NC
Real Estate in Burlington, NC
A restored carousel in a 75-acre City Park, a hot dog stand open since 1928, and a downtown right where Cathy calls home.
Living in Burlington
Local to Coastal Realty has an office right here in Burlington, so I answer questions about specific streets instead of just the zip code. Burlington sits right next to Graham, the Alamance County seat, and the county's visitors bureau works from an office on South Main Street. The towns around it each have their own center of gravity: Elon, Graham, Mebane, and Saxapahaw.
City Park and the Carousel
Burlington City Park spans more than 75 acres and holds the restored Dentzel carousel, a hand-carved treasure from the early 1900s that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park also has the Maynard Aquatic Center, tennis courts, and a yearly calendar that includes the Carousel Festival, July 3rd in the Park, a summer concert series, and Christmas in the Park.
Downtown: Zack's, the Paramount, and the Square
Zack's Hot Dogs opened in 1928 as the Alamance Hot Wienie Lunch and has been part of downtown life ever since. The Grand Theatre took the Paramount name in September 1929, and a three-year, $1.8 million renovation was made for 1998. It hosts plays, musicals, concerts, and classic movies today. Both sit within the downtown blocks where restaurants, shops, and live music run close together.
Elon, Graham, and Saxapahaw
Elon University was founded as Elon College in 1889 and is the heart of the town of Elon. Graham has the Alamance County Courthouse, built in 1923, at its center, and the Graham Historic District around it includes 72 contributing buildings. Saxapahaw Island Park is a 30-acre county park that opened in April 2018 around an island in the Haw River, with walking trails, a playground, and a meadow, and the Haw River Trail runs through the area.
Where to Eat and Drink
Here are places worth knowing in and around Burlington, drawn from the area's official local guides. Menus, hours, and ownership change, so check before you go.
- Zack's Hot Dogs (Burlington). Downtown Burlington institution that opened in 1928.
- Burlington Beer Works (Downtown Burlington). Brews on site in the historic downtown; also a wine and cider list.
- The Oak House (Elon). Coffee shop, wine bar, and craft beer lounge with artisan fare.
- Maple Street Tavern (Graham). Known for karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
- The Eddy Pub (Saxapahaw). Beer, wine, and elevated food using local farm ingredients.
- Saxapahaw General Store (Saxapahaw). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with locally sourced ingredients.
For more places to eat and drink, browse the Alamance County visitors bureau directory.
Buying or Selling in Burlington
Burlington sits between Greensboro and Raleigh, so if you want to compare it with Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or Raleigh before you choose, I can show you all of them. Whether you are buying a home in Burlington or selling one, get in touch and we will walk the specific neighborhood. If you are heading to the coast next, read how I handle a move between the Triad and the coast.
Sources
The local facts above come from these sources, checked in October 2026.
- City of Burlington, City Park
- Zack's Hotdogs, our story
- Paramount Theatre, history
- NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Elon University marker
- Visit Alamance, Historic Alamance County Courthouse
- City of Graham, community profile (county seat)
- Alamance County Parks, Haw River Trail
- Visit Alamance restaurant directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Local to Coastal Realty have an office in Burlington?
Yes. Cathy Cagno was born and raised in Burlington, and the Burlington office is one of two offices, along with North Myrtle Beach.
What is there to do in Burlington?
City Park, with its restored Dentzel carousel, a downtown with the Paramount Theatre and Zack's Hot Dogs, and nearby Elon, Graham, and Saxapahaw Island Park on the Haw River.
Search the MLS
Homes for sale in Burlington
Buying in Burlington
The method
How we do it in Burlington
Explore more of North Myrtle Beach
Ready to make your move with Local to Coastal Realty?