Newport, North Carolina

You're invited. Newport, the town with old-fashioned courtesy, extends an invitation to visit for a day or for a lifetime. The residents are not ashamed to brag about their splendid little coastal town and suggest you stop by any Friday night for Pickin' and Grinnin' in the Park. Bring a guitar, banjo or any other instrument you may have - including your voice - and settle in for a couple of hours of fun. There is no admission, no cover charge but refreshments are on hand. Just bring your lawn chair.

"This close-knit community has been around since the early 1700s but was not granted a charter until 1866. The town grew around a landing on the Newport River, where barges were loaded with supplies for the West Indies."

And for more than 30 years, Newport has hosted the annual Pig Cookin' Contest each Spring. It's a real community effort as everyone pulls together for what is billed the "largest whole hog" contest in the country. Everyone volunteers their time and all proceeds go to fund a variety of groups in town, including churches, sports teams, booster groups and the like. So far, nearly $650,000 has been awarded over the course of the competition.

This close-knit community has been around since the early 1700s but was not granted a charter until 1866. The town grew around a landing on the Newport River, where barges were loaded with supplies for the West Indies. A general store was founded nearby by the Bell family, three brothers who held land grants, and the spot became known as Bell's Corner. The town was called Shepardsville for a time before taking on the official moniker of Newport. The name Newport is thought to have come from the phrase "The New Port" which was used to distinguish it from the "old port" of Beaufort. Another legend says the Quakers, who moved to the area about 1720, named the town for Newport, Rhode Island but this story is disputed.

The town does not have an official recreation department but quite a few activities are offered by volunteers through local sports clubs and associations. An advisory board was created in 2005 to help administer the parks and activities. More than 900 children participate in a variety of sporting events thanks to the volunteer effort. Three parks are maintained by the town.