Morganton, NC

Morganton, North Carolina, is a small city known for its historic landmarks and vibrant downtown scene, which boasts a wide array of restaurants and shops. Morganton is a favorite of retirees, as well as others looking to get away from it all. The low-key living in this charming city, combined with the shopping and booming economy, are what have helped raise the public profile of Morganton in recent years. This city is the largest in Burke County, with a population of more than 17,000 inhabitants, and encompasses approximately 20 square miles.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Morganton is known as a haven for retirees and for families looking for a quiet place to bring up their children. The city's prosperous economy and low-key living have contributed to its reputation as one of the best places in which to raise children. Morganton's Parks and Recreation Department's many family-focused programs only add to this appeal.

Downtown Morgantown is a quaint, but vibrant area that offers restaurants, shops, galleries, parks, and a movie theater. The Historic Courthouse Square hosts free Friday night concerts during the spring and summer. Downtown is also home to the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (CoMMA), which presents shows and theater productions.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Morganton is expanding in many different ways. Whether it is the thriving downtown area or the south side of the city, the local economy is on the rise. In recent years, the city of Morganton has become a popular location for people from all over the surrounding region. People come to the city to shop, work and play. In 1999 and 2001, the city was a finalist for the All-American City Awards due to its prosperous economy and cultural attractions.

With everything from high-end restaurants to department stores, Morganton's shopping is diverse enough to appeal to a wide variety of budgets and tastes. The success of the local retail industry, combined with the jobs created by the numerous manufacturing plants that operate in the area, have helped contribute to the city's steady and sustained growth.

Morgantown's top employers include Blue Ridge HealthCare (Grace Hospital), Turning Point Services, Leviton Manufacturing, Case Farms Processing, and HDM Furniture Industries.

FOR VISITORS

Morganton boasts a wide range of historical, outdoor and culinary attractions for residents and visitors. Some of the favorite destinations for people in the community include:

• The Burke County Courthouse has been restored and houses artifacts and documents relating to the city's rich history. Additionally, the courthouse is home to a performing arts auditorium.
• Morganton's Catawba Meadows Park is the largest park in western North Carolina and has a variety of facilities to help residents and guests stay physically fit. The facility's chief focuses are baseball and softball.
• The Waldensian Heritage Winery gives visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, while inviting them to take a tour of the beautiful vineyards and winemaking facilities.
• McGalliard Falls Park is home to the Meytre Mill, which boasts stunning scenery and an impressive gristmill replica. Here, people can experience both nature and history.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• CoMMA (City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium) is a popular facility where a range of concerts and plays attract large audiences throughout the year. Here, people can enjoy both Broadway and off-Broadway plays, concerts of all types and even children's productions.
• The History Museum of Burke County has artifacts and exhibits honoring the local heritage. There are events and a popular newsletter to further promote the ever-changing artifact collections.

EVENTS

• The Red White & Bluegrass Festival is put on by the Morganton Parks and Recreation Department and affords the opportunity for the whole family to enjoy live entertainment. This event features live bluegrass acts and food vendors.
• Another great Morganton event is the Tour d'Art. Held in June, this art crawl is designed to show off both local art and local businesses.
• The Hot Diggity Dog Festival includes outdoor concerts and great food. It is scheduled for the last weekend in June, and it features free outdoor concerts, crafts and culinary treats.
• The TGIF Free Concert Series is held throughout the summer and provides free entertainment to the area. Here, there are music shows that incorporate a range of styles and genres, including oldies, rock and blues.
• The Historic Morganton Festival is a two-day affair with rides, food, live entertainment and crafts. This event is traditionally held the first weekend following Labor Day.

EDUCATION

The local college in the area is the Western Piedmont Community College, which maintains a campus in Morganton. This is a two-year institution that offers associate's degrees in many different arts and sciences programs. Additionally, the community college has recognized vocational and continuing education programs

FAMILY FUN

The Morganton Parks and Recreation Department provides team sports for young people and adults alike. Youth leagues include soccer, swimming, wrestling and football. Adults can participate in softball, kickball and basketball. The department is responsible for land that is used strictly for recreational purposes. The city is home to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, multiple recreation centers, a skeet range, a soccer field and more than 10 parks, notably Catawba Meadows Park.