North Carolina Just Wouldn’t Be The Same Without These 7 Charming Small Towns

North Carolina is the 28th-largest and ninth-most populous of the United States full of beautiful, charming, small towns. The wild and rugged Appalachian Mountains; the sunny, sandy beaches; and the gently, rolling land of the Piedmont region all make North Carolina an amazing place to visit. Its historical significance, contributions to the arts and culture, world-class sports, and recreational opportunities bring thousands of tourists every year, some of who stay and grow roots. You may have already visited some of the biggest cities in the Tar Heel State, but here are seven small towns that define North Carolina also worthy of your consideration.

1. Bermuda Run

In 1999, the Town of Bermuda Run, in Davie County, was incorporated. It has about 2,600 people living in the fully gated residential community near country clubs and golf courses. Here you can enjoy shopping, great restaurants, and fantastic people.

In the summer, concerts are featured, such as Envision, bringing a high-energy stage show just for you.

2. Brevard

This town, in Transylvania County, boasts about 7,800 residents. Its location at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest draws in hundreds of visitors every year.

Some of them enjoy fly fishing. How about you?

3. Canton

With a population of about 4,300, Canton, in Haywood County, North Carolina, is a beautiful place to visit starting with Skinny Dip Falls and Graveyard Ridge Trail Loop, a 9.5-mile moderately challenging route that requires about five hours of your time.

Summers and special occasions bring concerts to this cool town also.

4. Columbus

With a smaller population of about 1,200, Columbus is a town in Polk County, North Carolina offering history, wineries, and recreational activities.

If only we could remember these days. The Polk County History Museum opened in 1998, offering such glimpses of the past and educational programs.

Its collection includes cultural and natural objects related to the area from pre-Columbian to present-day eras, such as fossils, tools, clothing, and art.

5. Dunn

You'll find that many of the approximately 9,700 people of Dunn, in Harnett County, North Carolina, take pride in their town.

And one extraordinary former resident, General William C. Lee, had developed the plans for the air invasion of Normandy on D-Day. While he had trained to jump with his men, a few months before the day he had a heart attack and was sent home.

He turned on the radio and listened to the invasion in his home on Divine Street, the current site of the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum. This photo is of 101st Airborne soldiers somewhere in England after returning from fighting in Europe.

6. Ellerbe

A little over 1,000 residents inhabit this charming town located in Richmond County, North Carolina. Visitors see the largest berry in the world at The Berry Patch.

Gun enthusiasts go for target practice at DeWitt's Outdoor Sports.

In addition to shooting tips, you can book a special event here with the large outdoor space and a dining hall.

7. Franklin

The 4,000 people of Franklin, in Macon County, North Carolina, have the pleasure of driving along the Cullasaja Falls on U.S. 64 east, dropping more than 200 feet into the gorge below.

And nature lovers also enjoy the vantage point of Wayah Bald Lookout Tower.

The 5,342-foot elevation in the Nantahala National Forest gives free panoramic views.

Have you set your sights on any one of these charming, small towns that define North Carolina? If you visit one, please tell us about your experience in the comments below. And if you feel like exploring further, here are some more of the best places to visit in The Tar Hill State.