While the online community is a beautiful thing, I am a big fan of rooting down in a physical place. I've been rooted in Burke county, NC and there very much there is to love here. Just shining the light on my favorites in the life of the rooted and wing-ed Burke county resident!
Grace Episcopal Church Labyrinth and Graveyard - My absolute favorite! So thankful for Grace Episcopal to share this lovely space with our community.
Forest Hill Cemetary - Walk around and contemplate your mortality. Find a gravestone with your last name for bonus points.
Oak Hill Park - hike/bike trail just a few minutes down 126 from Morganton to get in the woods.
Fonta Flora State Trail - Wonderful miles with views of Lake James, great for beginner mountain biking or hiking
The pond at WPCC
M & M Greenhouse -A wonderful family run greenhouse with a lot of variety in every season. indoor and outdoor plants.
Burke County Extension office - They have answers for you when it comes how to grow things here! Many resources (like your soil testing boxes). They offer The Master Gardener's class as well - I'm a graduate!
Sow True Seed - Open Pollinated, organic, and heirloom seeds operating out of Asheville, NC.
West Union Art Studios - Adam and Molly Mackey are some of the best kinda folks you'll find in Morganton. You will find beautiful ceramics and artwork here, and a music studio offering lessons.
WNC Real Estate - Tim and Christy Truitt are the real deal - they have been so generous to this community. If you are starting your home search, check here first!
Thistle and Twig Flowers - If you are feeling blue Just go in this shop and walk around and chat with Kahly or one of her lovely shop attendants.
Overmountain Cycles - Mountain Biking might be the official sport of Rooted and Winging It. Whatever your flavor of biking, Overmountain Cycles will get you rolling. They know what they are doing, but they are not elitist. I started here with my bike with a kickstand. Michael is down-to-earth and is all about community building.
There are a LOT of churches in Burke county, and I can't speak to them all. These few are communities where I personally know some really good folks.
Parents Morning Out - North Morganton United Methodist Church has an established program that has run for years and is affordable.
The Enola Group/ Burleson House - Offering drop in child care a few mornings a week, plus some other great services like a cloth diaper bank and early childhood education.
Moms of Little Ones Support Group (MOLO) - led by yours truly :-)
The 'Aldi Finds' isle - There's no place on earth quite like it.
Melinda Palmer Therapy at Clear Perspective.
The Collett St. pool, all summer long
Bowling at the Valdese Rec Center
Tonewulf - Add my bro to your soundtrack for a Rooted and Winging It life! Electronic music laced with skittering downtempo beats, elemental synths, and psychedelic vibes.
Morganton Improv - Because laughing is essential. Catch a show or join a workshop!