Before we dive in, a quick and important note for 2026 visitors: Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in September 2024, and Yancey County felt its impact deeply. The community has shown extraordinary resilience in the months since, and I am happy to report that downtown Burnsville’s shops, restaurants, galleries, and taprooms are open and actively welcoming visitors. Showing up is genuinely one of the best ways you can support these small businesses as the region continues to rebuild. That said, some trails and outdoor areas are still in recovery — I recommend checking with Explore Burnsville for current conditions before you head out.
Now, on to this incredible mountain town and the best things to do in Burnsville plus where to eat, and where to stay while visiting.
David and I spent a long weekend in Burnsville a couple of years ago, and we have not stopped talking about it since. Tucked in Yancey County near the Tennessee border, Burnsville sits in the shadow of Mount Mitchell — the highest peak east of the Mississippi River — and carries the remarkable distinction of having the most artists per capita in the entire United States. Named after Otway Burns, a naval hero from the War of 1812, it is the kind of place that is deeply rooted in history while feeling genuinely alive with creativity. Here is everything you need to plan your own visit.
Originally published November 2023 | Updated March 2026
A Long Weekend in Burnsville NC: Suggested Itinerary
Burnsville is small enough to feel manageable and rich enough to fill every hour of a long weekend without ever feeling like you are rushing. Whether you are a first-time visitor or making your way back — like me — here is how I would spend three days in one of my favorite towns in North Carolina.
Friday
- Arrive and check in — Yummy Mud Puddle for the cabin experience or the NuWray Hotel if you want to be right on Town Square
- Settle in and head to Birdfoot for drinks and pizza from Hellbender Wood Fire Oven — it is the perfect low-key arrival night
- End the evening downstairs at The Washroom at the NuWray for a nightcap in the speakeasy
Saturday
- Morning: Coffee and breakfast at Appalachian Java — get there early
- Mid-morning: Wander downtown — favorite shops include Hammond’s Antiques, Burnsville Candle Company, The Colorful Gypsy, Plott Hound Books, and Fill-More
- Midday: Walk down the hill to Hearth Glass & Gallery to browse, or stay for a glassblowing class if you booked ahead
- Lunch: Pig & Grits — do not skip the Pigtails and do not skip the fried banana pudding
- Afternoon: Drive out to Page Pottery Studio (call ahead), then cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at the overlooks before heading to Earth to Sky Park for a show at Arthur Planetarium
- Evening: Dinner at The Old Ray at the NuWray Hotel, followed by a drink at Roland’s Bar or Carriage House Sundries
Sunday
- Morning: Brunch at Carriage House Sundries — the Egg BLT and home fries are not to be missed
- Mid-morning: Go mural spotting through downtown
- Lunch: Pacifico Seafood & Grill for something a little unexpected and completely wonderful
- Afternoon: Hike Crabtree Falls or drive up to Mount Mitchell State Park for the summit views (check trail conditions ahead of time)
- Dinner: Carriage House Sundries — yes, again, because the steak dream gyro deserves its own visit
- Evening: One last stop at Snap Dragon or Homeplace Beer Company before heading home Sunday night or Monday morning
Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC
Explore Downtown Burnsville
Some of the most memorable hours of our trip were spent simply wandering downtown Burnsville without a plan. The walkability is one of its greatest assets — everything is close, the pace is unhurried, and every store feels welcoming. Here are the shops I loved most in alphabetical order:
Burnsville Candle Company
The first time we visited Burnsville Candle Company, I walked out with a candle called “There’s No Place Like Roan,” and this time I came home with “Mt. Mitchell Memories” and “Sea Salt & Orchid.” The scents are beautifully curated and deeply specific to this region — the kind of thing that immediately transports you back to the mountains when you light it at home. A perfect souvenir and an easy gift.
Burnsville Candle Co. is at 132 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
The Colorful Gypsy
The Colorful Gypsy is simply fun to be in. The energy is bright and eclectic, and it is a great browse whether you are shopping with intention or just wandering. It fits right in with Burnsville’s creative, arts-forward spirit.
The Colorful Gypsy is at 5 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Fill-More
Photo via Fill-More Facebook
One of the newer additions to downtown, Fill-More is tucked right between Hammond’s Antiques and Homeplace Brewery at 225 West Main Street — meaning you will almost certainly walk past it, and you absolutely should stop in. Bring your own containers and refill your cleaning supplies, soaps, laundry detergent, shampoos, conditioners, body care, skincare, and more. They also carry a thoughtful selection of reusable everyday products. It is the kind of shop that fits Burnsville perfectly.
Fill-More is at 225 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Hammond’s Antiques
Hammond’s is three full floors of genuine treasure, and if you have been following along here for a while, you already know — it made my round-up of the Best Antique and Vintage Stores in North Carolina, and it earned that spot. Set aside a solid chunk of time, because every floor has something that will stop you in your tracks.
Hammond’s Antiques is at 201 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Hearth Glass & Gallery
Founded by the children and grandchildren of Harvey K. Littleton — the founder of the American Studio Glass Movement — Hearth Glass and Gallery is committed to carrying his legacy forward by expanding access to glassblowing in Western North Carolina. The gallery features beautiful work by local artists and is a serene, inspiring space just a short walk down the hill from Town Square.
Hearth Glass & Gallery is at 410 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Plott Hound Books
Plott Hound Books is an independent bookshop with real personality — named after North Carolina’s official state dog, no less. I grabbed a book from my TBR list and a cookbook to add to my collection and loved browsing the selection of titles and gifts. It is the kind of shop that reminds you why shopping local matters.
Plott Hound Books is at 102 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Go Mural Spotting
Burnsville’s public art scene extends well beyond its galleries, and strolling around town with an eye out for murals is one of the most rewarding free activities you can do here. The downtown area is rich with colorful street murals that tell the story of the region’s history, culture, and community — and do not miss the honeybee mural at the Arthur Planetarium, Matthew Willey’s stunning Good of the Hive installation. But that is just one piece of a much larger outdoor gallery, including sculptures and statues. Bring your camera, take your time, and look up. You will be glad you did.
Take a Glassblowing Class at Hearth Glass & Gallery
If you really want to lean into Burnsville’s arts culture, book a glassblowing class at Hearth Glass & Gallery while you are in town. Classes are offered by appointment and give you a hands-on experience with one of the region’s most celebrated art forms. It is the kind of activity that turns a great weekend trip into an unforgettable one — and you get to bring something home that you actually made. We took our class with Steve and he was the most helpful and patient instructor. Call ahead or click here to reserve your spot.
Hearth Glass & Gallery is at 410 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Visit Page Pottery Studio
Toe River Arts hosts their annual studio tours twice a year — spring and fall — and should be on your North Carolina Bucket List. If you are in town, you can still visit local artists’ studios, and one of the absolute highlights of our trip was visiting Page Pottery Studio. Husband and wife artists J.R. and Kristen create stunning pottery in a space that is as charming as it is inspiring. They have chickens, miniature donkeys, a sweet pup, and the kind of genuine warmth that makes you want to linger for hours. I brought home a few pieces that I adore, including a coffee mug and vases. Call ahead to book your visit, and look into their participation in the Toe River Studio Tour.
Page Pottery Studio is at 138 Dandelion Lane, Burnsville, NC, 28714
Take in a Show at Arthur Planetarium
The Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium at Earth to Sky Park hosts astronomy shows beneath a 36-foot projection dome, and it is one of those experiences that reminds you how extraordinary the natural world is. The planetarium is part of the larger Earth to Sky Park, which also includes the Bare Dark Sky Observatory — public viewing sessions are scheduled around moon phases for optimal stargazing. On our first trip, David and I caught the “Milky Way Over the Mountain” show, which was genuinely lovely and informative. And before you leave, spend a few minutes with Matthew Willey’s honeybee mural on the side of the building — a piece of his worldwide Good of the Hive project, painted in service of a simple, beautiful mission.
Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium at Earth to Sky Park is at 66 Energy Exchange Drive, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Hike Crabtree Falls
I will be upfront: I am not a big hiker. But Crabtree Falls has been on my informal North Carolina bucket list for a while, and I am so glad we made time for it. The trail is a 2.5-mile loop rated moderate to strenuous, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. After viewing the falls, you can retrace your steps or continue on a longer, more gradual ascent that offers another beautiful vantage point before leveling out across Crabtree Creek. It is absolutely worth the effort. Note for 2026: Check with the National Park Service website for current trail conditions before heading out, as some areas in the region are still being assessed following Helene. Other nearby waterfall hikes like Roaring Fork Falls and Setrock Creek Falls are also worth exploring.
Crabtree Falls is at 39000 Blue Ridge Parkway, Marion, NC 28752. Exit at Milepost 334, 344
Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway
One of my favorite fall activities is cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway, and our first trip coincided beautifully with peak leaf season. We drove through the mountains, stopped at overlooks along the way, and picked up lunch to go from Appalachian Java — the cobb salad is absolutely the move, y’all — and ate at the Mt. Mitchell Overlook. It might be one of the most perfect lunches I have ever had.
Look up the Blue Ridge Parkway closures and weather updates before taking a cruise.
Visit Mount Mitchell State Park
Photo via Visit NC
Located just outside of Burnsville, Mount Mitchell State Park is home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and it is a genuine bucket-list item. Mount Mitchell State Park has fully reopened following its post-Helene closure, which is wonderful news for anyone visiting in 2026. If you go in the fall, plan ahead: the park will close once the lots are full. The summit overlook is accessible via a quarter-mile paved trail, and on clear days, the views stretch up to 85 miles. Give yourself the time to truly take it in.
Where to Eat and Drink in Burnsville
Breakfast & Coffee: Appalachian Java
Get there early — this is a hoppin’ spot, and for very good reason. David ordered the breakfast burrito and yogurt with granola; I got bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel with a side of loaded potatoes. The next time I went, I ordered a BEC on an asiago bagel and it was delicious. Every single bite was worth the wait. And if you are heading out on the Parkway later, grab a cobb salad to go. You will thank me.
Appalachian Java is at 8 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Weekend Brunch: Carriage House Sundries
Located in the original Carriage House building just behind the NuWray Hotel, Carriage House Sundries is a one-stop shop for what I can only describe as small-town finery. Open Wednesday-Sunday, there are grab-and-go coffee and pastry options for breakfast, brunch, and and evening pub menu. On Sunday morning, David ordered the biscuits, gravy, and eggs, and I had the Egg BLT with a side of home fries that has lived rent-free in my head ever since, so of course I got that on my return visit. Grab a bottle of wine to take back to your room at the NuWray (or wherever you are calling home while in town).
Do not miss Carriage House Sundries for dinner either, which gets its own section below.
Carriage House Sundries is at 7 S Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Lunch: Pacifico Seafood & Grill
Pacifico Seafood & Grill is one of those unexpectedly wonderful finds that makes Burnsville so special — a Latin seafood gem tucked into a mountain town. The menu features fresh seafood and standout dishes like Papas Locas and specialty oysters loaded with shrimp and octopus. Clarke ordered the Quesabirria tacos and I got a chicken quesadilla after starting with queso dip with chorizo. Their small margaritas are not small at all and they are $8 a drink. Add it to your list and plan to linger.
Pacifico Seafood & Grill is at 315 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Lunch: Pig & Grits
Pig & Grits is a warm, welcoming spot specializing in breakfast and BBQ, and it is open and going strong. The restaurant offers five staple sauces including an Eastern North Carolina sauce, plus seasonal options, so you can truly make it your own. We started with the housemade chips — called Pigtails — then moved on to BBQ sandwiches. David got mac and cheese as his side; I went with fried okra. And if the fried banana pudding is on the dessert menu, order it. No questions asked.
Pig & Grits is at 620 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Drinks: Birdfoot
Birdfoot is Burnsville’s bottle shop, taproom, and outdoor shop, and it is the kind of place where you go for one drink and end up staying all evening. Open seven days a week with a great selection of wines and beers. Check out Hellbender Wood Fire Oven, the food truck for pizza, chicken parm sammies, and more just outside in the parking lot. It is an incredibly warm, social space, and both times I have visited, I have had some of our best conversations of the whole weekend here.
Birdfoot is at 10 Orchard Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Drinks: Roland’s Bar at the NuWray Hotel
Roland’s is the courtyard bar tucked in the NuWray’s original smokehouse, where thousands of hams were smoked and cured each year to supply the famous family-style feasts the hotel was once known for. It is named after Will Roland, the NuWray’s beloved chef for over 40 years in the early 20th century. On our original trip, I loved the ginger margarita — a perfect fall drink. Check seasonal hours, and note that Carriage House Sundries next door is a wonderful alternative when the patio is closed.
Roland’s is located behind the NuWray Hotel at 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Dinner: Snap Dragon
Located across from the town square, Snap Dragon is the perfect spot for dinner. The restaurant has a beautiful patio and indoor seating that opens up nicely on warm evenings. Named after Otway Burns’ ship, the Snap Dragon, which he sailed during the War of 1812, it is a fitting tribute to the town’s history. David and I started with the fried pickles served with honey mustard, and I still think about them. For entrees, I had a bacon cheeseburger and David went with the Southport chili and grilled cheese — a combination that suited him perfectly.
Snap Dragon is at 107 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Dinner: Homeplace Beer Company
Homeplace Beer Company is an eye-catching spot in downtown Burnsville, and the food and drinks are every bit as good as the space looks. We sat on the porch and listened to live music while we ate — David had the buffalo chicken pizza and I ordered a Greek gyro with pasta salad. The indoor spaces are equally wonderful, including a cellar with old-school Nintendo games and an incredible VHS collection. It is a genuinely eclectic, special place.
Homeplace Beer Company is at 321 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Dinner: The Old Ray at the NuWray Hotel
Here is the update I have been most excited to share. When David and I visited in 2023, the NuWray was mid-renovation and already stunning in its bones — and it has more than delivered on that promise. The NuWray Hotel is North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating hotel, first built in 1833, and after a full-scale restoration, it has been given the chance at another century of service. The Old Ray, the hotel’s full-service restaurant, that honors the NuWray’s deep culinary history and regional traditions. The name itself is a beautiful piece of local lore: the building was originally purchased by Garret Deweese Ray, who named it Ray’s Hotel — locals came to call it “The Old Ray” — and his daughter Julia later renamed it the NuWray as a play on that nickname, since she had newly become a Wray through marriage. That kind of story is exactly what makes Burnsville so special.
We had dinner here and were greeted with their cheddar Wray biscuits, which are basted with garlic butter. We started with black-eyed pea hummus that was absolutely spectacular. For dinner, I ordered their quintessential dish, fried chicken with cucumber and tomato salad and mashed potatoes, while Clarke had the pot roast with mashed potatoes and stewed apples. It is a charming, historic space. They do not take reservations, so if there is a wait, grab a drink at the bar and enjoy the scenery in the historic lobby.
The Old Wray is located on the first floor of the NuWray Hotel at 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Dinner: Carriage House Sundries
I know I already mentioned Carriage House Sundries for brunch — but hear me out, because it deserves a second entry. The dinner menu is a completely different experience, and one that absolutely warrants its own visit. We started with the artichoke dip, which set a high bar for the rest of the meal, and then Clarke dove into the jambalaya bowl and I cannot stop thinking about the steak dream gyro. Both were outstanding. The space feels warm and unhurried in the evening, with wine and a cocktail menu that invites you to linger. Amanda and James have created something really special here — a spot that works beautifully at every hour of the day, which is no small feat.
Carriage House Sundries is at 7 S Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
After-Dinner Drinks: The Washroom Bar at the NuWray Hotel
If you are staying at the NuWray — or even if you are not — make your way down to the basement before the night is over. The Washroom is the hotel’s basement speakeasy, named for the original hand-cranked wooden laundry machine that is still bolted to the floor right behind the bar — a detail that is equal parts quirky and wonderful and very Burnsville. The Washroom recently opened, making it one of the newest additions to the NuWray’s already impressive lineup of dining and drinking experiences. They have a great selection of drinks, including an impressive Bourbon collection, and live music on the weekends. Between The Old Ray, Roland’s Bar, Carriage House Sundries, and now The Wash Room, the NuWray has quietly become one of the most well-rounded hospitality destinations in all of Western North Carolina.
The Washroom Bar is located in the basement of the NuWray Hotel at 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Where to Stay
The Cozy Cabin Pick: Yummy Mud Puddle
David and I stayed at Yummy Mud Puddle, and we cannot recommend it enough. The drive up is a little steep and muddy, but the cabin driveway is paved and circular — no stressful turnaround at the top. The rental sits above the art studios of local artists Claudia Dunaway and her husband, John Richards, who welcome guests to visit and are part of the Toe River Studio Tour. The views of the Black Mountains are absolutely stunning, and having coffee or a glass of wine on the deck each morning and evening was one of the highlights of the whole trip. We even had sweet deer visitors every morning. It is also pet-friendly, which is always a bonus.
The Full-Service Hotel Pick: The NuWray Hotel
If you want to be right in the heart of it all, the newly restored NuWray Hotel is the pick. North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating hotel has been beautifully brought back to life with 26 rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms, period furnishings that owner Amanda Keith personally sourced and restored, and some rooms with soaking tubs and small balconies. You have The Old Ray restaurant and Roland’s Bar steps away, Carriage House Sundries right next door, and all of downtown Burnsville at your front door. Waking up on Town Square in a piece of North Carolina history? That is a very good morning.
The NuWray is at 102 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Final Thoughts
Burnsville has held a special place in my heart since the moment we drove into town, and every update I have shared here has only deepened that affection. This is a community that has faced real hardship over the past couple of years and has met it with the kind of grace and determination that makes you want to root for them loudly and often. The best way to do that is simple: go. Book the cabin or reserve a room at the NuWray, dine in town, grab a drink and chat with the welcoming locals at Birdfoot, wander through the locally owned shops and galleries, and let yourself slow down for a weekend in one of the most genuinely special towns in North Carolina. Check out some more of the trails, including the Burnsville Quilt Block Trail.
We are already planning our next trip back — and I have a feeling that once you visit, you will be too.
Use this interactive map to plan your weekend in Burnsville.
Thank you to Susan Dosier, Juliana and the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, Amanda & James Keith at the NuWray, Keikichi Little and Steve at Hearth Glass & Gallery for hosting us for the weekend. As always, all opinions are my own.
