8 North Carolina Towns Rising as New Vacation Destinations

North Carolina’s beautiful landscapes offer more than just the popular tourist spots most visitors already know. From the misty Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy Atlantic shores, several small towns are gaining attention for their unique charm and attractions.

Travelers seeking authentic experiences are discovering these hidden gems that combine natural beauty, rich history, and local culture. Let’s explore eight North Carolina towns that are quickly becoming the state’s newest vacation hotspots.

1. Asheville: Blue Ridge Views and a Thriving Arts Scene

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines natural splendor with a vibrant creative community. The city’s walkable downtown features over 200 locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic Art Deco buildings. Visitors flock to the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, with its 8,000-acre grounds and winery.

The River Arts District showcases more than 200 working artists in former industrial warehouses along the French Broad River. With 50+ breweries in the region, Asheville has earned its nickname as “Beer City USA.” Hiking trails, scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and farm-to-table dining complete the experience in this mountain town of approximately 94,000 residents.

2. Boone: Outdoor Adventures in the High Country

Named after legendary explorer Daniel Boone, this mountain town sits at 3,333 feet elevation in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone blends youthful energy with Appalachian traditions in a community of around 19,000 residents. Adventure seekers gravitate to nearby Grandfather Mountain for hiking across mile-high swinging bridges, while winter brings skiers and snowboarders to Appalachian Ski Mountain.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular overlooks including the famous Linn Cove Viaduct. The town hosts vibrant events like the annual Music on the Mountaintop festival. Visitors appreciate the walkable downtown filled with local boutiques, craft breweries, and restaurants serving mountain cuisine with modern twists.

3. Wilmington: Coastal Charm and Historic Streets

Situated along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington captivates visitors with its 230-block National Register Historic District. The riverfront city of 115,000 residents combines coastal living with preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Film buffs recognize Wilmington as “Hollywood East” where productions like “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” were filmed. The Riverwalk, stretching nearly two miles, connects visitors to shops, restaurants, and boat tours along the water. Nearby Carolina Beach offers family fun with its vintage boardwalk, while Wrightsville Beach attracts surfers and sunbathers. Annual events include the North Carolina Azalea Festival, drawing over 300,000 visitors each spring when the city explodes with pink and purple blooms.

4. Hendersonville: Apple Orchards and Small-Town Atmosphere

Just 22 miles south of Asheville lies Hendersonville, a charming town of 14,000 residents known as the “City of Four Seasons.” Main Street’s 100-year-old buildings house independent bookstores, antique shops, and farm-to-table restaurants beneath the shade of flowering trees. Henderson County produces 85% of North Carolina’s apples, with dozens of orchards offering pick-your-own experiences from August through October.

The annual North Carolina Apple Festival draws 250,000 visitors each Labor Day weekend. Jump Off Rock provides panoramic mountain views while nearby DuPont State Forest features spectacular waterfalls seen in “The Hunger Games.” The flat, walkable downtown makes Hendersonville particularly appealing to retirees and families seeking a slower pace without sacrificing cultural amenities.

5. Bryson City: Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains

Tucked along the Tuckasegee River, Bryson City serves as a perfect base camp for Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventures. This small town of 1,500 residents maintains its authentic mountain character with locally-owned shops and zero traffic lights. Train enthusiasts flock to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for scenic excursions through mountain tunnels and alongside river gorges.

The town sits just three miles from the Deep Creek area of the national park, offering tubing, waterfall hikes, and fly fishing opportunities. Fontana Lake provides 238 miles of shoreline for boating and swimming. The Road to Nowhere, an abandoned highway project, offers a fascinating glimpse into local history, while the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians celebrates the region’s angling heritage.

6. Beaufort: Maritime Heritage and Waterfront Dining

Founded in 1709, Beaufort ranks as North Carolina’s third-oldest town and carries its maritime history with pride. This coastal gem of 4,500 residents sits on Taylor’s Creek with views of wild horses roaming freely on nearby Carrot Island. The North Carolina Maritime Museum showcases artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship Queen Anne’s Revenge, which sank nearby in 1718. The town’s historic district features over 100 homes dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, many named for their original owners. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh-caught seafood while boat tours offer glimpses of dolphins and wild banker horses. Consistently ranked among America’s coolest small towns, Beaufort balances its fishing village roots with upscale boutiques and galleries along Front Street, all while maintaining its authentic coastal character.

7. Blowing Rock: A Classic Mountain Retreat

Perched at 3,500 feet along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock earned its name from a unique rock formation where upward winds can return light objects thrown over the cliff. This village of 1,300 residents has attracted vacationers since the 1880s, when wealthy Southerners built summer homes to escape the lowland heat. Downtown features upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants within historic buildings along Main Street.

The town hosts popular events including the Blowing Rock Winterfest and Art in the Park, a monthly summer showcase for regional artists. Nearby attractions include Moses Cone Memorial Park with 25 miles of carriage trails and the 221-acre Tweetsie Railroad theme park featuring North Carolina’s first theme park train. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s most photographed landmark, Linn Cove Viaduct, lies just minutes away.

8. New Bern: Colonial History Along the Neuse River

Founded in 1710 by Swiss and German settlers, New Bern holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s first state capital. The waterfront city of 30,000 sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and outdoor recreation. As the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, visitors can stop by the pharmacy where Caleb Bradham created the popular soda in 1898.

Tryon Palace, a meticulously reconstructed colonial governor’s mansion, features gardens and living history demonstrations. The historic downtown contains more than 150 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nicknamed the “Bear City” after the Swiss city that inspired its name, bear statues decorated by local artists appear throughout town. Annual events include the MumFest celebration and the ghostly Ghosts of New Bern Tour.