Looking for some NC small towns to explore (Raleigh, Chapel Hill: buy, college)

[lamishra]

Todd is nice too but very small, I wouldn't make that a destination. Combine it with a trip to West Jefferson!

[Nelly622]

You guys are great! I think I might just have all my weekends filled up for months. Thanks for all the great info and the links. I'll start planning my spring (and summer and fall...).

[Myghost]

I haven't read all the responses, so pardon any redundancy.

The biggest one (I think) that was missed is Spencer Shops near Salsbury: NC Transportation Museum - Home

In general, I'd say any day driving around NC and small towns is bound to uncover some good stuff. When I was into exploring mode, I'd pick a BBQ destination, and then visit a small town or two in the area. That makes places like Cameron a little bit more worth the drive. (it has several good antique shops, even if there is no festival going on).

But really, just about any part of the state, if you can get off the main highway and "go into town", you'll find great and unexpected "stuff". For instance, there is the Whirly-gig place. In/near Wilson, but if you went to go see that you could also probably see another small town or two, and get some excellent Eastern NC BBQ.


My advice: Pick a destination, any destination, and also leave at least a couple hours to see what else (unexpected) you'll find. I think you'll enjoy our state. :-)

[klmquiroz]

Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Angier, Fuquay-Varina , Siler City , Roxboro, Asheboro, Washington, Elizabeth City, are some of the favorite smaller towns I have discovered in the past few years on my "get to know NC" trips . They all have something very sweet about all of them and all very different.

http://www.cityofec.com/
http://www.silercity.org/
http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/
http://www.cityofroxboro.com/
http://asheboronc.gov/
http://www.littlewashingtonnc.com/
http://angier.org/
http://www.fuquay-varina.org/
http://pittsboronc.gov/

[VickiR]

Originally Posted by Claire_F

I believe you're referring to Mount Airy, which is near Pilot Mountain. They called it Mt. Pilot in the Andy Griffith Show.

Yes, you are right! We just call it Mayberry! They have a couple of craft type festivals that are really fun to go to.

There IS a mountain close to Mount Airy called Pilot Mountain, I believe?

Vicki

[LoopDeLoop]

our state magazine always has great little articles on places to visit & things to see in NC. i'd recommend poking around on their website to see what turns up for you. you can start here on the page that has all their articles on small towns:

Small Towns | Our State Magazine

[CHTransplant]

I'm a fan of the Thursday night lineup on UNC-TV, including "Our State," "North Carolina Weekend," and "Exploring North Carolina." The shows highlight a number of wonderful areas, festivals, natural features, etc. of our state. I've virtually visited a lot of places that way. Now if I could just get off the couch ...

[Poggly Woggly]

I second Wilson NC. Eat lunch at Dick's on Nash St. It's sits smack dab in the middle of one of the most charming sections of North Carolina. The dogwoods and azaleas are incredible there this time of year

[wraleigh]

I concur with Roxboro, NC it's a short drive north of Durham.

[dukebluebell]

There's a great BBQ joint called the Pik-n-Pig in Carthage - overlooks the airstrip of the small airfield there, really fun atmosphere for a pretty day and great food. Easy drive and add-on to a day in Southern Pines/Whispering Pines/Pinehurst.