We love our home here in Burnsville, NC! Located just 30 miles from Asheville and 50 miles from Johnson City, Burnsville is a picturesque small town filled with everything that makes a heart warm. We’re sharing 10 things we love to do while you’re here in Burnsville so you can start planning your next trip to this jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
#1 See a Show Here at Parkway Playhouse
Located in an iconic red building, Parkway Playhouse has been a gathering place for our community for over 77 years. Founded as a summer stock theatre in 1947, Parkway Playhouse now offers year-round programming including a mainstage theatre season, a junior theatre season, theatre education opportunities, community programming, and an Appalachian Playwriting Festival. Tickets for our 2024 season are now on sale, start planning those summer evenings now!
#2 Grab a Bite
Burnsville has a ton of local eateries we just can’t get enough of! Grab some Pig & Grits if you’re craving BBQ or a good Southern Brunch. Hog Hollow offers wood-fired pizza inside Homeplace Beer. Appalachian Java is the perfect cafe for coffee and breakfast. Try Pacifico Seafood & Grill if you’re looking for Mexican-style food with a Seafood flair.
#3 Grab a Drink
What goes well with great food? Great drinks! The newly opened Carriage House Sundries boasts a whisky menu, a wine menu, and a cocktail menu! Snap Dragon is a nautical-themed bar with excellent cocktails (Swing by during the run of a Parkway Playhouse show and you might be treated to a show-inspired drink!). Homeplace Beer is a brewery that features local craft beers and an inviting atmosphere.
#4 Visit Art Galleries
Burnsville was chosen as one of the North Carolina Arts Council’s pilot communities for its SmART Communities project and is an example of how the arts can transform downtowns and fuel sustainable economic development. Swing by the Toe River Arts Center, Penland School of Craft, or one of the dozens of galleries around town to experience a reflection of Appalachia through local artists’ eyes.
#5 Go Antiquing
You never know what you might find here in our mountain towns. Grab an iced coffee from Appalachian Java and try your luck at Hammond Antiques, Sparkling Clean Antiques, or Dixie’s Antiques!
#6 Stay for the Night
Make a weekend of it and give one of our local overnight options a try! Built in 1948, Carolina Country Inn brings the retro charm. The Terrell House, originally a girl’s dormitory in the early 1900’s is now a quaint bed and breakfast. Re-opening in 2024, The NuWray Hotel, now almost 200 years old, overlooks our town square with its iconic white facade.
#7 Go for a Hike
Located in the heart of Appalachia, a number of incredible hikes are within a short drive from Burnsville. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak in North Carolina and features hiking trails for all skill levels. Green Knob Lookout Tower is a short hike from the Parkway and features 360-degree views. Crabtree Falls features an easily accessible 70-foot waterfall.
#8 Drive a Quilt Block Trail
Yancey County is home to nine quilt block trails. These self-guided driving trails take you all over the county to view colorful quilt blocks adorning barns, buildings, and churches. Exploring one of these trails is a great way to see more of our beautiful area!
#9 Visit the Earth to Sky Park
The Earth to Sky Park is home to the Dark Sky Observatory (one of only two in North Carolina!), the Arthur Planetarium, the Children’s Discovery Center, gardens, an aquaponics lab, and features events for visitors, educational opportunities, and youth programming.
#10 Visit the Farmer’s Market
For over 30 years, the Burnsville Farmer’s Market has been open downtown on Saturday mornings from April through November. Stop by and see what local farmers and vendors have to offer!
We hope you’ll stop by and see us soon!
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