Morganton, Valdese boast quaint downtowns

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Burke County offers residents and visitors an ideal lifestyle. Along with the extensive natural beauty and mild climate, Burke County has all the charm expected of the quintessential South.

"Burke County is a very attractive location,” said Mike Jackson, president of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. “The mountains, lakes and Interstate 40 are certainly a great asset to the area and communities.”

The proximity to Interstate 40 means short driving time to large cities such as Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Asheville.

“It’s an ideal location for anyone looking for a good place to live,” Jackson said.

Though it is full of southern grace, Burke County is far from being rural. Visitors who travel to the area fall under the spell of the conveniences and amenities the county offers.

Morganton boasts a thriving downtown that is filled with restaurants, clothing stores, antique shops, art galleries and a various assortment of specialty stores. Morganton, Valdese boast quaint downtowns. In recent years, Morganton city officials have worked diligently to make downtown what it is today.

Soon, the historic Premier Mills building downtown will house commercial and residential units. The old Premier building is home to City Hall, but plans are under way to construct affordable condominiums as well as new retailers. The new units will be within walking distance of downtown’s restaurants, stores and attractions.

“Morganton has one of the nicest downtowns in the Unifour area,” Jackson said. “It is extremely attractive; there are a variety of merchants and it is extremely clean. Those are the kinds of comments we get from people who come to visit. They appreciate the beauty of the area.”

The heart of Morganton is found in its vibrant downtown,as the city of Morganton’s Web site details. Another historic downtown can be found in Valdese, Morganton’s eastern neighbor. The rich history of the town is evident when driving on Main Street through downtown.

“It’s a small, neat town,” Chuck Moseley, director of community affairs, said. “As you drive through, you just have to notice Village Park and the mural that captures Valdese’s history, or the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, which is the center of the community.”

Aside from the historical landmarks, downtown Valdese offers restaurants and specialty stores. Shopping downtown is available; however, it is not a stop for typical shopping.

“Downtown Valdese is not a normal shopping center,” Moseley said. “You will instead find a variety of specialty shops.” Moseley said the sidewalks downtown are an attraction all their own.

“Downtown, we’ve got nice, wide sidewalks that people always take advantage of in the evenings,” Moseley said. “You can always find people walking up and down the street downtown.”

Valdese’s vast history and deep sense of community have shaped it into one of Burke County’s most valuable assets.

“People come to Valdese for numerous reasons,” Moseley said. “They come to work, shop with our fine merchants, enjoy a tasty meal or visit the numerous attractions we have."

“Valdese has a great story to tell with its history, as well as being a nice, friendly community with a relaxed atmosphere.”

Burke County’s municipalities are considered progressive, as well as warm and welcoming. Needless to say, Burke County’s character and appeal lure new visitors to its borders with each passing day.

So for those who are tired of fighting traffic and big crowds while shopping in larger cities, consider the small town atmosphere stretching across Burke County. There’s a unique gift in this foothills community waiting for everyone.

—LAUREN WILLIAMSON