10/12/2024
We will continue to remain closed to outside reservations at this time. If local, please reach out.
Dear Friends of Burke County,
It’s been two weeks since Tropical Storm Helene struck, leaving a significant impact on Burke County and our towns of Morganton, Valdese, Glen Alpine, Connelly Springs, Rutherford College, Lake James/Nebo and Jonas Ridge.
Our top priority remains the safety of our residents and restoring essential services; however, in many areas, especially the cities, residents have been able to safely resume work and as much of a “normal life” as possible. We have many shops and restaurants, some seasonal like Henry River Farms, Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill and Perry's Berry's Vineyard & Winery that are open and ready to greet visitors--
HOWEVER
-Burke County is still a staging area for Duke Energy, the Red Cross and other essential services like cleanup crews. We have also become a new home to many displaced residents of other Western North Carolina communities. Due to this, we have very little available lodging.
We ask at this time, if you were planning on visiting to see the fall foliage, this might not be the best time to do so. Please consider opening up your reservation at a hotel or airbnb in order to house emergency workers or displaced victims. If you are in a financial place that you could still pay for the rooms and let victims stay for free that would be even more helpful.
If you have a vacation rental in our area, there is a great need for longer term rentals, please consider renting directly to a displaced family so they don’t have to pay extra fees and are able to have a temporary home.
If you do travel to Burke County we just ask for you to Know Before You Go:
🚧Recovery crews are clearing debris, repairing roads, and restoring services.
🚫Popular routes, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, are currently closed. Check www.DriveNC.gov for updates.
⛔️Many hiking trails, specifically both Lake James and South Mountain State Parks, and the Grandfather District of Pisgah National Forest (including but not limited to the Linville Gorge, Upper Creek Falls, Linville Falls and Steele Creek area) remain closed for safety.
🏨Hotels may be fully booked with emergency workers—call ahead to confirm reservations.
🛍Research the businesses you want to visit on facebook AND google before visiting. Many are open but might have updated hours, different routes to take to get there or other important information they want you to know before going.
How You Can Help:
💻 Shop online: If you are unable to visit right now, please consider purchasing gift cards or unique items from your favorite shops or restaurants on their websites. This ensures they get income now when it is needed most and gives you something to look forward to next time you are able to visit.
🚗Take a day trip: Valdese and Morganton are just an hour away from Charlotte and Winston Salem and not much further from lots of other areas in North Carolina. Our downtowns are accessible from I-40 and we would love to welcome you to shop at our local businesses and restaurants for the day.
💸 Donate: Support affected families through Burke County United Way at https://www.bcuw.org/hurricane or other non profit organizations or churches that you see fit.
We look forward to welcoming you back soon when it is safe,
Discover Burke County Team
