Burnsville is a small town in North Carolina and is the county seat of Yancey County. Its population was 1,693 at the 2010 census. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many attractions in and around Burnsville, North Carolina.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park is a 4,789 acre park in Yancey County, North Carolina. It was established in 1915 by the state legislature as the state’s first state park. It was also instrumental in the formation of the North Carolina State Parks System.
The park’s name is a combination of the old Cherokee and American Indian. Dr. Mitchell visited the Black Mountains in 1838 and 1844 and measured the mountain’s height. He used a mathematical formula and barometric pressure readings to come up with an accurate height estimate. Mitchell’s grave is located near the observation deck. In 1915, Mount Mitchell was designated as North Carolina’s first state park.
The park has five hiking trails and an observation deck with panoramic views. The park also offers picnic shelters and restrooms. There’s also a museum and a restaurant where you can eat a hearty lunch. Visitors can also watch native wildlife while hiking the trails.
The summit of Mount Mitchell is 6,684 feet above sea level. It’s the highest point east of the Mississippi and the highest point in North Carolina. There’s a paved trail that leads up to the summit. At the summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s also a restaurant and snack bar. Because Mount Mitchell is located at a higher elevation, it can get chilly at times. Visitors are advised to wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring an extra layer.
Visitors should bring rain gear. The climate here is typically ten to thirty degrees cooler than in nearby Asheville. During the winter months, it often snows at the summit. Even in the summer months, the temperatures can drop to freezing. The wind can reach up to 178 miles per hour.
Visitors to Mount Mitchell State Park should consider hiking on the Old Mitchell Trail, a 2.2-mile hike that was once the primary trail of Mount Mitchell. This hike should take about three hours to complete.
Nu Wray Inn
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Nu Wray Inn. This historic building was built in 1833 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic inn has been welcoming travelers since then, including famous writers and artists such as Thomas Wolfe and Elvis Presley. The inn has both modern comforts and historic charm, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway.
The Nu Wray Inn dates back to 1833, when Bacchus Smith built it as a trading post. Originally, there were eight rooms, but that quickly grew to twenty-five. By the late 1800s, the building was owned by Milton Penland, who later sold it to Garrett D. Ray. The Ray family owned the inn for four generations. When Julia Ray married William Wray in 1912, the inn changed its name to Nu Wray. The inn grew to 16,500 square feet, with 26 rooms.
In addition to its historic significance, the Nu Wray RV Park features modern conveniences, including coffee and Keurig machines. This place is a great place for a group get-together. And with its large front porch, it’s also a great place to socialize. It’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Burnsville. You can visit the historic Nu Wray Inn, where the famous musician and singer Elvis Presley once filmed an iconic song. Afterwards, you can explore the quaint town with its numerous shops, galleries, and antique shops.
The town is a charming mountain town, with locally owned shops and restaurants welcoming visitors. Local entertainment is also plentiful, with a Playhouse that offers musicals from late spring to fall. The Playhouse is the oldest seasonally-operating theater in North Carolina. Another place to visit is the Bare Dark Sky Observatory at Mayland Earth-to-Sky Park, home to North Carolina’s largest public telescope.
Nine quilt block trails
If you’re interested in quilting, you might be interested in taking a stroll on the quilt block trails of Burnsville, North Carolina. These large wooden squares were designed by volunteers and are based on traditional Appalachian mountain quilts. They are placed throughout the town and tell a story. Visitors can walk the Burnsville East and West Trails to see scenic views and meet interesting people.
Trails are made by local artists and the community. The Webster family organized and built the trails, and they have enlisted the help of many people. The industrial arts program at Mitchell County High School produces the blocks and frames. The local High School, Mountain Heritage High School, is also responsible for building many original blocks.
The Burnsville area is located about 45 minutes from Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are more than 200 quilt blocks scattered throughout the region. To visit each one, you can purchase a tour guide at the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce or at Needle Me This quilt shop. They are $10, $12, and $15 depending on size and contain information about the quilt block trails. The maps also include driving times.
The Sundial Quilt Block is a popular stop along the famous quilt trail. It is the first quilt block sundial in the world, and is located on the Yancey Times Journal building. It is the 150th quilt block on the Quilt Trail. The quilt was created to honor the 100th anniversary of the standard time zones, which came into effect on March 19, 1910.
Quilt blocks were once made in the Appalachian mountains and brought people together. Through quilting, they shared their rich heritage and celebrated their culture. Each quilt block is unique in its design and color scheme, and is connected to a building, land, or family. This is a great way to honor our heritage while traveling.
Yancey County
Burnsville is the county seat of Yancey County, North Carolina. The population was 1,693 at the 2010 census. The town has a unique blend of history and contemporary culture. The town is also a hub for local industry.
Visitors can explore the history of the county by visiting the Yancey History Association Museum Complex. The museum has exhibits that explore local history, early settlers, and local industry. It also features two historic homes: the McElroy/Moore House and the Proffit Log Cabin, as well as a Blacksmith Shop and Smoke House.
Burnsville also has a thriving art scene, boasting one of the highest concentrations of artists per capita in the United States. Visitors can tour the local artists’ studios and experience the parkway Playhouse, the oldest continuously operating summer theater in Tennessee. Visitors can also embark on the History and Humor Walking Tour, which tells the stories of Burnsville’s families since the 1700s.
Yancey County is located north of Asheville in the “Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” It is home to several attractions, including Mount Mitchell State Park, Roan Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors can also partake in many recreational activities such as hunting, whitewater rafting, and hiking.
The town’s quilt block trails also pay tribute to the area’s history and heritage. There are about 150 painted wooden squares throughout the town. The town also boasts a collection of quilt blocks, which is one of the highest in the nation.
The town is located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an ideal spot for travelers to take a scenic road trip. There are frequent pull-offs and scenic overlooks along the highway, and several campgrounds and hiking trails nearby. Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain are popular destinations. The Orchard at Altapass is another great stop. There are fun activities for children, live music, and a historic railroad.
Burnsville is also home to several arts and culture venues. The Toe River Arts Gallery features work by local artists. It also hosts the Toe River Studio Tour, which is a self-guided tour of Toe River Valley galleries. The town’s downtown also features the Yancey County Farmers Market. The town also hosts several festivals.