Love mountain views, small-town charm, and outdoor adventures? Head to Morganton, North Carolina! Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Morganton is a hidden gem with craft breweries, vibrant arts, and access to hiking, lakes, and waterfalls. It’s a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Morganton is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October). Mild weather and colorful scenery make these seasons ideal for exploring trails and attending local events. Summers are warm and great for lake days, while winters are cool and quiet.
How to Get There
- By Car: Morganton is located along I-40, about 1.5 hours from Charlotte and 1 hour from Asheville.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).
- By Bus: Regional bus service is available to nearby towns; a car is recommended for getting around the area.
Where to Stay
- The Inn at Glen Alpine – Elegant B&B in a restored 1913 home with gourmet breakfast and scenic porches.
- Hampton Inn Morganton – Reliable comfort with modern amenities and a convenient location off I-40.
- Cabins & Vacation Rentals – Book a mountain-view cabin or lakeside retreat for a peaceful getaway.
Wineries and Cideries
⮕ Sip Wine With Mountain Views at Silver Fork Winery
Sip wine with mountain views and enjoy a romantic, relaxing afternoon.
The owners of Silver Fork Winery left the hustle and bustle of New York for the “road less traveled” and “more authentic lives,” quickly becoming wine connoisseurs. They turned their passion for wine into a beautiful winery in Morganton, North Carolina where visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the entire winemaking process. Guests can sip Bordeaux-style red and white wines in the tasting room, breathe in fresh mountain air, tour the vineyards, or simply relax on the deck that overlooks the vineyard and mountain views or a cozy, comfortable fireside chair with a glass.
5000 Patton Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, Phone: 828-391-8783
⮕ Pick Apples, Sip Cider, and Enjoy Fall Fun at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
Pick fresh apples and savor cider on a fun fall family trip.
The Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, a family-owned and operated business that has been a part of the Morganton community since 1955, attracts numerous people every year just for their cider donuts. The apple season typically runs from the end of August through the beginning of November and is the best time to visit the orchard. Visitors can take a tour of Apple Hill, pick their own apples depending on the time of year, find all kinds of tasty items at the country store, and view the cider mill. The orchard grows a dozen different apple varieties.
2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC 28655, Phone: 828-437-1224
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Explore Local Stories and Artifacts at The History Museum of Burke County
Explore local exhibits and discover sights from Burke County’s past on an easy visit.
The History Museum of Burke County showcases artifacts that date back over thousands of years, going back to the era when Native Americans once hunted and lived throughout the region. Artifacts in the collection highlight mementos of stoic tribe leaders to settlers from Spain to the time of the gold rush. The artifacts housed in the History Museum of Burke County are carefully curated and exhibits are designed to share the story of Morganton and the surrounding Burke County so visitors have a better understanding of the area. Themed exhibits change yearly, while major gallery exhibits are changed on a quarterly basis.
201 W Meeting St, Morganton, NC 28655, Phone: 828-437-1777
⮕ If You’re Looking for Blueberry Picking and Farm Fun, Visit Perry’s Berry’s
Pick blueberries and enjoy a sweet, affordable summer outing with kids.
Perry's Berry's can be found within the scenic foothills of North Carolina, only minutes away from Lake James in Morganton. With more than three thousand bushes, blueberries are the main crop at this family-owned and operated farm and winery. Visitors are welcome to pick their own blueberries or they can choose to purchase already picked berries during the season, which typically takes place during July and August. The Farm Store offers a variety of goods for purchase, such as blueberry wine, freshly picked blueberries, jams, and much more. The grounds also include a picnic area and several barnyard animals.
1136 Browning View Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, Phone: 828-432-7631
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Lake James State Park – Popular for boating, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking with stunning lake and mountain views.
- Catawba Meadows Park – Family-friendly green space with disc golf, a greenway trail, and picnic areas.
- Fonta Flora Brewery – Local favorite serving creative craft beers with regional ingredients and a rustic vibe.
- Downtown Morganton – Walkable district filled with shops, galleries, cafes, and live music venues.
- Table Rock & Linville Gorge – Nearby wilderness area offering dramatic views, rock climbing, and challenging hikes.
Where to Eat
- Root & Vine – Seasonal American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients in a stylish downtown space.
- Judge’s Riverside Restaurant – Barbecue and Southern favorites served on a deck overlooking the Catawba River.
- King Street Café – Cozy café known for hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and homemade desserts.
Local Events
- Historic Morganton Festival (September) – Two-day event featuring music, vendors, rides, and local food.
- TGIF Summer Concert Series (May–July) – Free Friday night concerts with live bands and street food downtown.
- State of Origin Beer Fest (June) – Celebrates artisan beers brewed with local ingredients from across the Southeast.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Morganton, North Carolina
- Catawba Meadows Park (5–10 min) – Walk riverside trails, play disc golf, or enjoy the playground and picnic areas along the Catawba River.
- Lake James State Park (20–25 min) – Swim, paddle, hike, or relax on the beach with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Silver Fork Winery (10–15 min) – Sip wine on a scenic terrace overlooking vineyards and the South Mountains.
- Henry River Mill Village (25–30 min) – Tour a preserved 1900s mill village featured in The Hunger Games and learn local history.
- Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm (10–15 min) – Enjoy craft beers in a rustic farm setting with mountain views and food trucks.
- South Mountains State Park (25–30 min) – Hike to waterfalls, ride horseback trails, or camp in this rugged and beautiful state park.
- Belle Nicho Winery (20–25 min) – Visit a small family-run winery with tastings, live music, and views of the surrounding foothills.
FAQ
-
Where is Morganton located?
- Located around an hour outside of the popular city of Asheville, the town of Morganton could be considered a hidden gem of western North Carolina.
-
Why is Morganton called “Nature’s Playground”?
- Morganton is an area that has been nicknamed as “Nature’s Playground” due to the many outdoor adventures available right outside of the main part of town.
-
What are some fun things to do in Morganton?
- Morganton is home to its fair share of fun things to do, such as picking your own blueberries at Perry's Berry's, tasting wines at Silver Fork Winery, indulging on cider donuts at the Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill, and more.
Unique Attractions
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Morganton Historic Downtown – A modern stay with easy access to downtown attractions.
Explore South Mountains State Park – Hike to stunning waterfalls and enjoy scenic overlooks.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for outdoor adventures.
Hampton Inn Morganton – A comfortable and centrally located option.
Kayak or boat on Lake James – Enjoy fishing, swimming, and water sports on this beautiful lake.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fall foliage, and seasonal festivals.
The Inn at Glen Alpine – A charming historic bed & breakfast.
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway – Experience breathtaking autumn scenery.
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures, great for cozy retreats.
Comfort Inn & Suites Morganton – A budget-friendly stay with mountain views.
Visit Silver Fork Winery – Enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace with scenic mountain views.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Sip Wine With Mountain Views at Silver Fork Winery
- 2. Pick Apples, Sip Cider, and Enjoy Fall Fun at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
- 3. Explore Local Stories and Artifacts at The History Museum of Burke County
- 4. If You’re Looking for Blueberry Picking and Farm Fun, Visit Perry’s Berry’s