NC has 4 towns on Southern Living’s list of 50 Best Small Towns in the South
As part of its Best of the South series for 2023, Southern Living magazine picked the 50 Best Small Towns in the South, and four of those towns are in North Carolina.
We’re a little chafed that South Carolina’s Beaufort ranked higher than North Carolina’s Beaufort, but so be it.
Here are the NC towns on the list, which was released last month. You can see the full list at southernliving.com/souths-best/small-towns.
No. 45: Boone — Southern Living: “Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is known for its creative soul. It’s home to galleries and arts centers, and (thanks to Appalachian State University) it’s also a college town with a notable music scene. Drive to Grandfather Mountain for hairpin turns and incredible views.”
No. 12: Hendersonville — Southern Living: “An all-seasons mountain escape, Hendersonville is always worth a trip. In the spring, you can summit Blue Ridge Mountain peaks. During the summer, cool off in a swimming hole. In the fall, go apple picking at a picturesque orchard. Come winter, cozy up to a delicious meal with a local beer or cider. “
No. 11: Beaufort — Southern Living: “North Carolina’s third-oldest town has kept its low-key allure as a former fishing village while offering plenty to see and do. Stroll the shops and restaurants on Front Street, pedal to the shoreline, or take a ferry to a nearby barrier island.”
No. 5: Blowing Rock — Southern Living: “This mountain town is named for its most famous feature, a 4,000-foot cliff that overlooks a spectacular gorge, distant peaks, and dense forests. But Blowing Rock is no one-hit wonder. Expect plenty of High Country character from a community of talented craftspeople and chefs inspired by their surroundings.”
