Downtown vibes: 55 best towns in the Carolinas and what to do at each, according to you
If you’ve lived in Charlotte for long enough, you already know one of the best parts about road trips involves passing through the charming small towns across the Carolinas. We actually have so many quaint towns and cities that even a Carolinas native may not have visited them all.
So when two of our best landed on HGTV’s list of the 30 most charming downtowns in America (Concord in North Carolina and Greenville in South Carolina), we wanted to know which other small towns could have easily been on that list.
So we asked you: What’s your favorite small town downtown in North and South Carolina? We got more than 200 responses. Many of your favorites are arguably not “small” — but all of them quaint, so we decided they should count.
Here are the 55 cities and towns that you recommend in the Carolinas, and what to do at each:
Aiken, SC
Location: 144 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Visit the Rose Hill “winter colony” Estate, which was established in 1898 and spans a whole block. It was the first property in town listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Check out the historic horse district, take riding lessons, attend Steeplechase or watch polo.
Plan a romantic getaway, which includes dinner at Casa Bella Italian Restaurant and maybe even a couples massage.
Apex
Location: 153 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Shop local for tchotchkes and home decor at Antiques on Salem Street.
Pose with the heart-shaped balloons mural at Rose and Lee Collective.
Eat a slice at Anna’s Pizzeria. The Chicken Marsala pizza comes with mushrooms, onions, marsala wine sauce and mozzarella; or you could try the Vegetable pizza, with eggplant, tomato, onion, broccoli, spinach, garlic, tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Save room for a gelato from Common Grounds Coffee House. Try a scoop of coffee, or go traditional with strawberry.
Asheville
Location: 128 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Rent a cabin with a view so you can feel connected with nature (while still being close to downtown).
Make reservations at The Admiral and check out the weekly menu before you go.
Take a walk through the Urban Trail Asheville or the South Slope Mural Trail and save time to watch live music at Pack Square Park.
If vegan Peruvian popup Anyi51 is in town when you’re there, you’ve struck gold.
Meander over to New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village, just 2 miles from downtown, for eclectic art and furniture pieces. The shop has been open for more than 50 years!
Beaufort, NC
Location: 320 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Visit the Beaufort Historic Site to see historic buildings in a tour led by guides in period costume.
Stop at the Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market for fresh produce, artisan foods and handmade items. While you’re shopping, snack on peanuts from the Ann Street Peanut Sales booth.
Enjoy a beer at Fishetown Brew House, then grab a waterfront dinner at Moonrakers, which offers rooftop seating.
Beaufort, SC
Location: 228 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Eat seasonal, coastal cuisine like a local at Plums Restaurant.
Go on a kayaking adventure with Beaufort Kayak Tours and learn about salt water ecology and dolphins.
Venture out to Lady’s Island and stop by The Kitchen for some gourmet takeout (bring a cooler if you want to take some home!) including Chicken Pot Pie, Charleston Shrimp & Grits or Eggplant & Spaghetti Squash Lasagna.
It’s not near downtown, but it’s worth the drive to explore Gullah culture while you’re here.
Belmont
Location: 15 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Start with our guide to the best things to do in Belmont for $50 or less.
Browse the art at Bliss Gallery, then grab a sweet treat at the Cotton Candy Factory.
Play among the flowers at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and don’t forget to take a few selfies.
Shop til you drop, with stops at Belletique, Catawba River Antique Mall, Magnolia and Vine and Gigi’s Boutique.
Stroll the walkable downtown during a Friday Night Live event, when the music starts on main street at 6 p.m.
Rent a boat and make reservations for sunset dining at Drift on Lake Wylie.
Black Mountain
Location: 115 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Spend a day hiking the Graybeard Trail, with views of the Black Mountain peaks, called the Seven Sisters.
Sip a craft brew at Black Mountain Brewing or Pigsah Brewing Company.
Taste handmade fudge, caramel apples or original recipe ice cream at Kilwins Black Mountain, then kick back in a rocking chair to watch the downtown buzz.
Blowing Rock
Location: 95 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Browse downtown shops including Carriage Trade Living, Last Straw and Najla’s Boutique
Check out The Blowing Rock, where the airflow can make snow fall upside down.
Grab a cup of coffee at Bald Guy Brew, then try the NC Trout Dip at Hellbender Bed and Beverage.
Boone
Location: 117 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Bring along your bike to tackle the trails at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park.
Dig into a Trash BBQ burrito from Black Cat Burrito before heading to Stick Boy Bread Co., for a Nutella Steamer or PB&J smoothie.
Tour the Hickory Ridge History Museum, which highlights historic buildings and frontier skills such as weaving and blacksmithing.
Brevard
Location: 122 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Get nostalgic with a burger and a shake at Cardinal Drive-In.
Go hunting for waterfalls, with a tour guide or on your own.
See a concert at Brevard Music Center or gallery hop to view traditional Appalachian crafts, including fiber art and woodworking. Stop by The White Squirrel Shoppe for gifts and home decor.
Speaking of white squirrels, keep your eyes open: Brevard is known for them, and the campus of Brevard College, Silvermont and Franklin Park have been cited as “hot spots” for seeing them during your visit.
Charleston, SC
Location: 209 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Scout out where to stay and things to do ahead of time with CharlotteFive’s guide.
Visit Virginia’s on King for the best buttermilk pancakes in the city. Pro tip: add bananas.
Sink into a few oyster sliders at The Ordinary, or savor the crab soup at Revival.
Take a tour of the city’s hidden alleys and passages with Lowcountry Walking Tours.
Marvel at centuries-old oak trees before you make your way to The Adventure, a replica trading ship, at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
Watch the sun set from White Point Gardens along the Battery.
Concord
Location: 26 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Start with our full guide to a day in Concord’s downtown for less than $50.
Before exploring downtown, strap in and ride like a NASCAR driver with an infield experience tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Then head downtown, where you can browse the charming shops, after stopping for a latte at Press & Porter.
Grab a beer and loaded nachos at Little Robert’s Place.
CHARMING CONCORD: City makes HGTV’s list of 30 most charming small-town downtowns in America
Dallas
Location: 26 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Go on a hayride, then check out the baking mixes, soaps and more at Dallas Lavender Lane Farm.
Learn the area’s history at Dallas Heritage Village, where you can explore what 1890s cotton farming was like.
Sit down for a meal of one of the house favorites, the OBD Fish-n-Chips, at Sammy’s Pub.
Davidson
Location: 21 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Stop by milkbread for a milk chocolate milkbread doughnut or milkbread mini cinnies, owned by James Beard semifinalist chef Joe Kindred and his wife, Katy.
Enjoy nature from over 6 miles of greenways, where you can catch a glimpse of more than 100 types of birds.
Walk the scenic campus of Davidson College and catch a Wildcats game.
Elizabeth City
Location: 312 miles from Charlotte
What to know:
Start off your day with locally roasted coffee at Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, then pose for a shot with the murals outside before setting off to find the Coca Cola ghost sign and the Pailin’s Alley mural.
Explore the past at The Museum of the Albemarle, which shares the history and culture of North Carolina’s Albemarle region.
Picnic along the water’s edge at Coast Guard Park, then launch a kayak or spend some time fishing.
Elkin
Location: 75 miles from Charlotte
What to know:
Grab a chicken salad panini or pimiento cheese sandwich at The Barking Coyote Kitchen, then snag some black bean hummus from the deli section for a snack later on. Next, head out to wander through the nearby Elkin Antiques and Collectibles Mall.
Sign up for a class at The November Room, where you can create, paint or draw, then browse the gifts, apparel and home decor items inside the shop.
Wrap up your day at Angry Troll Brewing with a Stay Classy Elkin IPA or a Downtown Brown Ale and a wood-fired pizza.
Fort Mill, SC
Location: 18 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Between the interstate and Fort Mill’s charming Main Street, visit The Peach Stand to start the day with a made-to-order Southern meal. After breakfast, peruse the butcher shop and the specialty market’s aisles for dinner provisions — and make sure to grab a jar of Santhoshi’s chutney, made by local Indian chef Santhoshi Radhakrishnan. (Pro tip: She also teaches cooking classes.)
Check out Crossings on Main, jam packed with home goods, jewelry and gifts perfect for a wedding, baby shower and other events. Next, browse more shops including the Puckerbutt Pepper Co., which sells all things spicy. You can even grab the seeds to grow your own Carolina Reapers.
Afterward, stop in and take a seat at Amor Artis Brewing, where you can try a craft beer from its rotating menu.
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Goldsboro
Location: 216 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Play around with your pup or grab your racket and play some tennis at Herman Park. There’s a Kiwanis Miniature Train there to ride on weekend afternoons that includes a concessions stand for when you feel like taking a snack break.
Catch a performance at the Paramount Theatre, which started out as an armory in 1882 and was rebuilt from the ground up after a 2005 fire.
Stop in for dinner at Brisas Latin Cuisine, where you can listen to live music while you munch on a Cuban sandwich.
Greenville, SC
Location: 102 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Start your visit with an energy boost: We recommend a latte at Coffee Underground.
Stay at a downtown hotel, where you can walk to dinner on the patio at Larkin’s on the River.
Plan family portraits on a bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy.
Take a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, stopping for lunch in Travelers Rest at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse before returning to downtown Greenville.
Greer, SC
Location: 90 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Make a wish in the fountain at Greer City Park, which offers 12 acres of space to relax and play. It’s also where you’ll find fresh produce, prepared foods and artisan creations at the Greer Farmers Market on Tuesdays from May through August.
Shop handmade jewelry at Southern Sisters Champagne Bar & Boutique with a drink in hand before browsing the shoes and dresses at Chelsea’s Ladies Clothing and Accessories, then head over to Gregory’s Boutique for menswear and the perfect tie or handkerchief.
Settle in to a spot on the dog-friendly patio at The Blue Ridge Brewing Co., to enjoy the dry-rubbed ribs or BrewHouse Wings with a Kurli Blonde Ale. Afterward, a visit to Barista Alley can set you up with an after-dinner coffee and dessert crepe.
Hendersonville
Location: 104 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Kick off an afternoon of fun at the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO, where you can view shark and stingray feedings or interact with reptiles.
Choose from more than 80 games to play at the Appalachian Pinball Museum, then wander through the nearby Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County to see fossils, polished gemstones and special exhibits.
Refuel with dinner and libations at Shine, which boasts Shine Slushies among its adult beverage options. Start with an order of Duck Fat Fries with garlic mayo while you decide on your meal.
Hickory
Location: 56 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Grab a latte at Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse, then start at the SALT Block. There, you can visit the planetarium and aquarium at Catawba Science Center before moving on to view exhibitions at the Hickory Museum of Art.
Stroll through the Ivey Arboretum at Sally Fox Park for a look at the sculptures and public art benches. A mineral spring first attracted visitors there in the 1870s.
Get an upscale farm-to-table dinner at Duke’s Restaurant & Wine Bar at Market On Main, featuring Southern Fried Duck, Tomahawk Ribeyes and Seafood Melange.
Highlands
Location: 177 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Book a massage or a facial at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa, then scoot over for your lunch reservation at Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator magazine.
Lace up your shoes and walk among the dozens of locally owned shops offering jewelry, fine art, clothing and handmade treats. (Be sure to stop at Cake Bar for goodies from The Chocolate Heaven Co., such as a slice of Caramel Cake or the Chocolate Heaven, which is gluten-free.)
Recharge with pub grub from The Ugly Dog Public House, where you can go light with a Quinoa Salad or eat your way through a plate of Loaded ‘Tater Tots and a Chili Cheese Dog.
Hilton Head, SC
Location: 247 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Drive to Main Street Village and shop for Lowcountry home decor at Luna and Lillies or Marsh and Light before getting a pedicure at Salon 5200.
Lunch outdoors while sipping a daiquiri at The Frosty Frog Cafe in Coligny Plaza, then head out for souvenir shopping at the stores nearby. When you need to cool off again, grab a Dole Whip at The Coligny Ice Cream Cone — it’s vegan.
Make your way to Harbour Town for an evening cruise or boat tour after you marvel at the lighthouse. Dine on a seafood dinner afterward at The Crazy Crab and share a slice of key lime pie to finish off the meal.
BEST BEACH TOWNS: The best beaches in the Carolinas are just a drive away. Here are your top picks.
Hot Springs
Location: 163 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
The area’s hot springs were first used by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Get the full experience with a mineral bath soak overlooking the French Broad River or Spring Creek at Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
Enjoy local fare at the family-owned Smoky Mountain Diner, situated along the Appalachian Trail. Ask about the special of the day, or go straight for the Country Dinner menu for Hamburger Steak, Chicken Livers or a Country Vegetable Plate..
Catch live music at Big Pillow Brewing, or enjoy a lively evening on Wednesdays, when the entertainment alternates weekly between karaoke night and Big Pillow Talk Open Mic Night.
Kannapolis
Location: 26 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
See a movie at the historic Gem Theatre, which originally opened in 1936. It offers balcony seating and is one of the country’s oldest single-screen movie theaters to remain in continuous operation. (Pro tip: Tickets and concessions are cheaper than what you’re used to in Charlotte.)
Get tickets to see the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, a Single-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Upper club seats include an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited soft drinks in the Kinetic Lounge.
Stroll the recently revitalized downtown streetscape, dotted with swings, benches and other places to sit. Stop at Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza and Veterans Park before grabbing a bite to eat, then try duckpin bowling at Kingpin Bowling.
Lake City, SC
Location: 127 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Scout out the murals, along with sculptures and other public art spread throughout the town.
Visit The Bean Market, which was built in 1936 and is the former site of one of the world’s biggest bean markets. Farmers arrived there with their beans for market from all over the South. Today, you can visit The Bean Market for its Thursday farmers market.
Stop by Baker’s Sweets Bistro & Bakery for breakfast, lunch or sweets — your espresso drink can be served in a mason jar and is perfectly small-town South Instagrammable.
Lake Lure
Location: 92 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Take a guided pontoon tour, where you can learn about Lake Lure’s history — including the part where the lake actually covered over a town.
Stay where the stars stayed: The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa is where Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze stayed during the filming of “Dirty Dancing.”
Watch the sun set from the patio at the laid-back LakeHouse Restaurant, preferably while sipping on a Dockside Sangria (red or white).
Lexington
Location: 59 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
If you like barbecue, you’ll want to plan your visit over a few days — the 3-day Lexington Barbecue Tour includes 12+ local restaurants. Hope you’re hungry!
Visit The Bob Timberlake Gallery, where you can peruse the collection created by realist artist and designer Bob Timberlake — maybe you’ll find a piece for your home.
Visit Childress Vineyards for a self-guided or led tour of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress’ 60-acre vineyards. The Tuscan-inspired winery has a bistro, featuring light fare like artisan cheese boards and chicken salad served on croissants, as well as heartier meals including Pan-Seared Salmon, Grilled Petite Filet of Beef and more.
Lincolnton
Location: 38 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Take a walk around the city’s downtown and historic districts — Lincolnton was founded in 1785.
Zhay’s Bar and Grill closed at the end of 2020 due to the pandemic — but, good news: The American restaurant has found a new home, serving chicken & waffles, pork chops and more.
Mark your calendar to return during the holiday season for tree lightings, local shopping and visits from Santa.
Marion
Location: 96 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Plan your trip around one of downtown’s regular events, like its craft strolls on some Friday evenings, a summer concert or an upcoming National Night Out.
Visit Bessie’s Diner, where breakfast is served all day (lunch, too, if that’s your jam).
Visit the Downtown Marion Tailgate Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays for produce, meats and cheeses, flowers, crafts and more.
Matthews
Location: 12 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Start with our guide to spending a day in Matthews for $50 or less.
If you’ve been to Charlotte’s Cafe Crema in Dilworth, you’re going to like Matthews’ Royal Creperie (both spots have the same owners). Start your visit with a Greek Isles crepe: egg, feta cheese, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, onions and kalamata olives.
Walk the greenway starting at Four Mile Creek. Follow the trail to Fountain Rock Park for a peek at the fountain — yes, in rock — before heading back.
Or, for a workout at new heights, check out the Matthews location of Inner Peaks for some indoor rock climbing.
Enjoy wings from Kristopher’s, named by CharlotteFive readers as one of the 16 best wing spots in the Charlotte area.
Morehead City
Location: 283 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Located on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast and part of the accredited Main Street America program, the small town near Atlantic Beach includes plenty of water-themed places to play, dine and shop.
Pick your favorite downtown walking tour — we’ve got our eyes on the 16-home walking tour, which shows off the area’s historic houses. You can also take the fish sculpture tour or art walk tour, which includes 12 local businesses.
Plan for dinner at Floyd’s 1921, where you can order Buffalo Oysters, flash fried and served over bleu cheese grits and covered with buffalo sauce, or Sticky Icky Style Ribs, dry rubbed and slow-cooked and basted with barbecue sauce.
Morganton
Location: 77 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
This town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the Catawba River offers several local shops to peruse, including bookstores, home stores, boutiques and more.
If you’re a fan of Charlotte’s Fonta Flora Brewery taproom, stop by the original location in Morganton to say hi (and have a beer).
Wander the town square looking for the food truck serving up exactly what you’re craving.
Mount Holly
Location: 12 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Take a peek at the old city jail, beside JackBeagles. (Yes, Mount Holly is beagled!)
Wear your comfiest kicks so you can enjoy a walk or jog on many sidewalks, greenways and trails around town — Mount Holly has connection to the Carolina Thread Trail.
Order a cold one at The Summit Beer Shop. The taproom and bottle shop has rotating draught beer and wine selections.
New Bern
Location: 281 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Book a stay at the Benjamin Ellis House, located in the heart of the historic town set along the Trent and Neuse Rivers.
Take the self-guided walk along the African-American Heritage Trail, with 10 sites portraying 16 significant events.
On a Friday or Saturday evening, wander through downtown New Bern and dine at one of its new outdoor street cafes, here through the summer.
Newton
Location: 42 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Head to the small city during one of its fall events, including the Foothills Folk Art Festival or the Halloween Spooktacular.
See a show at the Green Room Community Theatre, which has been entertaining audiences for 36 years.
Grab breakfast, lunch and coffee at The Hen & Egg, which serves homemade biscuits, chicken and dumplings and strawberry pie.
North Myrtle Beach
Location: 188 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
North Myrtle Beach, named one of the best Carolinas beach spots by CharlotteFive readers, is popular for its activity, proximity to tourist attractions and for being the home to Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar.
Visiting the Atlantic Ocean is probably high on your list of things to do here, so check out the city’s beach services and ordinances before you go.
Our friends at the Myrtle Beach Sun recommend eating at Atlas Taphouse, Tidal Creek Brewhouse and more.
Raeford
Location: 110 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Eat at the quaint Cheap Shots on Main for pizza and beer in Raeford’s downtown.
Visit the Raeford-Hoke Museum for Raeford’s historical artifacts, photographs and collection of genealogical records.
Enjoy a visit to Rockfish Creek Winery, which holds a wine-making class once a month.
Rock Hill
Location: 27 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Get some history and a creative meal at the same time with a visit to Kounter. The restaurant is in the former McCrory’s Five and Dime, where the famous sit-in by the Friendship 9 occurred in 1961. Kounter offers American food with a surprise twist, such as Chicken + Waffle Sushi with pink peppercorn butter and maple horseradish syrup.
Order a cinnamon roll and a latte from Knowledge Park and enjoy sitting outside on the patio. After, pop into The Mercantile for some shopping, then grab a beer at Dust Off Brewing Co.
Wander through downtown’s streets, using the Mural Mile map as your guide. Street artist Shepard Fairy added to the Mile last year with a mural referencing Rock Hill’s industrial history, its Freedom Riders and more.
Salisbury
Location: 43 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Order a hot dog at Hap’s Grill, then head straight out front to enjoy it standing around the community table or the park bench. If you finish it and head back in for another, no one will judge.
Visit the 15-barrel brewhouse Morgan Ridge Rail Walk Brewery & Eatery, where you can grab a beer and a burger and catch some live music.
Visit the Salisbury Sculpture Show, with visiting sculptures sprinkled throughout the community.
Saluda
Location: 94 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Spend a day tubing along the Green River, or go for a whitewater excursion.
Go zip lining at The Gorge, called the steepest and fastest zip line in the United States.
Stop by The Wakey Monkey for pastries and coffee at the local Saluda shop.
Seagrove
Location: 95 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
A trip to Seagrove is not complete without a visit to Seagrove Potters for some pottery. The town has been home to potters since the 18th century and is considered “The Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States.”
Visit Good Company Pups & Mugs, where you can order a beer or a hard cider, coffee or pastries while your dog plays at your side.
Hungry? Head to Seagrove Family Restaurant for an aptly named Pottery Burger (Angus beef, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and mayo) and fries.
Shelby
Location: 46 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Head to Shelby Cafe for the perfectly Southern breakfast: The Mayor’s Special Sandwich is made with scrambled livermush, 2 eggs and cheese served on pita bread with mayonnaise. Add home fries or hash browns and coffee, of course.
Spend time at the Broad River Greenway, where you can hike, bike or even horseback ride the portion of the Carolina Thread Trail that is along the Broad River.
Newgrass Brewing Co.’s taproom is the perfect place to celebrate the end of the day, in downtown’s former Hudson’s Department Store. Order a Signature Farm Burger — local grass-fed beef topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo and served with beer battered fries. Pair it with a Shelby Y’allstars lager.
Southern Pines
Location: 100 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Get a room and a tee time at Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club — or even spring for a private villa.
For pun appreciation alone, the Pine Scones Cafe is a must-visit. (Pro tip: You can pre-order scones.)
Visit Southern Pines Brewing Company’s downtown taproom for 30+ beers on tap and beer slushies, best enjoyed on the patio while people watching.
Southport
Location: 212 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Stop by the quirky Cafe Koa & Market for a latte with local honey and some pancakes with berries or an omelet made with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese, arugula and pepper jelly.
Take the 20-minute ferry ride to Bald Head Island using the Bald Head Island Ferry. Rent bicycles when you arrive and spend the day exploring the island and its many retail shops and cafes before heading back on the ferry.
Watch the sun set over dinner at the Fishy Fishy Cafe, not far from the Marina and complete with boat slips and waterfront dining.
Statesville
Location: 42 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Did you know that Statesville was known as the “liquor capital of the world” in the 1800s? All the more reason to book a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Southern Distilling Company, which sits on 20 acres of farmland. Buy a bottle of your favorite bourbon or rye to take home as a souvenir.
Have dinner at Italian restaurant Mezzaluna II, located in historic downtown Statesville. The “casual fine dining” eatery has a classic Italian menu, featuring meals including Mussels Al Vino Blanco, Zuppa De Pesce seafood extravaganza, Chicken Marsala and Eggplant Rollatini.
Summerville
Location: 188 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Summerville is the birthplace of Sweet Tea, and when in Rome … you should follow along.
An Instagram post in front of the Visitor Center’s Sweet Tea mural is a must-do to start your adventure. You’ll also want to visit Mason, the world’s largest sweet tea, located downtown and holding 2,524 gallons of The Champagne of the South. Want more? There’s an entire “Sweet Tea Trail,” complete with a map of places to explore.
OK, so we know what we’re drinking, but what about food? Head downtown for several local restaurants to choose from, including Ledyard Bar B Que Company, Matt’s Burgers or Sweetwater One Twenty Three.
Swansboro
Location: 259 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Plan for an afternoon of reflection at Hammocks Beach, which is accessible only by ferry or private boat.
Want to stay overnight? Head from Hammocks Beach to Bear Island, where primitive camping is available. Note: Campfires are not allowed, so make sure to bring a sweater if it’s a chillier evening.
For a more upscale waterfront dining experience (read: not at a campsite), visit il Cigno Italiano for fine dining Italian cuisine. Go on an evening with live music for the full experience.
Before heading back to Charlotte, make sure to carve out some time to roam through the downtown shops.
Wake Forest
Location: 162 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Head to Las Margaritas for lunch, with a lunch specials menu that starts at $6.99.
Take the Downtown Wake Forest Historic District Tour, a self-guided, virtual walking experience that shows off the town’s historic buildings and other markers — like a cast-iron gas pump from 1915.
Plan your visit for a Friday, where you can stay for Friday Night on White, an outdoor celebration with live music and beer and wine for sale. Food trucks are also on site, if your walking tour worked up an appetite.
Waxhaw
Location: 24 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Eat breakfast at Stacks Kitchen, with breakfast all day of pancakes, steak and eggs and everything else you’d expect at a small-town diner.
Get coffee from Crossroads Coffee House. Learn more about the coffee shop, which is a true community gathering space. It also hosts weekly alcoholics and narcotics anonymous meetings.
Make a TikTok using downtown as your backdrop. Stop by the water tower, then pose on the pedestrian bridge and wait for the train to roll past underneath you.
Waynesville
Location: 159 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Visit the town where square dancing originated during a downtown Summer Street Dance event or block party.
Dine at Chef’s Table, tucked down a side street with a wine-forward menu that includes dishes like Brie and Fig Chicken, Deconstructed Lasagna and Cherry Duck Breast.
Make time to peruse downtown’s shops and galleries, many of which feature art, jewelry, pottery and more.
West Jefferson
Location: 121 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Go to a gallery crawl on a summer evening, where you can browse 15 downtown galleries.
Visit Ashe County Cheese on a day where you can watch cheese being made.
Stop by the Great Southern Gothic Curiosity Shop, where you can create a custom fragrance or beard oil.
Winston-Salem
Location: 82 miles from Charlotte
What to do:
Visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, where you can learn about Winston-Salem’s roots as a tobacco town, view the museum’s world-renowned American art collection and stroll the gardens.
Stop by the 6th and Vine Wine Bar for some baked brie and a wine flight in the heart of downtown.
Go to a Dash minor league baseball game at Winston Salem’s Truist Stadium. (Sound familiar?)
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