When winter arrives in North Carolina, it can be easy to find excuses to stay indoors. Hiking might seem cold and daunting and the beach is certainly less attractive. Simple walks through the neighborhood? Eh, those can wait until the spring. But, rather than relegate yourself to only indoor endeavors, consider hopping in the car and taking a road trip. These towns offer both history and beauty and they sure are lovely in the wintertime. Here are 8 of the best small towns in North Carolina to explore when the temperatures drop.

1. Beech Mountain, Avery and Watauga Counties
Beech Mountain, NC, USA
Beech Mountain / Facebook
Beech Mountain is the snowiest town in the state, so we couldn't possibly leave it off of a list of great winter towns to visit! The town population is just 320 people, making it a tight-knit community of people you'll probably recognize if you live there. Its claim to fame? In addition to all that snow, it's also the highest town east of the Rockies! If you're looking for a small town bustling with outdoor adventure and scenery, you can't do much better than Beech Mountain, North Carolina.
2. Brevard, Transylvania County
Brevard, NC, USA
Travis K. Witt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Many people are familiar with Brevard as a place they pass on their way to the Pisgah National Forest, but it's worth a visit on its own as well. While it's a pretty town to see, we love the secret it's hiding! Plan on an overnight stay to sleep at the Sunset Motel, the newly re-opened homage to all things roadside motel! It's easy to see why Brevard was recently named one of the best small towns in America.
3. Banner Elk, Avery County
Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
washuotaku / Flickr
Another unmissable winter destination, the small town of Banner Elk is located right between Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. The town was established in 1848 and today the small town offers some of the most beautiful views in the state. Visit the historic Lees-Mcrae college which was founded in 1900 to see some great examples of original buildings. There's truly an adventure for everyone to enjoy in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
4. Rutherfordton, Rutherford County
Rutherfordton, NC, USA
auvet / Flickr
Next up on our list is Rutherfordtown, a fun-filled day trip destination in North Carolina. This small town was chartered in 1787, making it one of the oldest towns in the Western part of the state. A trip here should include seeing the quaint downtown area, much of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also be sure to see the Rutherford City Cemetery which is one of the most historic cemeteries in North Carolina. Try to spot the gravestones dating back to the 1770s!

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5. Bath, Beaufort County
Bath, NC 27808, USA
gregduckworth / Flickr
The oldest town in North Carolina, Bath is worth a visit any time of year. But in the winter it's just a bit more quaint. Isn't it funny how winter can do that to a place? European settlements along the Pamlico in the late 1600s led to the establishment of the town in 1705. Today it offers beautiful water views and historic homes to visit.
6. Chapel Hill, Orange County
Chapel Hill, NC, USA
onefstsleepr / Flickr
Home to UNC, there's a good chance most of us wouldn't consider Chapel Hill to be a small town. But, in reality, it's truly charming. Especially in the snow! The university is one of the oldest in the country and is considered to be one of the best public schools. While the town is full of students when school is in session, plan a visit over school break and you're likely to have the place to yourself! Looking for something to do outside of town? These hiking trails near Chapel Hill, North Carolina are beautiful!
7. Bethania, Forsyth County
Bethania, NC, USA
briannamewborn / Flickr
This small town celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2009. Yep, you did the math right. That means it was established all the way back in 1759! The charming town is right outside Winston and offers views of beautiful Moravian-inspired buildings that have been preserved for all to see. This quaint town in North Carolina is one that everyone should experience at least once.
8. Edenton, Chowan County
Edenton, NC 27932, USA
pcumby / Flickr
Incorporated in 1712, Edenton offers much in the way of history. It was one of the most important shipping ports on the East Coast and today the Roanoke River Lighthouse, built in 1886, is a great sightseeing destination. A visit to this historic North Carolina town is a bit like stepping back in time.

Do you agree that these are the best small towns in North Carolina to visit when it’s cold out? Which would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! And, if you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out our list of fun things to do in North Carolina during the winter.

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More to Explore

best small towns in north carolina

Beth C. | September 18, 2022

What's the most charming small town in North Carolina?

North Carolina has so much to offer in the way of outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and unforgettable attractions. Singling out the most charming small town in North Carolina is a bit challenging, only because there are so many to choose from. But, one of our all-time favorites is Black Mountain. Located not far from the bustling town of Asheville, Black Mountain is positively surrounded by beautiful outdoor attractions: lofty mountain peaks, gorgeous rivers, dense Appalachian forests, and scenery for as far as the eye can see. Plus, the downtown area offers delightful restaurants, charming coffee shops, art galleries, and friendly folks who will make you feel welcome. Another small town in Western North Carolina worth exploring is Hot Springs. This Appalachian Trail community has some of the only geothermal waters in the state and, as you probably guessed from the town's name, that translates into soothing hot springs. You can even soak in naturally-heated spring-fed water when you visit the Hot Springs Resort.

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