The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. The town itself is packed with attractions, including the fascinating Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. 4. Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. Homes dating from the 17th century are on beautiful tree-lined streets that entice you to stroll along and think about what life used to be like here over 200 years ago. YWCA camp for girls hosted at Highland Beach in 1930. If you have any business with the mayor of this small town, you can find him in the local tavern. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. This is an escape complete with pirate lore; long stretches of pristine sands all protected by the National Park Service; a fishing village with summer pleasures like ice cream, seafood, and boat charters; and its own bright white, picturesque lighthouse. 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. The small town of Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, on the 'Inner Banks' coastal area of North Carolina (specifically, Beaufort is situated just where the Outer Banks end). Tucked away from the mighty Pamlico River, Bath is one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with a population of just over 200. Even within a single year, a particular neighborhood or metro area can change from being a sellers market to a buyers market and back. If you are a foodie and like charming small towns, Calabash should be number one on your destination list. 1. Right along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort has created a wonderful Carolinian destination that showcases the sea that has given the area life. Washington, NC, USA 2. Carrboro has the hip feeling of Piedmonts central triangle area but doesnt quite conform like the other places. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. 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. Just inside this protective outer coastal layer you'll find one of the first English settlements in North Carolina: the town of Beaufort, established in 1709. Book a stay at one of the charming old bed and breakfasts and spend a leisurely day exploring the town. This westernmost community on Bogue Banks is a treasured vacation getaway for families, with its 12 miles of clean shores, clear waters, and old-fashioned neighborhoods and vibe. Athens, Ohio. Myrtle Beach, SC, is one of the nation's most affordable beach towns. 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlotte, NC, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wilmington, NC, 13 Top-Rated Mountain Towns in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in North Carolina, 3 Top Places for Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, 17 Top Cheap Ski Holidays in North America, 2023, 11 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in North Carolina, 10 Top-Rated Campgrounds in the Outer Banks, NC, 5 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in North Carolina, 2023, North Carolina in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina, 11 Top-Rated Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on the Isle of Arran, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Begin with our list of the top coastal towns in North Carolina. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. If youre considering making your next visit the permanent kind, check out these 10 best places to live in North Carolina near the beach. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. 19. The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. 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. The beach is a popular destination for those who like to surf, stand up paddleboard, and kayak, so bring your gear. 1/13. Artists, writers and musicians have long been inspired by this North Carolina mountain town. Downtown shops are close enough together for an afternoon walk, but each offers an eclectic, local delicacy that makes it worth a second look. Each village brings its own delightful draws and, Sylva is a small North Carolina mountain town just a short drive away from Asheville. The town itself is easy to navigate by foot. Downtown buffets and fine dining experiences offer refined takes on Calabash-style seafood. The town springs to life in the summer, and you can expect special events and remarkable sunsets every weekend from spring through fall. This is our third time ranking the most liberal places to live in North Carolina. Sure, youve got all the amenities youll need, but rather than chain stores and drive-ins, youll get an eclectic range of independent boutiques and eateries. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-roadsnacks_net-medrectangle-3-0');And if you already knew these places were liberal, check out some more reading about North Carolina and the most lberal places in the country: We started by making a list of every city in North Carolina over 5,000 people based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (The most recent data). 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. After go see one of the best lighthouses in NC and see Price Creek Lighthouse and the Oak Island Lighthouse. Its central location, only 30 minutes from the Raleigh airport, makes spending some time in North Carolina fun and easy. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. The main things to see and do are easily reached by foot, and if you find yourself tired out by the adventure, stop in at one of the restaurants and recharge with a fine seafood meal. Consider these retirement communities in North Carolina: Asheville. In addition to her fact checking background, she also has over six years experience of reporting, writing, and copy editing articles for digital magazines including Woman's Day and The Knot. Inside the clubhouse lies a museum that broadcasts more of the history of the area. For a change of pace from the beach, you can walk along the wonderfully serene boardwalk, where you'll have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles, deer, otters, and egrets. But . The town itself is a delight, with charming, Victorian-era homes sitting side by side with modern-day architectural gems. Miles to Beach: 1 mile. Beaches Parks. The town has plenty of dining and entertainment offers, so youll never get bored, and has held on to its Southern charm to make it feel like home. If you want a luxurious vacation experience, you can find it all in peaceful Blowing Rock. The workout is on the beach facing the ocean, with views of dolphins and pelicans while you sweat. Rent Change in the Past Year: 17.09%. It is a calm, green place with large trees and stately homes. In the summer, every Tuesday, a free concert takes place at the town park, with bands providing a mix of musical styles. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. Camping is nearby at Carolina Beach State Park. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. With nearly 85 percent of its total area a preserved landscape of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and scrubby, subtropical forest, plus 14 miles of pale sands, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, locally owned shops, and a community of beautiful beach houses, this is most certainly a Treasure Isle. There's plenty to do, with a lighthouse and nature center to visit and prime paddling on the Intracoastal side of the island. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. A cult favorite, this Outer Banks island is accessible only by boat or ferry from Hatteras and Cedar islands and has a relaxed romance imbued with salt air. Population: 826,060Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $9.56# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.04More on Charlotte:Photos |Data. Thanks to its status as a university town, its blessed with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Come to have easy access to the outdoors and stay to feel a part of the family oh and have a drink at one of the best Brevard breweries. Asheville. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Ascend the sand dune step after sliding step to the top, where you are rewarded with commanding views out over the surrounding area and the Atlantic Ocean. Largely a residential isle, Holden Beach is all about simple pleasures, from biking and kayaking along with playing on the beach during the day, to ghost crabbing at night. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. 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. 2,716) Fearrington Village (Pop. It's a fun family thing to do. 23. Whatever youre seeking in a small town, North Carolina can likely deliver! 2. Population 28,824. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. Morrisville is one of my favorite cities in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. Often described as one of North Carolina's best beaches, Wrightsville Beach, lures visitors with its easy access and wonderful waterfront. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Wrightsville Beach. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. As is the case with most California towns on our list of the most affordable liberal college towns, the biggest difference in cost is housing. About 70 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina, is Pawleys Island, a barrier island known for its sand dunes, beaches, golf courses, and rope hammocks. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. Along the beach, you can witness one-of-a-kind wild horses, the Colonial Spanish Mustang - the island's true treasures, and go on a guided ride with them. In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in North Carolina with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. The Culture Trip considers Kitty Hawk one of the ten most beautiful towns in North Carolina. Winston-Salem. #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. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. There's a reason people come to Beaufort and almost immediately plan a return trip. These Are The 10 Best Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Cheapest States To Live In, These Are The 10 Best Counties To Live In North Carolina, 10 Cheapest Places To Live In North Carolina, 10 Best Places To Raise A Family In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Best Places To Retire In North Carolina, These Are The 10 Richest Cities In North Carolina, 10 Worst Places To Live In North Carolina, # Of Contributions To Democrats Per Capita, $ Amount Contributed To Democrats Per Capita. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. Here you get beach town vibe mixed with southern historic town charm. 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. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College The 17 Most Romantic Hotels in the U.S. 3. Its title as 'America's Coolest Small Town' seems to be down to a combination of 300-years of history - complete with small historic district . We have been writing about travel for the last decade. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. Whether youre looking for something small and quaint or big and boisterous, theres a North Carolina beach town to match. The main town area of Duck is set on the broad and flat Currituck Sound and is protected from the worst of the Atlantic Ocean weather. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2016 U.S.Census population estimate of 2,632,249. That may be so, but its not only the gray brigade who stand to benefit from its attractions. Most weekends, youll find the main street of this town blocked off and plenty of pedestrians strolling through art shops and shacks set up for the occasion. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and six continents. The cities with the highest percentage of voters who voted Democrat and gave the most to liberals where named the most liberal cities in the state. A world-class golf course at nearby Pinehurst resort has defined the town as the golf capital of a state rich in opportunities for a tee time. It begins at the City Pier. This riverfront port is technically a city, but there are so many things to love about visiting and enjoying Wilmington, it's impossible to leave it off the list. The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. 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. The city is mostly democrats with a smattering of independents and a few pockets of republicans. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. Calm, sedate, and gorgeously green, Duck is the perfect option for city folk who secretly hate the city. In addition to dining, shopping, and walking, additional things to do include fishing from the boardwalk, crabbing on the sound, cycling along the six-mile Duck Trail, or catching a free show at the Amphitheater. The main public gathering place in town is at the Avon Pier. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. Population: 230. Trapped near two industrial college towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, Carrboro is the free-spirited little sister of its larger neighbors. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. The best way to capture the town's essence is to walk around. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. The town sits on the edge of the Haw River, close enough to major cities like Raleigh for ample accessible day trip opportunities. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. The island is 4 miles long and offers vast and unspoiled beaches, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular. 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