Morganton, the largest community in Burke County, offers a variety of shopping opportunities ranging from name brand retailers located in several shopping centers to quaint specialty stores in the historic downtown area and in many of the smaller towns and villages in the County. Valdese, another one of several quaint communities, has a wealth of specialty stores offering everything from antiques to formal wear, restaurants, an ice cream parlor, yarn shop, and a wide variety in between. Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining …ethnic to All American… everything to tempt the palate. Patrons who enjoy the outdoors and the restful sound of rushing water can dine at two fine restaurants located on the banks of the scenic Catawba River.

Nationally recognized motels in the area include Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Sleep Inn and Comfort Inn and Suites. Four privately owned and operated Bed and Breakfast establishments are located in the western section of the county. Recreation abounds throughout Burke County. Golf enthusiasts have the choice of four challenging courses. Boating, camping, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and relaxation are available at Lake James, a 6,500 acre pristine lake in western Burke County. The Catawba River offers opportunities for trout fishing, tubing and canoeing. A 4.4 mile paved greenway parallels the Catawba River where joggers, bikers and walkers can enjoy the natural sites and wildlife. Clear, icy cold mountain streams maintain both native and stocked trout for those wishing to venture into the wilds for a full day or afternoon of fly fishing. Many visitors take advantage of bicycling on the roads around Lake James or mountain biking in the South Mountain State Park and on bike trails in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cross county and downhill snow skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains is less than an hour away in the upper elevations near Boone, NC. Whitewater rafting is as close as the French Broad River north of Asheville near Hot Springs, NC.

Burke County boasts the largest State Park in North Carolina (South Mountain State Park – 17,000 acres). Hiking trails take visitors along side and near some of the most picturesque waterfalls and streams in the region. Equestrian trails and camping are also available. Walking trails also abound at Linville Falls and in various locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway which cuts through the northern part of Burke County. The Mountain to the Sea Trail passes through Burke County near the Linville Gorge.