5 Exciting Small Towns in North Carolina Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026

2026 is set to be a banner year for North Carolina. With exciting upcoming events like the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte and the PGA Tour Biltmore Championship in Asheville, just to name a few, the Tarheel State is carrying strong momentum into the new year. The buzz is not only in the state's larger urban areas, but also in several small cities. Here is the scoop on five exciting places to visit next year in North Carolina.

1. Wilson

Wilson is a smaller North Carolina city, with a population of around 50,000 people, that's preparing for exciting developments in 2026. The city is building a new baseball stadium that will open its doors on the opening day of baseball season in April 2026. The $64 million stadium will be home to the Wilson Warbirds, a minor league team affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers. There are also efforts to build up the area around the stadium with new housing, hospitality, and shops.

There are several unique attractions in Wilson, which is about 45 miles east of Raleigh. Downtown, the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park features recycled sculptures that spin in the wind. The Wilson Botanical Gardens is open year-round and free to the public. Visitors can also plan an all-day shopping trip at Rummage Warehouse.

2. Saluda

Saluda is a destination in two places, straddling the border of North and South Carolina. With only about 600 residents, it's a historic mountain town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's known for outdoor recreation, like ziplining, tubing, kayaking, and hiking.

Currently, the area is celebrating progress towards completing the Saluda Grade Trail. In June 2025, land was purchased to develop the 31.5-mile trail for bikers, hikers, and joggers. The trail will run from Inman to Zirconia, placing Saluda near its center. It's intentional growth and development and gorgeous mountain setting, position Saluda for a fantastic 2026.

3. Zebulon

Zebulon, North Carolina, a small city of about 10,000 people, has remarkable attractions. Visitors can enjoy the Zebulon Community Park, which features disc golf, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Beaverdam Creek Greenway is a paved walking and biking trail with gorgeous views of nature.

Zebulon is welcoming the new Coastal Plain League summer collegiate baseball franchise in 2026, which will bring affordable, family-friendly events to the area. The town's community events and attractions are testaments to its purposeful development.

4. Boone

Boone is a charming small town named after Daniel Boone, with incredible scenery. It is home to about 20,000 residents and Appalachian State University. Boone regularly hosts fantastic events, like the Boonerang Music Festival, Summer Concerts at the Jones House, and Boone Boo! It also has fantastic local attractions like the Appalachian Mountain Brewery and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.

Boone's future is bright. The town developed a comprehensive, community-driven plan called Boone Next, which outlines its goals moving into 2026 and beyond.

5. Davidson

Davidson, North Carolina, is a small town of about 15,000 residents, about 20 miles north of Charlotte. Downtown Davidson is a peaceful place to live, with adorable shops, locally-owned restaurants, and welcoming events. The Davidson Farmer's Market sells locally-grown produce, honey, baked goods, natural soaps, lip balms, and more year-round. Additionally, the area hosts concerts, lectures, and festivals throughout the year. With its walkable downtown and actively engaged community, Davidson heads into 2026 with confidence.

Visitors can enjoy a number of quality accommodations in Davidson. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Davidson has family-friendly rooms with kitchens, workspaces, and free Wi-Fi.

That rounds out our list of exciting places to visit next year in North Carolina. These small towns are set to build on the progress they made in 2025 to have an even better 2026.

Are you ready to plan your first adventure of the new year? Only In Your State's AI-travel planner makes it easier than ever to plan a personalized getaway.