The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. Once ashore, youll head on a one-of-a-kind drive between the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. Many small towns in North Carolina claim to be the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, but Bryson City has a serious argument. In fact, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place here each year the second week of June. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. The town has grown up and spread out a touch over the years, and its proximity to Asheville has rubbed off on it. Dont leave without having a meal at Shuckin Shack, one of the best Carolina Beach restaurants, followed by a margarita at the Tiki Bar on the ocean. Yes, the Denver area will have more brewpubs and live music and will be more socially liberal, but it's also a lot pricier. In order to do so, we turned our sites on measuring how each city in North Carolina with populations greater than 5,000 voted and contributed to political campaigns in the past several years. Tucked away from the mighty Pamlico River, Bath is one of the smallest towns in North Carolina, with a population of just over 200. A farmers market takes place throughout the summer, from the middle of May to the end of September on Monday's beginning at 8am. Replete with historic homes, scenic parks, and tree-lined avenues, its distinctly family-friendly vibe is complimented perfectly by its gorgeous waterfront, its low crime rate, walkable streets, and excellent selection of schools. You can camp right on the sand or right on the sea; every side is waterfront. As beach towns go, youll struggle to find much better than Wrightsville Beach. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. One of the highlights of a visit to Beaufort is a stop at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where treasures from Blackbeard's sunken pirate ship discovered just offshore are on display. No matter which of our favorites you choose, you'll feel restored by an escape to small-town life at the beach. The winner, Durham, is The Most liberal City in North Carolina For 2019. When you click through real estate links on our site, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some of the best hiking in NC can be found around Brevard. 5. Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of coast with immaculate sandy beaches. The US Office of Management and Budget also includes Durham as a part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 2,037,430 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. Domenica, Seaworthy, Chophouse New Orleans, Naked Crab, Luke, and Maypop are just some of the award-winning restaurants that will be worth your while. You can camp or stay at many rental homes near this small town center and enjoy everything a day on the lake has to offer. Plenty of alumni have stuck around and built up a vibrant arts scene that emphasizes the towns culture. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Carolina Beach. Most liberal beach towns in north carolina October 10, 2022 By 3174179506438150 Comments are Off. That may be so, but its not only the gray brigade who stand to benefit from its attractions. Some of these towns are quiet getaways focused on surf and sand, while others offer shopping and strolling along old-timey boardwalks and adventures on the water. The crazy zigzag nature of the walkway will have you snapping pictures almost immediately. A tiny town located near the outskirts of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is known and loved for its wide beaches, soft white sand, and picturesque stilt houses situated right on the water, many of which . The small towns of North Carolina are one of our favorite aspects of the state. With history running through its veins (including pre-Civil War Fort Macon), the oldest town on Bogue Bankswith its back to Bogue Sound and facing the Atlantic Ocean to the southis also home to the nostalgic (and 1,000-foot-long) Oceanana Fishing Pier, plus a steady swell for surfing. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Chapel Hill, Durham, and the state capital, Raleigh, make up the corners of the Research Triangle, with a total population of 1,998,808. Now this "Mayberry by the Sea" is an idyllic spot to meander, eat out at area restaurants, and soak up the suneveryone's welcome to enjoy beaches on both the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway sides, including dogs, who can hit the beach with their masters year-round (but must stay on a leash from May 15-September 30). (Chapel Hill is in both counties). Population: 88,728. Asheville Source:Flickr.com With a population of less than 90,000, Asheville is just barely over a tenth the size of Charlotte and a fifth the size of Raleigh. #15 Oak Island Beach, Oak Island, N.C. Shutterstock Oak Island, North Carolina, didn't just make this list because of its stellar views and clean sand. That connection to waterfishing, pleasure boating, paddling, and sailing (Oriental is known as the sailing capital of North Carolina)defines the maritime charm of this village-like spot on the broad Neuse River as it opens into Pamlico Sound. Most families rent a vacation home for a week or more, meandering around town, fishing, swimming, and relaxing around the bonfire. The areas economic center has packed in microbreweries and homestyle meals to give you plenty of activity once youre off the water. Based on U.S. Census data from 2005 to 2015, it also tops the 50 largest U.S. cities as the millennial hub. A wonderful walk along the Duck Boardwalk starts at the kayak launch parking area and heads south along the shoreline ultimately ending at Aqua Restaurant, where you can have a leisurely lunch on their wonderful outdoor patio. One of the best seafood meals can be had here at Provision Company. It is just across the Intracoastal Waterway from the small beach town of Indiatlantic and several miles north of the Sebastian Inlet, widely recognized as one of the best surfing beaches on the East Coast and one of the state's most popular beaches. Two nearby campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in the Outer Banks. Everything Our Editors Bought and Loved in January. Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $950. Trinity Overall SnackAbility 5 /10 Population: 6,610 Percent Republican: 76.5% $ Republican Amount Per Capita: $17.56 # Republican Contributions Per Capita: 0.07 More on Trinity: Data Trinity is a city in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. Wrightsville Beach (Pop. Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington. Durham Source: Public domain Overall SnackAbility 7.5 /10 Population: 257,232 Percent Democrat: 77.7% $ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $53.76 # Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.36 More on Durham: Photos | Data Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Wilmington is a big, sprawling beach town with a little something for everyone. Santa Cruz's median home price is about $909,500, while a one-bedroom apartment can be had for about $2,070 per month. Asheville. Wake Forest provides a breath of fresh air for those looking to get out of the Triangles hustle and bustle. Albemarle. For a change of pace from the beach, you can walk along the wonderfully serene boardwalk, where you'll have a good chance of spotting the local wildlife, including yellow-bellied slider turtles, deer, otters, and egrets. Corolla is an OBX beach town full of lively ambience. Swipe left for slideshow. The cost of living is well within reach, the schools are more than respectable, and the housing options will suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. Greensboro. Its wide, sandy beach and aquamarine waters are a beachcombers dream, while the range of water sport opportunities on offer will leave no one disappointed. Bright white cottages with red roofs, stately sea captains' homes, two lighthouses, local shops, and water in seemingly every direction (what with the confluence of the river and the Intracoastal Waterway) create vistas at every bend in the road. Nags Head is the largest town in the Outer Banks and also one of the best known beach towns. Not to be confused with the South Carolina town of the same name (and pronounced differently), this small and charming harbor town at the southern end of the Outer Banks has a lively downtown marina, is dotted with historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, is home to a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum, and is a stone's throw from the natural riches of the Rachel Carson Reservelook for wild horses and dolphins across the water while you stroll on boardwalks downtown. ferry takes you from Hatteras to the northern tip of the island. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated Jan 31, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). It is the third-fastest growing major city in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountain train line departs from the town center, and theres always plenty of action downtown after the sun sets. Durham is the core of the four-county Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 542,710 as of U.S. Census 2014 Population Estimates. 1. Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Then well take a closer look at each of our top 10 most liberal cities in North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 11,415. Only electric carts and bicycles can travel the roads, making sure you catch everything while you're in paradise. Bryson City. 2. Population: 11,038Percent Democrat: 65.2%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.24# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.02More on Tarboro:Photos |Data. Rent kayaks to explore the islands or take a ferry for prime shelling on Shackleford Banks. Theres a dramatic dining scene once youve completed your check-in. Activities include walking, running, and even surfing down the tallest sand dunes in the Eastern United States. 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