Page 31 - Burke County NC

The Business of Beanstalk Zipline

Destination
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Growing business in nature’s playground has a

rock-solid emphasis in the Burke County economy.

New murals are being painted, cultural places are • Farm Fresh Local Foods across farmers
being renovated, and new parks and greenways are markets, u-pick farms/roadside stands
making outdoor recreation more meaningful and better and butchers
connected. In a recent survey, the economic impact of • Cool Spaces created by local breweries, wineries,
outdoor recreation in Burke County was $160.9 million, distilleries, coffee shops, bike shops, skateboard
and 1,774 people are employed in outdoor recreation in shops, and outfitters
Burke County. For the interactive tool, visit: burkecountychamber.
org/wpcog-nc-foothills-experience
What’s new!
Rutherford College Greenway connects Lakeside Beanstalk Ziplines is a family-friendly adventure park
where guests can grab on to the ultimate adventure
and McGalliard Falls parks. From Lakeside, it is hard- with rock climbing, zip lining, or the newest 25-Element
pack trail until it transitions into natural surface about Aerial Challenge Course. A variety of obstacles are
halfway. There is a suspension bridge 1.5 miles from designed to test agility, balance, and bravery. Tours The Foothills Conservancy of NC introduced four miles
the Lakeside parking lot. Hikers can access the trails range from beginner to advanced. Visitors navigate of new mountain bike trails at Catawba Meadows
from multiple points along the greenway as well as rope bridges, swinging logs, and balance beams, all Park in 2024. The land trust also manages a 652-acre
picnic areas and overlooks. Restrooms have been while enjoying expansive views. Safety is a priority, free public park near downtown Morganton, Oak Hill
added to the Rutherford College Greenway Park. and expert guides are on hand to ensure a secure Community Park and Forest, where visitors can
and exhilarating adventure for everyone. Beanstalk hike, bike, and explore the lands at leisure. This land
In other news, the Old Rock School Renovation accommodates large groups and offers birthday permanently protects a segment of Canoe Creek and
Project brought the auditorium back to life and packages for the Aerial Challenge Course. Open April- multiple tributary streams, forested uplands, significant
improved ADA access at the historic event venue. The November with reservations made 48 hours in advance agricultural land, and scenic views of the Blue Ridge
Old Rock School is operated by the Valdese Community at beanstalkziplines.com Mountains and South Mountains.
Affairs & Tourism Department. Built in 1922, the school
is an icon for Valdese. It is now the home of a 500-seat
auditorium, four classrooms, four private businesses,
three non-profits, an art studio, the Valdese Visitor
Center, and a large event space for public rental.
visitvaldese.com/visit-valdese/category/old-
rock-school Town of Hildebran Royal Park is at the open area shelter, a walking track with workout stations and new
between the Albert Parkhurst Municipal Complex at bridges entering the park.
The NC Foothills Experience knows that a region with 202 S. Center Street and the Hildebran Gymnasium At the center of all the activity is your Burke County
at 208 S. Center Street. The new park will be
a high quality of life is key to recruiting and retaining Chamber of Commerce, where every day we are
employees who become residents of the towns they built on the old school building site. The existing growing business and building community. We
play or work in. The interactive NC Foothills Experience school building, gym, and auditorium will remain. thank our partners, Western Piedmont Council of
The park will include a splash pad, amphitheater,
tool identifies all the places we seek for wellbeing and Governments and NC Foothills Experience for
discovery in these core areas: new concession building with restrooms, inclusive getting down to business with us on the concept of
playground equipment, and a ¼-mile walking trail.
free-flying and fantastic futures.
• Outdoor Adventures: local, state and national
parks; hiking/biking trails, boat access areas, Morganton’s Bethel Park is undergoing
greenways, and bicycle routes improvements: stream restoration, new playground
• Fun Places: cultural amenities such as museums, equipment, relocation of the dog park, picnic
libraries, festivals, and downtowns

burkecountychamber.org Destination Play 27