4 Small Towns in North Carolina So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

If you’ve ever had a feeling watching TV of “I’ve definitely been to that place before” or “Doesn’t this look oddly familiar?” then you’re not alone. Some destinations are shown as fictional places, while others are listed using their actual names on the big screen. But no matter how they’re represented on TV, these dreamy small towns are bound to catch your eye no matter what. Here are four small towns that have made for some Hollywood magic:

1. Brevard

A big pull for those visiting Brevard is DuPont State Recreational Forest, which is located just outside of this enchanting small town. Katniss Everdeen walked through these dense forests during the filming of “The Hunger Games” (2012), where Bridal Veil Falls was featured as the pool beneath the Arena. Outside of taking a hike to see impressive peaks and hundreds of waterfalls hidden in green forests, Brevard has a flourishing live music scene at venues such as the Brevard Music Center, where you can listen to top-tier musicians perform and grace the stage with their talents. To explore Downtown Brevard, embark on journey through the Brevard Sculpture Walk which highlights 25 different sculptures from local artists who drew inspiration from animals such as deer, otters, and the town’s famous white squirrels.

2. Oak Island

If the lighthouse and coastal viewpoints in Oak Island look familiar, then perhaps they are. Oak Island, in addition to its neighbor of Southport, is a breeding ground of filming locations for movies such as “Iron Man 3” (2013) and “Along for the Ride” (2022). In addition to being the backdrop for these movies, this peaceful coastal town that’s part of the Brunswick Islands offers ten miles of beachfront for you to soak up the sun and let all of your worries melt away. Get out and explore the area via paddleboard, canoe, and kayak, or if you're feeling more adventurous, climb up 131 steps to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse for views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Linville

Perhaps most well-known for its proximity to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, Linville is perfect for those looking for views of epic peaks and jaw-dropping displays of nature’s finest. Linville’s other notable features also include Linville Gorge, known by the Cherokee as “the river of many cliffs,” and Linville Falls, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fact, Grandfather Mountain’s winding roads have been featured on the big screen as “Forrest Gump Curve,” where Tom Hank’s character ran during his cross-country trip in the beloved classic “Forrest Gump” (1994). While you’re there, fuel up at the Old Hampton Store & Barbecue for some hickory-smoked barbecue the North Carolina way. 

4. Sylva

Sylva is a small mountain town located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Jackson County. Sylva has a romantic Hallmark castletoto charm to it, with its inviting main street that’s filled with local shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more. Main street leads up to the magnificent Jackson County Courthouse which presides above it all. To explore Sylva living history, visitors can go on a “Heritage Walk” to learn more about Sylva’s historic district. And don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you—Sylva is no stranger to Hollywood. Sylva’s downtown area was actually featured in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” (2017) and Sylva was also featured in scenes from “The Fugitive” (1993) and “Deliverance” (1972). Visitors can also embark on a challenging hike at Pinnacle Park, which is home to elevations exceeding 5,000 feet. 

Do you now feel the urge to visit any of these dreamy small towns in North Carolina that were featured on TV? Get in on the action by planning your trip using Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner, which is full of suggestions tailored to your travel needs.