Burlington Community
Original Content by Carl Johnson
When you venture to the official website of Burlington, NC the list of “Things To-Do” is endless! From lake activities, to hiking, biking and walking trails, dog parks, golfing, and festivals if you are looking for a place that has something for everyone Burlington is your town. With a population of over 60,000 Burlington is in the top 20 of largest cities in North Carolina (North Carolina Cities by Population (2025)) but has a great small town feel all while being just over 30 miles outside of Durham.
One of the main benefits of living in North Carolina is its ability to be a place to both work and play. Which is why in Burlington, you are right near all your outdoor needs. Burlington offers four marinas over its three lakes which are operated by their hands on Parks and Recreation Department. Though swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes, there are numerous other water activities that make it a perfect quick getaway for a weekend of fun. At Lake Mackintosh you can find both the Guilford-Mackintosh Marina and Lake Mackintosh Park & Marine for your recreational needs. Lake Mackintosh is an over 1150 acre reservoir with over 60 miles of shoreline. This stocked lake is full of activities between the two marinas from boat ramps, pier and bank fishing, picnic sites, open-area shelters and pavilions, playgrounds, kayaking hiking trails and more. Lake Mackintosh is a popular hot spot for those of Burlington all season long. The Parks and Recreation Department also host events and activities throughout the year at Lake Mackintosh - from the kid friendly Sprouts Nature Program to Artists in the Parks you can find an updated Outdoor Rec Calendar online!
When you venture to the official website of Burlington, NC the list of “Things To-Do” is endless! From lake activities, to hiking, biking and walking trails, dog parks, golfing, and festivals if you are looking for a place that has something for everyone Burlington is your town. With a population of over 60,000 Burlington is in the top 20 of largest cities in North Carolina (North Carolina Cities by Population (2025)) but has a great small town feel all while being just over 30 miles outside of Durham.
One of the main benefits of living in North Carolina is its ability to be a place to both work and play. Which is why in Burlington, you are right near all your outdoor needs. Burlington offers four marinas over its three lakes which are operated by their hands on Parks and Recreation Department. Though swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes, there are numerous other water activities that make it a perfect quick getaway for a weekend of fun. At Lake Mackintosh you can find both the Guilford-Mackintosh Marina and Lake Mackintosh Park & Marine for your recreational needs. Lake Mackintosh is an over 1150 acre reservoir with over 60 miles of shoreline. This stocked lake is full of activities between the two marinas from boat ramps, pier and bank fishing, picnic sites, open-area shelters and pavilions, playgrounds, kayaking hiking trails and more. Lake Mackintosh is a popular hot spot for those of Burlington all season long. The Parks and Recreation Department also host events and activities throughout the year at Lake Mackintosh - from the kid friendly Sprouts Nature Program to Artists in the Parks you can find an updated Outdoor Rec Calendar online!
Photo Caption: Guilford-Mackintosh Marina |
Photo Credit: Burlington.gov
Photo Credit: Burlington.gov
At Lake Cammack you can use the Lake Cammack Park & Marina. This marina site is on the second largest lake in Burlington with Lake Cammack having over 800 acres of lake and 50 miles of shoreline. Offing a great option for lake lovers you can often find wildlife nearby while at Lake Cammack - it is known as a great spot to see Bald Eagles! Some highlights of the Lake Cammack Marina are boat ramps, playgrounds, hiking trails, bank and pier fishing. There are rentals available through the Civitan Open-Air Shelter and Civitan Building. The marina also hosts Camp Green Leaves through the Parks and Recreation Department for the developmentally disabled.
Photo Caption: Lake Cammack |
Photo Credit: Burlington.gov
Photo Credit: Burlington.gov
Lastly there is the Stoney Creek Marina located at the 140-acres reservoir of Stoney Creek. This is the oldest and smallest of the city's marinas and only electric trolling motors, canoes and kayak are allowed to launch from its docks. This lake and marina are a perfect place for a peaceful day of fishing on the quiet lake!
Photo Cation: Stoney Creek Marina | Photo Credit: Burlington.gov
With these three fantastic options for you to enjoy the outdoors of NC, Burlington is a great unique community! You can get your fill of activities and fresh air all while being a short drive from home.
Evening though the lakes are all no swimming or wadding, Burlington offers a few aquatic options that are fun! The Maynard Aquatic Center or MAC is an outdoor pool with a walk-in ramp, frog slide, as well as lap lanes and recreational swimming. The MAC is also a great option to take swim lessons as well as take part in their many active programs. The renovated North Park Pool in Burlington has a beach-like walk-in entry with water features for recreational swimming. Opened in 2016, the Splash Pad in Burlington quickly became a popular spot to take a break from the summer heat! Located by the MAC, the splash pad is free and open to the public.
Evening though the lakes are all no swimming or wadding, Burlington offers a few aquatic options that are fun! The Maynard Aquatic Center or MAC is an outdoor pool with a walk-in ramp, frog slide, as well as lap lanes and recreational swimming. The MAC is also a great option to take swim lessons as well as take part in their many active programs. The renovated North Park Pool in Burlington has a beach-like walk-in entry with water features for recreational swimming. Opened in 2016, the Splash Pad in Burlington quickly became a popular spot to take a break from the summer heat! Located by the MAC, the splash pad is free and open to the public.
Photo Caption: Burlington Splash Pad | Photo Credit: Burlington.gov
If you are looking for great North Caroline golfing, Burlington has your needs covered! The popular Valley Golf Course lets you golf by the river. “Nestled along the banks of the Haw River, the Valley Golf Course (formally known as Indian Valley) offers the avid golfer a fair test of their golf game. The 18-hole Ellis Maples par 70 course is owned and operated by the City of Burlington and is available for regular and tournament play. Juniors and seniors are welcome” (The Valley Golf Course | Burlington, NC - Official Website).
There are a lot of opportunities to also take part in the community through the Arts and Culture events of Burlington. A great spot is the Paramount Theatre with seating for almost 400, you can find live shows and more! The history of Paramount Theatre listed on their website says the following: “Originally opened in 1928 by J.R. Qualls as the Grand Theatre, the theater’s first show was “Three Weekends” starring actress, Clara Bow. Admission at the time was 10 and 35 cents! One year later, Qualls changed the name of the theater to The Paramount. Though the theater thrived during the Depression and World War II, the 1960s and 70s brought hard times for the theater. The Paramount Theater was scheduled to be demolished but managed to survive. The Gallery Players stepped up to try and make The Paramount stage a permanent home of community theater for Burlington. In 1993, the City of Burlington and the Alamance County Arts Council took on the task of renovating the space. The Paramount Theater has a supportive network of patrons from Alamance County and beyond” (History | Paramount Theatre Burlington, NC). You can find up to date events and shows on their website as well as ways to rent out the space out for your own parties and needs.
There are a lot of opportunities to also take part in the community through the Arts and Culture events of Burlington. A great spot is the Paramount Theatre with seating for almost 400, you can find live shows and more! The history of Paramount Theatre listed on their website says the following: “Originally opened in 1928 by J.R. Qualls as the Grand Theatre, the theater’s first show was “Three Weekends” starring actress, Clara Bow. Admission at the time was 10 and 35 cents! One year later, Qualls changed the name of the theater to The Paramount. Though the theater thrived during the Depression and World War II, the 1960s and 70s brought hard times for the theater. The Paramount Theater was scheduled to be demolished but managed to survive. The Gallery Players stepped up to try and make The Paramount stage a permanent home of community theater for Burlington. In 1993, the City of Burlington and the Alamance County Arts Council took on the task of renovating the space. The Paramount Theater has a supportive network of patrons from Alamance County and beyond” (History | Paramount Theatre Burlington, NC). You can find up to date events and shows on their website as well as ways to rent out the space out for your own parties and needs.
Photo Caption: Paramount Theater |
Photo Credit: Paramount Facebook
Photo Credit: Paramount Facebook
While strolling around the Paramount, you will notice the downtown of Burlington is filled with a lot of small town love. The area is supported by its community as well as being a part of larger groups, Main Street America and North Carolina Main Street Community, all of which support its growth. Here is how these two larger organizations help in Burlington:
Main Street America: “As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Burlington is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development” (About Us — Downtown Burlington).
North Carolina Main Street Community: “Burlington is a North Carolina Main Street community, designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. The Burlington Downtown Corporation is charged with administering the program at the local level and building public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation” (About Us — Downtown Burlington).
People in this community want to help it grow and support their local businesses. Many of the local restaurants and stores work together, even offering multiple laid out maps to help everyone hit up the best hot spots and more! Below in order are: a Social District Map of popular restaurants and bars, a Historic District Walking Map to take in the towns history and architecture, and even a Public Art Map supporting art old and new!
Main Street America: “As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Burlington is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development” (About Us — Downtown Burlington).
North Carolina Main Street Community: “Burlington is a North Carolina Main Street community, designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. The Burlington Downtown Corporation is charged with administering the program at the local level and building public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation” (About Us — Downtown Burlington).
People in this community want to help it grow and support their local businesses. Many of the local restaurants and stores work together, even offering multiple laid out maps to help everyone hit up the best hot spots and more! Below in order are: a Social District Map of popular restaurants and bars, a Historic District Walking Map to take in the towns history and architecture, and even a Public Art Map supporting art old and new!
Photo Caption: Burlington Social District |
Photo Credit: Burlington Downtown
Photo Credit: Burlington Downtown
Photo Caption: Burlington Historic District Walking Map |
Photo Credit: Burlington Downtown
Photo Credit: Burlington Downtown
Photo Caption: Burlington Art Walk | Photo Credit: Burlington Downtown
CLICK HERE for a link to an interactive map of the Art Map listed above! Wow - what a cool downtown. Support everyone from art to beer and anything in between!
Some popular spots in the area are:
Tanner’s Wine Bar
Burlington Food Hall
Burlington Beer Works
Main Street Vinyl
D&Js Martinis
Persnickety Books
And more!
If you want to be a part of this great community take the time to back a trip and check it out! CLICK HERE to contact us today and let's take that tour together to find your next home in Burlington NC!
Some popular spots in the area are:
Tanner’s Wine Bar
Burlington Food Hall
Burlington Beer Works
Main Street Vinyl
D&Js Martinis
Persnickety Books
And more!
If you want to be a part of this great community take the time to back a trip and check it out! CLICK HERE to contact us today and let's take that tour together to find your next home in Burlington NC!