Burnsville Travel Guide

Tucked away in the Western North Carolina mountains is the small town of Burnsville. Located close enough to Asheville that residents can take a day trip the larger city, but far enough away to feel as though they are worlds away from modern society, Burnsville visitors can enjoy both a peaceful small town life and exciting city amenities.

Things to Do in Burnsville

The Parkway Playhouse, originating in 1947, serves as a popular attraction for guests and residents alike, as the playhouse offers live renditions of everything from old Shakespearean dramas to modern world premiers. Visitors can also tune in for the first run of hit movies at the Art Deco inspired Yancey Theater, or go to the Rush Wray Museum. The museum, which is home to a variety of exhibits, showcases everything history related including early settlers and Civil War memorabilia. Other fun Burnsville activities include horseback riding at Wolf Laurel Stables, going on a tour or creating a unique piece of art at MW Studios, counting planets at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, and shopping for vintage and antique furniture at New To You Furniture.

Best Places to Stay in Burnsville

Burnsville, being a small, community-driven town, boasts a number of quaint vacation rentals.The residents of Burnsville believe that pets are family members too, so many of the rentals are pet friendly and welcoming to guests’ furry friends. The vacation homes have all of the modern amenities- updated kitchens, internet access, and television, just to name a few.

Best Time to Visit Burnsville

The best time of year to visit Burnsville is anytime other than July and August; true about most of North Carolina unless your goal is to spend the entire vacation on the beach in your bathing suit. July and August are the hottest months and often prove to be too warm for many travelers.

Food in Burnsville

Although Burnsville is a small dot on the map, the town is abundant with good food and dining options. Snap Dragon, a locally-owned restaurant, offers guests indoor and outdoor seating, as well as classic “bar” food such as burgers, fries, tacos, chicken wings, beer, and wine. Little Tokyo, Burnsville’s Chinese restaurant (clearly there was some geographical confusion about where Tokyo is), specializes in Chinese snack foods and dishes, while the fast food favorites Burger King and Mcdonald’s offer visitors a familiar taste of home.

Things to Do for Families in Burnsville

Mount Mitchell State Park is one of the first places that many families gravitate towards. The park’s most popular feature is its scenic mountain hike, which, once completed, gives hikers a breathtaking view of the land below. Guests can start their hike at the Black Mountain campground and follow the trail all the way up Mount Mitchell, following it back down to spend the weekend at the cozy camp site. Summit Trail offers a beautiful hike, as well, while Roaring Fork Falls and Crabtree Falls offer alternative hiking routes and a great place for taking vacation photos.