This Artsy Mountain Town In North Carolina Is A Hidden Gem With Epic Views

While cities like Asheville are the darlings of western North Carolina, the small towns that dot the mountains serve as the heartbeat. And although some of them are still recovering, the resounding sentiment from these areas is that they're ready, willing, and able to welcome visitors.

Such is the case with Burnsville. If you've never heard of it, it's for good reason, as this town with under 1,700 residents is a well-kept secret, but once you visit, the welcoming sense of camaraderie and creativity will beckon you back.

This feeling of place and belonging is palpable, even to those who are merely passing through. Whether you're checking into the hotel, dining at a restaurant, or poking your head into a shop, you're sure to be greeted with a smile, most likely from the business owner. So, if you've been searching for your next weekend getaway or simply want to support those living in the western North Carolina mountains, Burnsville is the ideal place to start.

Recovering from Hurricane Helene

It's true that Helene devastated one of the area's main attractions—it's undetermined when Mount Mitchell State Park, which contains the highest peak east of the Mississippi—will open, but Burnsville itself took swift action post-hurricane. Businesses recovered quickly, and the NuWray Hotel became a hub by providing housing to rescue workers and displaced families while partnering with World Central Kitchen to offer hundreds of free meals daily in the aftermath.

What To Do

Courtesy Jennifer Prince

Toe River Arts.

Take a Glassblowing Class

Whether you're curious about the glass-making process or love a good (but guided) DIY project, head to Hearth Glass and Gallery to schedule a session with one of their glassblowing experts. The owner, Keikichi Littleton, is a third-generation glassblower who continues the legacy of her artist grandfather, Harvey K. Littleton. If you don't have time for a class, pop into their gallery to buy a blown ornament or stock your bar with beautifully handmade tumblers.

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hearthglassnc.com, 410 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714

Stop by the Farmers' Market

If you happen to be in Burnsville on a Saturday morning, plan time to wander the producer-only Yancey County Farmer's Market. Not only is the market a fabulous way to get a pulse on the local community, but you'll find everything from shelf-stable food items and fresh produce to handcrafted artisan goods. It's a smart spot to pick up a locally-made souvenir and grab a bite from a local food truck. They're open from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in season.

yanceymarket.org, 322 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714

Shop at Local Boutiques

Whether you're in the market for a lovely baby gift or a fair trade piece of jewelry, there are shops to cover every interest. Stop by Fill-More to find sustainable and eco-friendly items or to refill your travel shampoo bottle. Monkey Business will make you feel like you've stepped into an old-fashioned toy store and pop into its sister boutique, Something Special, to find accessories to complement your favorite outfit. Mountain Time on Main Street is the ideal place to pick up NC-centric goods, and for your next great read, find stacks and creative wares at Plott Hound Books.

Courtesy Jennifer Prince

Bare Dark Sky Observatory.

See Craters on the Moon

Located a few miles away from downtown Burnsville is the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, where you can look through one of the Southeast's largest telescopes to view the moon, planets, and star clusters. Starting times depend on the time of year and moon phases, but spending the evening viewing faraway objects up close is mesmerizing. Gaze in awe at seeing craters within craters on the moon's surface and seeing faraway stars come to life.

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mayland.edu/earth-to-sky-observatory, 66 Energy Exchange Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714

Peruse Locally Handmade Goods

Like many other North Carolina Mountain towns, Burnsville is bursting with creativity. Stop by Toe River Arts for artisan goods like hand-thrown pottery and original paintings. Tucked on a lower level between two buildings on Main Street, you'll find cheery hand-painted quilt squares at Burnsville Barn Quilts. Knitters will also enjoy the selection of fibers at Yummi Yarns if you're looking for inspiration for your next project.

See a Live Theater Production

When live arts top your list of things to do, Burnsville's Parkway Playhouse is the perfect fit. Founded in 1947, it is North Carolina's oldest continuously operating summer theater, although productions occur almost year-round. Their seasons brim with entertainment, from musicals and children's productions to touching plays. Also of note is that their theater is easily handicap-accessible, and they offer occasional pay-what-you-can nights so everyone can enjoy a theatrical experience.

parkwayplayhouse.com, 202 Green Mountain Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714

Hunt for Vintage Goods

Those who enjoy shopping for vintage and antiques will be pleasantly surprised by what Burnsville offers. It's difficult to miss Hammond Antiques, where you'll most likely be greeted by the owner, Ralph Hammond, who will invite you to explore his three floors of quality, preloved goods. Just down the street, you'll find Shoppes at the Sawmill, which provides several rooms of vintage, antique, and new items—just don't get lost as you wander from one building to another.

Sip Local Beverages

Every great town has a favorite brewery, and Homeplace Beer Co. in Burnsville is no exception. Offering everything from their popular Mustang Oil (a 7.6% chocolate milk stout) to their flagship Faith Healer session IPA, make time to relax and sip while on site. Start your day at Appalachian Java, where you can pick up an Appalachian Fog or cappuccino before you head to the market. If tea is more your speed, pop into Tulsi Rose Tea for a hand-blended pick-me-up. For a glass of wine, stop by Carriage House Sundries to sip or pick up a bottle to enjoy in your room.

Where To Eat

Courtesy Jennifer Prince

Tulsi Rose Tea.

Although the area is walkable, the number of quality eateries you can find on foot is astonishing. For fine dining, the NuWray Restaurant is the place to go. Not only will you see tasty dishes, such as Beef Tips and Duck' n Dumplings, but several offerings—such as Will's Sunday Cake, which uses an original recipe—pay homage to the restaurant's heritage.

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The Live Oak Gastropub offers a creative menu in a casual, upscale setting, and be sure to try a cocktail while you're there. Carriage House Sundries is ready to serve from morning breakfast to the evening pub menu, and as a bonus, they have a humidor cigar room so you can select the perfect puff.

If you crave ice cream, Tulsi Rose Tea has a creamery with flavors made locally by teenagers in the THRIVE social entrepreneurship program. Not only do they source ingredients from area farms, but the teens learn how to manage a business—and the ice cream is delicious, too!

Where To Stay

Courtesy Jennifer Prince

NuWray Hotel.

Look no further than the newly renovated NuWray Hotel for a quintessential historic stay. The new owners, James and Amanda Keith, have done an excellent job keeping the inn true to its mid-1800s history while having the modern amenities today's travelers expect. Located within the downtown area, anchor your stay by parking your car (free of charge) and traveling on foot to explore shops, the farmers market, and restaurants.

Starting at $160 per night, each room is thoughtfully decorated, giving nods to the area. Whether you stay in The Elvis Suite, a quaint room where the star reportedly stayed, or the deluxe-rated The Thomas Wolfe Room (one of the few with a tub), comfort, quiet, and serenity await in the heart of Burnsville.

nuwray.com, 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714

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