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| Morganton |
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sn't it great to be #1?
Retirement Living magazine recently named Morganton the #1 town in the Carolinas for retirement. The downtown area was a primary reason why.
The area is appealing to both families and retirees because of its high quality of life and its keen emphasis on the arts, leisure activities and entertainment, plus excellent senior services.
Burke County was originally the home of Cherokee and Catawba Indians, and is nestled in the gentle foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Set against a lush backdrop, the area is just far enough off the beaten track to provide tranquility, but still close to the popular visitor and shopping attractions. A nice touch is the classical music one hears while strolling down the street in search of beautiful things.
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hen he retired from his job as a federal officer in the Washington area, Bob Milliron and his wife, Cathy, visited about 35 golf course communities before deciding on this area. “First, the place is just gorgeous,” he said.
“We knew we wanted a moderate climate, but with four distinct seasons,” he explained. “The abundance of outdoor activities and the friendliness of the people just made this region perfect for us.”
People still respond to a 1997 Reader's Digest poll that ranked the area tenth on its list of best places to raise a family.
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Visitors can
fish for trout in 12 miles of sparkling mountain streams.
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In terms of recreation, South Mountains State Park is only 18 miles south of Morganton, and contains rugged trails, High Shoals Falls and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can backpack through the woodlands for primitive camping. Or they can fish for trout in 12 miles of sparkling mountain streams.
Lake James State Park has 6,500 acres and 154 miles of shoreline, as well as some of the cleanest water in the state.
For those seeking great shopping, the world-famous Hickory Furniture Mart is only 25 minutes away. The Historic Morganton Festival is held the second week of September and attracts nearly 80,000 visitors who enjoy 400 booths with artwork, crafts and food.
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For those seeking great shopping, the world-famous Hickory Furniture Mart
is only 25 minutes away.
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The renowned fresco artist, Ben Long, is creating the largest single fresco in North Carolina, called “The Muses,” which will be on the ceiling of the Municipal Auditorium's main gallery.
“The Gateway to Western North Carolina,” Burke County is anchored by two towns with an airport nearby. The area is easily accessed by I-40. In addition to Morganton, there's Valdese, settled in 1893 by the Waldenses, Italians escaping seven centuries of religious persecution. Here they established a Presbyterian church, vineyards and bocci tournaments, all still in operation.
This community likes being next to everything, but slightly apart. It's not a bad way to position oneself for living the good life.
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Aida Rogers has worked in newspapers, magazines, legal newsletters and television. The
USC graduate and Lexington, SC native currently is managing editor of Sandlapper,
The Magazine of South Carolina, for which she writes a column about the
most popular restaurants in The Palmetto State. Call her with your favorites
at (803) 808-1664.
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Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public
relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles
in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including
travel, lifestyles, business and management.
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