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Meet Keith

Hi there! Keith Suttles here, longtime Morganton resident, outdoor enthusiast, collector of Smokey Bear and forestry memorabilia, and self-proclaimed beer snob. If you’re in Western NC and looking for a good adventure followed by a locally crafted beer — and perhaps a little solitude — start with my tried-and-trues in the Morganton area.

Friends posing for camera in front of Brown Mountain Bottleworks on outdoor patio under brown awning.

Beer

  • Brown Mountain Bottleworks: This bottle shop has my heart. When my sons owned this spot and I was bartender, I knew more about some of the locals than I knew about my own family. Ten years later, and I still maintain a close relationship with many of the customers.
  • Fonta Flora Farm: beer, food and views. Try the Oyster Stout.

Mom 'n' pop shops

  • Pat's Snack Bar: This is where you gotta go to see the real Morganton. It’s not just about the food — though that’s good too, especially the smash burgers – but the people. Pro tip: It’s cash only.
  • JD's Smokehouse: This is some of the best barbecue west of Lexington.
  • 100 Main Restaurant and Bar: The drink menu is great here, and there’s a large selection of taps behind the bar. For food, the Reuben is always top-notch, and I order either a side of soup or cucumber salad.
  • 64 Restaurant: What can I say, the places with a hometown feel and comfort food just pull me in. And all their comfort food is good here.
Husband and wife taking selfie on hiking trail with mountain views in background.

Go-to outdoor spots

With two state parks, a state trail, a wilderness area, numerous city and county parks, a major river and a national forest all within the county, I'm pretty sure there is no better place to live than in the greater Morganton area. 

  • The Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Literally any section of this trail is my favorite trail. 
  • Catawba River: I love floating on this river from the dam to the greenway in Morganton. 
  • Oak Hill Park: This new park has become one of my go-to spots for mountain biking and a bit of hiking. 
  • Lake James State Park: If I’m feeling a paddle on a weekday, I love to head out to some of the islands here. 
  • Upper Creek: Hike down to the creek, hang a hammock, and relax with a book and a beverage. There’s not much better!

Where to stay

Sleep well so you’re rarin’ to go in the mornings! 

  • The Fairfield Inn: location, location, location. This hotel will put you right across the street from Fonta Flora in Morganton, and it’s an easy walk to everything else downtown offers. 
  • Vacation rentals: There are also some really nice rentals around, ranging from cabins with views to downtown lofts. 
  • Camping: Both Lake James State Park and South Mountains State Park have some great tent and backpack campsites, and Lake James even has paddle-in campsites.

Plan more fall travels with insiders Sarah Jones and Elizabeth Clark for Hickory tips, Matthew Busche for Brevard info and Karen Gould for Crystal Coast must-dos.

 

This insider authorship was produced in partnership with Discover Burke County.

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