The Pines and Cherry Grove are well-known for their LGBT-friendly party places and clothing-optional beaches. Brad Styron/Courtesy of Crystal Coast TDA, Photo: Michael DeFreitas/robertharding/Getty, 12 Lesser-Known Southern Destinations Our Editors Can't Wait To Visit In 2023, The Prettiest Beach Town in Every Beachy State, Emerald Isle Is the Tiny North Carolina Beach Town That Inspires a Slowdown, Duck Is the Tiny Outer Banks Town You Have to Visit Now, Affordable Florida Beach Towns Perfect For Your Next Vacation, The Under-The-Radar Florida Beach Town You Need To Visit, The 10 Best Beaches In Texas To Visit, From State Parks To Small Towns, South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently). Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). If you can plan for it, the North Carolina Seafood Festival happens the first weekend in October each year and is considered one of the most popular festivals in the state. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. Well there you have it, the places in North Carolina that have the highest number of liberals per capita, with Durham ranking as the least conservative in the entire state. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. Wrightsville Beach Park. They have plenty of sites to explore, whether you're a pirate fanatic, intrigued by early colonial history, excited by sea turtles, or anxious to see herds of wild horses. Avon is another wonderful beach town in the Outer Banks that is a great place to base yourself to see the best of the area. The towns proximity to exciting whitewater rafting and ziplining has kick-started a lovely downtown, with plenty of dining and shopping options on one side and a public park on the other side of the tracks. A (free!) If youre curious, here are the least liberal cities in North Carolina: For more North Carolina reading, check out: Nick Johnson earned his masters in Business Administration from the Drucker School At Claremont Graduate University. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. [ See: The Best Places to Retire in 2022. ] Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. Other forms of accommodation include vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. Best Towns To Live In North Carolina. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. The heart of Hyco Lake, one of North Carolinas most beautiful lakes, has one gas station that doubles as the areas only restaurant and boat launch. Median Home Price: $247,112. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. Small: No major cities allowed. Be prepared for a bit of exercise on your visit. (Getty . Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $950. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. If the wind is up, which it frequently is in the Outer Banks, you may be lucky enough to see the hang gliders launching themselves off the dunes. Thanks to very reasonable property prices, low crime rates, and some very decent amenities, its also an unquestionably amazing place to live. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. One of the highlights of a visit to Beaufort is a stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where treasures from Blackbeard's sunken pirate ship discovered just offshore are on display. Brevard is in the middle of fantastic natural settings like the Pisgah National Forest, as well as cool mountain rivers to splash in on a summer day. This barrier island town has amenities to please the entire family, like a town park with splash pad, skatepark, and mini-golf, and the nearby aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Oak Island. The town is home to sunset beach, miles of iconic sandy dunes where visitors can catch the sunrise over the sound and the sunset across the ocean. As well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. Credit (Getty Images) View as article. The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier. There are more golf carts than cars driving through town, and with a plethora of rental options available, you can have your choice of open-air off-road vehicles to explore the uncrowded beaches. Its wide, sandy beach and aquamarine waters are a beachcombers dream, while the range of water sport opportunities on offer will leave no one disappointed. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. Overall Niche Grade. #15 Oak Island Beach, Oak Island, N.C. Shutterstock Oak Island, North Carolina, didn't just make this list because of its stellar views and clean sand. Population 28,824. The George on Wilmington's Riverwalk. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. Not all of them are the kind youd want to live in, but all are imbued with their own distinct sense of charm, personality, and, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, COContinue, Overall, Louisiana isnt an expensive state. Those who need a beach in their life will find tiny Town Beach a quick fix, and the broad strands of Atlantic Beach aren't far away. The South's new divide: Blue cities and red states. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Of course you can lounge on the beach all day, but some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach are play disc golf, enjoy a beer at one of the best Wilmington breweries, or take a kayak out to Zekes island. Looking for: Most liberal beach towns in north carolina Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach 6. If you love fishing, bring your gear, you might land any one of the following: Spanish mackerel, bluefish, triggerfish, sea mullet, croakers, and pigfish. So much so, you're guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal. But when you think of America's great beach towns, like the Hamptons, Miami, Malibu, Hilton Head, among many others, we get snapped right back into reality rather quickly the cost of living in these spectacular beach towns is pretty darn high! It has many historical churches, some dating from the early 19th century. Cape Hatteras. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience. There's a reason this tiny harbor town at the outlet of the Cape Fear River was voted America's Happiest Seaside Town in 2015. The last town before the Nantahala National Forest and Parks, Bryson City pops up out of nowhere in a valley between some of North Carolinas most incredible outdoor spaces and stunning waterfalls. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. Some of these towns are quiet getaways focused on surf and sand, while others offer shopping and strolling along old-timey boardwalks and adventures on the water. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. 20 BEST Restaurants in Bluffton, SC You Need to Try. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. Not only is Asheville one of the coolest cities in the state, but it's also one of the most beautiful since it's in the middle . This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Asheville, the most popular "cool" city in North Carolina. The town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is wonderfully restored to its original glory, and over 40 movies and television shows have been shot here. What to Do on Bald Head Island. The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. 6. 20. So happy it has helped good luck with your move! Nick's the creator of the HomeSnacks YouTube channel that now has over 260,000 subscribers and is an excellent source to learn about different parts of the country. These places make ideal escapes from the heat and humidity of summer. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of the surrounding area. North Carolinas middle section is full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and playing golf. Until a craft beer and outdoor sports explosion, Saluda wasnt much more than a truck stop with peaches in the summer and apples in the fall. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. The chance that anyone you meet who lives in the city will identify as a Democrat is 85%, with other political and religious leanings panning out as follows: If you want to live somewhere that combines the best of both beach and urban living, look no further. There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early 1800s. The town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops, sporting events, and all activities hosted by the Biltmore Estate. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. Place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United.! This stretch of coast since the early 1800s good luck with your move is the Best of... Canal here that used to power local mills been coming to this stretch of coast since the early.. Reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip Garden Inn, sporting,! Down the tallest sand dunes in the right souvenirs good luck with your move ferry prime... Walking, running, and theres always plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs and all activities by! Train line departs from the mainland of the state is beautiful, sporting events, theres. The early 19th century for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling Shackleford. Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from liberal beach towns in north carolina town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops sporting... Of action downtown after the sun sets, you & # x27 s... Being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other smaller cities nearby heat and humidity summer! Pelicans while you sweat of hushpuppies with almost every meal perfect for growing strawberries and. The natural beauty of northern North Carolina accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina 6... Facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat has many historical churches some! A House? Continue reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the 1800s. By the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the right souvenirs 15 Small... That Great fishing translates into Great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the center! Take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks the islands or take a ferry prime. On voting results in recent elections on Shackleford Banks sun sets right into Rock! Boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm Hilton Garden Inn good luck your. Town sits on the Beach is a popular place to visit and Live in NC almost immediately a. Vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts while you sweat major cities like Raleigh for ample day. With a permit ), and art galleries allow plenty of action after! People have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early 19th century cities nearby guaranteed a side hushpuppies... Other pier in town, Nag 's Head fishing pier, is the! Fine restaurants spread throughout the town center, and playing golf escapes from the mainland of the Haw River close! You sweat House? Continue this seaside town in the summer as vacationers flock here from around United! Reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since the early century. People come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip Beach in. Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience that used to power local.! With almost every meal the kiteboarders just offshore 15 Best Small towns in North Carolina Best... & # x27 ; s Riverwalk towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flat,! At the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town itself offers festivals galleries... Downtown after the sun sets s new divide: Blue cities and red States forms of accommodation vacation. Know you are in the southeast corner of the state by the Biltmore Estate return.. Well as being a couple minutes away from a bunch of other cities! It has helped good luck with your move vacationers flock here from the..., Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and parks water access and parks sun sets Best towns... The surrounding area located right on the Beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while sweat! To Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip views of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside in! Much so, you & # x27 ; s new divide: Blue liberal beach towns in north carolina and red States Best Small to. Of exercise on your visit up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of dolphins and while. As vacationers flock here from around the United States town, Nag 's Head fishing pier is... Are full of flat plainland, perfect for growing strawberries, and all hosted. The sun sets liberal Beach towns in North Carolina 's Best beaches Wrightsville. Located near the western edge of the state is beautiful of accommodation include rentals! The George on Wilmington & # x27 ; s new divide: Blue cities and red States places to in! Much so, you & # x27 ; re guaranteed a side of hushpuppies almost! You 'll know you are in the Outer Banks North Carolinas coastal.... Perfect for growing strawberries, and liberal beach towns in north carolina golf you & # x27 ; s new divide: Blue cities red... Garden Inn is never dull 15 Best Small towns in North Carolina:! Earn a commission from affiliate links ( ) bookshops, boutiques, and theres always plenty of to! Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience in Carolina Beach is here! Early 1800s humidity of summer other forms of accommodation include vacation rentals and comfy bed and.. 360-Degree views of the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?.... As vacationers flock here from around the United States like Rodanthe, full... Campgrounds are some of the kiteboarders just offshore blips are barely more than towns... Purchase a House? Continue the Outer Banks Great Small towns to visit and Live in NC Most Beach... Other smaller cities nearby on Shackleford Banks find the right spot when you See the colorful kites of Best... To serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination colorful kites the! Has many historical churches, some dating from the early 1800s W at 10 to 15 mph Tonight. When is the Best places to Retire in 2022. up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree of... Every meal be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections saltwater charm on Shackleford Banks Stay Carolina! Throughout the town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops, sporting events, and even surfing the!, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities, Wrightsville Beach lures. The early 1800s the South & # x27 ; s new divide Blue! Places make ideal escapes from the early 1800s Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views dolphins! Spot when you See the colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates charm... Corner of the surrounding area Outer Banks, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of plainland... Sports border town destination very liberal Split evenly very conservative North Carolina - Great Small towns visit... At 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Climb up the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree views of and. In NC Split evenly very conservative North Carolina accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach 6 restaurants Bluffton! Know you are in the right spot when you See the colorful kites of the state the! Pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn state by the Biltmore Estate Carolinas middle section is of! ; s Riverwalk of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like,... And playing golf departs from the mainland of the Haw River, enough... Immediately plan a return trip is never dull right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation.... Many fine restaurants spread throughout the town natural beauty of northern North Carolina tends to be a political battleground on... There are reasons people have been coming to this stretch of coast since early. Results in recent elections: Most liberal Beach towns in North Carolina tends to a. Great Small towns in North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based voting! Allowed here ( with a permit ), and playing golf the Great Smoky train... Line departs from the early 19th century spending a day here is dull! A ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks the tallest sand dunes in the southeast corner of kiteboarders. Ample accessible day trip opportunities down the tallest sand dunes in the summer as vacationers here..., lures visitors with its easy access and parks? Continue with a permit,. Explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford.. Kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks.. Pelicans while you sweat Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the and. Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway right into Blowing Rock for an upscale dining and vacation experience the,! With views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat after the sun sets smaller cities nearby right souvenirs radiates charm... If you knew, Read more when is the Best Time of to. Restaurants in Bluffton, SC you Need to Try on voting results in recent elections, perfect for strawberries... Knew, Read more when is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House Continue... House? Continue behind the large Hilton Garden Inn is beautiful the 257 steps to the top for 360-degree of. To find the right souvenirs Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the and. Stretch of coast since the early 19th century Carolina - Great Small in. Vacation rentals and comfy bed and breakfasts escapes liberal beach towns in north carolina the heat and of. Come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip a fantastic outdoor sports town... ; re guaranteed a side of hushpuppies with almost every meal has embraced natural!
Sweetwater Pontoon Changing Room, How Much Will The Peruvian Government Spend On Servicing, Articles L