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Population: 15,085 Located in Burke County
Morganton offers the unique charms of a small city yet embraces technology, new development and progressive thinking. The heart of Morganton is its vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, galleries, clothiers and antique shops. The city is surrounded by rich natural resources which provide not only pristine water and picturesque mountain ranges but offer a host of recreation activities.
Location
Morganton is the county seat for Burke County which is part of the growing "Unifour Region" including Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and Alexander Counties. Morganton has a population of just over 17,300 and includes more than 18.5 square miles. Morganton assesses .50 per $100 in valuation for property tax.
The city is intersected by I-40, US Highways 64 and 70, and NC Highways 18 and 181. I-26, I-77 and I-85 are within a 50 mile radius. The Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way through the northwestern part of the county. Located on the Parkway are Linville Falls and pathways to Linville Gorge area, access to Table Rock Mountain, Pisgah National Forest with 92,900 acres of primitive natural environment and to Mt. Mitchell, highest peak east of the Mississippi .
There are thousands of acres of national forest, mountains, lakes and rivers within Burke County. The Catawba River Greenway (near downtown Morganton) offers a handicapped accessible walking trail, picnic shelters, restrooms, children's playground, fishing piers, a canoe launch and multilevel observation deck.
Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss and South Mountains State Park offer swimming, boating, camping, hiking, hunting, trout fishing and backpacking. In cold weather, snow skiing and other winter sports are less than an hour's drive away. There are three 18-hole golf courses.
Education
Burke County Schools are on the forefront of the latest developments in education, focusing on meeting the needs of all children. The consolidated public school system in Burke County has about 14,600 students, 2,500 employees, one primary school, 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, an alternative school, and a school for children with special needs. All the Burke County public schools are accredited by both the State of North Carolina and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Area private schools include Tabernacle Christian School and The Children's School, both in Morganton.
Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton is a public two-year college, which offers associate degrees in a variety of arts and science programs, as well as a strong curriculum in vocational and continuing education. Each year more than 2,000 students enroll in WPCC's curriculum programs, and more than 13,000 adults receive additional training through the college's Continuing Education division.
North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton was established in 1892 and is one of 3 schools for the deaf and hard of hearing in the state. About 60% of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Healthcare
The counties two hospitals, Grace Hospital and Valdese Hospital are part of the Blue Ridge Health Care System which also includes Phifer Wellness Center, Grace Ridge Retirement Community, Grace Heights Health and Rehab Center and College Pines Health and Rehab Center,
Morganton's Broughton Hospital provides high quality inpatient psychiatric care. The 526-bed facility serves 35 counties in Western NC, has about 1,350 employees and provides training to intern and practicum students.
The J. Iverson Riddle Development Center in Morganton is an intermediate care facility serving citizens of the western 35 counties of North Carolina who are developmentally disabled. The Center affiliates with colleges and universities, not only to do research but also to provide training for their students.
Nature Trails, Parks & Picnicking:
Blue Ridge Parkway, Catawba River Greenway Park, Catawba River Canoe Trips, Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, McGalliard Falls Park, South Mountains State Park, Upper Catawba River Trail.
Historical Sites
Alva Theatre, Berry archaeological dig, Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Dale's Market, History Museum of Burke County, Murray's Mill,Old Burke County Courthouse, The Visitor Information Center, Quaker Meadows Plantation, Quaker Meadows Cemetery, Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr. Library.
Golf Courses
Mimosa Hills Golf & Country Club (Private), Quaker Meadows Golf Club (Public), Pine Mountain Golf Course (Public), Silver Creek Plantation (Public)
Fishing and Hunting/Wildlife Information
Lake James State Park, Mountain Harbour Marina, Castle Bridge Boat Dock and Marina, Paddy's Creek Trout Farm, Lake Charles Carp Pond.
Other area attractions/activities --the following are located in Morganton or within a few miles of Downtown: Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, Arts & Science Center of Catawba Valley, Brown Mountain Lights, City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (CoMMA), Emerald Village & North Carolina Mining Museum, Grandfather Mountain and Villar Vinters of Valdese.
Courtesy of http://www.ci.morganton.nc.us/index.html
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