Other Small Towns Complain: “We never had a chance.”
Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s prettiest small town, according to a poll of 32 in-state journalists. The Crown of the Blue Ridge won out in a close race with the village of Pinehurst in the scenic Sandhills area.
The writers selected their top ten from a list of 45 nominated towns from the mountains to the coast. The towns were singled out for their charm, unique settings, landscapes, historic homes, architecture, character and commitment to preservation, among other factors. In order to be eligible, a town had to have a population under 15,000.
“We’ve always believed that Blowing Rock was the prettiest town anywhere, but when travel writers who have been all over the world agree, it validates what we’ve been saying all along. It’s a credit to the people who work hard to make Blowing Rock a special place: Shopkeepers, residents, town officials and employees now have one more reason to be proud of the work they do every day,” said Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the Blowing Rock TDA.
Rounding out the top ten list in order were Beaufort, Southport, Ocracoke, Highlands, Edenton, Linville, Southern Pines and Banner Elk.
“North Carolina is fortunate to have so many pretty towns,” said Carol Timblin, a Charlotte travel writer. “Choosing the ten prettiest was a challenge, but it was an enjoyable assignment. It made me realize just how wonderful it is to live surrounded by such immense beauty.”
The poll was conducted by Bill Hensley of Charlotte, a writer and former State Director of Travel and Tourism.
BLOWING ROCK, N.C. (December 2009)
For information: Tracy Brown, Executive Director
Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority
828.295.4636 tbrown@visitblowingrock.com