North Carolina Town Forced To Become Unincorporated Land

Those North Carolina maps are experiencing a change. The North Carolina town of East Laurinburg is about to be considered unincorporated land. The former small town was part of Scotland County. If you make the drive from the Charlotte area to the beach you've likely driven through Scotland County along 74. This change in distinction will go into effect on July 1. Why you may ask? Well according to the Carolina Public Press financial violations led to this move.

The violations were detailed in a report in the fall of 2022 by the state auditor's office. The state recommended embezzlement charges be filed. At this time the county's District Attorney has not pursued the charges. WSPA reports that a Local Government Commission used Senate Bill 314 to unanimously vote to dissolve East Laurinburg's town charter. This was the first time in the history of North Carolina this has been used. What was previously known as the town of East Laurinburg will now be unincorporated land belonging to Scotland County.

According to Duke University residents who live in unincorporated land areas have neither their own municipal governments nor have been annexed into another town’s local government. It's reasonable to assume that the area could be lumped in with Laurinburg. And how does it impact residents for now? Fewer taxes perhaps? In that case, count me in!

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Adventure". And not one but two North Carolina towns made the top 10 list! And both are on opposite ends of the state, showcasing the true diversity North Carolina offers. Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors whether you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or something else. I was surprised at the top spot on this list, it was actually a town I had never heard of. Whereas the destination I would have guessed would have that spot came in at number 8.

The other thing that surprised me, is that as someone who is not that into outdoor adventures I've been to a fair amount of these.  It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers something unique to make it a fantastic option! Or as a handful are mountain towns there could be a good ski trip destination this winter. We've got multiple areas of the country covered as well, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

According to USA Today Readers

Gorham is tucked in the Androscoggin Valley of New Hampshire adjacent to the picturesque Presidential Mountain Range making it the perfect adventure destination.

This coastal town gives adventure lovers plenty of options on the water and off!

It's no surprise this mountain town near the Grand Tetons makes the list, the only shock is it's not higher on the list!

Sheridan is halfway between Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore on the eastern side of Wyoming. Adventure lovers can roam the open range on horseback, backpack, or fish in the Wyoming waters.

Any season is the perfect time to take in all that this Vermont mountain town has to offer.

This college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is just steps away from hiking, rafting, and more.

Its location at the base of Mt. Washington propelled North Conway to the 4th spot on this list.

Taos while home to rich history also has some of the best rafting in New Mexico!

The self-described Western New York playground for outdoor fun is Ellicottville. Activities include skiing and snowboarding, golf, mountain biking, hiking, fishing,  paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Located along the Mississippi River is Savanna Illinois. It's the beginning of the Great River Bike Trail, which is 60 miles of trails. It's also home to the Mississippi Palisades State Park.