A new list from WorldAtlas names 10 North Carolina places their writers deemed the “cutest towns” in the state for 2026 – including a full half of the list located in Western NC.
Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel.
Previous Citizen Times articles have covered numerous mentions of Western N.C. from WorldAtlas, including the publication’s favorite North Carolina towns for 2026 visits, best day trips in the state, “idyllic” and “unpretentious” towns, scenic drives, a favorite downtown area, and more.
Here’s what WorldAtlas authors said about the five WNC towns, plus the full list of locations and more.
What to do in Bryson City, NC
Named a “gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest,” Bryson City was praised for offering “opportunities for outdoor adventures or serene tranquility.” During a visit, WorldAtlas writers suggested the following:
- An afternoon at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for activities such as swimming, tubing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking
- Hike, walk, or bike trails in the area, including the Deep Creek Trail Waterfall Loop, which takes hikers past three waterfalls
- Stroll downtown Bryson City, which offers a “walkable downtown with bookstores, arts-and-crafts galleries featuring working artisans, a quilt shop, a historical museum, an aquarium, two breweries, and a variety of restaurants”
- Take a unique ride on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
What to do in Blowing Rock, NC
Named for the rock formation that rises over 1,500 feet above the Johns River gorge, WorldAtlas writers called Blowing Rock “a delightful small mountain town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.” During a visit, the writer suggested:
- Stroll Blowing Rock’s Main Street, offering restaurants, galleries, gift shops, boutiques, and shops featuring handcrafted art from local artisans
- Visit Memorial Park, which hosts various events, including Art in the Park, which is held once a month from May through October
- Check out the town’s namesake, the Blowing Rock, with “dramatic, panoramic views and unique winds”
- Learn about the area’s art and heritage at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
- Visit Tweetsie Railroad, the area’s Wild West-themed theme park
What to do in Boone, NC
The list called Boone a “picturesque, historic town where you can relax or embark on extreme adventures,” and it is named after famed American pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone. During a visit, the following was suggested:
- Catch the outdoor drama “Horn in the West” each summer, which tells the tale of Boone’s adventures in the High Country
- Learn at the Hickory Ridge History Museum, which offers “insight into frontier life in the 1700s, showcasing skills such as hearthside cooking, candle-making, and blacksmithing” with extra offerings during the “Horn in the West” season
- Explore exhibits at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, featuring work by international, regional, and local artists
- Shop at the historic Mast General Store in nearby Valle Crucis
- Take a biking trip at the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, a 185-acre area with 11 miles of looping trails, including workstations, skills areas, and a paved pump track
- Take in the area’s views at Hawksnest Zipline, with heights of over 200 feet, and zipline speeds up to 40 mph
What to do in Highlands, NC
The list described Highlands as a mountain resort town where visitors can escape the summer heat, enjoy a walkable downtown, and experience a variety of outdoor activities. During a visit, the following was suggested:
- Relax at Old Edwards Inn, a European-style retreat on Main Street that offers accommodations, dining, and restorative spa treatments
- Stroll through downtown Highlands, exploring its shops, galleries, restaurants, and nearby retailers along Spring Street, Fourth Street, and Carolina Way
- Attend a performance or program at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, which hosts events throughout the year
- Browse exhibitions and special events at The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts
- Visit the Highlands Nature Center to see live animals and natural history exhibits, then explore the adjacent Highlands Botanical Garden
- Discover area waterfalls, including Dry Falls, where a path leads behind the cascade, and Bust-Your-Butt Falls, known for its natural waterslide and swimming hole
- Explore the surrounding Nantahala National Forest, which encompasses the Highlands area
What to do in Hendersonville, NC
WorldAtlas writers praised Hendersonville for “hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, swimming and refreshing waterfalls,” as well as for its pet-friendly nature. During a visit, writers suggested:
- Stroll through the historic downtown, known for its late-19th- and early-20th-century architecture, walkable Main Street, restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques
- Discover local artists along three Blue Ridge Craft Trails, which feature galleries and studios inspired by the area’s natural beauty
- Attend a Broadway-style performance at the renowned Flat Rock Playhouse
- Follow the Cheers! Trail, featuring more than two dozen tasting experiences at breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries, and a meadery
- Treat yourself along the Ice Cream Trail, Hendersonville’s newest themed trail
Cutest small towns in North Carolina
The full list of the 10 cutest small towns in NC for 2026 included:
- Beaufort
- Bryson City
- Edenton
- Blowing Rock
- Mount Airy
- Boone
- Swansboro
- Highlands
- Hendersonville
- Oriental
Reporting by Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times / Asheville Citizen Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
