Food scene
Local and seasonal food and great outdoor patio dining. Wood grill, full bar and extensive beer and wine menu. It's a great place for families, groups, or couples.
58 locals recommend
root & vine
216 W Union StLocal and seasonal food and great outdoor patio dining. Wood grill, full bar and extensive beer and wine menu. It's a great place for families, groups, or couples.
Fine dining in Hickory, NC. Great for a nicer meal out or celebration.
12 locals recommend
Vintage House Restaurant
271 3rd Ave NWFine dining in Hickory, NC. Great for a nicer meal out or celebration.
Fine dining using local, seasonal ingredients with an exotic flair. Great for couples or special celebrations.
Willow Creek Inn
3083 Wyant RdFine dining using local, seasonal ingredients with an exotic flair. Great for couples or special celebrations.
Fresh ingredients and an extensive wine menu. Perfect for a nicer meal or quick bite and glass of wine.
25 locals recommend
Cafe Rule & Wine Bar
242 11th Ave NEFresh ingredients and an extensive wine menu. Perfect for a nicer meal or quick bite and glass of wine.
Awesome made fresh tacos, tortas, and burritos. It's a little unassuming location in a strip mall, but just minutes away from the Casa at Halcyon Hills and the food is amazing! (Take away only)
Taqueria El Mana
1010 Main Street WestAwesome made fresh tacos, tortas, and burritos. It's a little unassuming location in a strip mall, but just minutes away from the Casa at Halcyon Hills and the food is amazing! (Take away only)
Cuban food in Lenoir, NC. Wonderful authentic cuban food in the Foothills. It's a 25 min drive, but well worth it!
Taste of Havana
819 West Avenue NorthwestCuban food in Lenoir, NC. Wonderful authentic cuban food in the Foothills. It's a 25 min drive, but well worth it!
The area's newest bottle shop experience! Hundreds of selections from the craft beer, cider, and wine world - with a focus on local NC products.
Great local food menu: gourmet chips, crackers, meats, cheeses, dips, and more.
Take out or large bar area.
31 locals recommend
Brown Mountain Bottleworks
115 E Union StThe area's newest bottle shop experience! Hundreds of selections from the craft beer, cider, and wine world - with a focus on local NC products.
Great local food menu: gourmet chips, crackers, meats, cheeses, dips, and more.
Take out or large bar area.
Wonderful vietnamese cuisine in Morganton, NC. The restaurant is a bit unassuming, but the food and staff are great. (Next to Timberwolf axe throwing for a fun night out!)
Pho Lao
1239 Burkemont AvenueWonderful vietnamese cuisine in Morganton, NC. The restaurant is a bit unassuming, but the food and staff are great. (Next to Timberwolf axe throwing for a fun night out!)
Buzzfeed Best burritos in NC! Walk up counter where they make each burrito (they also have tacos, nachos, salads, etc.) by hand, with dozens of fresh toppings and made in house salsas - this is an absolute MUST visit in Morganton. Perfect for refueling after a fun day on the trails or exploring the nearby towns.
17 locals recommend
Mountain Burrito LLC
408 West Fleming DriveBuzzfeed Best burritos in NC! Walk up counter where they make each burrito (they also have tacos, nachos, salads, etc.) by hand, with dozens of fresh toppings and made in house salsas - this is an absolute MUST visit in Morganton. Perfect for refueling after a fun day on the trails or exploring the nearby towns.
Less than a mile away and offers a wide selection of sandwiches, entrees, salads, and drinks.
100 Main Restaurant & Bar
100 Main St ELess than a mile away and offers a wide selection of sandwiches, entrees, salads, and drinks.
Local food co-op featuring fresh, seasonal groceries, tons of Vegan and Gluten Free options, and a nice cafe for fresh sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Perfect for making a quick picnic lunch before heading out to adventure!
13 locals recommend
Food Matters Market And Cafe
210 Avery AveLocal food co-op featuring fresh, seasonal groceries, tons of Vegan and Gluten Free options, and a nice cafe for fresh sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Perfect for making a quick picnic lunch before heading out to adventure!
Treat
100 W Union StSeasonal food and beverages, and local gifts.
Seasonal Farmer's Market in Morganton (Wednesdays and Saturdays May through October)
Morganton Farmers Market
300 Beach StSeasonal Farmer's Market in Morganton (Wednesdays and Saturdays May through October)
Local Ice Cream shop with rolled ice cream and mason jar desserts.
11 locals recommend
Toasted and Rolled
109 N Sterling StLocal Ice Cream shop with rolled ice cream and mason jar desserts.
Awesome Pizzas, local brews, and they often have movies playing. Great for families (gluten free/dairy free options!)
18 locals recommend
Moondog Pizza
304 South Sterling StreetAwesome Pizzas, local brews, and they often have movies playing. Great for families (gluten free/dairy free options!)
Beautiful Coffee Shop and indoor soccer field. Coffee roastery, chocolate, authentic Guatemalan pastries and culture.
7 locals recommend
Little Guatemala
810 E Union StBeautiful Coffee Shop and indoor soccer field. Coffee roastery, chocolate, authentic Guatemalan pastries and culture.
Yes it's an hour's drive. Yes - it's worth it! In the Biltmore area of Asheville with tons of sightseeing and local attractions. Plus they have amazing Gluten-Free and Vegan biscuits. So delicious
471 locals recommend
Biscuit Head
733 Haywood RdYes it's an hour's drive. Yes - it's worth it! In the Biltmore area of Asheville with tons of sightseeing and local attractions. Plus they have amazing Gluten-Free and Vegan biscuits. So delicious
Divinity Donuts and Bakery
318 Bouchelle StreetThe newest location of Mountain Burrito is now located right in downtown Valdese, just minutes from Halycon Hills. Epic burritos, nachos, and tacos with homemade salsas and all the toppings you might want. Check open hours before visiting, they are usually limited to later in the week.
Mountain Burrito
The newest location of Mountain Burrito is now located right in downtown Valdese, just minutes from Halycon Hills. Epic burritos, nachos, and tacos with homemade salsas and all the toppings you might want. Check open hours before visiting, they are usually limited to later in the week.
Local Trails
Hawksbill Mountain Trail is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Jonas Ridge, North Carolina that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
46 locals recommend
Hawksbill Mountain Trail Head
Hawksbill Mountain Trail is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Jonas Ridge, North Carolina that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Maple Sally Road Ride is a 37.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Collettsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for nature trips, bird watching, and mountain biking and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Collettsville
Maple Sally Road Ride is a 37.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Collettsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for nature trips, bird watching, and mountain biking and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Tons of family and dog friendly trails and activities. One of our favorites is the High Shoals Waterfall and HW Loop trail (4.7 mile moderate loop with a stunning waterfall)
83 locals recommend
South Mountains State Park
3001 South Mountain ParkTons of family and dog friendly trails and activities. One of our favorites is the High Shoals Waterfall and HW Loop trail (4.7 mile moderate loop with a stunning waterfall)
One of the most popular waterfalls and trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Easy hike and dog-friendly.
49 locals recommend
Linville Falls - Trail and Waterfall
One of the most popular waterfalls and trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Easy hike and dog-friendly.
Lakeside Park
100 Lakeside AveLocal park with nature and walking trails. Dog friendly
You can see Table Rock from downtown Valdese, but the views from on top are well worth the hike!
13 locals recommend
Table Rock Summit Trail
Old Table Rock RoadYou can see Table Rock from downtown Valdese, but the views from on top are well worth the hike!
Activites
Zip Line and Aerial park - a great day trip for adventure seekers of all ages
61 locals recommend
High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park
215 Tweetsie Railroad LnZip Line and Aerial park - a great day trip for adventure seekers of all ages
Local indoor climbing gym with great drop-in rates. Makes a great rainy-day activity with kids!
10 locals recommend
Bigfoot Climbing Gym
212 Avery AveLocal indoor climbing gym with great drop-in rates. Makes a great rainy-day activity with kids!
The closest lake to Valdese (just north of Morganton, NC). Tons of activities and sightseeing, including Hiking and Biking trails, boating, swimming, and fishing. Canoe and Kayak rentals available from the park.
35 locals recommend
Lake James
The closest lake to Valdese (just north of Morganton, NC). Tons of activities and sightseeing, including Hiking and Biking trails, boating, swimming, and fishing. Canoe and Kayak rentals available from the park.
Entertainment and events in Lenoir - Check out their website for upcoming events and tickets - http://www.broyhillcenter.com/
J.E. Broyhill Civic Center
1913 Hickory BlvdEntertainment and events in Lenoir - Check out their website for upcoming events and tickets - http://www.broyhillcenter.com/
Minor League Baseball in Hickory, NC - Schedule and tickets at https://www.milb.com/hickory
13 locals recommend
Hickory Crawdads
2500 Clement Blvd NWMinor League Baseball in Hickory, NC - Schedule and tickets at https://www.milb.com/hickory
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented heritage railroad and Wild West amusement park located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. The centerpiece of the park is a 3-mile ride on a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroad's two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives.
242 locals recommend
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad LnTweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented heritage railroad and Wild West amusement park located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. The centerpiece of the park is a 3-mile ride on a train pulled by one of Tweetsie Railroad's two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives.
Local Science Museum perfect for a day out with the kids - located in Hickory, NC
22 locals recommend
Catawba Science Center
243 3rd Ave NELocal Science Museum perfect for a day out with the kids - located in Hickory, NC
Local Orchard, Cider Mill, and U-Pick Apples and Flowers (in season only). Market and Bakery open to the public. Visit their site to reserve U-Pick passes and times - https://www.applehillorchard.com/
10 locals recommend
Apple Hill Orchard Cider Mill
2075 Pleasant Hill AveLocal Orchard, Cider Mill, and U-Pick Apples and Flowers (in season only). Market and Bakery open to the public. Visit their site to reserve U-Pick passes and times - https://www.applehillorchard.com/
A majestic 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain named in honor of Julian Price comprises this popular park. Julian Price Memorial Park lies directly adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Tons of activities include 100+ picnic sites, nature and hiking trails, seasonal events and programs, boat and canoe rentals, and fishing.
70 locals recommend
Julian Price Memorial Park
297 Blue Ridge PkwyA majestic 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain named in honor of Julian Price comprises this popular park. Julian Price Memorial Park lies directly adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Tons of activities include 100+ picnic sites, nature and hiking trails, seasonal events and programs, boat and canoe rentals, and fishing.
Local Waterfalls right in Valdese, NC - 45 foot waterfall, nature trails, picnic shelters, and volleyball courts
9 locals recommend
McGalliard Falls Park
Church Street NorthwestLocal Waterfalls right in Valdese, NC - 45 foot waterfall, nature trails, picnic shelters, and volleyball courts
The Valdese Aquatics and Fitness Center provides recreational and exercise facilities for members and walk-in visitors on a year-round basis. The pool is twenty-five yards long, with ten lanes for swim meets or lap swimming. It is enclosed from October through May to allow for year-round swimming.
Fitness center includes workout and weight equipment, yoga, and aerobics classes.
312 Massel Ave SE
312 Massel Avenue SoutheastThe Valdese Aquatics and Fitness Center provides recreational and exercise facilities for members and walk-in visitors on a year-round basis. The pool is twenty-five yards long, with ten lanes for swim meets or lap swimming. It is enclosed from October through May to allow for year-round swimming.
Fitness center includes workout and weight equipment, yoga, and aerobics classes.
Zipline park in Morganton, NC - Great family or group outing less than 20 mins from Halcyon Hills.
18 locals recommend
Beanstalk Ziplines
701 Sanford DrZipline park in Morganton, NC - Great family or group outing less than 20 mins from Halcyon Hills.
Family-friendly snow-tubing park with an uphill conveyor belt, plus an indoor lodge with fireplace. (SEASONAL DEC - MAR)
43 locals recommend
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
9472 NC-181Family-friendly snow-tubing park with an uphill conveyor belt, plus an indoor lodge with fireplace. (SEASONAL DEC - MAR)
Catawba Meadows Park
701 Sanford DrFantastic local playground for the kids.
Sightseeing
Nearby lake great for a day outdoors. 7 Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, or kayaking.
Lakeside Park
100 Lakeside AveNearby lake great for a day outdoors. 7 Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, or kayaking.
Mix of moderate to difficult hikes up to the summit and ridgeline or enter the main park for access to the Zoo and Swinging Bridge (entry fees required for park access).
716 locals recommend
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyMix of moderate to difficult hikes up to the summit and ridgeline or enter the main park for access to the Zoo and Swinging Bridge (entry fees required for park access).
Beautiful parkway drive anytime of year, but particularly stunning during the fall!
28 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Parkway Access
Blue Ridge Parkway AccessBeautiful parkway drive anytime of year, but particularly stunning during the fall!
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
3070 Memorial HwyGorgeous community Garden near lake lure
Beautiful area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitor center, hiking trails, and excellent views
82 locals recommend
Linn Cove Viaduct
3218 Blue Ridge PkwyBeautiful area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitor center, hiking trails, and excellent views
Heritage and Culture
Local heritage museum in Valdese, NC detailing the Waldensians, who founded Valdese in 1893 after immigrating from Northern Italy.
Waldensian Heritage Museum
208 Rodoret St SLocal heritage museum in Valdese, NC detailing the Waldensians, who founded Valdese in 1893 after immigrating from Northern Italy.
aerospace museum at the Hickory Regional Airport in Hickory, North Carolina. The museum originated from the Sabre Society co-founded by Kyle and Kregg Kirby, when an FJ-3 Fury, the Naval version of the North American F-86 Sabre was recovered and became the first aircraft of the museum.
12 locals recommend
Hickory Aviation Museum
3101 9th Ave Dr NWaerospace museum at the Hickory Regional Airport in Hickory, North Carolina. The museum originated from the Sabre Society co-founded by Kyle and Kregg Kirby, when an FJ-3 Fury, the Naval version of the North American F-86 Sabre was recovered and became the first aircraft of the museum.
From its days making cotton yarn to its more recent adaptation as District 12 in the Hunger Games films, the Henry River Mill Village offers visitors a step back into the last century and a peek into the rich heritage of western North Carolina mill towns.
Located 1 mile south of Hildebran, NC on I-40 (exit 119), the Henry River Mill Village is only a short drive from Valdese.
Daily tours and special events year round.
9 locals recommend
Henry River Mill Village
From its days making cotton yarn to its more recent adaptation as District 12 in the Hunger Games films, the Henry River Mill Village offers visitors a step back into the last century and a peek into the rich heritage of western North Carolina mill towns.
Located 1 mile south of Hildebran, NC on I-40 (exit 119), the Henry River Mill Village is only a short drive from Valdese.
Daily tours and special events year round.
Breweries & Wineries
Winery and tasting room in Morganton, NC - Variety of wines including Chardonnays, Rose, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Merlots.
49 locals recommend
Silver Fork Winery
5000 Patton RdWinery and tasting room in Morganton, NC - Variety of wines including Chardonnays, Rose, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Merlots.
Fonta Flora Brewery's farm, located near Lake James. Beautiful outdoor space and brewery - Check for Farmers Markets, Food Trucks or Live music seasonally!
58 locals recommend
Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm
6751 NC-126Fonta Flora Brewery's farm, located near Lake James. Beautiful outdoor space and brewery - Check for Farmers Markets, Food Trucks or Live music seasonally!
Local brewery featuring beers on tap and live music
31 locals recommend
Catawba Brewing Company Downtown Morganton
212 S Green StLocal brewery featuring beers on tap and live music
Offering a variety of Reds, Whites, Rose, and Cider flights with tasting room and indoor/outdoor seating.
Twisted Vine Winery
487 Legion RoadOffering a variety of Reds, Whites, Rose, and Cider flights with tasting room and indoor/outdoor seating.
Local Brewery in Morganton, NC featuring artisinal and expirimental brews. Sustainably-sourced craft beer, mead, cider, and wine.
18 locals recommend
Sidetracked Taproom and Brewery
609 S Green StLocal Brewery in Morganton, NC featuring artisinal and expirimental brews. Sustainably-sourced craft beer, mead, cider, and wine.
Vineyard and winery in Nebo, NC set on a beautiful pasture. large outdoor patio and retail space. Featuring dry, bordeaux style wines. Upcoming events and music on their website - http://www.southcreekwinery.com/
26 locals recommend
South Creek Winery
2240 S Creek RdVineyard and winery in Nebo, NC set on a beautiful pasture. large outdoor patio and retail space. Featuring dry, bordeaux style wines. Upcoming events and music on their website - http://www.southcreekwinery.com/
Distillery in Connelly Springs, NC specializing in prohibition era moonshine and spirits. TOurs, tastings, and sales.
South Mountain Distilling Company
1027 Malcolm BlvdDistillery in Connelly Springs, NC specializing in prohibition era moonshine and spirits. TOurs, tastings, and sales.