Downtown vibes: 55 best towns in the Carolinas and what to do at each, according to you
By Melissa Oyler and
Heidi Finley
Mount Holly has a vibrant downtown about 12 miles from Charlotte, offering restaurants, retail, beer shops and greenway access.
Alex Cason
CharlotteFive
READ MORE
Downtown vibes
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. Explore them in this series.
Expand All
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.
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.
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.
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!
New Morning Gallery in Asheville sells eclectic art and furniture pieces. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
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.
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.
Beaufort is on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands, between Edisto and Hilton Head. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
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.
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.
Brevard’s downtown includes walking paths, local shops, patio dining and if you’re lucky — white squirrel sightings. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
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.
Downtown Fort Mill, shown here, is the home of nearly half a dozen restaurants and shops. Tracy Kimball tkimball@heraldonline.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A street scene in downtown Kannapolis. Richard Stradling rstradling@newsobserver.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mount Holly is 16 miles from Charlotte and its downtown offers local shops and restaurants. Alex Cason CharlotteFive
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga, weightlifting or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler.Support my work with a digital subscription
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.Support my work with a digital subscription
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. Explore them in this series.
