Carly's Morganton Guidebook
Hiking
One of the best and closest gorge hikes from town that also provides constant and epic views is Shortoff Mountain. Pick up a good map at the local outfitter CBS Sports before striking out and head to the end of Wolfpit Rd. off of Hwy.126 to find the trailhead.
When you get to the parking lot the right side goes up Table Rock and the left side goes out to the “chimneys” beautiful rock formations with an overview into Linville
Gorge.
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Table Rock Mountain
When you get to the parking lot the right side goes up Table Rock and the left side goes out to the “chimneys” beautiful rock formations with an overview into Linville
Gorge.
Upper Creek Falls
6118 Wind Song LnTrail on the way to table rock. Combine for a full day of hiking.
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Hawksbill Mountain Trail Head
Trail on the way to table rock. Combine for a full day of hiking.
One of the best and closest gorge hikes from town.
https://www.romanticasheville.com/shortoff_mountain.htm
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Shortoff Mountain
One of the best and closest gorge hikes from town.
https://www.romanticasheville.com/shortoff_mountain.htm
Great family friendly hike (not too steep) but mainly this is amazing biking.
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Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
126 NC-126Great family friendly hike (not too steep) but mainly this is amazing biking.
South Mountains State Park
3001 South Mountain ParkGood creek front to play in as you hike up
Linville Gorge Wilderness
Shorter hike for a stunning waterfall. Close access from I-40.
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Catawba Falls
530 Warren Mountain DrShorter hike for a stunning waterfall. Close access from I-40.
Hike down to waterfall. Save your legs for the hike back out
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Grassy Creek Falls
Hike down to waterfall. Save your legs for the hike back out
Only 10 minutes from downtown! This newly developed community park has hiking and biking trails.
Oak Hill Community Park and Forest
Only 10 minutes from downtown! This newly developed community park has hiking and biking trails.
Neighborhoods
West Union Street
West Union StreetBeautiful old houses and a nice evening walk after lunch or dinner.
Walk to historic graveyard overlooking the table rock mountain ridge line. Historic sanatorium / asylum?! where James Taylors grandfather lived and was the attending Doctor.
Valdese Avenue
Valdese AvenueWalk to historic graveyard overlooking the table rock mountain ridge line. Historic sanatorium / asylum?! where James Taylors grandfather lived and was the attending Doctor.
Want even smaller small down? Just 15 mins east is the cute town of Valdese. Few restaurants and shops
Valdese
Want even smaller small down? Just 15 mins east is the cute town of Valdese. Few restaurants and shops
Family Faves
Right off the greenway is a huge wooden wonderland for kids. Covered picnic areas close by. Walk down to the greenway for Catawba River views.
Great kids play area, picnic tables, disc golf course. Greenway and river access.
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Catawba Meadows Park
701 Sanford DrGreat kids play area, picnic tables, disc golf course. Greenway and river access.
For an easy walk from the Carriage House check out this little waterfall park. There’s a short nature trail and it’s a great creek bed for kids or dogs to play in.
Cascade Park
For an easy walk from the Carriage House check out this little waterfall park. There’s a short nature trail and it’s a great creek bed for kids or dogs to play in.
Just down the street is park with a beautiful overlook of Table Rock. We personally feel very safe where this park is located, but it is transitional housing surrounding.
Martin Luther King Jr. park
111 Alphabet LnJust down the street is park with a beautiful overlook of Table Rock. We personally feel very safe where this park is located, but it is transitional housing surrounding.
CLOSE waterfall. Easy parking by an old mill, pretty waterfall and swimming hole. Not remote just outside the town of Valdese about 15 mins from Morganton.
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McGalliard Falls Park
Church Street NorthwestCLOSE waterfall. Easy parking by an old mill, pretty waterfall and swimming hole. Not remote just outside the town of Valdese about 15 mins from Morganton.
Apple Hill Orchard Cider Mill
2075 Pleasant Hill AveSuper close Apple orchard!
50 mins from morganton this family friendly ski slope is an easy day trip. Rent skis from CBS sports in morganton to save time on the slope
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Appalachian Ski Mtn
940 Ski Mountain Rd50 mins from morganton this family friendly ski slope is an easy day trip. Rent skis from CBS sports in morganton to save time on the slope
Food scene
Your weekend bakery! Open Friday - Sunday 7-12. We love the food, location, and owners of this local gem. Donuts and pastries made on site & Local coffee brewing all within a converted church building. Great owners and newly opened. One of the few Sunday morning places to eat in town.
Here’s how they perfectly describe it:
Divinity Donuts & Bakery provides as much variety as possible while making all products from scratch on premise. Family recipes handed down by generations are a focal point of the bakery. Our menu includes familiar donut selections, we are hopeful that the Dutch influenced baked goods will be a welcome addition to the Foothills of NC.
Divinity Donuts and Bakery
318 Bouchelle StreetYour weekend bakery! Open Friday - Sunday 7-12. We love the food, location, and owners of this local gem. Donuts and pastries made on site & Local coffee brewing all within a converted church building. Great owners and newly opened. One of the few Sunday morning places to eat in town.
Here’s how they perfectly describe it:
Divinity Donuts & Bakery provides as much variety as possible while making all products from scratch on premise. Family recipes handed down by generations are a focal point of the bakery. Our menu includes familiar donut selections, we are hopeful that the Dutch influenced baked goods will be a welcome addition to the Foothills of NC.
This brand new local favorite was created to be a bridge between the Guatemalan community and the English speaking community. Guatemalan staff can share about their heritage - coffee is sourced from Guatemala and roasted on site. Gift area features handcrafted Guatemalan items. Huge covered back porch.
This building is one of the first resurgences in the more industrial area of Morganton.
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Little Guatemala
810 E Union StThis brand new local favorite was created to be a bridge between the Guatemalan community and the English speaking community. Guatemalan staff can share about their heritage - coffee is sourced from Guatemala and roasted on site. Gift area features handcrafted Guatemalan items. Huge covered back porch.
This building is one of the first resurgences in the more industrial area of Morganton.
Breakfast and lunch served in the second floor of Morganton General Store. Family friendly casual affordable.
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Swede’s Cafe
116 W Union StBreakfast and lunch served in the second floor of Morganton General Store. Family friendly casual affordable.
Grind Cafe
136 W Union StLocal coffeehouse with lunch menu. Not open evenings.
House microbrews focused on local agriculture & paired with casual eats at this rustic taproom. So close to the Carriage House!
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Fonta Flora Brewery
317 N Green StHouse microbrews focused on local agriculture & paired with casual eats at this rustic taproom. So close to the Carriage House!
You can’t beat the 6.50 burger fried and drink at this hamburger joint.
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Uncle Eees Formerly Jakes Hamburgers Morganton, NC
160 S Sterling StYou can’t beat the 6.50 burger fried and drink at this hamburger joint.
Open Thurs-Sun including lunch. Amazing flavors, local Tex mex, outdoor seating
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Mountain Burrito LLC
408 West Fleming DriveOpen Thurs-Sun including lunch. Amazing flavors, local Tex mex, outdoor seating
Affordable takeout. Sushi hit or miss. We like to take with us to get drinks.
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Kin2Kin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
103 S Green StAffordable takeout. Sushi hit or miss. We like to take with us to get drinks.
Asian Fusion Kitchen
402 W Fleming DrYummy blend of Asian cuisine.
quirky restaurant that keeps things fresh by seasonally rotating our decor, gift shop merchandise, cuisine and homemade refreshments.
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Treat
100 W Union Stquirky restaurant that keeps things fresh by seasonally rotating our decor, gift shop merchandise, cuisine and homemade refreshments.
Excellent food and beautiful outdoor dining, historic downtown building.
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root & vine
139 W Union StExcellent food and beautiful outdoor dining, historic downtown building.
Casual and 🐕 friendly! Gathering place where anyone can feel at home. Located by old train station ... hence sidetracked
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Sidetracked Taproom and Brewery
609 S Green StCasual and 🐕 friendly! Gathering place where anyone can feel at home. Located by old train station ... hence sidetracked
Brown Mountain Bottleworks
115 E Union StBYO food when you come for drinks.
alcohol also served … Taste test their olive oil and balsamic ❤️
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The Natural Olive -- Morganton
111 E Union Stalcohol also served … Taste test their olive oil and balsamic ❤️
Sterling Grill & Lounge
116 North Sterling StreetLively night life - karaoke
Great views of south mountain :
At Silver Fork's Tasting Room, we will provide tasting flights of our wine that will also include a souvenir glass. With each sip, guests can learn about the terroir 'taste of the place', the varietal and wine making notes. Surrounded by beautiful views of our vineyard and the South Mountains. Come stay, enjoy and relax.
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Silver Fork Winery
5000 Patton RdGreat views of south mountain :
At Silver Fork's Tasting Room, we will provide tasting flights of our wine that will also include a souvenir glass. With each sip, guests can learn about the terroir 'taste of the place', the varietal and wine making notes. Surrounded by beautiful views of our vineyard and the South Mountains. Come stay, enjoy and relax.
Perry's Berry's
1136 Browning View RoadOwned by friends of my parents - great for blueberry picking and beverage sipping.
Limbertwig Cafe
104 W Union StLaid back lunch scene with great prices downtown.
Hillman Beer has recently extended into Morganton. As of now they are only a taproom with food trucks nearby but fingers crossed for on site food as they continue renovations of the former Catawba brewery location.
Hillman Beer Morganton
Hillman Beer has recently extended into Morganton. As of now they are only a taproom with food trucks nearby but fingers crossed for on site food as they continue renovations of the former Catawba brewery location.
Buck's Pizza
305 E Union StMoondog Pizza
304 South Sterling StreetGrind Cafe
136 W Union StFood Matters Market & Cafe
1 Market StLas Salsas
2113 S Sterling StSightseeing
Hiking, biking and sandy beach access on beautiful lake James
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Lake James State Park
7321 NC-126Hiking, biking and sandy beach access on beautiful lake James
Catawba River Greenway Park features 3.8 miles of paved walking trail following the river through wooded and open areas. Along the trail are picnic shelters and open tables, acessible restrooms, a playground, fishing piers, canoe launches, a gazebo, multi-level observation decks, and pedestrian bridges which cross the river and its tributaries.
The Catawba River Greenway Park is easily accessible through four easy access locations:
Rocky Ford Access Area
Catawba Meadows Park
River Village Shopping Center
Greenlee Ford Access Area
We love DIY tubing float trips as a family. Requires two cars tubes and pumps.
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Catawba River Greenway
Catawba River GreenwayCatawba River Greenway Park features 3.8 miles of paved walking trail following the river through wooded and open areas. Along the trail are picnic shelters and open tables, acessible restrooms, a playground, fishing piers, canoe launches, a gazebo, multi-level observation decks, and pedestrian bridges which cross the river and its tributaries.
The Catawba River Greenway Park is easily accessible through four easy access locations:
Rocky Ford Access Area
Catawba Meadows Park
River Village Shopping Center
Greenlee Ford Access Area
We love DIY tubing float trips as a family. Requires two cars tubes and pumps.
Iconic waterfall with multiple hikes for various mobility concerns
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Linville Falls
Iconic waterfall with multiple hikes for various mobility concerns
Linville Caverns, Inc.
19929 U.S. 221Mill village in process of restoration. Site of district 12 in the Hunger Games.
https://henryrivermillvillage.com/
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Henry River Mill Village
Mill village in process of restoration. Site of district 12 in the Hunger Games.
https://henryrivermillvillage.com/
Absolutely gorgeous gorge.
Much of Wilson Creek flows through public lands, with portions of the stream lying in the Pisgah National Forest. Gravel road leads to various access points to fish or swim or watch kayakers. Busy on weekends!
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Wilson Creek
Absolutely gorgeous gorge.
Much of Wilson Creek flows through public lands, with portions of the stream lying in the Pisgah National Forest. Gravel road leads to various access points to fish or swim or watch kayakers. Busy on weekends!
TGIF Summer Concert Series
Local shopping
A super creative florist shop with great gifts and homewares as well as pots plants and cut flowers. Love all the staff that work there too!
Thistle and Twig Flowers
304 South Sterling StreetA super creative florist shop with great gifts and homewares as well as pots plants and cut flowers. Love all the staff that work there too!
Oak Hill Iron
107 S King StUnique artistry and furnishings
Features stunning pottery and other artwork from local artists.
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West Union Art Studios
113 W Union StFeatures stunning pottery and other artwork from local artists.
Old fashioned candy buckets, local food items, gifts featuring NC or Morganton
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Morganton General Store
116 W Union StOld fashioned candy buckets, local food items, gifts featuring NC or Morganton
In addition to books, this book store in a historic downtown building has a great pastry and coffee selection.
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Thornwell Books
202 S Sterling StIn addition to books, this book store in a historic downtown building has a great pastry and coffee selection.
Alexander Brooke Boutique
115 N Sterling StCute boutique owned by two local sisters has both clothing and home items.
Overmountain Cycles
510 N Green StGreat local bike shop
Local sporting good store with equipment rentals - including skis, snowboards, kayaks, canoes and Stand Up Paddleboards
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CBS Sports
911 N Green StLocal sporting good store with equipment rentals - including skis, snowboards, kayaks, canoes and Stand Up Paddleboards
Adventure Bound Books
117 W Union StThe original local independent book store!
Aqua B
114 W Union StWestern NC based clothing store
Craft'd
108 W Union StHigh quality dog treats toys food and grooming. From the owner: At Dogs Unleashed we offer the best quality dog supplies in the area you will not find in the big box store. All our product was hand selected by our owner and former vet tech who wanted to supply quality dog treats, harnesses, leashes, food and toys.
Dogs Unleashed
129 West Union StreetHigh quality dog treats toys food and grooming. From the owner: At Dogs Unleashed we offer the best quality dog supplies in the area you will not find in the big box store. All our product was hand selected by our owner and former vet tech who wanted to supply quality dog treats, harnesses, leashes, food and toys.
Benjamin's and Libba's of Morganton
100 N Sterling StMerrill Mischief
105 E Union StCandy and fudge
Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio
403 E Union StLocal potter with a more boutique shopping feel
Green Eggs and Jam
108 N Sterling StEclectic and weird record shop with other unique finds in downtown morganton.
Back Porch Antiques LLC ANNEX 17 Wine Shop
Fitness
If you’re into CrossFit and visiting Morganton you’ll love our local location.
Friendly family who owns the place and will be happy to accommodate you in one of their classes. Best reached via social media. Classes at 6,7,8,9, 12:30, 4:30,5:30,6:30 but message them to confirm!
MoTown CrossFit
Friendly family who owns the place and will be happy to accommodate you in one of their classes. Best reached via social media. Classes at 6,7,8,9, 12:30, 4:30,5:30,6:30 but message them to confirm!