Travel South Magazine Travel South low (kasey daleo's conflicted copy 20 | Page 32

You remember that feeling, don’t you? The
first time you stood on a mountain in North
Carolina and looked out over the horizon.
That indescribable feeling of being more
alive, more engaged, more awake. The
mountains are romance for your soul. And
who couldn’t use a little more of that?
Burnsville, North Carolina is a charming small
town about 40 minutes northeast of
Asheville on I-26 (Exit 9, NC Hwy 19).
Burnsville is home of Mount Mitchell, the
highest mountain East of the Mississippi
River. In fact, five of the 10 highest peaks in
the entire Eastern U.S. are located in Yancey
County.
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Situated between Mt. Mitchell, Grandfather,
and the Roan – all legendary mountains in
North Carolina – Burnsville is right in the
sweet spot. It’s why so many travelers explor-
ing the region between Asheville and Boone
or Blowing Rock spend time here. It’s a beau-
tiful setting in the perfect location.
The town of Burnsville is built around a large,
grassy Town Square with a statue of its
namesake, Otway Burns, in the center. Main
Street has restaurants, pubs, shops, art gal-
leries, clothing stores and lodging. Every
year, the town hosts the Burnsville Metric
Bike Race in April, Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair in
August, and Carolina Mountains Literary Fes-
tival in September.
Travelers come here for many reasons. They
like to hike the backcountry, ride bikes and
motorcycles, fish, camp, and explore the
mountains. They like to buy antiques and
crafts, and discover roadside restaurants and
local artists. And they like to look far into the
universe at the newly-opened Bare Dark Sky
Observatory.
Burnsville, North Carolina
HOME OF MOUNT MITCHELL & THE HIGHEST
MOUNTAINS IN EASTERN AMERICA
30 | Spring 2018 | Travel South
Burnsville and Yancey County are home to
big mountains, clear rivers, a thriving arts
community and friendly people. Open all four
seasons. Highest mountains, small town
charm. For more information (and more beauti-
ful pictures!), visit YanceyChamber.com.