7 Perfect Towns In North Carolina For A Long Weekend

North Carolina’s numerous landscapes provide slightly little bit of every thing. 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 numerous 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 checklist. An extended weekend in considered one of 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, leisure, 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 among 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 by means of the Beaufort Historic Site, the place restored houses transport them again to the 18th century. Historical past buffs get pleasure from guided excursions by means of landmarks equivalent to the country 1700s Leffers Cottage and the flowery 1800s Josiah Bell Home that includes interval furnishings.

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

6 Highlands

An opulent 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 shocking location within the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a superb 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, fantastic 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. Then again, artwork lovers can discover The Bascom, an artwork heart 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 study concerning 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, dwelling to a number of the most beautiful Outer Banks beaches. This small city combines scenic magnificence with fascinating historical past, from its iconic Currituck Seashore 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 by means of maritime forests and wetlands. Overlaying over 900 acres, this reserve additionally options an ocean seashore, 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 twine bridges.

4 Banner Elk

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

Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains is Banner Elk, an enthralling 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 remodeled 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 so much to discover. Vacationers can kick off the lengthy weekend with a journey on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, an exciting mountain coaster that zips by means of the scenic terrain.

Then again, 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 among the lovely cities positioned close to the huge Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This vibrant city boasts a welcoming Primary Road lined with outlets, breweries, artwork galleries, and stay music, making a energetic ambiance and delighting each sort 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 simple to strenuous issue ranges. The paths meander by means of 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 soothing 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, right now, 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 encircling countryside is right for out of doors lovers. Certainly one of 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 looking galleries and murals earlier than stopping at Ashe County Cheese for regionally made delights. Sunday is usually a stress-free 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. Right now, 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 by means of historical past on the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the place they study concerning 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 cherished 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.