9 North Carolina Cities You’ve Never Heard Of That Are Perfect for a Laid-Back Weekend

North Carolina hides some amazing small cities that most travelers overlook. These peaceful spots offer the perfect escape from busy life without the crowds you’d find in popular destinations. If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind, explore at your own pace, and experience authentic Southern charm, these lesser-known gems deserve your attention.

1. Salisbury

History breathes through every brick in downtown Salisbury, where time seems to slow down naturally. The streets are lined with buildings that have stood for over a century, now housing quirky antique stores and family-owned cafés.

Bell Tower Green Park provides a peaceful retreat for afternoon picnics or morning walks. Locals recommend stopping by Sidewalk Deli for a sandwich before browsing the treasures at South Main Book Company.

For history buffs, the 1908 Grubb-Wallace-Hatley House offers fascinating glimpses into the past. The town’s relaxed pace makes it perfect for visitors who want to savor each moment rather than rush through attractions.

2. Hendersonville

Tucked away in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville offers a refreshing mountain escape without Asheville’s crowds. The walkable Main Street features a delightful mix of independent shops housed in buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

Fall visitors can experience apple heaven at one of the many nearby orchards where you can pick your own fruit or sample fresh cider. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous galleries showcasing local mountain craftsmanship.

The Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s State Theatre, presents professional productions year-round. When hunger strikes, try Never Blue for globally-inspired small plates or McFarlan Bakery for pastries that locals have enjoyed since 1930.

3. Elkin

Wine lovers rejoice! Elkin sits at the heart of the Yadkin Valley wine country, North Carolina’s first designated American Viticultural Area. The surrounding hills are dotted with family-owned vineyards producing award-winning wines that rival those from more famous regions.

Downtown exudes small-town charm with brick sidewalks leading to craft breweries, coffee shops, and boutiques. The Elkin Creek flows through town, offering peaceful walking paths and fishing spots.

Don’t miss the Reeves Theater, a beautifully restored 1940s art deco venue now hosting live music several nights a week. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Mountains-to-Sea Trail provides scenic hiking opportunities through rolling countryside and alongside gentle streams.

4. Washington

Known affectionately as “Little Washington” to distinguish it from the nation’s capital, this waterfront gem sits where the Pamlico River meets the Inner Banks. The historic waterfront district features a scenic boardwalk perfect for morning strolls or sunset views.

Maritime heritage runs deep here—the North Carolina Estuarium offers fascinating insights into the region’s unique ecosystem. Locally-owned restaurants serve fresh seafood caught just hours before reaching your plate.

Kayakers and boaters find paradise in the calm waters, while photographers appreciate the spectacular sunsets over the river. Festival Park hosts community events throughout the year, bringing locals and visitors together in celebration of this charming port city’s rich culture and natural beauty.

5. Murphy

Nestled in North Carolina’s westernmost corner, Murphy feels wonderfully removed from the modern world’s hustle. The Cherokee once called this land home, and their influence remains in local place names and cultural sites.

Fields of Dreams, a sprawling alpaca farm, welcomes visitors to meet their friendly herd. The nearby Hiwassee River offers gentle tubing adventures perfect for hot summer days.

Downtown Murphy centers around a historic courthouse surrounded by locally-owned shops and diners serving authentic mountain cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking trails leading to secluded waterfalls in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. The night skies here, unpolluted by city lights, reveal stars in breathtaking clarity.

6. New Bern

Founded in 1710, New Bern claims the title of North Carolina’s second-oldest town. This historic city sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, creating a picturesque waterfront setting that invites leisurely exploration.

Tryon Palace, once the colonial governor’s mansion, now stands as a magnificent restored landmark with stunning gardens. Did you know New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola? Visit the small pharmacy where the popular drink was first created in 1898.

The downtown district features over 150 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stay in charming bed and breakfasts housed in Victorian homes, then spend days browsing unique shops and enjoying fresh seafood at riverside restaurants.

7. Kinston

Once a struggling tobacco town, Kinston has reinvented itself as an unexpected culinary destination. The transformation began with Chef Vivian Howard’s award-winning Chef & the Farmer restaurant, which showcases the region’s agricultural bounty in innovative ways.

The Kinston Riverwalk offers peaceful views of the Neuse River, while the nearby CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center houses the remains of a Confederate ironclad. Art enthusiasts appreciate the growing creative scene, with public installations and galleries throughout downtown.

Mother Earth Brewing draws craft beer lovers to its taproom housed in renovated buildings featuring sustainable design elements. The combination of Southern hospitality, farm-fresh cuisine, and unhurried pace makes Kinston an ideal weekend retreat for those seeking authentic eastern North Carolina charm.

8. Edenton

Overlooked on the itineraries of most travelers, Edenton sits on Albemarle Sound’s shores, boasting some of North Carolina’s most well-preserved colonial architecture. The waterfront beckons with its picturesque views and the iconic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse.

History enthusiasts marvel at the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the oldest continuously used courthouse in America. The tree-lined streets showcase magnificent homes spanning three centuries of architectural styles.

Morning finds locals gathering at Waterman’s Grill for fresh seafood breakfasts before browsing the farmers market. For a unique experience, book a historic trolley tour or join a sunset cruise on the sound. Edenton’s small-town atmosphere encourages visitors to slow down and savor moments of peaceful reflection along its historic waterfront.

9. Burnsville

Surrounded by some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, Burnsville offers mountain magic without the commercialization found in larger resort towns. The town square centers around a historic courthouse, now serving as the Yancey County Cultural Center.

Local artisans display their creations in galleries throughout town, showcasing everything from handwoven textiles to pottery fired in traditional mountain kilns. Mount Mitchell, the highest point in eastern North America, stands just 30 minutes away, offering spectacular hiking and views.

The Parkway Playhouse presents live theater productions in a renovated 1930s school. When evening falls, the lack of light pollution creates perfect conditions for stargazing—the nearby Bare Dark Sky Observatory provides telescopes for viewing distant galaxies and planets.