Drunk Driver Accident Injury Attorneys in Morganton, NC

North Carolina has some of the best destinations in America. Whether you're seeking adorable mountain towns in the Tarheel State to visit or cool mountain towns you can visit in a weekend, you have them all.

But if you want to get closer to some of North Carolina's top state parks, there's one beautiful and underrated mountain town to visit in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It's a beautiful mélange of small-town charm and outdoor adventures—right at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where unique and fun things to do await. In contrast, it doesn't dazzle like the other bigger mountain towns, but this underrated Blue Ridge town has two top North Carolina state parks on its doorstep.

Morganton is a hidden gem that nature lovers and thrill-seekers quietly cherish. While it remains underrated compared to other mountain towns, it has some of the most breathtaking landscapes that thrive under the radar. Here's why it warrants a visit!

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Morganton Is An Underrated Town In The Blue Ridge Mountains

In the Catawba River valley in central Burke County lies Morganton, a small town of a little over 17,000 residents—surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in America. It's part of North Carolina's Appalachian region, which boasts plenty of charming mountain towns.

Morganton thrives as a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a vibrant art and music scene, excellent dining and shopping, gorgeous rural landscapes, and awe-inspiring outdoor adventures.

What's more, it has two top North Carolina state parks on its doorstep: Lake James State Park and South Mountains State Park—both just a 30-minute drive from the town! These two state parks make Morganton an unrivaled basecamp for the Tarheel State's amazing landscapes.

But there's more! Pisgah National Forest, one of the national forests that rival Zion National Park, is only about an hour's drive away.

So, whether you're all for waterfalls, backcountry trails, or feasting your eyes on the gorgeous mountain vistas, Morganton is an underrated destination with a laid-back atmosphere and outdoor grandeur.

And, when the day winds down, the town's cozy cafés and restaurants are there to treat you with delicious local flavors. The locally-owned specialty shops are also inviting, where you can find great deals to shop and explore.

Morganton Boasts Remarkable Outdoor Experiences

There are many beautiful towns in North Carolina that you should visit. However, if you are looking for a small town with big adventure, Morganton is the perfect destination. This underrated Blue Ridge town will keep you busy when you visit with all its beautiful attractions, cultural events, and natural beauty.

With such a laid-back vibe, you'll be amazed by its grandeur—whether you want to hike the trails or simply want to enjoy the local culture.

With Lake James State Park and South Mountains State Park so close to the town, Morganton is a hiker's paradise! With the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking is the best way to connect with nature.

If you're up for a challenging trek, South Mountains State Park's Hemlock Nature, Upper Falls, and High Shoals Falls Loop Trail takes you to the 80-foot waterfall, the High Shoals waterfall, along the Jacob Fork River through dense rhododendron forests.

However, if you want easy strolls to enjoy sightseeing, the Linville Falls Trail in the Linville Gorge Wilderness area of Pisgah National Forest leads to the Upper Linville Falls observation area along the Blue Ridge Parkway and marks the beginning of Linville Gorge. You'll be treated to the awe-inspiring views of the falls and gorge.

Morganton also has local wineries and orchards if you like wine and fruit picking. Perry's Berry's Vineyard & Winery, Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery, and Quaker Meadows Winery offer wine tasting in a picturesque setting.

You can also enjoy picking blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and apples at Perry's Berry's and Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill.

Your visit to Morganton won't be complete without exploring the downtown area, where you can find locally-owned restaurants, shops, antique stores, and galleries.

The Morganton Farmers Market is one not to be missed! The market, which is open May to October every Wednesday and Saturday, showcases locally made products, fresh produce, flowers, and much more. Also, in September, the Annual Morganton Festival features live music and local vendors.

Don't forget to visit Catawba Meadows Park, Martha's Park, and Freedom Park for picnics, nature walks, and sports.

How To Get To Morganton

Morganton sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Burke County. Getting to the town is straightforward, especially when you're driving. It's about 50 miles east of Asheville, the artsy mountain town with amazing things to do, and around 75 miles northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina's queen city.

If you were to fly out to Morganton, you'd have to fly to either Asheville or Charlotte. The nearest airports to town are the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Asheville Regional Airport—both are about an hour's drive from Morganton.

The drive to Morganton is scenic, particularly from Asheville, where you'll be treated to the greatness of the Blue Ridge Mountains through rolling hills, dense forests, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas!

Morganton might be a small town, but with two of North Carolina's top state parks on its doorstep and a charming local culture, it is a great addition to any travel bucket list.

On this episode of the Ingles Open Road, we’re taking a stroll through a beautiful small town in the foothills of North Carolina. It’s a place known for its charming village, easy access to outdoor adventure, and a ton of great shops just waiting for you to explore. Welcome to Morganton!

Named for Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan (featured recently in our episode about the Battle of Cowpens), this quaint destination was founded in 1784 as the first chartered town in Western North Carolina. Now it’s a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway.

We started our exploration at Thornwell Books, where you can grab a good cup of Joe and find your next enthralling read. This bookstore is a relative newcomer to this centuries-old town. It opened in 2021 and has quickly become one of downtown Morganton’s main attractions. The sumptuous cafe serves up baked goods made in house, and it offers plenty of warm and inviting spaces to nestle in with a good book after perusing the wide selection.

Next we visited Hamilton Williams’ Gallery and Studio. If you enjoy seeing art come to life and perusing gorgeous locally crafted items, this is the place for you. Potter Hamilton Williams opened his space here in 2013. In addition to his hand-crafted pottery, Williams also displays the work of over 60 other artists - almost all of them from right here in the region. So, if you buy here you can literally take a piece of Morganton home with you.

We finished things up with a little fun and whimsy at Merril Mischief, which is a magical candy/Christmas/fudge shop. Yes, it’s as delightful as it sounds! You’ll find all kinds of sweets-inspired gifts and goodies here, and you can feel free to sample the infused honey, goat’s milk caramel, smoked maple syrup, maple Srirachas, and of course the fresh fudge. And as delicious as all of that is, the town of Morganton itself is even sweeter.

Plan your own trip to Morganton to explore, get lost, and discover new treasures to share with loved ones! And before you take a road trip or after you’re done with your adventure, stop by Ingles Markets where you’ll find so many quality and local items to satisfy your appetite. To browse their selection and find a location near you, visit ingles-markets.com.

A Rutherford College daycare’s license has been revoked after state investigators found child care violations and a claim of child maltreatment at the facility.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services started investigating allegations at Debbie’s Daycare Preschool, at 631 Malcolm Blvd., in September, 2024. The facility’s license was revoked on April 2, according to state records.

Initial investigation

A 2-year-old child bruised their left ear on Sept. 18, a week before investigators made their first unannounced visit to the facility on Sept. 25, according to a notice of administrative action issued by NCDHHS on April 2. Investigators said a child medical exam determined the injury was consistent with head trauma and physical abuse.

The notice said staff provided inaccurate and inconsistent information about who cared for the child and said they weren't sure how the child was hurt.

Separately, the notice said the owner/administrator, Deborah Brooks, provided inaccurate information about the days and hours she performed administrative duties and told a staff member to write down the inaccurate times, the notice said.

Investigators found that the facility did not use smoke alarms to practice fire drills. Brooks instead would ring a bell for the drills, the notice said.

Someone smoked in a vehicle used to transport children or on the premises of the facility, the notice said. Two staff members smoked cigarettes onsite while children were in their care.

Follow-up visits

In another unannounced visit on Nov. 4, more violations were reported, according to NCDHHS.

Investigators said a staff member’s head was bobbing and her eyes were closed multiple times during nap time. Some of the children were asleep, but some were awake on their cots, according to the notice.

Outdoor toys in the preschool playground were dry rotting and had missing or broken pieces with sharp edges accessible to children, the notice said.

Incident reports for injuries at the daycare were incomplete. A report from a June 12 injury lacked information on first aid provided. An Aug. 26 incident report did not include the first aid provided, the time the parent was notified or the parent’s signature. An Oct. 18 incident report did not include the first aid given, the date or time the parent was notified or the parent’s signature.

Incident logs also weren’t completed. A report for a child’s injury on Oct. 18 was not included on the log.

The daycare did not keep daily attendance records, the notice said.

A child’s medical report was not on file before or within 30 days of admission, and a child’s application didn’t include their birth date, the notice said.

Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages weren’t fully prepared, dated and labeled for the appropriate child. One bottle didn’t have the child’s name or date, the notice said.

In a Dec. 2 visit, multiple childcare providers did not have medical reports on file or had reports that were more than a year old. Multiple employees, including the director, did not have documentation proving they were free of tuberculosis. Two tuberculosis screening forms were falsified, according to the notice.

License revoked

Brooks was notified by a letter dated Feb. 25 that the department’s Division of Child Development and Early Education was considering revoking her license, according to the notice of administrative action.

Brooks provided information about why she felt her license shouldn’t be revoked, but the division decided to proceed with the revocation anyways, the notice said.

The notice revoking her license was hand delivered on April 2. Brooks is required to post the administrative action and cover letter in a place visible to parents and visitors near the entrance to the facility, even if she decides to appeal the decision.

Brooks could not be reached on Wednesday.

MORGANTON, N.C. (WBTV) - A massive two-day fire burned 147 acres and over 500 cars in Burke County this weekend.

According to government officials, the fire began around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, along Old Amherst Road in Morganton.

The fire displaced five residents and destroyed five structures, officials said.

As of this writing, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Editor note: At 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, North Carolina Forest Service officials said 147 acres were burned. The acreage size varies throughout the timeline below based on what authorities reported at specific times.

By 5 p.m., the blaze shut down Old Amherst Road between Smokey Creek Road and Dogwood Vista and expanded, eventually burning 160 acres.

As the fire grew, the fire marshal said one structure was destroyed, displacing five residents.

No mandatory evacuations were called and the fire was about 50% contained.

By 8 p.m., officials reported the fire was 70% contained and burned 180 acres.

A second structure was destroyed by this time along with several vacant mobile homes on the property.

Fire officials estimated over 100 cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles “sustained heavy damage,” though no injuries were reported.

About 150 emergency responders helped control the fire from 25 fire departments.

By 10:30 p.m., all fire departments were cleared with the Burke County fire marshal and emergency management expected to follow suit by 11 p.m.

Officials advised the North Carolina Forest Service to remain at the fire overnight to monitor the area.

By noon the next day, officials said another fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. but was extinguished before crews were moved to yet another fire that involved several vehicles, propane tanks, and other materials.

Another structure was destroyed sometime amid these breakout fires, totaling three.

As firefighters worked, the area was closed to traffic.

By 9 p.m., fire investigators were cleared from the scene.

Officials reported several other breakout fires throughout Sunday, all of which were contained.

A total of five structures (four mobile homes) were destroyed with five people displaced and over 500 vehicles were burned, reports stated.

Officials final update stated that Burke County increased to a “Very High” fire danger level.

“The Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind citizens and visitors that the statewide, local, and U.S. Forest Service - National Forests (in North Carolina) burn bans remain in effect until further notice,” a spokesperson wrote.

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