North Carolina is home to some of the most popular colleges and universities in the country, from big schools like NC State, Duke University and the University of North Carolina, to smaller schools like Elon, Wake Forest and Davidson College. But even if you’re not a student at one of these top-notch schools, you can still take advantage of the cute towns they are located in by visiting for a day or weekend trip and taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells of these quaint locales.
Davidson, NC
Just about 30 minutes north of Charlotte, N.C., the small town of Davidson is home to the aptly-named Davidson College — a highly-selective, independent liberal arts college. The school, which sits in the middle of downtown Davidson, features long walking paths, large oak trees and plenty of green spaces, while the town looks like something off of an old postcard. There are several small boutique stores to shop along main street, as well as several delicious restaurants including the nationally-acclaimed Kindred. You’ll also find the town’s library, post office and city hall along Main Street, as well as a large green space that is used for several town events. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to also check out the Davidson Farmer’s Market, held each Saturday morning.
Asheville, NC
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, sits the University of North Carolina Asheville in the beautiful mountain town of the same name. It’s an eclectic, cultural town like you’ve never experienced before and the residents would have it no other way — hence the “Keep Asheville Weird” movement. In addition to breathtaking mountain backdrops, you’ll also find a variety of unique restaurants, quaint shops, a multitude of outdoor recreation and a few unique treasures like the Biltmore Estate and the Pisgah National Forest. But the best part of Asheville is simply walking around its cute downtown district, taking in the sounds of the sidewalk musicians, stopping in at unique finds like the Pinball Museum and maybe, if you’re there on a Friday night, joining in on a drumming jam session that takes place weekly in Pritchard Park.
Durham, NC
Home to Duke University, the city of Durham is a unique and diverse community that is a particularly great stop for art lovers and history buffs. First, art lovers will want to check out the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, which features international exhibits, and the North Carolina Central University Art Museum, which focuses on African-American art. There are also several outdoor art exhibits located along the streets of Durham that you won’t want to miss. History buffs also have a variety of museums and sites to choose from, including the Duke Homestead and Bennett Place. But no matter what your interests are, you’ll love the downtown area of Durham that features lots of shops, galleries, live music and fantastic restaurants. In fact, it was named the “foodiest small town in America” by Bon Appetit and the “tastiest town in the South” by Southern Living.
Boone, NC
The city of Boone is home to Appalachian State University and is quite proud of it. The mascot, “the Mountaineer” can be found all over the town, from clothing shops and restaurants to banks and motels. But you’ll find a lot more to enjoy here than just the famous school. History lovers will enjoy the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and outdoor performance, Horn in the West. Then, there’s the family-friendly attractions like Tweetsie Railroad, Foggy Mountain Gem Mine and the Turtle Island Preserve. Meanwhile, downtown Boone offers its own selection of restaurants, galleries, shops and nightlife. Some of the must-see stops include Doe Ridge Pottery Gallery, which features local, handmade pottery; the Lost Province Brewing Co., which serves authentic and innovative brews using local, organic ingredients; and the Mast General Store, a massive shopping destination that stocks everything from clothes and cookbooks to toys, candy and outdoor equipment.
