Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

This North Carolina Town Made HGTV List For Most Charming Towns In America

Author Debbie Nance

Having lived in the Carolinas for nearly 20 years now, I know firsthand how charming many spots can be.  And, it seems HGTV agrees.  Ocracoke Island, North Carolina made the HGTV list of the most charming towns in America.  Some often refer to them as “hidden gems.” However, with publicity like this, they won’t stay hidden for long.

So, HGTV put together their 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America. And, I quickly scanned the article to see what might land there.  First of all, I am not entirely sure what if any scientific analysis took place to create this list.  Or, maybe it was just an opinion from research and travel.  Nonetheless, the North Carolina spot on the list of the most charming town is Ocracoke Island.

According to the HGTV list, residents refer to this serene spot as “the cure for the common beach.”   They highlight many attributes of Ocracoke Island, including a collection of popular shops and restaurants.  And, when Halloween approaches the ghost walk or a visit to Portsmouth Island’s ghost village is perfect.  Plus, it’s home to the oldest light station still operating in the region.

Exploring more about Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, visitocracokenc.com points out that a trip to the area is about “getting back to nature, soaking up our unique culture. And savoring the local cuisine.”  The site points out that Ocracoke Island, North Carolina is for those who appreciate uncrowded and undeveloped miles of pristine beaches.  They even offer up the advice that visitors need to be flexible and ready to chillax.

And, in scoping out the hot spots for grub it looks as if you won’t go hungry during your stay.  There are more than enough restaurants and breweries as well as food trucks.  And, if you need groceries, or fresh seafood markets, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina  has that too.  Learn more and see HGTV’s full list of 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America.

 

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

North Carolina Has One of the Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.

It’s never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don’t have to travel during the holidays, just don’t, because it’s a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I’ve researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I’m a Michigan girl, so I’m very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I’m going to escape, even if it’s just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it’s fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it’s not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What’s your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.

  • 5. Savannah, Georgia

    If you’re looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It’s pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

    Visit Savannah

    Your complete guide to what to do, where to stay and where to eat in Savannah, GA. Plan a charming, Southern escape, where quirkiness materializes through art and period architecture houses trendy boutiques, where ghost stories are set under a veil of Spanish moss and where local cuisine comes straight from the coast.

  • 4. Asheville, North Carolina

    The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it’s less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it’s still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

    Explore Asheville | Things to Do, Events, & Hotels | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site

    Find things to do, events, hotels, trip ideas and outdoor activities in Asheville, North Carolina. Find great package deals and local restaurants too.

  • 3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it’s won’t be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

    VISIT PHILADELPHIA | Visitphilly.com

    Visit Philadelphia is the official visitor website for Philly travel and tourism information including hotels and overnight options, restaurants, events, things to do, and local attractions. Plan your visit!

  • 2. Traverse City, Michigan

    I know what you’re thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it’s worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it’s big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It’s also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

    Traverse City Hotels, Events, Restaurants & Things to Do

    Find information on hotels, events, restaurants and things to do in Traverse City, Michigan. Start Planning your trip to Traverse City today!

  • 1. Key West, Florida

    If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It’s considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

    Key West Travel | Key West Hotels & Vacation Planning with Keywest.com

    Plan your Key West travel here. We're your source for Key West hotels, resorts & info about vacation attractions such as fishing, diving & sightseeing

Make Sure You're Signed Up For The Kiss & Tell Newsletter

Get the latest celebrity and music buzz find out what's happening in Charlotte, plus exclusive contests, and more!

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Debbie Nance
Category:
Tags:
,,

More Active Living

Load More