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North Carolina might not be the first place travelers think of when they pine for the Old World’s charm, but the Tar Heel State conceals pockets of Europe-inspired magic that even frequent flyers to Paris or Bern might find remarkable. Forget lengthy layovers and currency exchanges; these eight towns showcase architecture, heritage, and culture reminiscent of Europe’s storied squares and markets, all within a few hours’ drive of each other.

Mountain enclaves with Bavarian echo and coastal hamlets in North Carolina bear the seafaring stamp of their Swiss or English founders. These communities prove that North Carolina’s roots run deeper—and more globally—than you might expect. If you crave an Alpine vista, a riverside promenade, or a centuries-old site with pirate lore, pack your wanderlust, clear your schedule, and get ready to tour the continent…without leaving the state’s border!

Off The Beaten Path Towns In North CarolinaNorth Carolina is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, from the rugged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

New Bern

New Bern was founded in 1710 by Swiss and German immigrants, embodying a strong European heritage. This connection is most evident in its architecture and the name itself, derived from Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The town is notable for being the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, created by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in his drug store in 1898.

Visitors to New Bern can explore a variety of specific historical and cultural sites. The Tryon Palace, a reconstructed colonial governor's residence, offers guided tours and gardens. The North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace provides interactive exhibits. For dining, Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant serves local cuisine with river views, while Baker's Kitchen offers traditional breakfasts and bakery items. Art enthusiasts can visit the Bank of the Arts for local exhibitions. Additionally, Union Point Park presents a serene setting for picnics and riverside walks.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, draws its name from an ancient rock formation that dramatically overhangs Johns River Gorge, where winds cause the snow to blow upward. This scenic village, with its cool mountain climate and views, parallels the charming hill towns of Europe.

In terms of attractions, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) presents regional cultural exhibits, and the nearby Moses H. Cone Memorial Park provides trails and the historic Manor House. For dining, Storie Street Grille offers refined local cuisine, and the Six Pence Pub provides a British-style atmosphere. Blowing Rock’s Main Street features a variety of shops like the Last Straw, an upscale boutique, creating a European shopping experience right in North Carolina.

Highlands

Highlands, at an elevation of over 4,000 feet in the southern Appalachian Mountains, shares its mountainous terrain with the scenic landscapes often found in the European highlands. Founded in 1875 by developers based on the idea that it would become a major crossroads, the town's layout was inspired by its envisioned role as a meeting point.

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts offers exhibitions and workshops, while the Highlands Playhouse presents live performances. For dining, Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden provides locally sourced cuisine. Nearby, the Sunset Rock provides a panoramic view of the town and its environs, reminiscent of a Swiss vista. Additionally, the Highlands Biological Station features a botanical garden that showcases native alpine flora.

Mount Airy

Mount Airy is widely recognized as the inspiration for the idyllic town of Mayberry from the television show "The Andy Griffith Show." Though not founded by Europeans, its small-town charm and community feel parallel to the quintessential European village. The town is also known for its role in the granite industry, with the largest open-face granite quarry in the world located nearby.

Visitors to Mount Airy can delve into local culture and history at the Andy Griffith Museum, which features memorabilia from Griffith's career. Snappy Lunch, known for its famous pork chop sandwich, has been serving locals since 1923. For outdoor activities, the nearby Pilot Mountain State Park provides trails and climbing opportunities.

Beaufort

Beaufort, North Carolina's third-oldest town, is located on the state's picturesque Crystal Coast. Established in 1709 and named after Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, the town's history is steeped in maritime culture, much like many coastal towns in Europe.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum offers insights into the region's seafaring history and the story of Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, which was discovered nearby. Dining options include the Beaufort Grocery Company, providing upscale comfort food in a cozy setting. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Rachel Carson Reserve is accessible by ferry, offering a natural retreat with wild horses—a scene that echoes the rustic coastal landscapes of European shores. Front Street provides a picturesque stroll overlooking the harbor, filled with local shops and galleries.

Davidson

Davidson, positioned along Lake Norman, is primarily known for Davidson College, which was established in 1837. This prestigious liberal arts college imbues the town with a vibrant intellectual atmosphere reminiscent of European university towns. The town's planning and architecture foster a close-knit community feel.

The town of Davidson offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities that underscore its European vibe. Main Street Books provides a curated selection of reads and frequent literary events akin to the bookshops and literary cafes of Europe. Kindred offers innovative dishes in a sophisticated setting, while Summit Coffee on Main Street serves as a central meeting spot for coffee aficionados, reflecting the café culture prevalent in Europe. The Davidson Farmer's Market, a weekly event held on Saturday mornings, features local produce and goods, fostering a community-centric atmosphere.

Bath

Bath, established in 1705, is North Carolina’s oldest town and carries a deep historical significance reminiscent of European settlements. Named after Bath, England, this town mirrors its namesake with a rich history steeped in both colonial and maritime heritage. It once served as a haven for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard, adding a layer of intrigue similar to storied European pirate towns.

The Historic Bath Site offers guided tours of the Palmer-Marsh House, built in 1751, and St. Thomas Church, established in 1734, showcasing architecture and artifacts from the era. The Old Town Country Kitchen provides meals that reflect the local flavor in a quaint setting. Additionally, Bonner's Point offers a scenic overlook by the water, ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.

Tryon

Tryon, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has a rich equestrian heritage that echoes the horse-centric cultures of certain European locales. Founded in the late 19th century, this town has become synonymous with horse riding and breeding, drawing comparisons to regions in England and France known for their equestrian pursuits. Tryon is also renowned for its role in the American arts scene, having been a retreat for notable figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Visitors to Tryon can enjoy its equestrian tradition at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which hosts international competitions and events. For food, Huckleberry's Tryon offers locally sourced American cuisine in a setting that reflects the town's cultural blend of Southern hospitality and European influences. The Tryon Fine Arts Center provides a hub for local and visiting artists, featuring performances and exhibitions that cultivate the town’s artistic reputation. Lastly, the Lanier Library, established in 1890, serves as a historical and cultural resource.

From alpine echoes in Blowing Rock to Swiss influences in New Bern, these eight North Carolina locales prove that old-world allure thrives stateside. By blending centuries-old heritage with modern-day draws, they capture the best of Europe—minus the passport stamp. Explore them for a fresh, memorable transatlantic adventure at home—and beyond.

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BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Some Beaufort County residents are expressing concerns following the results of the county’s 2025 Property Tax Revaluations.

The Beaufort County Commissioners voted to approve the 2025 Property Tax Revaluations in 2022.

Kevin Ocarroll, a Beaufort County homeowner says, “I got my tax bill two Fridays ago and it has gone up 120%. My taxes have not raised but more than $230 approximately over the past 16 years until this came up.”

“My house value doubled, and we have a small property behind the house that tripled in value. If we keep the same tax rates as we have now, I’ll have to pay $1500 a year roughly in property taxes,” Beaufort County homeowner Heike Woolard also told WITN.

The county’s 2025 Property Tax Revaluation rolled out at the end of February.

Beaufort County Tax Assessor, Lloyd Salter says, “What a lot of people are mad about is, truthfully — they don’t know what all goes into the process. Like anything required in government and in the private sectors, there’s a lot of regulations and laws like the requirement to do it every 8 years. That’s a statute. Our last one was in 2018, so we’re on now really like a 7-year cycle.”

Salter says the county is working to make the cycle shorter by moving to a 6-year cycle. “One of the reasons for that is, what you’re doing with a revaluation is you’re trying to capture what the market is — so, what houses are selling for, what businesses are renting for, lease values, sale values. January 1st of this year was our effective, so we use sales for the last year or two to indicate that.”

With a condensed cycle, he told WITN that’ll help many residents. “Moving it up a little — what happens is you don’t see that 5% increase or another 10% increase -- figuring the markets normally go up in an average economy. Here it’s gone up quite a bit in the recent years.”

There are a few factors contributing to the increase.

“We’re seeing the whole county go up over the past few years. The average 75% across the county. Other counties around us are seeing almost exactly the same thing. You’re having several counties on shorter cycles seeing cycles bigger than this because of location, amount of water front, amount of urbanization,” Salter said.

Salter is working to shed light on how the process works to inform more citizens. He says, “We’re not perfect. Going out and looking at these sales and looking at these things, we don’t go in houses. We don’t always know if you’ve got moisture in the kitchen. We didn’t know the condition on just a drive by and a walk around.”

For dissatisfied residents, appealing is an option that homeowners have.

“We address that. So, the appeal process is a big part of every revaluation process. Your appeal process should be when we’re addressing those concerns—like you know what, this isn’t correct and isn’t here anymore,” Salter told WITN.

However, residents WITN spoke with say the process isn’t as easy as it seems.

Ocarroll says, “I went down there and they told me they couldn’t tell me what my new tax bill would be until July but you have to appeal it by April if you appeal, which is — how do I know if I need to appeal unless I see the new rates?”

“I’m sure they’re going to get so many appeals and so much traffic. I don’t even know what we can appeal. I’ve been so shell-shocked over this,” Woolard told WITN.

Salter says the Beaufort County Tax Office has set up multiple resources to help residents both online and in-person.

In addition to the county’s resources, the county is also holding two community sessions to discuss the revaluation process:

The county says more information sessions at other locations throughout Beaufort County will be announced soon.

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