Western North Carolina Visitor's Guide to Burke County and surrounding areas

Western North Carolina is a combination of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, history, and unique shopping opportunities. Renowned as a great place to live, because of its temperate climate, many activities, and low taxes. (Morganton, NC was voted as one of the top 10 places in the nation to raise a family, Readers Digest, May 1997.) It is also a wonderful place to visit. There are many things to see, and do, in our area. From outdoor sports, to museums, art galleries, antique shops, furniture outlets, restaurants, fine inns and bed & breakfasts. On this page we would like to present some suggestions and give you a taste of what our region has to offer. Many of the attractions will have links to their pages, just click on the link or picture if available. Most of these attractions are within an hours drive of our shop.

In Asheville, North Carolina be sure and visit the beautiful Biltmore Estate. America's largest private residence. Tours of the Biltmore House and its associated winery are a great way to spend the day. Biltmore Estates

A ride on Tweetsie Railroad, and a visit to the Tweetsie Theme park is a fun activity for the whole family. Tweetsie is located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock, both an attraction and a town. Beautiful views, antiques, crafts, and gifts in the town. Lodging, restaurants, and shopping are the highlights. Excellent Art in the Park festivals during the summer months.

Linville Caverns. North Carolina's only caverns. Unique views of the inside of a cave system. Between Marion and Linville, North Carolina.

Chimney Rock Park Famous in postcards. Be sure and visit for beautiful scenic view, enjoyable activities. South East of Asheville. North Carolina

Grandfather Mountain Natural scenic beauty, animals, activities and much more. Home of the annual Highland games. (828)-733-2013

A good way to visit parts of our area is to take a drive along the scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Old Burke County Courthouse Located in downtown Morganton, built in the 1840s. summer seat of the North Carolina supreme court 1848-1861. Restored, now houses a museum and the Burke County Travel & Tourism Commission. Be sure and visit them for maps, brochures, and more information on our area. Visit their website at www.discoverburkecounty.com, or call them at (888)-462-2921.

Quaker Meadows Plantation and Cemetery built in 1812 and now restored. Land was settled in the 1760s. The overmountain men camped on the grounds on the way to their victory at King's Mountain (828)-437-4104

Waldensian Museum Valdese, North Carolina. A presentation of the history of the Waldensians who settled in our area over a 100 years ago. (828)-874-2531

Trail of Faith Valdese, North Carolina The story of the Waldensians in North Carolina told through exhibits, museums, and the From This Day Forward Outdoor Drama (800)-635-4778 for the Trail of Faith and (800)-743-8398 From This Day Forward. Trail of Faith open year round. From this Day Forward, last two weeks of July, first two weeks of August.

Table Rock State Fish Hatchery north of Morganton, NC. Very interesting tours, pretty scenery, and all the fish you can dream about! Great place to take the kids. (828)-437-3977

Chambers of Commerce are great resources for getting vacation information about areas you would like to visit. Here are some area chambers to contact:

Drexel Grapevine Antiques Drexel, North Carolina. Exit 107 off I-40. Sponsor of this page. Pottery, China, Glassware, militaria, postcards, linen, antique fishing tackle and much more. (828)-437-5938 or e-mail: Click Here to e-mail

Cornerstone Antiques Downtown Valdese, NC. 100 Main Street West. (828)-874-0175

Hawkins' Antiques Old country store collectibles, furniture, advertising, sporting collectibles, juke boxes, coin-ops and more. Valdese, NC Exit 112 off I-40 (828)-874-2298

The Exhausted Rooster Antiques& Collectibles Mall - 1903 S. Sterling Street (Hwy 18), Morganton. Exit 105 off I-40. Tuesday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 1-5. (828)-438-8899

Backwoods Antiques - Furniture, glassware, china, and more. Country items. 6 miles South of Morganton, NC. Exit 105 off I-40 (828)-437-0494

Apple Annie's - 800 Carbon City Road, Morganton, NC Just off of Hwy 70. Take Exit 100 I-40, Jamestown Rd. Go North to Hwy 70 then left, about 1 mile on right. Antiques, Country Furniture, and Gifts. Weds, Thurs,, Sat. 10-5, Fri. 10-7. (828)-584-2215

www.shoppemorganton.com A unique Gift Shoppe downtown Morganton ( 108 N Sterling St ) owned by Monica and Dianna. We give items destined for the landfill NEW life! We have antiques, rare finds, vintage items, Blue Ridge pottery, Fresh Baked Breads, Local Wines. We offer a large selection of jewelry hand made by the Enola Group (www.enolagroup.org ) as well as their pottery. Stop by and see what’s new…… nothing lasts for more then a few days!! OPEN Thursday- Saturday 11-5 – 828-221-1444

The Old Mill Antiques Multi dealer Mall. Housed in the same building as Foothills Wineworx winery. 204 East Main Street Us Highway 70 Glen Alpine, NC Two miles from exit 100 on Interstate 40 (828)-584-4550

Serendipity Antiques Lawndale, NC Advertising, glassware, furniture, pottery and more. (828)-538-0310

Spake's Antiques Furniture, pottery, collectibles, china, glass, advertising, and more. Vale, NC 15 miles south of Morganton. Exit 105 off I -40 (828)-276-1676

Hickory Antiques Mall Multi dealer mall. Hickory, NC Exit 123 off I-40 to Hwy 70, right, 348 Hwy 70 SW. 15,000 square feet, 80 booths. (828)-322-4004

Barter Shop Antiques and collectibles Conover, NC Exit 131 off I-40 (828)-464-9630

Westmoreland Antique Mall Multi dealer mall. Statesville, NC Exit 150 off I-40 (704)-871-1896

Timeless Treasures antiques and collectibles Connelly Springs Road, Lenoir, NC (828)-757-7991

Yesteryears (Hudson) Antiques and collectibles. Come browse in a 1904 three stories building filled with a collection of: Furniture, old tools, glassware, kerosene lamps, and much much more. 538 Central Street Hudson, NC. (US Highway 321-A) (828)-728-3161

Timeless Treasures Antique Mall - Multi dealer mall. Arts, antiques, crafts and more. Boone, NC (828)-262-1957

Appalachian Antique Mall - Three floors, 16,000 square feet, multi dealer mall. Boone, NC Downtown, across from the Mast General Store. (828)-268-9988 Watch for the Drexel Grapevine Antiques booths.

Staffordshire Antiques Foscoe, NC English furniture and antiques (828)-963-4274

There are many individual shops in the Black Mountain area. Several malls as well.

There are dozens of individual shops around Asheville, more than enough to fill several days of antique shopping.

Our area is one of the furniture manufacturing centers of the nation. Furniture stores, outlet, and galleries abound.

Catawba Furniture Mall Experience the Difference at Hickory, North Carolina’s most unique furniture shopping destination. Discover over 8-acres of home furnishings and accessories is only the beginning. Casually browse in a relaxed atmosphere, where service is a priority. Discover unique specialty shops that offer a wide selection of fine wines and luxurious bed and bath linens. With hundreds of brand line to choose from, you are sure to find the look you want. Open to the public Monday - Saturday 10am -7pm. Closed on Sunday except for special events.828-324-9701, or 800-789-0686

Hickory Furniture Mart Hickory Furniture Mart presents the finest of North Carolina furniture, together with select furnishings and accessories from all over the world. With over twenty acres of idea-rich show rooms, galleries and factory outlets, the Mart is the largest of its kind on the East Coast. You'll find over 1000 lines of furniture and other items for the home at attractively discounted prices. You can buy furniture, lighting fixtures, window coverings, art and antiques under one roof! 800-462-MART or 828-322-3510

Tanger Shops on the Parkway 32 different outlet shops. Hwy. 321 Blowing Rock (828)-295-4444

The Grove Park Inn Asheville, North Carolina. The areas finest resort hotel. Excellent restaurants, golf, and so much more. All in the beautiful resort setting of the North Carolina Mountains. Add the history and splendor of the inns main building and you have an unbeatable combination. 1-800-438-5800

Broyhill Inn and Convention Center Boone, North Carolina Owned and operated by Appalachian State University, the Broyhill Inn offers excellent views, nice accommodations. The Commons Restaurant is a great place to eat and offers one of the best Sunday Brunches in the area ((828)-262-2204 or (800)-489-6099

Hampton Inn Morganton, North Carolina. "Located off of I-40, Exit 105, and is within a short drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, and some of North Carolina's finest ski slopes. Morganton's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Districts and includes the Old Burke County Courthouse, built in 1833." (828)-432-2000 hotel operator or (800)-426-7866 reservations.

Crown Plaza, Hickory, North Carolina. Convention center, indoor pool, and an excellent restaurant. More like a fine resort Hotel. (828)323-1000

South Mountain Resort 17 miles south of Morganton, North Carolina Beautiful accommodations, restaurant, Horseback riding, Golf Course. Adjoins the South Mountains State Park. (800)-693-6365

Leatherwoods Mountain Resort (877)-736-8686 Between Lenoir and Wilkesboro. Rental homes, stables, miles of riding trails, riding lessons, cute Restaurant, nestled in a beautiful mountain valley.

Indian Creek Ridge Cabin Rentals North of Asheville in Erwin Tennessee. Handicapped accessible. Near Wolf laurel Ski Resort. Many unique shops are located in Erwin. Antiquing, sightseeing, and much more. (423)-743-8000 IndCrkRidge@aol.com

Asheville North Carolina Cabin Vacations Luxurious antique cabin vacation rentals located in the mountains of Western North Carolina just 10 minutes from the Asheville City center and Biltmore Estate.

Halle House Bed & Breakfast "Stay at Halle House Bed and Breakfast (pronounced "holly") on your next visit to the Hickory / Lenoir area, for a relaxing treat you won't soon forget. Whether you join us for business or pleasure, you're sure to enjoy your stay." Granite Falls North Carolina. Toll Free (888)-256-0745 info@hallehouse.com

Lovill House Inn The ultimate in comfort and heartfelt hospitality await your visit to our picturesque Bed and Breakfast in Boone, North Carolina, the heart of the High Country Mountains. Built in 1875 by Captain E.F. Lovill, a Civil War hero and State senator, the Lovill House Inn is rich in family and community history. Careful restoration has preserved the charm of this historic farm house. AAA Four Diamond Award winner. (828) 264-4204 Reservations: (800) 849-9466.

www.mtnlodgingreservations.com Mountain Lodging Reservation Services is your guide to quaint Smoky Mountain Accommodations. Specializing in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Country Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, and more.

Canyons of the Blue Ridge Bar and Grill. Unbeatable food, view, and prices. Something for everyone from nightly fine dining specials, to really good Southwestern dishes, sandwiches of many types, salads, Vegetarian Specialties as well. Full bar, good selection of beer and wine. On a clear day, from the bar, dining room, or outside porch you can see a beautiful vista of Grandfather Mountain, Mt. Mitchell, Table Rock, and other mountains. Beautiful in winter as well. You will get a mix of everyone from locals, motorcyclists, college students, , and others. One of my favorite restaurants. They never disappoint. Lunch and dinner. Jazz brunch on Sundays. Live music many weekend night plus the Jazz Brunch on Sunday. Free WiFi. Open everyday 11 am until. Canyons 8960 US Highway 321 Blowing Rock, North Carolina. (828)-295-7661

Camping is available at most of the areas State parks. There are also many private campgrounds offering full hook ups as well as recreation and other services.

Indian Springs Campground RV Park located on Henry River in the Foothills of North Carolina. Easy access, only one mile off Interstate 40 (Exit 119) in Hickory. Close to The Hickory Furniture Mart, Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory Motor Speedway, Henry Fork Park, Shopping, Dinning and much more. (828) 397-5700

Ski Beech 14 slopes, outdoor skating rink, inner tubing. Beech Mountain, NC. Snow Report 800-438-2093. Information 828-387-2011.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. 18 slopes, 1,200' vertical drop, snow board park. Full snow making capability. Banner Elk, NC. 828-898-4521.

Appalachian Ski Mountain 9 slopes, 365' vertical drop, full snow making capability, outdoor skating rink. Blowing Rock, NC. Snow Report 828-295-7828.

Hawksnest Ski Resort 14 slopes, 669' vertical drop, snow board park, full snow making capability. 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils in Banner Elk, NC. 828-963-6561.

Wolf Laurel Ski Resort 27 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina off Highway 23 North. Just follow the signs through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Summer activities as well. (828) 689-4111 or (800) 817-4111

Cross-Country Skiing- Trails at Moses Cone Park, Price Park, Beech Mountain, Roan Mountain State Park, other locations on the parkway.

There are thousands of miles of hiking trails in the Western North Carolina region including part of the Appalachian Trail. many miles of Mountain Biking paths as well.

Hundreds of miles of mountain rivers are open to fishing, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Many outfitters specialize in day trips.

Western North Carolina has excellent warm water fishing as well as the mountain trout fishing it is best known for. Guides are available for most mountain streams. Rental boats are available for many lakes. Non resident licenses three day licenses are reasonable, and available at most tackle shops, and many other locations.

The following site has maps to all North Carolina trout streams and has all the regulations & licensing information and over 60 pages of fly fishing North Carolina information: Fly Fishing North Carolina

Hunting is available both on State managed game lands, and on private shooting preserves. Wild Turkey, Deer, Bear, Boar, and small game are abundant. Maps are available from the Wildlife Department. Licenses are available at most tackle and gun shops. Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet are available at some resorts and shooting clubs.

North Carolina has a wonderful, award winning, wildlife and nature magazine called Wildlife in North Carolina, it is published by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources commission and features the wildlife of the state, fishing, hunting, and just observing nature. Beautiful nature photography, and excellent writing. Click Here to Subscribe.

Bear Creek Marina North Western Corner of Lake James, near Marion, NC. Gas, docking slips, marina store with supplies. Very nice Bar and Restaurant, Bullfrog Bar & Grill, Great food and beverages. Full Bar, beer, wine. Outside, and inside, seating, huge decks. Live music some evenings. RV hookups, camping, Cabin Rentals. Tennis Courts. Map (Seasonal)

Hawksnest Resort. Located in Foscoe, North Carolina just north of Boone. 18 Hole, Par 72. elevation of 4800ft. Beautiful and challenging course. 888-429-5763

South Mountain Golf Course located 17 miles south of Morganton, North Carolina 18 holes. pro shop, putting green, restaurant (828)-433-4950

Quaker Meadows 18 hole, and 9 hole par 3 courses. Pro shop, driving range, putting green, and restaurant (828)-437-2677

Orchard Hills 18 hole. Located Between Lenoir and Rutherford College North Carolina. Pro shop, putting green. (828)-728-3560

Poco Rhythm Ranch (828)-433-4772. If you have your own horse, there are miles of Horse trails in South Mountains State Park (828)-433-4772

Leatherwoods Mountain Resort (877)-736-8686 Between Lenoir and Wilkesboro. Rental homes, stables, miles of riding trails, riding lessons, cute Restaurant, nestled in a beautiful mountain valley.

Lake James State Park One of North Carolina's newest parks. Fishing, swimming, boating and much more. New expansion opening soon with more camping spaces, and much more. Near Morganton, North Carolina.

South Mountains State Park Near Morganton North Carolina. Fishing, hiking, horse trails, and beautiful Scenery (828)-433-4772

Pisgah National Forest Scenic beauty abounds on the 12,002 acres of this park. The Linville River runs through the park with fishing and rafting. Beautiful Linville Falls are found there as well. (828)-652-2144

Waldensian Museum Valdese, North Carolina. A presentation of the history of the Waldensians who settled in our area over a 100 years ago. (828)-874-2531

Valdese: Waldensian Festival Second Saturday in August. Food, music, cultural events, and more!

Morganton: Historic Morganton Festival Sept. 8, 9, 10. Arts & Crafts,, Antiques, Music, Cultural Events and much more.

Vale: Burlon Craig Pottery Festiva "Burlon Craig Fest Pottery Festival is held every year at the Craig Home Place in Vale, NC. It is sponsored by Don and Dwayne Craig (Burlon Craig's Son and Grandson) and friends. The festival is a celebration of Burlon Craig's tradition of pottery in Catawba Valley, N.C. The Craig kiln will be fired on the day of the festival. "

North Carolina has been home to a pottery industry since colonial times. There are many potteries in the eastern part of the state around Seagrove. These include the famous Jugtown Pottery, Owen's Potteries, and many more. There were potteries in Old Salem and Bethabarbara near Winston Salem in the 1700s. There were also many potters who concentrated in our area, the Catawba Valley, since before the Civil War. There are many traditional folks potters working in the Catawba Valley region today. Their style of pottery in fact is called Catawba Valley pottery. Today there are dozens of local folks potters located in Lenoir, Hickory, Morganton and Vale North Carolina. The Catawba Valley is known as one of the Folk pottery centers of the nation. More than a dozen potters throw traditional alkaline glazed wares. The pottery region runs from art potters in Asheville, to the Folk potters of Vale, Conover and Hickory. Many potters sell from their shops, some on a day to day basis, some when they open a new kiln. Pottery has been made here since the 1700s.

Burlon Craig was perhaps the best known of the North Carolina Southern Folk potters. Mr. Craig has passed, but his memory and influence on North Carolina pottery will always remain.

Steve Abee, Charles Lisk, Kim Ellington, Albert Hodge, Joe Rhinehardt, Michelle Flowers, Ben Allman, Walter Fleming, Ray Hicks, Richard Kale, Bolick Pottery, and many others all have potteries in the area.

Burlon Craig Pottery Festival Saturday, October "Burlon Craig Fest Pottery Festival is held every year at the Craig Home Place in Vale, NC. It is sponsored by Don and Dwayne Craig (Burlon Craig's Son and Grandson) and friends. The festival is a celebration of Burlon Craig's tradition of pottery in Catawba Valley, N.C. The Craig kiln will be fired on the day of the festival. "

M.D. Flowers Pottery Michelle Flowers' pottery is located in Nebo, North Carolina, just to the west of Morganton. Nebo, N.C. 28761 Phone: 828-584-9966 E-mail mdflowers@vistatech.net

Jeff Young Pottery "Jeff Young lives in Vale, N.C. - an area known as the Catawba Valley Pottery region. He produces wood fired folk pottery. His traditional line of pottery uses hand dug clay, ash glazes and are fired in a wood kiln. His alkaline glaze is a combination of wood ash, glass, and clay. It is a more intense and time consuming process but produces a truly unique and authentic folk style of pottery." Vale, North Carolina.

There are many additional potteries in this area that I don't have a website for. Visit my shop, or contact me, and I will be happy to tell you about the other potters in this area. Most of the potters will also be glad to refer you to other potteries in their area.

Drexel Grapevine Antiques carries both old and new Southern Pottery, Catawba Valley as well as pottery from the Seagrove area.

"Cotton" Ketchie is an award winning artist from Mooresville, NC. He and his wife, Vikie, own and operate Landmark Galleries in Mooresville which showcases his art. Pottery from local artists, as well as decoy carvings are also available. (800)-842-8604 or (704)-664-4122

Don Balke Wildlife Art Noted wildlife artist, studios and gallery in Nebo, North Carolina, (828)-652-2703. E-mail. I am fortunate enough to own some of Don's paintings and prints. Absolutely beautiful depictions of wildlife.

Pamela's Art Studio Pamela Smith, 10 Park Square, Granite Falls, NC 28630. North Carolina murals, and painting. (828)-396-3003 e-mail

Burke Arts Council Gift shop, gallery. Showcasing local artists in many types of media. (828)-433-7282

Old Rock School House Valdese, North Carolina. show cases plays by the Old Colony Players other theater groups, music, and more. Rock School Art Gallery is there as well. (828)-879-2129

From This Day Forward The story of the Waldensians and their immigration to the New World, and their settlement in Valdese, NC. Seasonal play. Put on by the Old Colony players who also do other plays in the Old Rock School auditorium in Valdese throughout the year.

CoMMA Morganton, North Carolina municipal auditorium. theater, music, dance, and more. (800)-939-7469

Horn in the West - Horn in the West drama is performed in Boone North Carolina at one of the most beautiful outdoor theatres. Horn in the West is great entertainment to share with family. Highlighting the story of the nation’s first settlers to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this drama is enjoyed by children and adults alike. June through August - Located in Boone, NC, (828)-264-2120

Waldensian Heritage Wines Villar Vintners of Valdese, North Carolina. Open for tours year round. Tasting opportunities as well. (828)-879-3202

Foothills Wineworx 204 East Main Street Highway 70 Glen Alpine, North Carolina. Various varieties. Closed Monday. (828)-584-4551

Appalachian State University is a four year State university with graduate programs in many areas. Football, Basketball, Baseball, and other sports. Boone, North Carolina

Lenoir-Rhyne College Hickory, North Carolina. Four Year, private, most academic and athletic programs.

Montreat College Four year, liberal arts, private Christian school, near Asheville North Carolina

A good way to cap off a tour of our area is to take a drive along the scenic miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway

U.S. Highway 70 runs the length of North Carolina. It was once known as the "Broadway of America" as it was a major coast to coast route, before the development of the interstate highway system. Here, on the east coast, Highway 70 dead ends into a pier in Atlantic, North Carolina, where quaint shrimp boats dock. To the west it once ended in downtown Los Angeles, California, but it now ends in Globe, Arizona. If you travel this route, be sure to visit: Drexel Grapevine Antiques just west of Drexel, NC on Highway 70.

Our region is within short driving distance of the major metropolitan area of Charlotte, North Carolina, yet is far enough away to get out of the crowds and traffic. Carowinds Theme Park , Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Carolina Panthers Football and Charlotte Motor Speedway are less than an hour away. Nascar and other types of racing are big in our area. Besides Charlotte, Hickory Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro and Rockingham Speedway are within short driving distance. The Vantage Seniors Golf tournament is held less than an hour away at Tanglewood Country Club. the Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament is less then an hour and a half away.

The following link is to the official North Carolina Travel guide from the Travel and Tourism, NC Department of Commerce:

For the North Carolina State Government Information website, click on the picture or link below:

www.morgantondeals.com
Savings, information, and etc. on Morganton, NC businesses.

Asheville NC Information Guide
Asheville area movies, events, attractions, weather, and more.

Burke County Chamber of Commerce	Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce
Burke County Travel & Tourism Commission	Boone Chamber of Commerce
Virtual Valdese (Valdese N.C. Tourism)	McDowell County Chamber of Commerce
Asheville Chamber of Commerce	Mountain Treasures - McDowell Visitor's Guide
Hickory government Web page