Arts & Culture - Burke County Tourism

History Museums / Heritage Sites Theatre

Benjamin F. Long Fresco

When Long was commissioned to decorate the ceiling in the atrium of the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium, he selected the nine muses because of their legendary role in inspiring all human endeavors in the arts and sciences.

401 S College St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Galleries & Studios

Burke Arts Council

The Gallery is located inside the Old Burke County Jail in downtown Morganton.

506 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Performing Arts Theatre

City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (CoMMA)

The word is out that the best of the best of live concerts, Broadway musicals and other special stage attractions are to be found and enjoyed in Morganton at CoMMA.

401 South College Street, Morganton, NC, 28655

Casual Dining Live Music

Copper Penny Grill Lake Hickory

Locally owned and operated restaurant, full bar, catering, and outdoor Waterfront Dining. 4 bars overlooking beautiful Lake Hickory with 37 beers on tap and boat parking. Featuring Live Music every Saturday (seasonal) from 7-10pm

101 Catawba Ave, Rhodhiss, North Carolina, 28667

Bottle Shop Craft Beverages Galleries & Studios Specialty Retailers

Craft'd

Featuring beer AND wine ON TAP, a diverse and wide- ranging bottled wine selection, gourmet whole bean coffees and loose-leaf teas, cigars, and locally crafted handmade art. Join us for Cigar Night (every other Thursday) and weekly Friday night Wine Tastings.

108 W Union Street, Morganton, North Carolina, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions Performing Arts Regional Attraction Theatre

From This Day Forward- Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre

One of the top outdoor dramas in North Carolina, this production is presented annually at the Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre – mid July through mid-August and tells the story of the Waldensians and their escape from religious persecution in Italy to how they founded the town of Valdese.

401 Church Street Nw, Valdese, NC, 28690

Galleries & Studios Specialty Retailers

Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio

Hamilton Williams Gallery is a working pottery studio and one of Morganton’s top arts destinations, featuring the fine craft of artisans from the Appalachian region and beyond.

403 East Union Street, Morganton, NC, 28777

Hiking History Outdoor Attractions

Henry River Mill Village

From it’s days making cotton yarn to its more recent adaptation as District 12 in the Hunger Games films, the Henry River Mill Village offers visitors a step back into the last century and a peak into the rich heritage of western North Carolina mill towns.

4255 Henry River Rd, Hickory, NC, 28602

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

Historic Burke County Courthouse

Stepping into Burke County’s Historical courthouse is like stepping back in time. Listen intently and you can almost hear the shots fired by William Waightstill Avery, one of Burke Countys best-known lawyers, as he shot and killed Samuel Fleming in 1851.

102 E Union St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Boating Fishing History Outdoor Attractions

Lucy & Ethel Charters on Lake James

The Moses and Crawley families LOVE spending time on beautiful Lake James and would like to share our piece of heaven with you!

9066 Nc Highway 126, Nebo, NC, 28761

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

McDowell House at Quaker Meadows

The McDowell House at Quaker Meadows Plantation, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is believed to be the oldest surviving brick structure in Burke County.

119 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites

Morganton Railroad Depot & Museum

Restored to its 1916 appearance, The Depot Museum contains an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century railroad memorabilia, including a 100-piece collection of dining car tableware, a brass bell and a head lamp from the age of steam locomotives.

624 South Green St, Morganton, NC, 28655