The whole point of vacation is to rest and relax, so why go somewhere where you have to sit in your car and deal with traffic when you can do that at home? North Carolina is full of adorable towns that are totally walkable. Meaning, you can leave your car back at the hotel and enjoy some fresh air and exercise while you enjoy the sights and sounds of a new place.
Asheville
Asheville is a town like no other. In fact, their town motto is “Keep Asheville Weird” because the residents like it that way. It’s an eclectic city full of exciting attractions, including restaurants, culture, nightlife, art, outdoor recreation, and plenty of beer. Although some parts of Asheville are a little spread out, the downtown area is loaded with things to do and see and is all completely pedestrian-friendly. You can visit several art galleries (including one in an old Woolworth building), browse the unique gift shops, visit the City Market and sit at an outdoor table to enjoy some locally-sourced food from one of the many delicious restaurants.
Wilmington
Over the years, the city of Wilmington has definitely grown to be much more than a small town. However, the historic downtown district of this coastal gem is still completely walkable. Just park your car at one of the downtown garages or along the street and then head off to explore everything from bars and restaurants to shopping and attractions. A few must-sees include the Cotton Exchange, which is a set of old factory buildings that have been converted into an adorable shopping mall and the Riverwalk, a beautiful boardwalk that winds along the Cape Fear River. Don’t miss the Wilmington Water Tours, where you can take a relaxing ride up the Cape Fear on a narrated cruise.
Davidson
Although the charming college town of Davidson isn’t very big overall, you can walk pretty much the entire thing. The most popular part of the town is its Main Street area, where you’ll find several shops, a few upscale restaurants, a coffee shop, an authentic old-time soda shop, and a large green space in front of the town’s library that’s used for both town events and just relaxing in the sun. There’s also a lively farmers market held in the parking lot behind Main Street on Saturday mornings and more restaurants and shops located just a little further down the road, all within walking distance.
Blowing Rock
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the picturesque town of Blowing Rock will instantly capture your heart. Like something straight from a storybook, the town’s charming downtown area is completely walkable and features a variety of restaurants and shops housed in a quaint mountain village. Everything is accessible via the town’s Main Street or several side streets, although if you do feel like driving, you can also check out several nearby natural areas, as well as The Blowing Rock, for which the city was named.
Carrboro
Just next to the college town of Chapel Hill, the small town of Carrboro is known is one of the most diverse communities in the entire South. From enjoying local food, celebrating diverse cultures, protecting the environment, and maintaining a solid community, this town does it all within its walkable borders. In fact, the residents like to say it’s got “Everything you need under 25 mph or less.” So, whether you’re walking with your pup, going for a run or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, you can do it all in Carrboro without ever needing to drive.
