Independence Insurance Agency

Learn How the Commercial

Trucking Insurance Experts at Independence Agency

Can Save your Company Thousands of Dollars!

Get A Quote

Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Bath, NC

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

Service Areas

percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Bath, NC You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Bath, NC

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Bath, NC

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Bath, NC

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Bath, NC

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

phone Call Now
 Trucking Insurance Bath, NC

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
phone Call Now
 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Bath, NC

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

phone Call Now
 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Bath, NC

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Bath, NC phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Bath, NC phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Bath, NC phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Bath, NC that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Bath, NC

Latest News in Bath, NC

3-D printed artificial reef coming to Pamlico River near Bath

RALEIGH, N.C. – This Tuesday, a 3-D printed artificial reef, designed to provide a thriving habitat for fish and other marine life, will be submerged in the brackish water of the Pamlico River near Bayview.Eight years in the making, the joint effort, led by the ...

RALEIGH, N.C. – This Tuesday, a 3-D printed artificial reef, designed to provide a thriving habitat for fish and other marine life, will be submerged in the brackish water of the Pamlico River near Bayview.

Eight years in the making, the joint effort, led by the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina together with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries represents a milestone in the use of adaptive infrastructure technology and promises an economic boost for the Beaufort County community.

Raleigh-based Natrx, a global leader in the emerging field of nature-based adaptive infrastructure, designed and produced the concrete reef modules specifically for the local climate and river habitat. Using a new type of 3D printing technology called “dry forming,” the fabrication process creates naturalistic structures with curved surfaces and textures that are conducive to sustaining aquatic life. The crevices and holes in the sand and cement structures provide refuge for regionally important fish species such as striped bass and speckled trout.

One hundred reef cubes, each measuring 3’ by 3’ and weighing roughly 1,850 pounds, will be transported by barge and deployed at the Bayview Artificial Reef site (AR-291), located approximately 100 yards off the shoreline near the mouth of Bath Creek. The docking location and viewing area can be accessed by media and visitors at 1907 Bayview Rd. in Bath.

The materials used in the reef modules are routinely used in marine applications and are known to attract oysters and mussels, as well as crustaceans, invertebrates and other organisms in the food chain. The objective is to improve biological productivity and establish a reproduction reservoir that can revitalize an entire ecosystem. Improving fish stocks also provides an economic boost to the community through increased recreational fishing.

“This project reflects cutting-edge technology being used to not only sustain an important reef in the Pamlico River, but to also provide economic benefits to the community of recreational fishermen,” said David Sneed, CCA NC Executive Director. “Our mission is to advocate for North Carolina coastal resources, not only for those of us currently using them but also for future generations, so we’re always looking for new partnerships and opportunities to develop similar projects that enhance the health and viability of our fisheries.”

The Bayview reef site encompasses 1.8 underwater acres. The reef modules are spaced 10 feet apart in rows, with 40 feet between each row. The spacing allows for multiple boats to fish the area without crowding. The reef is a popular spot for local anglers and these improvements will help ensure the site endures for generations to come.

“Our hope is that this is just the beginning of an ongoing partnership with the NC DMF that will result in more habitat improvements in coastal North Carolina,” said Bobby Rice, CCA NC Board VP for Habitat. “We want to do our part to help improve our coastal ecosystem with the construction of more reefs, including oyster reefs and ARs for recreational anglers.”

Original efforts to establish an artificial reef on the site were made in 2012 and 2013 using concrete reef balls and pipe. Since 2014, led by the efforts of CCA NC chairman emeritus Billy Byrd, and the organization has been instrumental in planning and fundraising to improve the Bayview Reef. Natrx was brought on board in 2021, and with help from DMF Artificial Reef Coordinator Jordan Byrum, a proposal to deploy the new 3-D printed reef modules was approved.

Natrx has earned worldwide attention for its innovation in nature-based, sustainable solutions designed to address challenges that environmental systems face, particularly in coastal regions. “Bayview is a terrific example of how adaptive infrastructure works,” said Leonard Nelson, CEO of Natrx. “These modules are designed for a variety of uses, including artificial fishing reefs, oyster reef restoration and shoreline protection.”

Bayview will be one of 25 estuarine artificial reefs maintained by the DMF. The department’s reef programs receive funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program, the North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License Grant Program and from private donations.

Financial contributors and supporters of the Bayview Reef initiative include individual donors and corporate partners Grady-White Boats, Nutrien, Toadfish Outfitters, and the Building Conservation Trust. Deployment of the Natrx modules is funded by a USFWS Sportfish Restoration grant awarded to the Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Program. For CCA NC, the Bayview Reef is the latest restoration initiative to follow the success of the New River Oyster Highway, an oyster reef restoration project in partnership with the NC Wildlife Habitat Foundation and the City of Jacksonville, which was recently profiled in Outdoor Life magazine.

Conservation group deploys artificial reef near Bath Creek

A 3-D printed artificial reef near the mouth of Bath Creek near Bayview is the newest addition to the Pamlico River. Get local news in your inbox for free, sign up here The project is designed to provide a thriving habitat for fish and other marine life and has been eight years in the making. It’s a joint effort between the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina (CCA NC) and the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), and re...

A 3-D printed artificial reef near the mouth of Bath Creek near Bayview is the newest addition to the Pamlico River.

Get local news in your inbox for free, sign up here

The project is designed to provide a thriving habitat for fish and other marine life and has been eight years in the making. It’s a joint effort between the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina (CCA NC) and the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), and represents a milestone in the use of adaptive infrastructure technology.

Raleigh-based Natrx designed and produced the concrete reef modules specifically for the local climate and river habitat. Using a new type of 3D printing technology called “dry forming,” the fabrication process creates naturalistic structures with curved surfaces and textures that are conducive to sustaining aquatic life. The crevices and holes in the sand and cement structures provide refuge for regionally important fish species such as striped bass and speckled trout.

“I think it will bring more fishermen to our area, because fish seem to be attracted to those kinds of structures,” Bath Town Manager Bubs Carson said. “Anytime you have folks using our boat ramps, buying fuel and eating in our restaurants, that’s good for our local economy. I also think it will give our local fishermen another option when they don’t want to travel to Morehead City or out into the Sound to fish. The more habitat, the more use.”

One hundred reef cubes, each measuring 3′ by 3′ and weighing roughly 1,850 pounds were transported by barge and deployed at the Bayview Artificial Reef site located approximately 100 yards off the shoreline near the mouth of Bath Creek.

The materials used in the reef modules are routinely used in marine applications and are known to attract oysters and mussels, as well as crustaceans, invertebrates and other organisms in the food chain. The objective is to improve biological productivity and establish a reproduction reservoir which can revitalize an entire ecosystem. Improving fish stocks also provides an economic boost to the community through increased recreational fishing.

The Bayview reef site encompasses 1.8 underwater acres. The reef modules are spaced 10 feet apart in rows, with 40 feet between each row. The spacing allows for multiple boats to fish the area without crowding. The reef is a popular spot for local anglers and these improvements will help ensure the site endures for generations to come. “Our hope is that this is just the beginning of an ongoing partnership with the NC DMF that will result in more habitat improvements in coastal North Carolina,” said Bobby Rice, CCA NC Board VP for Habitat. “We want to do our part to help improve our coastal ecosystem with the construction of more reefs, including oyster reefs and ARs for recreational anglers.”

Bayview will be one of 25 estuarine artificial reefs maintained by the DMF. The department’s reef programs receive funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program, the North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License Grant Program and from private donations.

Span of Bath bridge to be replaced, detours added

BATH, N.C. – One section of the ...

BATH, N.C. – One section of the bridge on N.C. 92 spanning Bath Creek in Beaufort County will be replaced starting this Tuesday.

The highway will close to traffic at 8 a.m. March 26, and is anticipated to reopen prior to Memorial Day weekend. During construction, crews will replace the center bridge span, which has corroded.

Signs will be posted, alerting drivers to the closure and to follow a detour onto U.S. 246, Boyd Road, Post Road and Jackson Swamp Road to avoid the construction.

Drivers should plan ahead as their commute will take longer than normal and use caution around the work site.

For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.

Click the above video from Gabby Sartori to find out more about how Bath, its citizens and those traveling to and from there are handling the detours.

Explore 9 of the most memorable small towns in North Carolina.

When visiting North Carolina, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of popular resort destinations. Places like Beaufort and Blowing Rock tend to steal the spotlight, leaving the quirkiest towns as memorable experiences for those seeking a trip beyond the conventional. Whether for their stunning natural allure, historical significance, or vibrant community spirit, these small towns in North Carolina offer an immersive all-American ex...

When visiting North Carolina, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of popular resort destinations. Places like Beaufort and Blowing Rock tend to steal the spotlight, leaving the quirkiest towns as memorable experiences for those seeking a trip beyond the conventional. Whether for their stunning natural allure, historical significance, or vibrant community spirit, these small towns in North Carolina offer an immersive all-American experience built around each town's unique appeal. Towns like Bath emphasize state history, while Little Switzerland adds a European twist to the American cabin escape experience. Read along the list of the 7 quirkiest small towns in North Carolina, and plan your escape to communities with more to offer than just a busy main street.

More in North Carolina

Mount Airy

Opening the list of quirkiest towns in North Carolina is Mount Airy, a standout destination for being the filming location of the Andy Griffith Show. Film enthusiasts flock to Mount Airy to enjoy a lived experience of the legendary TV show, while vacationers seeking a memorable escape are attracted by the town’s well-preserved historic feel. The town’s Good Times Trolley Tour offers insights into Mount Airy's past, while quirky buildings like the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and Historic Earle Theatre, where visitors can still catch a live show, perfectly exemplify the town’s historical element. Antiques and collectibles play a significant role in the charming small-town ambiance of Mount Airy. Along N Main Street, establishments like the Mayberry Antique Mall attract collectors and enthusiasts to the town's sprawling 18,000 square feet filled with diverse antiques. Aside from the TV show’s dedicated displays, tours, and museums like the Mayberry Squad Car Tour, cool things to do include browsing the town’s artistic street murals.

Bath

Bath stands out as one of the quirkiest towns in North Carolina for its rich history as one of the very first settling colonies in the state. Located on the Pamlico River, it was prominent in historic trade and agriculture. From browsing historic homes to learning about the famous pirate Blackbeard and touring the historic district of Bath, visitors can enjoy a self-navigated tour. Despite its small size and population, Bath has no shortage of things to do. Complementing Bath’s exceptionally well-preserved architecture are charming homestays and welcoming locals like those at The Inn on Bath Creek, along with community events that bring tourists and locals together, such as Bathfest, showcasing the best of local musical talents and food vendors. Visit North Carolina’s oldest church, the first state port built in 1715, and catch scenic views of Bath Creek from Bonner’s Point on Front St.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs, named after its natural gifts of healing mineral springs, this small town is the place to be for a relaxing getaway amidst nature. Aside from boiling waters to kick back and relax, Hot Springs is home to a vast range of outdoor activities, from hiking popular trails like Max Patch trail, to whitewater rafting through Frech Broad River that loops around the small town. Located 35 mi from Asheville and 102 mi from Arkansas, Hot Springs is also considered a gateway town to the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee National Forest on Tennessee borders. Cruise to Hot Springs along Highway NC 209 on an eye-opening trip, and make your visit to Hot Springs a forest escape to remember when staying at locally acclaimed far-out secluded cabins. A few unique stays that Hot Spring’s appeal include the Laughing Heart Hostel located on the Appalachian Trail on the southern end of town and Mountin Valley Cabins On Mountin Valley Dr.

Duck

Duck stands out as one of the smallest towns on this list of the quirkiest small towns in the Tar Heel State. It is a small beach community with a suburban island lifestyle that sets it apart. Local events like the 14th Annual Duck Jazz Festival and the rotating Art Show on the Lost Colony Theater grounds enhance this unforgettable summer getaway town. Visiting Duck also means exploring other small towns on Barrier Island, such as Kitty Hawk and the 17-mile Nags Head, known for upscale dining spots with fresh sea-to-table cuisine, like Mike’s Fish Co. and Blue Moon Beach Grill. The Duck Town Park Boardwalk is the perfect spot to catch a sunset in Duck, while Duck’s Coffee and Books stands out as a quirky, countryside living-themed café and one of the oldest still-operating businesses. The shops on the main Boardwalk, disguised as residential homes stretching along the coastline, contribute to the town’s charm with over 27 small businesses including restaurants and boutiques.

Bryson City

Located in Swain County, Bryson City is the neighboring town to the Native American community of Cherokee and a gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountains. From gem hunting to horseback riding and ziplining, Bryson City is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the best family-friendly escapes in North Carolina. Unique experiences that contribute to the town’s appeal include the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, nature-centric cabins, and hidden waterfalls like Tom Branch Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Juney Whank Falls. Stroll down central Everette Street for its many businesses and attractions, like La Dolce Vita Coffee and the train museum, and browse artistic murals and fish sculptures across town in your free time away from recreational activities. Iconic murals to look out for in Bryson City include the colorful hand-painted wooden quilt block series spread across town and the American Heritage Railways.

Little Switzerland

As its name suggests, Little Switzerland, with a community of just over a hundred people, is famed for its American take on European culture, introduced during the town’s settling era. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland is a crossover community with Swiss and German influences and is usually at its liveliest in the summer due to the influx of vacationers and travelers. The rustic, cozy atmosphere and surrounding mountainous vistas of the Appalachian Mountains add to the town's welcoming allure, making it one of the best relaxing forest escapes in the Tar Heel State. Lodging options include a range of historic wooden cabins amidst nature and welcoming homestays, reflecting its origins as a resort town established in 1910. Popular stays in town include the Switzerland Inn on High Ridge Street, Big Lynn Lodge, and Alpine Inn for an affordable overnight stay. Shop at the town's wooden-front General Store, built in 1927, browse the Trillium Gallery to appreciate creative local efforts, and grab a bite of local delicacies at The Swiss Shoppe when exploring Little Switzerland. Whether as a romantic getaway, family escape, or wilderness exploration adventure, Little Switzerland offers a perfect, nature-centric year-round escape.

Lexington

The small town of Lexington, North Carolina, is nicknamed the "Barbecue Capital of the World" for being home to some of the best Carolina-style smoked cuisine, complemented by exceptional local wines. The town's distinguished atmosphere includes unique agricultural-focused activities like strawberry picking and events such as the Davie County Agricultural Fair at the Lexington Kiwanis Club. Other quirky elements contributing to the town’s appeal include its historic, locally-owned small businesses like the popular Candy Factory Shop on Main Street and The Grimes Brothers Mill, which dates back to 1879. Located 23 miles from Winston-Salem, Lexington offers a perfect small-town escape, complete with breathtaking natural vistas in popular areas like the Yadkin River, the elevated Wake Aqua Park, and the expansive Boone’s Cave Park.

Ultimately, the quirkiest small towns in North Carolina redefine the small-town experience in the state, inviting travelers to an experience beyond the conventional weekend getaway. Whether drawn to explore the surrounding nature of Bryson City or the movie-themed village of Mount Airy, there is an engaging experience for all interests in North Carolina.

Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Closing Stores; See NC Locations

NORTH CAROLINA—Victoria's Secret will permanently close about 250 stores in the United States and Canada by the end of this year, parent company L Brands announced this week. Also slated for closure are 50 Bath & Body Works locations. The news came this week after L Brands posted its quarterly earnings online.Victoria's Secret, a popular women's lingerie retailer, has 1,091 stores in the United States and Canada. L Brands said it will close 235 U.S. Victoria's Secret and three PINK stores. It also plans to close 13 of its 38...

NORTH CAROLINA—Victoria's Secret will permanently close about 250 stores in the United States and Canada by the end of this year, parent company L Brands announced this week. Also slated for closure are 50 Bath & Body Works locations. The news came this week after L Brands posted its quarterly earnings online.

Victoria's Secret, a popular women's lingerie retailer, has 1,091 stores in the United States and Canada. L Brands said it will close 235 U.S. Victoria's Secret and three PINK stores. It also plans to close 13 of its 38 stores in Canada.

While the company has yet to name which stores it plans to close, the Charlotte metro area has eight Victoria's Secret locations that could be on the list:

North Carolina also has 2 PINK stores and more than three dozen Bath & Body Works stores.

In February, L Brands was prepared to sell a majority stake of Victoria's Secret to Sycamore Partners, a deal that would have spun off the Victoria's Secret brand — made up of Victoria's Secret Lingerie, Victoria's Secret Beauty, and PINK — into a separate, standalone company.

However, the companies agreed to terminate the sale after L Brands was forced to impose furloughs and mass store closures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Ending the agreement also avoided a lawsuit by Sycamore Partners, which had accused L Brands of breach of contract.

Victoria's Secret reported net sales of $1.65 billion for the first quarter of 2020, compared with $2.6 billion for the same quarter last year.

In a call with analysts, Interim Victoria's Secret CEO Stuart Burgdoerfer said the closings will occur over the next several months. Additional closings are anticipated, USA Today reported. L Brands said in a news release that it "remains committed to establishing Bath & Body Works as a pure-play public company and is taking the necessary steps to prepare the Victoria's Secret Lingerie, Victoria's Secret Beauty and PINK businesses to operate as a separate, standalone company."

Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works are the latest in a series of retail closures prompted by dwindling revenue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, Pier 1 Imports and J.C. Penney both announced the companies would file for bankruptcy. While J.C. Penney plans to close about 240 stores, Pier 1 will close all locations.

Earlier this month, luxury department store Neiman Marcus also filed for bankruptcy after furloughing 14,000 employees and temporarily closing its 43 stores.

Shannon Antinori, Patch Staff, contributed

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.