Top 5 Romantic Towns in North Carolina

One of our favorite pastimes as a family is to travel around the state of North Carolina. We have enjoyed it so much that we actually started buying properties in all of the places that we love to visit. This has allowed us to share our love for NC with others. All of the places that we pick are versatile and suit the needs of many. Everyone from families, to friends or retreat groups can enjoy the places we love to explore. BUT...our favorite time away is always the "let's get out of town without our kids", kind of trips! Here are some of our top 5 places to take off for some romantic alone time, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Blowing Rock/Banner Elk
When we slip away to our cozy place perched on top of Sugar Mountain, we love to explore an artsy, small town called Blowing Rock. This bustling little town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty. It is the perfect destination for couples looking for romance. The town's main attraction is the Blowing Rock, a natural rock formation that juts out over the valley below, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We love the romantic hike to the top of the rock, strolling hand in hand through the charming downtown area and perusing the many shops and restaurants.

Beaufort/Emerald Isle
Another favorite for us is to head to our place on the Crystal Coast at Emerald Isle. From there we love to explore the historic town of Beaufort, just outside of Morehead City. This charming coastal town is known for its picturesque streets lined with antebellum homes and lush gardens. We really love the town's historic district, where there are a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. We particularly enjoy a dockside seat, with an ice cream cone where we can see Marlin Fishing boats and the wild horses across the way. This wonderful town with all its parks and beaches, is the perfect for stop for romantic picnics or sunset strolls.

Black Mountain
In case you haven't noticed yet, small town and romance are synonyms in our book. Adding to that list, Black Mountain is a small mountain town located in the western part of North Carolina, just 15 miles from Asheville, NC. Known for its eclectic downtown area and gorgeous mountain views, this town is the perfect destination for couples looking for a unique and romantic getaway. We absolutely love romantic hikes to one of the many nearby waterfalls or visiting the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, which celebrates the legacy of the experimental college that was located there in the mid-20th century. History is a draw for us and gives us a lot to talk about over a candlelight dinner.

Saxapahaw
One of the places on our bucket list is Saxapahaw, NC. A small, unique and romantic town located in the heart of the Old North State, Saxapahaw is known for its historic mill village, which has been transformed into a vibrant community with a variety of shops, restaurants, and events. The town is also home to the Haw River, which offers a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking and canoeing. Saxapahaw is also home to the Saxapahaw General Store, a community gathering place that includes a grocery store, restaurant, and music venue.

Flat Rock
Lastly, we recommend another town on our bucket list called Flat Rock, NC. We have been told that this charming town is known for its beautiful mountain views, inviting downtown area and historical sites like the Flat Rock Playhouse and the State Theater of North Carolina. The town's historic district has a good number of shops, galleries, restaurants and recreational areas in which to spend your time.