Visitor Information
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.
Nationally recognized motels in the area include Holiday Inn, Hampton
Inn, Sleep Inn and Comfort Inn and Suites. Four privately owned and
operated Bed and Breakfast establishments are located in the western
section of the county.
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. Clear, icy cold mountain
streams maintain both native and stocked trout for those wishing to
venture into the wilds for a full day or afternoon of fly fishing. 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.
A new 3,000 acre State Park is currently being developed at Lake James.
The new park will offer camping, bike and walking paths, nature trails,
swimming beaches, picnic facilities and equestrian trails. Education and
nature centers will be built in this new park along with cabins and a
lodge that will be used by visitors to the area. Walking trails also
abound at Linville Falls and in various locations along the Blue Ridge
Parkway which cuts through the northern part of Burke County. The
Mountain to the Sea Trail passes through Burke County near the Linville
Gorge.
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.
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