If you can't take time for an extended vacation, how about a staycation in our own neck of the woods? One of my favorite places to spend a relaxing weekend with the family is right here in Burke County. The area is dubbed "Nature's Playground" for a reason; here you will find plenty of ways to play and enjoy a great getaway with the family.
From hiking and rock climbing to mountain biking, backpacking to camping, fishing to canoeing/tubing/kayaking, this area is especially ideal for a nature- and outdoor-loving family like mine. A highlight adventure and landmark of the Pisgah National Forest in Burke County is Table Rock Mountain. It features a unique rock formation and is a prominent peak in the area. A short hike of just about one mile brings you to the summit where the views of Linville Gorge are simply breathtaking. Commonly called the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is one of Eastern America's most scenic and inviting gorges. While in the area, don't miss Linville Falls, a beautiful waterfall with the highest volume of any on the northern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the longest hike at just 0.8 miles, it is another popular hike for families with young children. We've done both since the time our daughter was just 4 years old. Both attractions have no admission fee.
Just the drive around the area is a great scenic activity for a family. Enjoy the winding roads tracing the rolling landscape with beautiful views of mountain peaks and Lake James. Follow 181 north into the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping along the way at Brown Mountain Overlook with views of Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain to the west or the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights at night to the east, and hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or follow Old NC Hwy 105 along the west side of the gorge, with the must see overlook at Wiseman's View.
A perfect attraction for this time of year and my family's fall tradition is a visit to Apple Hill Orchard. With 22 acres of trees producing 15 varieties, apple picking at the orchard is a memorable activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. Don't miss the yummy treats baked on site and fruits, preserves and jams available at the Country Store. Drop in for a 45-minute Saturday Wagon Tour for a scenic tractor-drawn ride with views of wide open vistas of the orchard and surrounding South Mountains and a lesson about the orchard's history and how apples are grown. The orchard is open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm late August through Christmas Eve. On Saturdays the rides depart every 45 minutes from 10:15am to 3:30pm on a first come, first served basis for a small fee of $4.50 per person (children 2 and under free).
For an exhilarating family-friendly activity, come fly away on the aerial adventure at The Beanstalk Journey Zip Line at Catawba Meadows Park. The journey, connecting 15 islands ranging in height from 20-60 feet via a series of zip lines and sky bridges creates the feel of being in a life-size Ewok village. Children as young as four years old can safely complete the journey with gravity carrying them from one side to the next. There's also a 32-foot climbing tower and an adventure playground. The zipline tour is available Tuesday - Sunday from 9am-5pm at $69 per person and the climbing tower $19 per hour, and no cost for the adventure playground open dawn-dusk daily. Catawba Meadows Park also offers an 18-hold disc golf course, beach volleyball courts, the 3.8m paved Catawba River Greenway, canoe launches, handicapped accessible restrooms and picnic shelters.
Morganton, the largest city in Burke County, is the perfect launching pad for your Burke County mini-vacation. Hailed as "The Trailhead of Western North Carolina," Morganton is host to trails of all variety including a history trail with museums, historic buildings, re-enactments and even an archaeological site; an art and craft trail with galleries, studios and workshops; a wine and ale trail with breweries, vineyards and wineries; and a dining trail with a variety of food options from family casual dining to locally grown gourmet cuisine and fine restaurants. Here you will find accommodations including a wide selection of motels and hotels as well as Bed and Breakfast Homes, cabins and campgrounds. It's amazing how much a night away from home, even if not too far from home, can make you feel refreshed and relaxed.
There's lots to do here, come see for yourself! Burke County's historic sites, outdoor activities, concerts and festivals, fine arts and regional crafts provide the perfect mountain destination for your weekend holiday or Blue Ridge vacation. Learn more at http://discoverburkecounty.com/.
