The City of Morganton Main Street Department is officially kicking off summer with the launch of Destination Downtown, a three-month shop-local initiative designed to bring extra excitement, community engagement, and major rewards to Downtown Morganton.
Running from June 8 through August 31, the program invites residents and visitors aged 18 and older to grab a free passport, explore the city’s unique downtown core, and complete shopping prompts for a chance to win downtown bucks.
How to Play
Participating in the Destination Downtown program is simple, fun, and accessible to everyone:
- Pick Up a Free Passport: Collect a physical passport card at any participating downtown merchant or at the Main Street Office (112B W Union St). No purchase is necessary to get a card.
- Collect 9 Stickers: Fill all nine squares on the passport by completing various shopping prompts. Participants will receive an official sticker each time they make a qualifying purchase or attend a designated free community event (limit one sticker per stop).
- Submit to Win: Once all nine squares are full, participants simply fill out their contact information on the back of the card and drop it off at any participating business or the Main Street Office by the August 31 deadline.
Major Prizes on the Line
Submitting a completed passport enters participants into a random drawing on September 4, featuring serious local spending power:
- One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive $500 in Downtown Bucks!
- Five (5) Winners will receive $250 in Downtown Bucks!
Note: Downtown Bucks are $5 coupons that can be spent at downtown businesses just like cash (no change given).
Participating Businesses & Free Sticker Stops
More than 20 local retailers, restaurants, and recreational spots are participating in the program, showcasing the incredible diversity of Downtown Morganton:
- Retail & Specialty: Uptown Consignment, West Union Art Studios, Thistle & Twig, Craft'd, Aqua B Boutique, Hamilton Williams, Debbie's Embroidery & Screen Printing, Viva la Vintage, Morganton Ponds & Hardscapes, The Olive of Morganton (Retail/Bar), Garden Gate Floral & Events, Benjamin's & Libba's, Fonta Flora (Brewery), Breathe Yoga & Wellness (Recreational, Retail), Bigfoot Climbing Gym (Recreational, Retail)
- Dining, Cafes, & Desserts: Merrill Mischief General Store, Ice Cream Sammies, Yesi's Tacos & Cantina, Uncle Eee's, Blackbox Sandwiches, Buck's Pizza, Ono Poke Bowl.
No-Purchase-Necessary Sticker Options: Participants can also collect stickers completely free of charge by enjoying Morganton’s vibrant community events:
- Morganton Farmers Market: Visit the J&J Farms booth under the shed and see Jennifer Bell for a sticker.
- TGIF Summer Concerts: Head to the beer & wine tent during any Friday night concert to claim a sticker.
For questions regarding the Destination Downtown Summer Passport Program, please contact the Main Street Office at 828-438-5252 or via email at info [at] downtownmorganton.com (info[at]downtownmorganton[dot]com).