Explore Burnsville

08/25/2025

For two weeks in the summer of 1857, the whole country focused their attention on the mountains of western North Carolina. Professor Elisha Mitchell had disappeared somewhere on the highest mountain in eastern America. Out of hundreds of searchers, a group of five mountain men from the Pensacola area of Yancey County found him on an eleven-day-old trail.

“The Search for Elisha Mitchell” - A New Play by Dylan Wilson
Saturday, October 18 - 7 PM
Sunday, October 19 - 2 PM
📍Mountain Heritage High School

TICKET UPDATE:

➡ Tickets will be on sale at the Old Timey Fall Festival in Burnsville, NC on Saturday, September 27 at “The Search for Elisha Mitchell” booth.

➡ Regular ticket sales will begin on Monday, September 29th and will be available at:

Andy's
Styles Automotive
Yancey Graphics
Jill's Hairport
Barn Charm

If you purchased tickets for the 2024 performance that was canceled, your same tickets will be honored for the new 2025 dates. No need to exchange them.

🎟 Tickets for Saturday, October 19, 2024 → valid for Saturday, October 18, 2025
🎟 Tickets for Sunday, October 20, 2024 → valid for Sunday, October 19, 2025

See you at the show! 🍂🎻

The Search for Elisha Mitchell - A New Play by Dylan Wilson

08/18/2025

“The Search for Elisha Mitchell” will be returning for TWO NIGHTS this October in Burnsville, NC!

We are very excited to announce “The Search for Elisha Mitchell” will be returning for TWO NIGHTS this October in Burnsville! Be on the lookout for more details!

08/15/2025

Thanks to Michael Denslow and Howard Neufeld of the Department of Biology at Appalachian State University for creating this graphic.

🍂 It's time to start planning your mountain getaway for autumn adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Burnsville, North Carolina is located in Yancey County, is home of Mount Mitchell — noted on the map (▲). This map above gives us an estimation of the timing of fall color peaks for the various regions of western North Carolina based on elevation and latitude.

Here are some of our favorite fall activities:
🚗 Leaf Peeping: Yancey County offers some of the most breathtaking fall foliage views.
🥾 Hiking: With cooler temperatures and stunning scenery, fall is the perfect time for hiking our nearly 100 miles of public hiking trails (Please note: some trails are closed for repairs following Hurricane Helene).
🍁 Waterfall Viewing: Yancey County is home to several waterfalls that become even more magical surrounded by fall foliage.
⛺️ Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the many campgrounds in the area.

For more travel inspiration and places to stay, link in bio.

08/11/2025

Burnsville has been nominated as one of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine's Top Adventure Towns in the Tiny Town category.

Round 1 voting is open now through August 21, and we need your help to move on to Round 2. Let’s show everyone why Burnsville is the ultimate basecamp for adventure — from the summit of Mount Mitchell to the banks of the Toe River, all under dark skies.

Vote here: www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/toptowns
Help us make a strong showing for Burnsville in Round 1.

08/01/2025

The 69th annual Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair is underway! Join us today and tomorrow from 9am - 5pm and enjoy artists and crafters from all around. This well-known event is bursting with creativity and fun. You’ll find live music, food trucks, and more! Be sure to check out local shops while you’re strolling Main Street for one-of-a-kind pieces. Thank you for hosting this event, Yancey Chamber of Commerce!

07/30/2025

Thank you, Yancey Chamber of Commerce!

07/30/2025

Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair
Friday, August 1 - Saturday, August 2
9 AM - 5 PM

Each August, downtown Burnsville, North Carolina transforms into a showcase of creativity and craftsmanship during the Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair. Now celebrating its 69th year, this deeply rooted tradition marks the height of summer in Yancey County. It’s a weekend when the community gathers, old friends reconnect, and visitors from near and far discover the exceptional work of Appalachian artisans.

What makes the Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair truly remarkable is not only the quality of craftsmanship—each vendor is carefully selected through a juried process to ensure only the finest handmade creations are featured—but also the heart behind the event. A dedicated team of Chamber staff, volunteers, and sponsors work tirelessly to to create a seamless and welcoming experience for vendors and guests alike.

Crafts Fair visitors can explore a wide array of exceptional work—from pottery and woodworking to fiber arts, jewelry, metalwork, and more. The fair also features live music, local food, and the undeniable charm of Downtown Burnsville. Thanks to our generous sponsors, admission and parking remain free, making it easy for families to enjoy the festivities while supporting small businesses.

The Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the creativity that defines our mountain community. We hope you’ll join us Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 from 9 AM - 5 PM for another unforgettable year.

Thank you, Yancey Chamber of Commerce!

07/23/2025

Join us in beautiful downtown Burnsville, North Carolina for the Mount Mitchell Arts & Craft Fair, proudly presented by the Yancey Chamber of Commerce! Experience genuine hometown hospitality and explore a unique collection of handmade arts and crafts from talented artisans. Don’t miss this cherished tradition in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains!