Area Attractions
Morganton, the largest community in Burke County, offers a variety of shopping opportunities ranging from name brand retailers located in several shopping centers to quaint specialty stores in the historic downtown area and in many of the smaller towns and villages in the County. Morganton’s downtown offers wide sidewalks, Mimosa trees, benches, restaurants, a coffee shop, specialty stores, a book shop, an art gallery, men’s and women’s clothing stores, and much more. Valdese has a wealth of specialty stores offering everything from antiques to formal wear, restaurants, an ice cream parlor, yarn shop, and a wide variety in between.
Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining …ethnic to All American… everything to tempt the palate. Patrons who enjoy the outdoors and the restful sound of rushing water can dine at two fine restaurants located on the banks of the scenic Catawba River.
Recreation abounds throughout Burke County. Golf enthusiasts have the choice of four challenging courses. Boating, camping, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and relaxation are available at Lake James, a 6,500 acre pristine lake in western Burke County. The Catawba River offers opportunities for trout fishing, tubing and canoeing. A 4.4 mile paved greenway parallels the Catawba River where joggers, bikers and walkers can enjoy the natural sites and wildlife.
Many visitors take advantage of bicycling on the roads around Lake James or mountain biking in the South Mountain State Park and on bike trails in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cross county and downhill snow skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains is less than an hour away in the upper elevations near Boone, NC. Whitewater rafting is as close as the French Broad River north of Asheville near Hot Springs, NC.
Burke County boasts the largest State Park in North Carolina (South Mountain State Park – 17,000 acres). Hiking trails take visitors along side and near some of the most picturesque waterfalls and streams in the region. Equestrian trails and camping are also available.
Visitors to the area can enjoy free musical entertainment at Friday night outdoor concerts that take place in both Morganton and Valdese during the summer months. These programs attract hundreds of music lovers who enjoy everything from bluegrass to symphonies. Both Morganton and Valdese hold annual festivals that attract thousands of spectators in August and September.
Just a few of the area activities.
Daytrippers Guide
9 - 20 miles from Morganton
21 - 25 miles from Morganton
28 - 32 miles from Morganton
32 - 40 miles from Morganton
40 - 60 miles from Morganton