liberal beach towns in north carolina

4. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Named by Southern Living as one of the best beach towns in Northern Carolina, Emerald Isle is a small, charging community that makes the perfect home for families, singles, and professionals alike. Cape Hatteras. There are so many reasons to escape from this place--not the least of which is the harsh winters, snow shoveling, etc. iconic fishing pier with a conservation focus. This riverfront port is technically a city, but there are so many things to love about visiting and enjoying Wilmington, it's impossible to leave it off the list. Not all of them are the kind youd want to live in, but all are imbued with their own distinct sense of charm, personality, and, Read More The 10 Richest Neighborhoods in Denver, COContinue, Overall, Louisiana isnt an expensive state. You have everything from sleeping seaside towns in the Outer Banks to artistic mountain havens like Boone and Brevard. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. Wilmington was also founded in the first half of the 18th century by colonists, so it has a number of historical buildings. Crammed with malls, restaurants, shops, and bars, its big, fun, and the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation. 22. The population was 19,582 at the 2010 census. Population: 25,600Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $17.02# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.17More on Mint Hill:Photos |Data, Population: 30,760Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $19.27# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.19More on Matthews:Photos |Data. The experience begins while traveling to the quirky village, as there is no road leading onto the island. Cornelius is a lakeside town located along Lake Norman in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States. Pay your dollar and wander out onto the pier. Chef Nina Compton's Bywater American Bistro, Alon Shaya's Saba, Pythian Market, and Auction House Market are some new places to check out if you're in The Big Easy. Some of the attractions around town are the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center. Year-round energy: The town can't pack up and leave after "the season". The cities are vibrant, the towns are charming, and the landscape will leave even the most jaded city slicker a little breathless. Boiling Springs, North Carolina Gardner-Webb University In addition to dining, shopping, and walking, additional things to do include fishing from the boardwalk, crabbing on the sound, cycling along the six-mile Duck Trail, or catching a free show at the Amphitheater. Despite lying only two miles off the North Carolina coast and due south of Wilmington, this three-by-one-mile barrier island feels like a secret hideout from a Robert Louis Stevenson story. A glance at the 2020 Florida election results says your beachside options are pretty limited: the Jacksonville area, the three counties in the southeast corner (Palm Beach, Broward and. Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Lexington lives up to its BBQ reputation by not changing a thing. Cn Gp Th Nail Cho Tim ng Khch In Liberal, KS. Attractions for mom and dad are in the form of outlet malls, beach shops, Gallery Row, and the Historic District, with its unpainted traditional cedar shake beach cottages. The town itself offers festivals, galleries, shops, sporting events, and all activities hosted by the Biltmore Estate. Ken Christensen, CEO of Washington-based The Politics Company Inc., a Democratic messaging and fundraising firm, said there are reasons a candidate would want to keep initial fundraising numbers . Miles to Beach: 1 mile. plenty of things to do in Beaufort for all! Black Mountain has chilled dining options and a walkable downtown area to provide a great stop on your next vacation. Stay in a home on the sound side for a great view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. World class rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are all within a 20-minute drive of the town center, which offers plenty of grit on its own. Surrounded by water on three sides, the town has a maritime feel about it. While they vote more Republican, obviously they value the true hippie creed: cheap, vintage clothes and vegetarian food. The rapid growth of the city is in part, because o its affordable cost of living. Its greatest claim to fame is that its home to the steepest railroad grade in the region. Stroll past the various shops, stop by the waterfront to catch the action, and then retire to a waterfront patio to soak up the views of Sugarloaf Island. Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. It's a fast-growing city because of its desirability with good standards of living. It's not just all about the fun to be had driving on the broad sands of this southern coast getaway at the northern end of Pleasure Island; or hitting its vintage boardwalk (which features old-school amusement rides in summer), lively beach bars, and superb seafood spots. Median Household Income: $42,612. Tarboro is located near the western edge of North Carolinas coastal plain. Where to stay: "To the Moon and Back" home on VRBO. This is the oldest of all the Black resort towns in America. Population: 59,234Percent Democrat: 72.8%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $165.45# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.96More on Chapel Hill:Photos |Data. The town has even gone full hog and shares its spirit with pig statues located throughout downtown. 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. Carolina Beach, one of three island beaches near Wilmington. Official Website. Bookshops, boutiques, and art galleries allow plenty of chances to find the right souvenirs. Duck has devoted extensive energy and funds to the nourishment of its beaches (named among the Best Restored Beaches for 2018), but it's important to note that access is for residents and vacation property renters only. If you dont fancy getting your feet wet, the Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll, particularly at sunset. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Getting to the ocean via 4WD vehicles is easy through multiple beach access roads, allowing you to access some of the finest beaches in the Outer Banks. The small communities have teamed up with nearby Waves and Salvo to work together on development. At the southern end of the coast and a quick hop from buzzy Wilmington, this laid-back beach town on a 4-mile-long barrier island has charm in spades, from a bird nesting sanctuary at the south end to its iconic Johnnie Mercers Pier. Be sure to check out the Southport Pier and Riverwalk with its great views and fresh breezes. Most of the accommodation is in elevated beach houses that can be rented through one of the local real estate companies. This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park, with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. It's at this point that the hard work begins. The other pier in town, Nag's Head Fishing Pier, is as the name suggests: mostly about fishing. Early inhabitants dug a canal here that used to power local mills. A+. Carolina Beach is perfect for families, with the ocean in front and fun and games behind. Population: 15,107Percent Democrat: 62.6%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $2.04# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.03More on Roanoke Rapids:Photos |Data, Population: 28,052Percent Democrat: 62.3%$ Democrat Amount Per Capita: $35.51# Democrat Contributions Per Capita: 0.34More on Cornelius:Photos |Data. 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 . Sylva is a quiet stop on your way towards Tennessee that will surprise you if you take the time to get off the highway. This free event takes place the second week of October each year. Our Top Valentine's Day Gift Ideas. Fishing is king here, with a fine collection of charter boats taking customers out for a day of fishing. Roanoke Rapids has embraced the natural beauty of northern North Carolina to serve as a fantastic outdoor sports border town destination. After go see one of the best lighthouses in NC and see Price Creek Lighthouse and the Oak Island Lighthouse. 23. Just inside this protective outer coastal layer you'll find one of the first English settlements in North Carolina: the town of Beaufort, established in 1709. In fact, the mountain towns of Blue Ridge GA and Blairsville GA are just over 20 miles to the south. Tarboro is a town located in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Charles and Laura Douglass in 1893, Charles was the son of the well . The community is friendly, close-knit, and just as welcoming as you could wish for. It is the county seat of Durham County. The towns are ideally positioned to allow you to make the most of the North Carolina seashore. Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. All of this puts it at number 23 on the national list of millennial migration. Most of the action is found at the base of South Broad Street. Kitty Hawk has a small pier at the northern end of town, right where highway 158 joins up with Highway 12. All that great fishing translates into great seafood at the many fine restaurants spread throughout the town. On most nights of the week, you can find just about anyone in Hillsborough singing through the historic downtown streets. 4,751) Biltmore Forest (Pop. Morrisville Wikipedia Population: 18,585 Liberal voters: 55% Vegan rank: First Asheville is known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and overall artsy vibe. Why We Recommend This Beach Boasting its 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you'll be surprised with what's in store in Ocracoke Island. 2. Bryson City. No matter which part of town you head to, youll see Black Mountain watching over you in the background. 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. The town itself is equally noteworthy, with every kind of amenity youll need and enough housing options to please all tastes and budgets. Greenville. The shoreline itself provides endless opportunities for rest and relaxation. This small island is also the name of the southern-most town of the outer banks. Greensboro. The entire downtown is surrounded by parks and the Appalachian Mountains, and serves up plenty of delicacies that are easy on the eyes. North Carolina's coastal towns offer a mix of experiences, from quaint historic communities with 18th-century homes and tree-lined streets to thriving beach scenes and fun activity-based destinations for families. In the summer, there are fireworks every Thursday night and live music concerts featuring a variety of musicians across the musical spectrum. One of the more unique colleges on the list, The Military College of South Carolina, or more commonly known as The Citadel, is a college intricately involved with its coastal location. This is one of the top fishing destinations on the Outer Banks. You can find a view of the town from the top of the historic Jackson County Public Library. This is an escape complete with pirate lore; long stretches of pristine sands all protected by the National Park Service; a fishing village with summer pleasures like ice cream, seafood, and boat charters; and its own bright white, picturesque lighthouse. And to be clear, we didnt form this list based on our own biases we relied on the cold hard data. If you knew, Read More When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase a House?Continue. Duck is unique from many of the towns in the Outer Banks. The Greenville area is a college town, not terribly far from the Coast, but if you absolutely must be in a NC coastal town and want the most progressive, Wilmington is your only hope. Stroll along the picturesque docks on the Calabash River or join a deep-sea fishing tour to catch your own dinner. This westernmost community on Bogue Banks is a treasured vacation getaway for families, with its 12 miles of clean shores, clear waters, and old-fashioned neighborhoods and vibe. If you prefer a hotel room, there are a few places just south of town in Buxton. With low property taxes, low home prices, and a delectably high standard of living, this beachy paradise offers a little something for everyone. Camping in the Outer Banks: Staying in coastal towns is a great way to enjoy summer in North Carolina. Calabash proves you dont need to drive to the outer banks for serene beachfront vacations. The Corolla Adventure Park provides some fun outside of the water, and a plethora of local dining options include live music. You can check the inventory and house features online and make bookings there as well. You'll find both hotels and vacation rentals in which to enjoy a classic beach vacation. This has created a bustling central few blocks that havent felt the need to change to please anyone else. Washington, NC, USA 2. 27. With its romantic historic mansions; a thriving downtown with great shops, restaurants, and bars; a picturesque Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River; and a youthful vibe thanks to the local University of North Carolina campus, this magnet is also a quick drive to the sands of Wrightsville and Carolina beaches. Outer Banks towns have never had tons of real estate. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, Edenton is the perfect place. This article may contain affiliate links. The downtown is lively, home to numerous attractions (including the very visit-worth North Carolina Maritime Museum), and blessed with enough entertainment and amenities to keep everyone happy. While the best BBQs are often found in the hole in the wall spots along state highways, the best BBQs in NC all use Lexington sauce. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Morehead City. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Nearby, the Rachel Carson Reserve has wild horses, birdlife, and turtles among other wildlife. Topsail Island. Entertainment outside of the beach: Music, breweries, galleries, museums, and festivals also play integral parts of the culture. In fact, the world-famous Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place here each year the second week of June. Separated from the mainland of the state by the Intracoastal, this seaside town in the southeast corner of the state is beautiful. Museums pay homage to the cotton mill upbringing of the area, and authentic Southern food establishments, like the Sugar Magnolia Cafe, give you plenty of reasons to head downtown. Most of these areas are one, two, or three roads wide, flanked on one side by a sound and the other by the Atlantic Ocean. Article continues below. In the summer, every Tuesday, a free concert takes place at the town park, with bands providing a mix of musical styles. Driving on the beach is allowed here (with a permit), and there is plenty of public water access and parks. This impressive concrete structure extends 1,000 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean. Carolina Beach is known as one of North Carolina's top surfing destinations. We picked our twenty favorite beach towns based on the following criteria: 1. Rockaway Beach, NY isn't as liberal/gay . One of the most interesting things to see near Avon is the towering Cape Hatteras lighthouse, about eight miles south of town. There are more golf carts than cars driving through town, and with a plethora of rental options available, you can have your choice of open-air off-road vehicles to explore the uncrowded beaches. The beach here is wide, and the sand is soft. 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 beach at Kitty Hawk is long and wide with golden brown sand, ideal for long beach walks. The local community loves their hometown, and the natural appreciation the inhabitants have for their surroundings shows in the small towns development. Some of these blips are barely more than resort towns, but others, like Rodanthe, are full of flavor. Just a short distance north of Avon brings you to the tri-cities of Waves, Rodanthe, and Salvo. 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