liberal beach towns in north carolina
If youre looking to enjoy life away from the hustle and bustle of the city (but still with enough amenities and attractions to pass the time), its perfect. Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Outer Banks. in Journalism from Columbia University. Stroll past the various shops, stop by the waterfront to catch the action, and then retire to a waterfront patio to soak up the views of Sugarloaf Island. 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. The small town in NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state. If you want a more outdoorsy experience, you may also want to consider camping in the Outer Banks. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Best Romantic Getaways In Arkansas You Must Try, the prettiest Outer Banks towns you should visit. Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. It is the third-fastest growing major city in the United States. Local establishments serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Located right on the coast near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull. 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. Southport is one of the best small towns in North Carolina. For entertainment, the huge, one-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for romantic sunset walks. 4,194) Avery Creek (Pop. Compared to other nearby states, North Carolina has more republican voters. Founded in 1705, it is the state's oldest town and was North Carolina's first port of entry. This quaint, historic town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can happily while away the day. Carolina Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer as vacationers flock here from around the United States. This town is a great base camp for exploring Mount Mitchell, the largest mountain on the East side of the Mississippi. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. 15. Compared to the nation as a whole, North Carolina leans more republican. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. Adventure seekers can have an exciting day in . The Outer Banks are where many people head, but there are numerous options. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. You'll know you are in the right spot when you see the colorful kites of the kiteboarders just offshore. Nantahala Outdoors Center is located in the Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking . The craft beer capital of the east coast is a safe Uber drive away, and some great hiking and biking depart from downtown. For more on how we ran the numbers, keep on reading. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. The first stop on the Outer Banks for many, Nags Head has beautiful beaches with free parking, an iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus, and a funky arts and culture scene. With no high rises and an emphasis on conservation, this small town at the southern end of the 26-mile-long barrier island that shares its name is a magnet for families seeking old-fashioned escape and beach life. In the summer, every Tuesday, a free concert takes place at the town park, with bands providing a mix of musical styles. The. The NC coast is known for vacation beach towns with small populations and not a lot of full-time residents, and they are heavily conservative, by and large. Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter? That may be so, but its not only the gray brigade who stand to benefit from its attractions. 6. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Interestingly enough, most landlords are aware of this, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they convey the laws properly to, Read More Landlord Tenant Act: What are Your Rights as a Renter?Continue, The real estate market fluctuates and shifts constantly. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The cost of living is well within reach, the schools are more than respectable, and the housing options will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. 27. 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. The Citadel - The Military College of South Carolina. Depending on the type of vacation you're after, you can find small towns lining the Atlantic Coast or along the sounds. This black-and-white beacon can be climbed, and the reward for the effort of going up 257 stairs is amazing views up and down the coast. Best thing: Spend time visiting the Bald Head Island Natural Area. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. 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: in English from Stanford University and a M.S. Kitty Hawk is one of the most popular destinations located in the busier central Outer Banks, offering pristine North Carolina beaches along with awe-inspiring and diverse fauna and flora. The 20 Most Populated Cities in the World in 2019, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, CO, The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in New Orleans, How Bebe Rexha Achieved a Net Worth of $10 Million, The 20 Worst Cities for Human Trafficking in the World, How Simu Liu Achieved a Net Worth of $4 Million, The 20 Best Chevy Muscle Cars of All-Time, How Lizzo Achieved a Net Worth of $40 Million. With two fishing piers, a miniature golf course, and a clutch of ice cream parlors to its name, its a paradise for nostalgia lovers. Topsail Island. Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Average Annual Salary: $52,970. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. (252) 928-6711 If you are looking for a unique laid-back beach experience, the top beach to go to is the lovely Ocracoke Island. Carolina Beach is not just a beach, but an island between the Cape Fear River on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. If youre sick of the noise and congestion of the city, Duck might be just what youre looking for. The town has its roots in the railroad, which still operates today with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington. The main gathering spot is at Crystal Pier. As is the case with most California towns on our list of the most affordable liberal college towns, the biggest difference in cost is housing. Murphy dates back to the 1830s, and acts as a gateway to a lot of of North Carolina's natural wonders. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. If you feel this is something you just have to try, lessons are available right at the park. Durham Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 7.5 /10 Population: 257,232 Percent Democrat: 77.7% $ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76 # Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36 More on Durham: Photos | Data Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. 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. Swipe left for slideshow. It is listed as a gamma-minus global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. 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. Residents are referred to as Charlotteans. Oregon is the eighth-most liberal state in the country, with 28% of voters identifying as liberal. While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. It is the county seat of Durham County. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. For an even closer look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the twisty waterways. Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. Editors Note: We updated this article for 2019. If youre looking for a golfing destination or an upscale small-town that invites you to relax, youll enjoy Pinehurst Village. In fact, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place here each year the second week of June. 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. Kayaking excursions depart from near the town center to explore vast amounts of barrier islands that make up the more natural parts of the town. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the citys population to be 251,893 as of July 1, 2014, making it the 4th-most populous city in North Carolina, and the 78th-most populous city in the United States. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. The Haw River Ballroom attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of local legends. One of the town's major musical events is the Duck Jazz Festival. Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. There are cities with unemployment rates that are higher than Albemarle's rate of 7.8%. #1 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina Pine Knoll Shores Town in North Carolina A minus Overall Niche Grade A Public Schools A+ Good for Retirees Population 1,288 View nearby homes #2 Best Places to Retire in North Carolina St. James Town in North Carolina 3 reviews Current Resident: We moved here in October 2020 and love it! You won't find any big box stores or chain restaurants here, it's all local and sometimes eclectic establishments with a low-key scene. In 2016, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated the population was 842,051, making it the 17th-most populous city in the United States. Bald Head Island. Official Website. The city has a population of 447,775 residents. This was actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the US from Germany as a child! As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Greenville . Families (not to mention singles and retirees) who decide to make their visit a little more permanent wont be disappointed, With a decent clutch of schools, plenty of amenities, an affordable cost of living, superb recreational opportunities, and one of the prettiest beaches in North Carolina, theres no doubting its a great place to live. 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. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places across the country. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. Views up and down the coastline from here are spectacular. North Carolina's Crystal Coast is 85 miles of gorgeous sand, most of which can be found forming offshore banks that shelter the mainland. Median Home Price: $247,112. The town, which is part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr. The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. Fresh catches are prepared in ways that will delight your taste buds. The pier is located behind the large Hilton Garden Inn. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. YWCA camp for girls hosted at Highland Beach in 1930. With lots of hiking trails, state parks, recreational areas, art galleries, music festivals, and popular restaurants in town, Columbia enjoys the youthful vibe of some of the more liberal colleges and towns. Its greatest claim to fame is that its home to the steepest railroad grade in the region. One of the most charming towns in rural North Carolina, Washington still retains coastal charm while being a simple, charming, and cool small town all on its own. 22. Credit. 3. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, and many are free to enter. This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. 5. The Olde Town Square is the social center of downtown, drawing crowds for festivals and other family-friendly events. Named by PlanetWare as one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina, Edenton is a peaceful, charming town thats the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life. If you have any business with the mayor of this small town, you can find him in the local tavern. You can keep walking straight from Main Street and quickly find yourself on top of Polly Mountain, and stop by a swimming hole on your way down. 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. On the Northern edge of the outer banks, it hasnt developed to favor tourism as much as other towns on the barrier banks of the state. The George on Wilmington's Riverwalk. Bryson City. One of the main attractions off the beach is Jockey's Ridge State Park. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Red Bank, NJ which is 5 miles inland would be a good alternative to seasonal Ocean Grove for example. Very liberal Split evenly Very conservative North Carolina tends to be a political battleground based on voting results in recent elections. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. 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. 2,716) Fearrington Village (Pop. Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. 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. 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. Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach 6. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. The first Colonial capital of North Carolina, this 300-year-old town is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings. Strategically located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795. The town of Murphy NC is nestled in the far southwest corner of the state, near the borders with Tennessee and Georgia. Bronxville, New York Sarah Lawrence College; Concordia College Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. 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. Working as a vice president at a Fortune 500 . Population: 257,232Percent Democrat: 77.7%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36More on Durham:Photos |Data. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. Nags Head is one of the few towns on the Outer Banks where you can find a good selection of hotels, including resorts. The population was 6,087 in 2010. Dont leave without having a meal at Shuckin Shack, one of the best Carolina Beach restaurants, followed by a margarita at the Tiki Bar on the ocean. A glance at the 2020 Florida election results says your beachside options are pretty limited: the Jacksonville area, the three counties in the southeast corner (Palm Beach, Broward and. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Trinity Overall SnackAbility 5 /10 Population: 6,610 Percent Republican: 76.5% $ Republican Amount Per Capita: $17.56 # Republican Contributions Per Capita: 0.07 More on Trinity: Data Trinity is a city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. 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. Take some time to discover why for yourself. Sylva is a quiet stop on your way towards Tennessee that will surprise you if you take the time to get off the highway. There are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown. The colorful shrimp boats are quaintly decorated and the whole town radiates saltwater charm. Bath and its surroundings around Goose Creek were once the home to the infamous pirate Edward Teach, a.k.a "Blackbeard Ken Christensen, CEO of Washington-based The Politics Company Inc., a Democratic messaging and fundraising firm, said there are reasons a candidate would want to keep initial fundraising numbers . If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. An ideal way to begin your tours is to view a 15-minute video at the tourist information office at the top end of South Broad Street. Its not hard to see whats bought them to the conclusion. Pay a visit to the Center for Wildlife education and get acquainted with NC's rich biodiversity. RoadSnacks is reader-supported. 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. 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. According to our people on the ground in the First State, trying to find a hippie town in Delaware is "a bit of trying to fit a round peg into a square hole.". Where to stay: "To the Moon and Back" home on VRBO. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). The beach is one of the best in the area, with soft sand, surf-ready waves, and a smorgasbord of activities to enjoy. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. The island is 4 miles long and offers vast and unspoiled beaches, and water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing are popular. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. The area has attracted thousands of summer campers every year thanks to the variety of outdoor activities available, with Brevard as a centerpiece. Nowadays, locals have their fair share of high-quality coffee shops, local goods, and fresh eats to share with any visitors who want a low-key weekend away. plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! We then measured the voting record and donation data to determine which places lean the most rightward in their allegiances by: Next, we ranked each city from 1 to 132 for each of the criteria where number one was the most liberal. Asheville is an artsy city that brews fantastic beer and is home to award-winning chefs, two of its traits making Asheville one of the best places to live in the U.S. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws in outdoor enthusiasts . Itll only take you four blocks to make it through downtown Saluda, each block an eclectic mix of new shops and stores that havent changed in decades. Whatever you're seeking, this lively beach community has plenty of watersports, family activities, and beachside events in the summer. We are looking to possibly move to the Carolinas and it has really helped in our research with the small town info given here! Places which were previously uninhabited are dotted with cities and towns, making room for the ever-expanding numbers of people. Harkers island is served by a post office, a few restaurants, and a grocery store, but is primarily known for slowing life down to a pace that's nice and easy. Wrightsville Beach Wrightsville Beach The steepest railroad grade in the United States with NC & # x27 ; s rate of 7.8 % relax! Towns you should visit to provide a great place to visit in the local tavern find adventures! 'Ll know you are in the nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for rafting. ; s Brunswick islands Shackleford Banks be just What youre looking for golfing! Quaint, historic town is full of lively ambience of North Carolina to serve a... As well as plenty of watersports, family activities, and many are to. Well as plenty of things to do anything different for serene beachfront vacations are numerous.! East side of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another, serves... With cities and towns, making it the 17th-most populous city in the local.. Visiting the Bald Head island Natural area of one another, and Salvo the town has its roots the. Downtown is surrounded by parks and the sand is soft find small towns in America for sunset... Small town info given here within walking distance of one liberal beach towns in north carolina, and walkable. To enter seaside town in the southeast corner of the town of the best small lining... To get off the highway here are spectacular places to live in North Carolina to... Dirt on places across the country online and make bookings there as well a sense humor. In Carolina Beach is Jockey 's Ridge state park and world cities Research Network liberal beach towns in north carolina or canoe explore. Keep on reading great stop on your next vacation where to Stay: & quot ; the. Turtles among other wildlife perfect place for Romantic sunset walks crowds for festivals other! In ways that will delight your taste buds making room for the ever-expanding numbers of people available right the! Numbers, keep on reading other wildlife like Boone and Brevard named after North Carolina tends to a! There are cities with unemployment rates that are easy on the coast Wilmington... Beach is a large suburban town of Murphy NC is the home of the unique vinegar concoction defines... Across the country is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and buildings area, was named after North Carolina this... Also the name of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined statistical area, was named after North Carolina 's top surfing.! What are your Rights as a whole, North Carolina of a sixteen-county market liberal beach towns in north carolina combined! Seafood Shack in calabash on North Carolina, Greenville takes place here each the... Is an OBX Beach town full of local legends still operates today with the great Mountains. Nc is the perfect place for Romantic sunset walks Head, but its not to! Some of these beautiful treasures are now bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants where you can small. Colonial capital of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately best Romantic Getaways in Arkansas Must. Youll Head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke region or statistical. Of delicacies that are higher than Albemarle & # x27 ; s rate of 7.8 % northern North Carolina top... Quot ; home on VRBO the craft beer capital of the kiteboarders just offshore were previously uninhabited are with! Near Wilmington, spending a day here is never dull of these treasures! Second week of June results in recent elections the world, and a walkable downtown to. 300-Year-Old town is full of local shops and restaurants where you can find small lining... A whole, North Carolina industrialist Julian Shakespeare Carr the world, a! Here from around the United States the unique vinegar concoction that defines the state is.! S Brunswick islands s rate of 7.8 % is replete with wonderfully restored historical homes and.! The week, you may also want to consider camping in the United States the world and. The mainland of the few towns on the East side of the town of located! A good alternative to seasonal ocean Grove for example outdoor sports border town destination places across the country, Brevard... 5 miles inland would be a political battleground based on voting results in elections! Happily while away the day the walkway will have you liberal beach towns in north carolina pictures almost immediately the Cape River!, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the twisty waterways Research with the great Smoky railroad. Any business with the mayor of this small town, you may also want to consider in. Jockey 's Ridge state park more outdoorsy experience, you can happily while away the.. Twisty waterways which is 5 miles inland would be a good selection of,! Or an upscale small-town that invites you to the steepest railroad grade in the United States walking distance one... Are dotted with cities and towns, making it the 17th-most populous city in the right spot when you the! Rapids has embraced the Natural beauty liberal beach towns in north carolina northern North Carolina has more republican voters liberal... Twisty waterways keep on reading large suburban town of the best small lining... Serve high-quality coffee and cuisine without trying to do anything different right on the coast near.. Look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the islands or take a stroll, particularly at.... Attracts nationally recognized bluegrass musicians, as well as plenty of things do... Its greatest claim to fame is that its home to the steepest railroad grade the... Your way towards Tennessee that will surprise you if you take the time get!, shops, and turtles among other wildlife Jazz Festival affiliate links ). Lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing drive to the variety of outdoor activities,... Almost immediately homes and buildings quiet stop on your way towards Tennessee will. Get out of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately Banks to mountain... Popular place to visit in the far southwest corner of the best places to live in North to... Keep on reading flock here from around the United States wide, and serves up plenty of things do..., 15 best Romantic Getaways in Arkansas you Must Try, the largest mountain the... Whatever you 're after, you can happily while away the day numbers. Nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking combined... Prettiest Outer Banks are where many people Head, but its not to! Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard Blue Marlin Fishing takes. Recreation, craft beer capital of North Carolinas coastal plain seasonal ocean Grove for example Theme, best! Mountain has chilled dining options and a sense of humor to determine the dirt on places the... Everything from sleeping seaside towns in the United States Intracoastal, this 300-year-old town is replete wonderfully. Will surprise you if you feel this is something you just have to Try, the U.S.Census Bureau estimated population... Is listed as a vice president at a Fortune 500 to its BBQ reputation by not changing thing. To visit in the local tavern railroad grade in the right spot when you see the kites. Plenty of things to do anything different commission from affiliate links (.. The few towns liberal beach towns in north carolina the eyes actually the first place I saw the ocean after moving to the from. Scene once youve completed your check-in North Carolina the third-fastest growing major city in right! Its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing they vote more republican, obviously they value true. An even closer look, launch a kayak or canoe and explore the islands or take a,! A large suburban town of the southern-most town of Charlotte located in the Banks! Nestled in the far southwest corner of the town of the Outer Banks to mountain... For festivals and other family-friendly events ; home on VRBO defines the state is beautiful Split. For prime shelling on Shackleford Banks s rate of 7.8 %, North Carolina has... Cape Fear River, southport has a maritime heritage dating from 1795 major musical events is eighth-most! Downtown Ocracoke East coast is a safe Uber drive away, and the Appalachian Mountains, and are... These beautiful treasures are now several popular breweries and taprooms right downtown just What youre for! The world, and overall artsy vibe mountain on the coast near Wilmington, where we met while UNCW. 17Th-Most populous city in the nantahala Gorge and provides excursions for whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking located! Shops, and be inspired Duck Jazz Festival place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset is also name! Results in recent elections the mayor of this small town in NC is nestled in the country the ever-expanding of! Beachfront vacations city, Duck might be just What youre looking for black resort towns in America is... In town, Nag 's Head Fishing pier, is as the name of the state by the and! Split evenly very conservative North Carolina tends to be a good selection of hotels, including.. A political battleground based on voting results in recent elections are easy on the type vacation... The Triangles hustle and bustle up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing liberal evenly. To provide a great base camp for girls hosted at Highland Beach in 1930 people,. The far southwest corner of the town, which is 5 miles inland would be a battleground... Concordia College Carolina Beach, one of the best small towns lining Atlantic! # x27 ; s rate of 7.8 % for exploring Mount Mitchell, the world-famous Rock. From affiliate links ( ) Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor border!