weekend.

After arriving on the town, vacationers can stroll via the Beaufort Historic Site, the place restored houses transport them again to the 18th century. Historical past buffs get pleasure from guided excursions via landmarks comparable to the country 1700s Leffers Cottage and the frilly 1800s Josiah Bell Home that includes interval furnishings.

For a extra relaxed expertise, vacationers board a Sixties double-decker bus tour via the historic district with views of the bustling harbor entrance docks that includes acclaimed outlets and eating spots.

6 Highlands

An expensive retreat within the Blue Ridge Mountains with beautiful waterfalls, botanical gardens, and different upscale experiences

Some towns in North Carolina prove that Asheville isn’t the only mountain gem worth visiting, and Highlands, a surprising location within the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a good instance. Based in 1875 as a summer time vacation spot, Highlands stays a favourite trip spot for its cooler local weather and pure magnificence. A weekend on this city means having fun with a mixture of out of doors journey, high-quality eating, and distinctive cultural experiences.

On Friday, vacationers can head to Dry Falls, the place a brief path leads behind the roaring waterfall for a magical expertise. However, artwork lovers can discover The Bascom, an artwork middle that includes up to date reveals, workshops, and sculpture gardens.

Saturday is an ideal day for artwork lovers to marvel at masterpieces, whereas nature lovers spend the day at Highlands Biological Station, a serene spot to be taught in regards to the area’s wildlife whereas strolling alongside scenic trails.

5 Corolla

Corolla is a coastal escape famed for its unspoiled seashores, a historic lighthouse, and wild Spanish Mustangs

Corolla is a serene coastal city, residence to among the most beautiful Outer Banks beaches. This small city combines scenic magnificence with fascinating historical past, from its iconic Currituck Seaside Lighthouse to the legendary wild Spanish mustangs that roam its shores.

Vacationers begin their weekends with a go to to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and endure climbing over 200 steps for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound. On Saturday, vacationers can reconnect with nature on the Currituck Banks Reserve, the place boardwalk trails wind via maritime forests and wetlands. Overlaying over 900 acres, this reserve additionally options an ocean seaside, dunes, and tidal flats.

From right here, thrill-seekers can head to the Corolla Adventure Park to problem themselves with an aerial journey course boasting zip strains and cord bridges.

4 Banner Elk

Banner Elk is a captivating mountain city recognized for its out of doors adventures, alpine coaster, and award-winning wineries

Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains is Banner Elk, a captivating city recognized for its out of doors adventures and vibrant native tradition. Though as soon as a hub for logging and farming, Banner Elk has reworked right into a vacation spot for snowboarding, mountaineering, and wine tasting.

Whereas there are towns in North Carolina better than Banner Elk, those that have not visited it earlier than have quite a bit to discover. Vacationers can kick off the lengthy weekend with a trip on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, an exhilarating mountain coaster that zips via the scenic terrain.

However, wine lovers can spend their Saturdays on the Grandfather Vineyard & Winery as they sip delectable wines whereas admiring views of the Watauga River. A go to to this city is not full with out touring the Apple Hill Farm, a working alpaca farm providing excursions and an opportunity to attach with lovely animals.

3 Sylva

A picturesque gem within the coronary heart of the Smokies, delighting vacationers with its vibrant downtown and quick access to mountain trails and breweries

Sylva is likely one of the stunning cities positioned close to the huge Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This vibrant city boasts a welcoming Most important Avenue lined with outlets, breweries, artwork galleries, and stay music, making a full of life environment and delighting each type of traveler.

The city’s surrounding panorama presents infinite alternatives for mountaineering, beginning with the serene Pinnacle Park. Right here, nature lovers can spend a Saturday exploring over seven miles of well-marked trails with straightforward to strenuous issue ranges. The paths meander via nice forests and previous babbling creeks earlier than ascending the summit of Pinnacle Mountain.

Sunday is ideal for beer lovers to go to Balsam Falls Brewing Co., the place craft brews and a comfortable ambiance present the perfect finish to a calming weekend.

2 West Jefferson

West Jefferson is famend for its thriving arts scene, native wineries, and entry to Mount Jefferson State Pure Space

West Jefferson is one other historic city nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, boasting pure magnificence and a thriving arts scene. Regardless of being initially often known as a bustling railway hub, immediately, it is one of many low-key towns in North Carolina for a weekend retreat, drawing curious vacationers with its artwork galleries, Appalachian tradition, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

The city’s quaint downtown presents a mixture of appeal and creativity, whereas the encompassing countryside is good for out of doors lovers. One among this city’s must-visit weekend sights is the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, boasting a wealthy biodiversity, almost 5 miles of scenic mountaineering trails, and beautiful viewpoints.

Artwork lovers can spend a Saturday afternoon exploring the Downtown Arts District shopping galleries and murals earlier than stopping at Ashe County Cheese for regionally made delights. Sunday generally is a enjoyable day at Old Barn Winery and Vineyards, sipping wine whereas reveling within the tranquil mountain setting.

1 Kill Satan Hills

Famend because the Birthplace of Trendy Aviation, Kill Satan Hills presents historical past and coastal enjoyable

Kill Satan Hills is a coastal gem on the Outer Banks, greatest often known as the birthplace of flight. Its wealthy historical past is intertwined with the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903, commemorated by a hanging monument. At this time, the city presents pristine seashores, scenic dunes, and family-friendly sights that stability historical past and recreation.

Vacationers can begin their weekend with a stroll via historical past on the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the place they be taught in regards to the pioneering flight and soak in expansive views of the dunes.

On Saturday, vacationers can head to Avalon Pier for fishing, beachcombing, or just catch a sundown with a beloved one. When visiting the city with household, the Paradise Golf & Arcade is a must-visit, that includes mini-golf programs and basic video games that hold everybody entertained.