This travel guide focuses on our favorite things to do in Morganton NC, starting downtown and branching out to the rest of Burke County, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and more!
Morganton is the seat of Burke County, North Carolina’s largest mountain county. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, the always picturesque Linville Gorge, and numerous other opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
We first came here to explore the Gorge, but over time, we have been introduced to many things to do in Morganton and surrounding towns and places like Valdese, Connelly Springs, and others that we’ll get to shortly.
The mix of fun things to do in this mountain town is a massive part of why we love this area and keep returning for more. As you’ll see while reading this guide, there’s no way to do all this in one weekend.
That’s just why you should plan multiple trips to Burke County. And while you prepare, we think this guide will make an excellent sidekick.
If you need to find something specific in this post, we’ve organized it into the following sections:
- Where is Morganton (and Burke County)?
- Where to Stay
- Annual Events in Morganton (and Elsewhere in Burke County)
- Things to Do in Morganton This Weekend (and Throughout the Year)
- Small Towns Nearby
- Outdoor Spaces Nearby
If you live in the area and wonder, “What are the best things to do near me?” we think this guide will help you!
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Morganton area and are wondering, “What are the best things to do near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you!
Read more: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina
We love spotlighting North Carolina events and experiences for our readers. If you’d like your destination, business, or event featured here (above the rest!) or highlighted in other guides, contact us about promotion opportunities!
Learn MoreWhere is Morganton (and Burke County)?
As previously mentioned, Morganton sits in the heart of Burke County. The town is the county seat of Burke County, which borders six NC counties, including the following:
- Avery County (northwest)
- Caldwell County (north)
- Catawba County (east)
- Cleveland County (south)
- Rutherford County (south)
- McDowell County (west)
Honestly, one of our favorite things about Morganton is its location. Multiple I-40 exits will take you into Morganton, but Exit 105 is the most commonly advertised and quickest into downtown.
Morganton is a convenient trip from many of our biggest cities but it’s just about an hour from major hubs like Asheville and Charlotte. It’s also within a reasonable drive from the following places in Western and Central NC:
- Hickory (30 minutes away)
- Marion (30 minutes away)
- Blowing Rock (50 minutes away)
- Shelby (50 minutes away)
- Boone (1 hour away)
- Statesville (1 hour away)
- Wilkesboro (1 hour away)
- Banner Elk (1 hour 20 minutes away)
- Winston-Salem (1 hour 20 minutes away)
- High Point (1 hour 40 minutes away)
- Greensboro (1 hour 45 minutes away)
Many of the places mentioned below are listed in our Western North Carolina Map and our larger North Carolina Travel Map.
Read More: Day trips from Asheville
Where to Stay in Morganton
There are several hotels in Morganton and its surrounding areas, including a Hampton Inn (115 Bush Drive, Morganton, NC).
We enjoyed a cozy couple of nights downtown at Fairfield Inn & Suites (400 North Green Street, Morganton, NC), across from Fonta Flora Brewery (more below). It’s a newer property, and the suites remind me of higher-end Marriott properties in much larger cities. The free breakfast and Wi-Fi are two reasons we loved this hotel. They also have a pool for cooling off after hot days in the area, as well as some pretty comfortable rooms.
If you’re considering an Airbnb, there are a couple of nice rentals like this one on a serene farm near Morganton.
But if you want to stay somewhere closer to town, we stayed at this Carriage House Airbnb (pictured above) in Morganton during our last visit. I was able to walk into town for shopping and dining, making my trip so much easier.
Check Rental Availability in Morganton and Nearby!
Annual Events in Burke County
These annual events are all worthy of a spot on your calendar. You never know when you’ll think, “What are the best things to do in Morganton this weekend?”
Read More: 30+ Great Things to Do in Boone (Hikes, Eats, and More in App Town)
Spring and Summer
- At Paddy’s Creek inside Lake James State Park, the Dragon Boat Festival (April) raises money for breast cancer patients and mammograms. Local women organize teams to compete in dragon boat races.
- Blueberry Picking in North Carolina is a big deal during the summer, typically from June through August. Perry’s Berry’s (1136 Browning View Rd, Morganton, NC) is one of the best. They also offer semi-sweet and dry blueberry wine, so come back for a flight or a wine slushie for those hot summer days.
- Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) Concerts take over the Courthouse Square in Morganton every Friday night from May through July. Music, food, and more fun combine to make this a community staple for two-plus decades.
- The annual Waldensian Festival (August) is a mirror celebration of the “Glorious Return.” To people in Valdese and other Waldensian communities worldwide, this commemorates the Waldensians’ arrival in their native Cottian Alps of Italy.
Fall and Winter
- The annual Historic Morganton Festival, held in September, is the area’s other signature event. Here, you’ll find food, rides, arts and crafts, and music, which are just a part of why you should attend. In previous years, organizers have hosted the Sunrise Run on the Catawba River Greenway, the Student Fitness Challenge, and the Morganton Monster CrossFit Competition.
- Another exciting September event in Morganton is the Commemorative Crossing of the Catawba River. It’s a Revolutionary War Reenactment of the Overmountain Men crossing the Catawba River, typically held at Judge’s Riverside Restaurant. A festival was held afterward at the McDowell House, where the men stayed for the night in 1780.
- For Christmas, Downtown Morganton hosts the Winter Carnival & Downtown Lighting, kicking off the holiday season with a full day of festivities. Enjoy a Holiday Market featuring local crafts and goods, followed by the Winter Carnival with face painting, games, carriage rides, Santa visits, and more. The event combines holiday cheer, family fun, and opportunities to support local businesses, making it a highlight of the Morganton holiday season.
- Speaking of holiday cheer, we can’t leave out Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park, about 40 minutes from Morganton (NC Highway 181 South, Jonas Ridge, NC) and 10 minutes from Linville Falls (more below). It’s one of the best snow tubing parks in NC!
We look forward to adding more seasonal events as they appear on our radar. You can help by contacting us.
Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events)
Things to Do in Morganton NC This Weekend (and Most of the Year!)
Downtown Morganton is renowned for its shop-lined streets with always-welcome views of Table Rock and the surrounding mountains. Of course, there’s a wonderful collection of shops, restaurants, artisans, and more to explore here.
Read More: 10 Ways to Support Amazing Local Businesses in NC Today
Shopping in Downtown Morganton
You’ll find many shops to peruse, including art galleries, boutique shops, and more. Many are closed on Sundays, but most stay open throughout the rest of the weekend.
Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio
Address: 403 East Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Celebrating Modern Appalachian art, Hamilton Williams is a Burke County potter and arguably one of my favorites. His work is classically beautiful with an earthy aesthetic, and if you’re lucky, you might catch him working in his studio next to the gallery!
The gallery not only features Hamilton’s work, but also local ceramic, metal, fiber, and wood artists too. From the beautiful to the whimsical, a visit to Hamilton Williams is one of my favorite things to do in Morganton!
Merrill Mischief
Address: 105 E Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Merrill Mischief is more than just a candy store; it’s a treasure trove of nostalgia, new & trending, and the whimsical.
From the plethora of homemade freeze-dried candies (Snickers? Jolly Ranchers?!) to award-winning fudge with unique flavors, there is something sweet for just about anyone. It’s quirky, cute, and definitely delicious!
The candy-themed adventure starts the moment you walk in, and by the time you get to the back, where the fudge is, you’re likely to have an armful of goodies. Merrill Mischief might be my new favorite shop in downtown Morganton!
Morganton General Store
Address: 116 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Facebook Page
Morganton General Store is a true “general store,” which has pretty much everything a person would need.
Full of unique North Carolina products and fun gifts, this is an excellent place for shopping in Morganton! They also have food available upstairs at Swede’s Cafe, which we’ll mention shortly when discussing restaurants in Morganton.
Thistle & Twig
Address: 304 South Sterling St, Suite 102, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Thistle & Twig is a full-service florist with a stunning display of plants, gifts, and artful knick-knacks. I really think that a book from Thornwell (see next) and a plant from Thistle & Twig might just solve my problems…
Thornwell Books
Address: 202 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
The first place I always stop in a new town is the local bookstore. It’s always a good way to check out any upcoming events, local history, and usually a great place to get some recommendations on things to do.
Thornwell Books is one of the most aesthetically pleasing bookstores in North Carolina. The bright natural light and the hidden second floor, full of cozy reading spots, make me feel right at home.
Viva la Vintage
Address: 120 N Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Official Facebook Page
Viva la Vintage Looking for something out of the ordinary? Something that feels familiar but definitely not mainstream?
Viva la Vintage will have you reliving the good ole days with its great curated selection of records, VHS, and vintage clothes.
And the best part? It is all really affordable. Make sure to go all the way to the back for the board games and cameras!
West Union Art Studios
Address: 113 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Morganton has a wonderful arts community, and one of the best places to learn more about it is at West Union Art Studios. Since November 2014, West Union Art Studios has been the central hub for art in downtown Morganton.
The gallery has open studio space and provides a place for lessons (including music!). Find a list of the current artists at West Union Art Studios here.
Eat at These Restaurants in Morganton
Burke County is full of delicious options, and we’ll be getting those we love from the surrounding towns shortly. Here are a few of our favorite Morganton restaurants, but we also suggest you check out our article 30+ Morganton Restaurants here.
Blue 42’s Burger Bar
Address: 831 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
One of my favorite things about Blue 42’s is the menu, as it’s mostly sports-themed. You’ll even notice that they source names and nicknames from colleges in North Carolina. The Yolksef and Carolina Blue burgers are two fun examples.
I personally appreciate clever marketing, but also love the delicious (and affordable) food coming out of this place. It’s cozy inside, so grab a beer (or a non-alcoholic drink), kick back, and enjoy while you wait for your meal.
The Grind Café
Address: 136 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Website
The Grind Café is a relaxing spot to start your day in Morganton, with coffee and breakfast from its extensive menu.
Along with breakfast, The Grind Café also has a lunch menu and a Saturday-only brunch menu.
Whether you’re stopping for just a drink or digging in for a burrito or a quiche, or you want to spend some time in this dynamic space, this café has something for everyone.
Read More: 20 of the Best Day Trips from Boone (Within a 2-Hour Drive)
Little Guatemala
Address: 810 E Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Morganton is home to a vibrant Guatemalan community, and one of the most unique places to eat in Morganton is Little Guatemala.
While the food is a major draw, the space offers much more than just a restaurant. Visitors can explore authentic Guatemalan coffee and chocolate, browse beautifully crafted artisan goods, and even catch a soccer game on the indoor or outdoor field.
Start the morning with a satisfying Guatemalan-style breakfast, stop in for a lunch of handmade pupusas, or round out the meal with a variety of flavorful sides and snacks.
Whether you come for the flavors, the culture, or the sense of community, Little Guatemala is a place where Morganton’s Guatemalan roots are celebrated and shared with everyone.
Treat
Address: 100 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Official Website
If you’re searching for the perfect date night spot in Morganton, look no further than Treat. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the restaurant’s cozy ambiance—complete with twinkle lights and intimate, tucked-away tables—creates an atmosphere that practically invites lingering conversations over a memorable meal.
The menu offers something for every palate. You’ll find comforting classics like Chicken Parmesan or Fish and Chips, as well as chef-driven specialties that encourage a bit of culinary adventure.
Standouts include the Mediterranean salmon, drizzled with a bright lemon basil cream, and the bold, flavorful green curry with just the right kick of spice.
To round out the experience, Treat serves an imaginative lineup of cocktails. On my last visit, I ordered the lemon pie martini, topped with a perfectly toasted meringue – it was equal parts drink and dessert, and an absolute delight.
Morganton Breweries and Taprooms
There are two breweries in downtown Morganton, although two others have come and gone in recent years.
- Catawba Brewing was one of the original breweries in North Carolina that we highlighted. Sadly, they have moved out of Morganton to a Bayou state that will not be named. Okay, it’s Louisiana.
- After Catawba left, Hillman Beer from Old Fort and Asheville moved into a now-vacated space across the street. In 2025, they also left Morganton, but there are some amazing spaces that remain!
Fonta Flora Brewery
Downtown Morganton Address: 317 N Green St, Morganton, NC
Whipporrwill Farm Address: 6751 NC-126, Nebo, NC
Official Website
Fonta Flora Brewery sits inside a refurbished flatiron building on the northern end of Green St in downtown—step inside, and you’ll discover that there’s more to it than just a pretty exterior.
Their beers pay homage to the area, with Lake James Life (lager), Nebo Pilsner, and Double Hop Beard (double IPA) headlining a list of tasty varieties.
We also highly recommend you drive out to Fonta Flora’s Whippoorwill Farm location for one of the best brewery views in North Carolina! The farm sits on 9 acres of land around Lake James and is a North Carolina destination all on its own.
Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Sidetracked Brewery
Address: 609 S Green St, Morganton, NC
Official Facebook Page
You’ll likely pass Sidetracked first when driving into Morganton, and we highly recommend a stop. Located next to the 1916 Morganton Railroad Depot and Museum, their beers are named with trains in mind.
Sidetrack’s Bessemer Process (Pale Ale) and Thomas the Dank Engine (Hazy IPA) are two very nice examples.
An overall “community” vibe permeates this wonderful space, and we’ve (responsibly) shared many beers with locals here on weeknights and weekends.
Read More: The NC Museum of History in Raleigh (+7 Things We Love About It!)
Brown Mountain Bottleworks
Address: 115 E Union St #3447, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Brown Mountain Bottleworks has a nice selection of regional (and beyond) beers on tap and serves as one of the most popular local watering holes.
As a self-prescribed North Carolina beer geek, I can affirm that Brown Mountain Bottleworks has a great selection. Not only do they carry a variety of NC breweries, but also a range of sours, stouts, and ales beyond the typical lagers and IPAs.
Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Homer’s
Address: 113 East Union Street Morganton, NC
Official Facebook Page
Homer’s is a great cocktail bar next to Brown Mountain Bottleworks. At this Morganton fixture, you can soak up your spirits (drink responsibly) with snacks made from locally sourced foods.
Morganton Wineries
Silver Fork Winery
Address: 5000 State Rd 1133, Morganton, NC
Official Website
Technically still in Morganton, Silver Fork Winery is about 20 minutes away from downtown. Once you arrive, you’ll realize that every minute is worth the view that awaits.
You can tour the vineyard and winery, enjoy a tasting, and buy a glass (or bottle) to join your seat or picnic outside. It’s possibly one of the most gorgeously set wineries in North Carolina, and we will definitely be back for more.
Read More: 20 Awesome Wineries near Charlotte (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Greenways
Some of Morganton’s favorite parks were Closed Due to Hurricane Helene Damage, but have begun reopening. (More Info)
When they fully reopen, the below description is what you can expect.
There are some pretty rugged spots to enjoy in Burke County, but Morganton’s Greenway System is there for folks seeking flatter paths. This includes the 3.8-mile Catawba River Greenway, with five access points.
A shorter 0.6-mile Freedom Trail Greenway is accessible via Freedom Park off Independence Blvd and feeds into the Catawba River Greenway.
Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)
Things to Do Near Morganton
These small towns and outdoor spaces near Morganton will keep you coming back. They’ve certainly worked their magic on us!
Small Towns Nearby
Connelly Springs and Valdese are the perfect complement to Morganton and we start with the former when explaining why!
Connelly Springs
Connelly Springs is relatively new, considering it was reincorporated in 1989. However, the town was long renowned for its mineral springs, which were used to treat various diseases.
South Mountain Distilling Company
Address: 1027 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC
Website
Today, this town’s water is used by South Mountain Distilling Company, one of our favorite spirit-makers. I recommend a visit for a tour and tasting so that you can see the legacy of David Friedenberg (also known as The Doctor of Moonshine) at work.
JD’s Smokehouse
Address: 500 Malcolm Blvd, Rutherford College, NC
Gamewell Address: 2731 Morganton Blvd. SW, Lenoir, NC
Website
JD’s Smokehouse is just down the road from Connelly Springs (in Rutherford College), but we thought it’d fit in here.
Also, their barbecue doesn’t fall under traditional Eastern- or Western-style (aka Lexington-style), this place puts out some of the tastiest barbecues we’ve enjoyed in North Carolina. Choose any of their wood-smoked meats, and you’ll come away wishing this place were closer to home.
Either bring three friends or family members so you can sample them all. Personally, I’d opt for brisket if my life depended on it.
Valdese
Valdese is an interesting town mentioned in the annual events section. The downtown is packed with shops and restaurants, including:
- Restaurants
- Highlands Butchery (205 Rodoret St North, Valdese, NC)
- Mountain Burrito
- Morganton Location: 408 West Fleming Dr., Morganton, NC
- Valdese Location: 149 Main Street West Valdese, NC
- Myra’s (212 Main St W, Valdese, NC)
- Shops
- Play it Again Records (150 Main St W, Valdese, NC)
McGalliard Falls
Address: 1400 Falls Rd, Valdese, NC
McGalliard Falls is one of Burke County’s best hidden gems! This 45-foot waterfall is tucked away in Valdese and features a historic Melter Grist Mill as a backdrop to the shallow pool.
The park has a volleyball court, picnic shelter, and restrooms, and the walk to the base of the falls is short from the parking lot.
Valdese Lakeside Park
Address: 1149 Lake Rhodhiss Drive NE, Valdese, NC
From McGalliard Falls, visitors can access Valdese Lakeside Park. This park spans 300 acres and is situated along the shore of Lake Rhodhiss, featuring a fun suspension bridge. The hike is a gentle two miles (one way) from McGalliard Falls to Lake Rhodhiss Park, offering a beautiful view of Table Rock.
More Outdoor Spaces Near Morganton
The Catawba River Greenway, McGalliard Falls, and Valdese Lakeside Park are a few great outdoor options in the area. Morganton and its neighbors are blessed with some American and North Carolina icons that receive millions of visitors each year!
We start with America’s most famous drive, which you can access near Morganton!
Blue Ridge Parkway Stops Near Morganton
It’s really unfair (did I say that out loud?) how many public spaces exist for us to explore in Burke County. They’re either National Parks Service units maintained by the US Forest Service or the State of North Carolina.
The Blue Ridge Parkway only runs through the northern edges of Burke County. However, you can hop on it and head to some of the iconic road’s nicest views.
When the damage from Hurricane Helene is repaired, you can head south to Chestoa View Overlook (MP 320) and the Crabtree Falls trailhead (MP 339).
Or you can head north toward Grandfather Mountain Overlook (MP 306), Beacon Heights (305), and the epic Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304). A junction with US-221 will take you to Blowing Rock or Linville, with the Grandfather Mountain attraction in between!
Read More: North Carolina Road Trips
Fonta Flora State Trail
The Fonta Flora State Trail will eventually connect Morganton and Asheville if you’re seeking something longer and more diverse terrain. You can currently hike or bike about 15 miles of the planned 100 miles of this trail.
Finished parts of the trail sit outside downtown Morganton and around parts of Lake James, which we’ll mention below.
Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park is popular for boating and fishing, with much of its 150 miles of shoreline unoccupied by rentals.
You can also hike or mountain bike around Lake James, as we did while on the Fonta Flora Trail from the Linville Boat Access. There’s a nice covered bridge about a half-mile from there, and you can continue on for about 5 miles to another trailhead that’s also off NC-126.
Three camping areas also sit inside the state park for folks who want to come and have a longer, more enjoyable visit.
Read More: 25+ Great Lakes in North Carolina (+ Our Top 5 Picks)
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Commonly referred to as “the US Forest Service manages the Gorge,” Linville Gorge Wilderness Area as part of Pisgah National Forest. Its difficult-to-navigate terrain and protection from industrial logging have helped the area’s old-growth forests remain intact.
Here are a few areas inside the Gorge that we know you’ll want to visit. Each takes between 45 minutes and one hour to reach from Morganton.
Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List
Hawksbill Mountain
The Hawksbill Mountain trail is the first of two we’ll mention on State Rd 1265, also known as Table Rock Rd. After 3.5 miles of driving on that road, you’ll be treated to a short 1.5-mile hike to and from your car.
In between that, you’ll climb about 700 feet in elevation. However, at the top, you might forget about all that with the views of Linville Gorge that await.
Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina
Linville Falls
Linville Falls is one of North Carolina’s most iconic waterfalls. Plunging into the gorge below, this North Carolina waterfall is one of the most popular and accessible to most.
Enjoy views of the falls via the Erwin’s View Trail (1.6 miles round trip) or Chimney View for a breathtaking experience.
Note: Due to Hurricane Helene and repairs on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls is only accessible via the US Forest Service Gravel Parking Lot (August 8, 2025). Chimney View, Erwin’s View, and Gorge View trails are accessible.
Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
Table Rock Mountain
You can group Table Rock with Hawksbill, as they are located on the same road. It’s another five miles to reach Table Rock Mountain, and the road has several bumps along the way.
The hike is sometimes steep and 2.2 miles round-trip. You’ll be treated to views of the Gorge from the top. Table Rock is also popular for rock climbing.
Note: Some sections of this road close from January to March.
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
Wiseman’s View
Wiseman’s View is the easiest Linville Gorge hike that we’ll mention. It’s actually a relatively short walk (0.2 miles), and the path is wheelchair-accessible. To reach the trailhead, you’ll drive up the curvy Kistler Memorial Highway (SR 1238 or old NC-105).
The upper viewing area (accessible) and east-facing platform (steps) provide some of the most beautiful views you’ll find of North Carolina’s mountains, and the unusual Brown Mountain lights.
Read More: The Best Hiking trails near Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk
Bonus Linville Gorge Meal: Famous Louise’s
You can group Linville Falls and Wiseman’s View. Before and/or after driving to those two hikes, I recommend a meal at Famous Louise’s Rock House.
Its down-home cookin’ is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is situated on three county lines (including Burke). There are signs inside indicating which one you’ll be seated in.
Read More: 4 National Forests in NC (Things to Do + Why We Love Them!)
South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park hosts some wonderful scenery that earns it some street cred among the popular parks in Western North Carolina. There are trails perfect for hiking, horses, and mountain bikes.
There’s also the 80-foot High Shoals Falls (currently closed), reachable after a mile hike that starts steady but goes nearly straight up near the end. You’ll also enjoy the streams to stroll by and abundant picnic spots inside this park.
Ready for these Fun Things to Do in Morganton and Burke County?
Consider this guide a challenge, but as we mentioned, don’t expect to pull it off in one weekend. Consider this list of things to do in Morganton and Burke County, a collection of memories you will create over many visits.
Have you ever visited this awesome part of North Carolina? If so, we’d love to know your favorite things to do. For newcomers, we would like to see what you plan to do first upon arrival.
Let us know in the comments or by email. Don’t forget to share your Morganton, NC, things to do in our Facebook Group!
More Things to Do Around Morganton and Burke County
We’ve created many more NC Travel Guides that cover the best things to do in Morganton and Burke County. Here are a few of them.
