Let's Get Started
With the weekend just around the corner, it’s time to start weighing your options on how you’re going to fill your free time. What many people don’t realize are the plethora of opportunities to choose from when wanting to have fun in Burke County. There’s no need to waste gas traveling outside the county when you can stimulate all your senses right here. Either sample a crisp ale at the local brewery or dance to a little live music on the courthouse square. Don’t be afraid to fall in love with Burke County.
Refreshing Beverages
The Catawba Valley Brewing Company, located on South Green Street across from the Burke County Courthouse, offers a smoke-free environment for friends to gather and relax while sampling one of the company’s fine handcrafted brews. Stop by on Friday evenings to unwind after a long week at work.
So, maybe beer doesn’t make your taste buds tinge, but the thought of a rich, fruity wine leaves them craving a glass. Burke County is home to two wineries – the Waldensian Winery in Valdese and Lakes James Cellars in Glen Alpine.
The Waldensian Heritage Winery, tucked away in a rustic barn at 4950 Villar Lane, NE in Valdese, brings home the favorable tradition of Italian wines. With around eight wines to sample from, there’s something for nearly everyone to enjoy.
The Lake James Cellars offers a different type of wine. With a more fruity taste, this family-owned business uses fruits grown in North Carolina to add the sweet flavor so many people enjoy. Located off US 70 in an old mill, the atmosphere is a relaxed one. The winery even sells the equipment and materials needed to make your own wine, if that’s an adventure you’d like to try.
If wetting your whistle with some local nectar isn’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty more to keep you occupied within the parameters of Burke County.
Live Entertainment
During the spring and summer months, both Valdese and Morganton have live music downtown on Friday nights. The TGIF Concert Series, in Morganton, begins in May. People park their lawn chairs on the Old Burke County Courthouse Square to watch the children dance to live music and feed their ears a little live music.
Folks do the same thing in Valdese for Family Friday nights where music can be heard through Main Street and old classic cars rule the roadways for the weekly cruise-in at Myra’s. Check out both of the city’s Websites for band listings and other events.
Local Artwork and Crafts
In addition to the beautiful scenery and mountain views in Burke County, something else you should stop and take a minute to look at is the unique and vibrant art created by the same people who call this county home, too.
The Burke Arts Council, Signature Studio XI and the Old Rock School have showings on a regular basis. The Burke Arts Council, located in downtown Morganton, is housed in the County’s old Jail beside of the historic courthouse. Both the Jailhouse Gallery and the Old Rock School gallery have showings featuring local artists and work from individuals outside the County.
Want to take a stab at making something on your own? Several local businesses offer classes where folks can learn how to make their own jewelry, pottery and other types of artwork.
Beads and Other Fancy Stuff, located in Tannery Square off Fleming Drive, offers classes on beading, wire wrapping and precious metal clays from beginners to advance levels. Amazing Glaze, on North Green Street, will teach you how to make your own pottery and other ceramic treasures.
Scenic Adventure
Before the weekend is over, block out some time to enjoy the Catawba River Greenway, let your hair down during a boat-ride on Lake James or a hike to the top of Table Rock.
Are you over-stimulated yet? Relax – you have plenty of time to enjoy what Burke County has to offer. Besides, this is just a sample of some of the entertainment opportunities located at your back door and more are to come. For now, just sit back, pull out your calendar and discover Burke County.
Water in our Veins–Meet Lake James Real Estate
Please call us if we can help with any of your real estate needs at Lake James – who better to help you than people who live, play and work here!
Polly Leadbetter – Owner/Broker P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-443-5407
Shane Cook – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-3205
Rhonda Edge – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-6595
Amanda Hotchkiss – Sales P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-335-3001
Marc Parham – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-1337
Denice Rechtiene – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-432-6976
