Burke County, NC
2020 was a crazy year for everybody, including our pets. Our four-legged friends found their lives turned upside down when their owners suddenly didn’t leave the house to go to work, drastically altering life as they knew it. Now that workers are returning to the office, our pets are having to adjust all over again. They are spending more time alone and although they probably enjoy having their mid day naps back, they are surely missing YOU! Reward yourself and your dog for surviving quarantine by taking a vacation in Burke County, North Carolina. Burke County is the perfect place to take your doggo due to our numerous pet friendly restaurants, breweries, and accommodations, not to mention our plethora of outdoor activities perfect for you both to enjoy.
Eat at Mountain Burrito, a local favorite in Morganton. This tex-mex restaurant, similar to Chipotle, is a must. They source many local ingredients and are constantly making new, adventurous salsas. Best of all, they have covered outdoor seating that is perfect for you and your pet. Their menu is very accomodating for different diets, making it a crowd pleaser for all in your party and is the perfect way to get energy before your outdoor adventure. If tex mex isn’t your thing, we recommend Root and Vine in downtown Morganton. This casually elegant eatery has a beautiful outdoor patio that will make your pet feel right at home. Their farm to table inspired menu features yummy burgers, flatbread pizzas and sumptuous entrees while providing a laid back atmosphere that you can relax in. The wait staff will even bring your furry friend a water bowl to quench their thirst while you eat.
If you would like to eat from one of our other wonderful restaurants that may not allow pets, or if you do not want to eat outside, all of our breweries and bottle shops allow takeout, and pets, inside for your convenience. It is a great way to explore our amazing craft beer culture while including your furry friends.
The downtown Fairfield Marriott, Comfort Inn and Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn and many of our AirBnbs and VRBOs allow pets. This makes traveling with your dog possible on any budget. We also have many campgrounds for RV’s as well as tent camping that allow pets.
Once you have rested and eaten, it will be time to explore the trails in Burke County. Your dog will love traversing new terrain with you, as you both experience the outdoors together. If your pet loves water, Lake Rhodhiss in Valdese is the perfect place to take them out on a boat or for them to go for a swim. This lake is relatively calm and is connected to Valdese Lakeside Park where you can hike or access the water. If you want something flat that is an easy stroll, our Catawba River Greenway has a paved trail that follows the Catawba River for 3.8 miles. While walking the greenway, if your pet has more energy than you, you can bring them to the dog park located on the trail so they can run around and get to play with other dogs. This will definitely tire them out so you can have a relaxing evening then start again the next day.
We think you and your furry friend will love Burke County, for a memento of you and your pets trip to Morganton, come to the Visitors Center at 110 E Meeting Street to receive a free pet bandanna!
The Burke County Tourism Development Authority is located in Morganton, North Carolina, and serves the tourism interests of Burke County, NC. Morganton is hailed as, “The Trailhead of Western North Carolina”, centrally located in Burke County. Our Visitor’s Center is full of information about unique attractions and activities in the area. Stop by and visit us! or visit www.discoverburkecounty.com
