Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? (2024)

WorldAtlas has released a list of its 12 most hospitable NC towns – and it may come as no surprise to Asheville residents that many of their choices were located in the western areas of the state.

WorldAtlas, founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife Chris Woolwine-Moen, publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel.

In this article, 12 cities were chosen for "awe-inspiring surroundings, fascinating attractions, colorful festivals, friendly locals and warm hospitality".

Read about the WNC cities that made the list below.

More:Your guide to things to do in Asheville and across Western North Carolina! April 2024

Which North Carolina towns are the most hospitable?

WorldAtlas cites these 12:

  • Boone
  • Sylva
  • Bryson City
  • Highlands
  • Blowing Rock
  • Hillsborough
  • Mount Airy
  • Southport
  • Banner Elk
  • Hendersonville
  • Pinehurst
  • Manteo

Boone, Sylva, Bryson City, Highlands, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Hendersonville are all located in Western North Carolina – over half of the cities on the list of 12.

Read on for info on the WorldAtlas suggestions for what to do in each of these WNC towns – and what makes them each so special.

More:Which new Asheville restaurants, cafes, bars and breweries opened from Jan-March 2024?

Best things to do in Boone

Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? (1)

WorldAtlas has high praises for outdoor attractions around Boone, located in Watauga County. They suggest the following locations for tourists and residents alike:

WorldAtlas also suggests watching catching the outdoor Revolutionary War drama "Horn in the West" at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater, an event that occurs every summer.

Best things to do in Sylva

Sylva, in Jackson County, earned its spot for more than just the natural beauty of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are some specific attractions from Sylva that WorldAtlas writers appreciated:

They also mention Sylva's main street as a whole, praising it for its shops, bookstores, art galleries, craft breweries, boutiques, cafes and farm-to-table restaurants.

More:Word from the Smokies: Spring's grand performance is prime time for birdwatchers

Best things to do in Bryson City

Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? (2)

Bryson City, in Swain County, located 65 miles from Asheville, is next on the list. Here are a few of the options WorldAtlas suggests:

Best things to do in Highlands

WorldAtlas first praised Highlands, in Macon County, as a summer refuge for anyone sick of the southern heat and humidity due to its high elevation and cool temperatures. Here are some more of the things that earned Highlands a spot on the list:

More:5 new food trucks on the move in Asheville in 2024

Best things to do in Blowing Rock

Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? (3)

Blowing Rock, in Watauga County, made the list for more than just its namesake rock formation of over 1,500 feet. WorldAtlas also listed the following attractions:

More:Best small town in the state is in Western North Carolina, according to Southern Living

Best things to do in Banner Elk

WorldAtlas called Banner Elk, in Avery County, a "mecca for outdoors enthusiasts." WorldAtlas praises Banner Elk for:

Best things to do in Hendersonville

Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? (4)

Hendersonville, in Henderson County, around 22 miles south of Asheville, is the last – but not the least – of the WNC towns listed. Attractions cited by WorldAtlas for the "City of Four Seasons":

More:View Charlotte the pregnant stingray's aquarium home in Hendersonville with Team ECCO

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? (2024)

FAQs

Southern hospitality: How many WNC towns feature among 12 'most hospitable' in NC? ›

Boone

Boone
Boone is a town in and the county seat of Watauga County, North Carolina, United States. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Boone is the home of Appalachian State University and the headquarters of the disaster and medical relief organization Samaritan's Purse.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Boone,_North_Carolina
, Sylva, Bryson City, Highlands, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Hendersonville are all located in Western North Carolina – over half of the cities on the list of 12.

Does North Carolina have southern hospitality? ›

If you haven't experienced it firsthand, maybe it's time for a Southern vacation. If Southern hospitality on the Outer Banks of North Carolina sounds like a dream come true, check out Twiddy's vacation rentals – and let us be a part of what makes you feel at home here in the South.

Which region of North Carolina has the most cities and people? ›

Central North Carolina, also known as the Piedmont, is a region of North Carolina. It is located between the Mountains to the west and the Coastal Plain to the east. It is the most populous region of the state, containing Charlotte, the state capital of Raleigh, and Greensboro.

What city has the most Southern hospitality? ›

∎ No.
  1. Charleston, South Carolina. ∎ No.
  2. Savannah, Georgia. ∎ No.
  3. Greenville, South Carolina. ∎ No.
  4. New Orleans, Louisiana. ∎ No.
  5. Nashville, Tennessee. ∎ No.
  6. Wilmington, North Carolina. ∎ No.
  7. Asheville, North Carolina. ∎ No.
  8. Franklin, Tennessee. ∎ No.
May 29, 2024

Which state has the best Southern hospitality? ›

Most Hospitable Southern States

While the South is known as being a friendly and hospitable region, a few states stand out as being a little more welcoming than others. The survey lists Georgia as the most hospitable state, followed by Louisiana and Texas.

What is the most liveable city in North Carolina? ›

In addition to being named the top place to live in North Carolina, Raleigh was also among the top 25 best cities in America, best cities to raise a family and with the best public schools in the country, according to Niche.

Does North Carolina have Southern culture? ›

North Carolina is a Southern state in pretty much every way that matters — culturally, geographically, historically.

Does NC State have a hospitality program? ›

Hospitality, Food, and Tourism | NC State Online and Distance Education.

Which state has the most southern charm? ›

The Most Charming Southern States, According to Southerners...
  • Tennessee.
  • Georgia.
  • South Carolina.
  • Louisiana.
  • North Carolina.
  • Kentucky.
  • Alabama.
  • Virginia.
Sep 27, 2023

What is considered Southern hospitality? ›

The most common qualities of southern hospitality include politeness, charm, kindness, helpfulness, and charity. These qualities are seen as aligning with the idea of what it means to be a good host.

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