North Carolina’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

There is no shortage of tourism hot spots in North Carolina. With cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville all within the state's borders, it's easy to visit only big-city attractions. I love exploring big cities but have become increasingly attracted to lesser-known and less-touristy destinations. There's one city in North Carolina that doesn't get nearly as much attention as the hot spots but is a traveler's dream destination: Morganton, North Carolina.

Morganton is in the western part of the state and has about 18,000 residents. The city was established in 1784 and named after Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, a Revolutionary War figure. Morganton is along the Catawba River at the eastern base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its incredible parks, forests, and scenic views, the city has earned the nickname "Nature's Playground." Its endless opportunities for outdoor adventure are one reason Morganton is such an incredible destination.

The Catawba River Greenway is a four-mile hiking and biking path that follows the beautiful Catawba River. Visitors can access the path at four locations, taking them through wooded areas and open landscapes. The nearby Catawba Meadows Park has a fantastic playground, picnic shelters, and restrooms, making it a fantastic family-friendly place to visit in Morganton.

Lake James State Park is an awesome 3,700-acre park about 30 minutes west of Morganton. The park is an excellent place to hike, with more than a dozen trails. Lake James, a nearly 7,000-acre lake inside the park, offers incredible opportunities for swimming, boating, paddle boarding, and fishing. The park also has campsites and paddle-in campsites, which are only accessible by boat.

Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is just south of Morganton. Visitors can buy pre-picked apples or pick their own. The orchard also has a farm market selling pies, bread, doughnuts, gourmet food, cider, and more.

For those who prefer indoor activities, Morganton is also home to the History Museum of Burke County. The museum's 10,000-square-foot exhibit space showcases regional artifacts and tells the area's history. Exhibits center around agriculture, early education, the Civil War, the Burke County Gold Rush, and more.

Visitors will absolutely find delicious food before, during, and after taking in Morganton's attractions. Root & Vine is an American restaurant on Union Street serving salads, wood-fired pizzas, salmon, trout, cocktails, wine, and beer. Blue 42s Burger Bar is a family-friendly eatery with delicious burgers, wings, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and an array of appetizers. The city also has fantastic breweries, and they're near one another on Green Street; they include Fonta Flora Brewery, Sidetracked Brewery, and Hillman Beer.

Travelers will find many welcoming and comfortable places to stay in Morganton, including the Hampton Inn Morganton and the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Morganton Historic Downtown. There are also amazing Airbnbs available, like this adorable two-bedroom two, two-bathroom home.