After being established as one of the Thirteen Colonies of the British Empire in the 18th century, North Carolina houses historically rich towns, one of many is the quaint and idyllic Canton. Sitting along the banks of the Pigeon River, this small town is not only home to old architectural structures but is also the perfect spot for outdoor activities. With only a population of around 4,300, locals and tourists alike will surely experience the serene life in this historic town. Vacationing in Canton is ideal for those who long for some peace away from the hustle. Scroll further to learn more about the best things to do in Canton, North Carolina.
1. Go camping at Lake Logan
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We've had a lot of families enjoying the lake and beautiful weather this week.
Posted by Lake Logan on Friday, July 23, 2021
While Lake Logan is mainly a retreat and conference center, it offers a range of activities, from canoeing to fishing, that may be enjoyed by solo and group travelers. There are trails around the area, making it perfect for long walks. After a day of adventure, the lakeside cabins, among many others, are available for lodging. Visitors who are looking for a quick but activity-filled itinerary in Canton have the option to avail the Day Pass.
Lake Logan
Address: 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton, NC, 28716
Website: Lake Logan
Price: From 16 USD
2. Learn about history at Canton Area Historical Museum
Where better to educate yourself on Canton’s unique beginnings than its very own historical institution? This nonprofit museum, situated in what used to be the Canton Branch Library, was dedicated on Labor Day in 1990. Canton Area Historical Museum prides itself on providing educational resources not only for Canton’s history but also for the nearby communities, making it a perfect destination for those interested in North Carolina’s rich culture!
Canton Area Historical Museum
Address: 58 Park Street, Canton NC, 28716
Website: Canton Area Historical Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 3pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Wed - Thu & Sun)
3. Walk through Canton Main Street Historic District
Having been recognized as a national historic district by the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, Canton Main Street Historic District is arguably the town’s crowning glory. This district features establishments with architectural classifications such as Commercial-style and Classical Revival, making it a picture-perfect hangout for visitors and residents alike. Don’t forget to check out special events that may be happening at Colonial Theatre as well!
Canton Main Street Historic District
Address: Main St, Canton, NC 28716, United States
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Hike to Skinny Dip Falls
No outdoor excursion is ever complete without a hike, wouldn’t you agree? Ideal for beginners and experienced travelers, and with only a moderate hike, Skinny Dip Falls is the perfect place to find even more peace and quiet in an already serene town. Don’t forget to bring your cameras - the hike to Skinny Dip Falls boasts countless spectacular views that you would never want to forget!
Skinny Dip Falls
Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, United States
Website: Skinny Dip Falls
5. Wine and dine at Southern Porch
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the sure-fire ways to immerse yourself in a culture is through food! From shrimp and grits to fish and woodchips, Southern Porch Kitchen & Drink offers an array of Southern food and other cuisines. Nestled in the heart of Main Street Historic District, Southern Porch even has an outdoor patio for guests who are all for al fresco dining. Make sure to ask about the bestsellers for a full Southern town experience!
Southern Porch
Address: 117 Main Street Canton, NC 28716
Website: Southern Porch
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 8pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
6. Dabble in golf at Springdale at Cold Mountain
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have you told yourself that you would try to learn golfing one of these days? Your trip to Canton might be your chance to do so! With our busy lives, we never really seem to have the time for the list of things we want to do. Consider visiting Springdale at Cold Mountain for your golfing needs. This golf resort is located in Cold Mountain, North Carolina. Springdale is also open for lodging if you do wish to experience what the Hollywood-famous Cold Mountain has to offer, being the setting and title of Charles Frazier’s award-winning novel, which was also adapted into film in 2003.
Springdale at Cold Mountain
Address: 200 Golfwatch Road Canton, NC 28716
Website: Springdale at Cold Mountain
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
7. Introduce your palate to beers crafted by BearWaters Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With Canton being such an idyllic and quiet town, we can all appreciate meeting and socializing with locals. Calling their Canton branch “Riverside,” BearWaters Brewing Company seems to be just the place for that. Not only is it frequented by Canton residents, BearWaters seems to be a popular spot among visitors as well. Sliding Rock and Papertown Pilsner are light and “easy” beers and are good choices for those who want to simply experience craft beers, while Cherry Sour, Heavy Cream Stout, Reign Barrel, and many others are for the more adventurous folks out there. Fret not, because BearWaters also has a cocktail and wine selection for non-beer drinkers!
BearWaters Brewing Company
Address: 101 Park St, Canton, NC 28716
Website: BearWaters Brewing Company
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
8. Indulge in fresh fruits at KT's Orchard and Apiary
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
In keeping with our fairly low-key activities in Canton, you might find yourself enjoying some fruit picking at KT’s Orchard and Apiary! With over 75 varieties of apples and 25 varieties of peaches, raspberries, pears, and many more, you will be sure to leave with a basketful of fresh fruits. Visiting KT’s Orchard and Apiary is ideal for group travelers with a hankering for an afternoon picnic. Also being an apiary, honey and specialty products such as honey lip balms and cream are available all year round. The best time to visit KT’s Orchard and Apiary is from Wednesdays to Fridays as the orchard is open until 5pm.
KT's Orchard and Apiary
Address: 195 Pigeon Ford Rd, Canton, NC, 28716
Website: KT’s Orchard and Apiary
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 9:30am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm; Tue: by appointment (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Sink your teeth into an all-American hamburger at JRO's Burgers and Subs
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by JRO'S Burgers and Subs on Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Whether you’re visiting from outside the US or you’re from another state just passing by Canton, an American vacation seems to be incomplete without a good ol’ hamburger. While JRO’S Burger and Subs have an array of comfort food under their belt, their specialty is, without a doubt, the flame-grilled, greasy, and juicy hamburger. It isn’t like your typical fast-food burger; JRO’s Burger and Subs source their beef from family farms located in Canton itself! You can try the classic cheeseburger or even dare yourself and level it up by ordering their biggest and heaviest burger to date, The Chief!
JRO'S Burgers and Subs
Address: 90 Main Street Canton, NC 28716
Website: JRO’S Burgers and Subs
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
10. Have yourself a warm beverage at Papertown Coffee
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Alright - we're gonna give this curbside pickup thing a try!! Starting tomorrow we'll be back in action. Cannot wait to...
Posted by Papertown Coffee on Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Peaceful days are arguably incomplete without simply sitting back and enjoying a warm cup of coffee on your hand. That is exactly what you get at Papertown Coffee, a local business that is dedicated not only to the careful creation of freshly brewed coffee but also to bringing the community of Canton together. Papertown Coffee proudly supports other local businesses by adding to their menu some selected goodies from shops in and near Canton. Perfect for caffeine seekers and coffee aficionados, Papertown Coffee is a great way to blend in with local residents as owners Liz and Russ are keen on making Papertown an inclusive space for everyone.
Papertown Coffee
Address: 119 Main Street, Canton, NC, 28716
Website: Papertown Coffee
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 7am - 3:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 3:30pm (closed on Mon)
Experience the small-town life in Canton
Life does get tough sometimes, and it is perfectly understandable that there will be moments in which we need to decompress. Whether or not you are a local to the busy cities of North Carolina, you can never go wrong with a quiet getaway.
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