Brown-Cowles House
Downtown Wilkesboro
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336)667-3712


The Brown-Cowles House is the oldest known house remaining in Wilkesboro, dating from the 1830's. Hamilton Brown (1786-1870) built the central structure and Congressman William Cowles (1850-1901) expanded it. The slave kitchen and curing house are among the few outbuildings still remaining in the area.

Buck Shoals Vineyard
6137 Vintner Way
Hamptonville, NC 27020
Phone: TBA


The vineyard was started as a vision of Terry and Joanne Crater, who started enjoying and collecting fine wines back in the 1980s. Terry particularly enjoyed the Italian wines with a special love of Amarone. This love of wines coupled with ownership of some fine Yadkin County tobacco soil was the start of a vision which culminated in the first planting of five and one half acres of nine grape varieties in April 2003. Another one and one half acres and two more varieties will be planted in 2004. The vineyard track covers approximately 13 acres with another 32 acres across Windsor Road for potential future expansion. Varieties planted in 2003 include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Syrah, Traminette, Barbera and Nebbiolo. Additional varieties planned for 2004 include Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.

Dark Mountain Biking Trails
W. Kerr Scott Dam
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 499 Reservoir Road


Biking enthusiasts will be enthralled with the nationally acclaimed Dark Mountain Trails, a challenging network of over 8 miles of trails and jumps rolling through a pine forest with spectacular vistas. The core trail, a doubletrack jeep road, runs up a forested ridge and across the top. A network of interlocking singletrack trails loops off the jeep road. The trail network features loop after loop of singletrack trail rolling through a mature forest with tall poplars and pines. You'll roll through a rhodendron tunnel, dip past an old homestead, skirt the edge of a pony pasture and cruise past a finger of the lake on the trails. MTBReview rates Dark Mountain 4.33 out of 5.

Fort Defiance
4555 Fort Defiance Drive
Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone: (828) 758-1671


Fort Defiance was the home of General William Lenoir. He was a major general in the North Carolina Militia, and fought at the Battle of King's Mountain during the American Revolution. General Lenoir built the original fort, which was known as Fort Defiance, on the banks of the Yadkin River to protect against warring Cherokees. In 1788 he built his new home and named it Fort Defiance in remembrance of the original fort. Several generations of the Lenoir family have lived in this house. Fort Defiance was purchased for restoration in 1965 and is furnished with original pieces of furniture from the earliest periods of the house. Over 300 pieces of original clothing and furnishings on display.

Garden of the Senses
1328 Collegiate Drive
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 838-6100


The garden has been designed and planted so that everyone, regardless of their visual ability, may enjoy it. The garden is part of a large complex of multivariate botanical gardens located on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This particular garden is named in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, the gifted musician son of legendary blind acoustic musician Arthel "Doc" Watson. Merle was tragically killed in an improbable accident at the age of 36. The garden contains many ornate raised planters, a diversity of plants which were chosen for their strong fragrances and unusual textures, and braille identification plaques which identify each plant for the visually impaired. The most prominent element of the garden however, is a serpentine brick wall of approximately 150 feet which contains a series of elaborate brick sculptures called "Nature's Alphabet" and "The Tree of Memories." This inspiring work of art was designed and sculpted by noted Goldsboro, NC brick sculptor and artist, Patricia Turlington. "Nature's Alphabet" spans two panels, each 16 inches high and 27 feet long. Images on the panels represent letters in the English alphabet, from an armadillo for "A" to a zebra for "Z". The images exist in alphabetical order in an effort on the behalf of the artist to stimulate the visitor's intellect by creating incentive to guess what image is next in the sculpted panel. The design of the sculpture also assists non-English speaking visitors in familiarizing themselves with the English alphabet and language. A "pocket" outline of each image enables the visually impaired to insert their hand and follow the outline of whatever is pictured there.

Hometown Opry
Minton Music & Pawn, 302 E. Main Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone: (336) 667-2274


On Friday mornings at 7 o’clock‚ people gather at the Minton Music and Pawn in North Wilkesboro to see a live musical performance that is also broadcast on WKBC 800AM. This event‚ "The Hometown Opry‚" features a different bluegrass‚ gospel‚ or country music group each week. The back room or "studio" of the Minton Music and Pawn has a large stage and enough room to seat 80 to 150 folks. Memorabilia‚ pictures of groups that have played there before‚ and musical instruments fill the studio walls. Coffee is available and donations are accepted to raise money for needy people. This is indeed an excellent venue with both local groups and pros taking the "Hometown Opry" stage. The "Opry" usually draws a large crowd.

Labryinth Walk
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Cowles Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 667-4231


Outdoor labrinth walk. Free. Always open.

Laurel Gray Vineyards
5276 Old Hwy 421
Hamptonville, NC 27020
Phone: 336-468-8463


Laurel Gray Vineyards currently encompasses 5 acres of French Vinifera grapes, 70 Jackson-Perkins roses, a 75-year old milking parlor converted into our tasting room-gift shop, a picturesque farm pond, and a big red barn. We invite you to visit our vineyards and farm. Come taste our wines, picnic by the pond, relax in the front porch glider while watching for wildlife, and become new friends.

Mathis Family Farm
336 Millard Mathis Road
Roaring River, NC 28669
Phone: (336)984-2067


Bring the whole family and spend a day on the FARM with us and our barn animals (petting and feeding permitted)...climb onto an antique farm tractor, observe and learn of honeybees' importance to agriculture, ride in our old fashioned wagon and picnic by the pond...later feed the fish, catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappy. Stroll through the Hardwood Forest, and find your way through the Corn Maze in the summer and the Pumpkin Patch in the Fall. What a wonderful way to spend a day on the farm!

Old Wilkes Heritage Walking Tour
202 Bridge Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 667-3171


FREE Self-guided walking tour visiting 13 buildings that reveal the character of the town of Wilkesboro as it developed. All are examples of the distinctive styling and culture of their times and are included in the National Register of Historic Places. Each represents an aspect of community life that makes them historically noteworthy. The buildings are within walking range of each other. Included on the tour are The Old Wilkes Jail, The Robert Cleveland House, The Federal Building, The Carl Lowe House, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Wilkes County Courthouse, Old Law Office, The Smithey Hotel, J.T. Ferguson Store, The Johnson-Hubbard House, The Presbyterian Church, Cowles Law Office, and The Brown-Cowles House. Reservations required for tour guide.

Old Wilkes Jail
203 N. Bridge Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 667-3712


The Old Wilkes Jail was constructed in 1859 and opened as jail in 1860. The history of its usage goes back to the War Between the States when it was used to house Confederate provisions as well as union prisoners. After the war, Tom Dula (of the famous ballad "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley") was incarcerated here until the change of venue was obtained by his defense attorney, former Governor Zebulon Vance. Another famous inmate was that of North Carolina's famous escape artist, "Otto Wood". The building was restored to its original state using as much of the original materials as possible. Access to the cells are through the original iron and wood doors. The old Wilkes County jail is one of the best preserved examples of nineteenth century penal architecture in North Carolina. Of particular note is the survival of its primitive security, including the front door which contains nails an inch apart so that if a prisoner got hold of an object that he could not saw his way out of the building. The museum is operated by Old Wilkes, Inc. and is open, free of charge, Monday through Friday and on weekends by appointment.

Parker's Orchard
8217 Brushy Mt. Road
Moravian Falls, NC 28654
Phone: (336) 921-3407


Located on Brushy Mountain Road seven miles south of Wilkesboro. Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday - Saturday. Additional products include: pumpkins, grapes, plums, cherries, and peaches.

Perry Lowe Orchards
Hwy 16 South
Moravian Falls, NC 28654
Phone: (336) 921-3123


Located on Hwy 16 South, Wilkes/Alexander County line. Hours: Mon-Sat. 8:00-5:00. Additional products and/or services include: peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, jams and jellies, country crafts; apple tours for schools and small groups in the fall.

Raffaldini Vineyards
450 Groce Road
Ronda, NC 28670
Phone: (336)835-9463


After a long and exhaustive search, the Raffaldini Family found an extraordinary section of land that not only reflects their heritage but also holds the promise of making truly classic wines. Some of the varietals are so unique, that the Raffaldini Family is not only the sole vineyard in the East Coast to plant them but also the first in the United States. Tasting room hours are Thursday and Saturday, 12-5 pm; Friday 12-6 pm; Sunday 1-5 pm and by appointment.

Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest
Route 1
Purlear, NC 28665
Phone: (336) 667-5072


Welcome to Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest, a unique outdoors experience! Located in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, this forest showcases magnificent mountain hardwoods in one of North Carolina's most scenic settings. Its features are accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of the managed forest.

Robert Cleveland House
203 N. Bridge Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336)667-3712


The home of Robert Cleveland, gentleman farmer, and his family of 17 children, is currently located behind the Old Wilkes Jail in full restoration and furnished in its period furniture. It was built in the 1770’s and originally located in Purlear, western portion of Wilkes County. Col. Benjamin Cleveland, Robert’s brother, led forces from Wilkes County to the Battle of Kings Mountain during the Revolutionary War.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
2009 Cowles Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 336-667-4231


This Gothic chapel is the oldest building in Wilkesboro, built between 1848 and 1849 by slaves. It is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Visit St. Paul's sacristy shop, old cemetery, and Coventry Chapel which includes a brick columbarium and labyrinth designed after the one at Chartres Cathedral. Docent led tours available.

St. Paul's Frescoes
2009 Cowles Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 336-667-4231


Two frescoes painted by world renowned artist Benjamin F. Long IV. The frescoes depict St. Paul the Apostle. Viewing is FREE, and is open to the public Mon.- Sat. 9a-6p, and Sun. 12p-4p.

Stone Mountain State Park
3042 Frank Parkway
Roaring Gap, NC 28668
Phone: (336) 957-8185


Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain's base. The scenery is only one attraction of the park. Test your fly-fishing techniques in more than 17 miles of designated trout waters. Or, with more than 16 miles of trails, take a hike in the park. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1975, Stone Mountain is bounded on the north by the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the west by the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands. More than 13,747 acres of mountain beauty offer opportunities for outdoor activities of all kinds.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir
499 Reservoir Road
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 336-921-3390


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley. This manmade lake offers extensive opportunity for outdoor recreational activities. The entire reservoir is open for public recreational use. Recreational facilities are available at several areas around the reservoir. There are designated areas for boating, picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities including world-class mountain biking trails.

Walker Center
1328 S. Collegiate Drive
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 838-6260


The Center currently has an 1,130 seat performing arts auditorium and 38,731 square feet of multi-purpose meeting space that is used for management training, business meetings, civic meetings, a variety of cultural activities. The center has become the focus of WCC's service area's artistic community with plays, concerts, dance presentations, gospel events, exhibits, and festivals being presented on a regular basis. Highlights of 2004-2005 Season: The Four Tops, Englebert Humperdink, Eddie Miles, and many more!

Whippoorwill Academy & Village
11929 Hwy 268 W.
Ferguson, NC 28624
Phone: (336)973-3237


Whippoorwill Academy and Village includes a one-room schoolhouse, known as Whippoorwill Academy, built in 1880. North Carolina's Poet Laureate, Larkin Pearson, attended this one-room school. In the loft of the Academy is the Tom Dula (Dooley) Museum, which includes paintings, drawings, and other Dula memorabilia, including a lock of Laura Foster's hair. The village also has the Smokehouse Art Museum, with regular shows local artists, a blacksmith shop, weaver's shop, country store, and Chapel of Peace.

Wilkes BMX
1606 Industrial Drive
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 667-1128


The Wilkes BMX Track is part of The Edge Extreme Sports Park, including a state of the art skateboard park. Races are held weekly. For more information and a schedule, link to the website.

Wilkes County Heritage Museum
202 Bridge Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: (336) 667-3171


The museum, housed in the beautifully restored Old Wilkes County Courthouse, showcases the history of Wilkes County, including early settlers, military history, and history of economic and industrial contributions in poultry, lumber and furniture, agriculture and business. The stories of important historical figures like Daniel Boone and the infamous Tom Dula "Dooley" are told. In addition, the intriguing story of moonshining, Thunder Road and the origin of NASCAR are featured, including a moonshine still and one of Junior Johnson's race cars. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wilkes County Heritage Museum
202 Bridge Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 336-667-3171


The museum, housed in the beautifully restored Old Wilkes County Courthouse, showcases the history of Wilkes County, including early settlers, military history, and history of economic and industrial contributions in poultry, lumber and furniture, agriculture and business. The stories of important historical figures like Daniel Boone and the infamous Tom Dula "Dooley" are told. In addition, the intriguing story of moonshining, Thunder Road and the origin of NASCAR are featured, including a moonshine still and one of Junior Johnson's race cars. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wilkes Playmakers
Benton Hall, 300 D Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone: (336) 838-PLAY


Wilkes Playmakers Inc. is proud to be a part of Wilkes County Theatre and North Carolina Community Theatre. We're also proud of our yearly production of Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend, the cornerstone of Wilkes County Theatre. Tom Dooley memorabilia such as T-shirts, the book and the soundtrack to the pay are for sale on this site. People nationwide have been fascinated and intrigued with the Tom Dooley story for over a century. The murder of Laura Foster in the Elkville community, now known as Ferguson, in North Carolina was one of the nation’s first highly publicized crimes of passion. Tom Dooley hanged for the crime but many questions were left unanswered. The Kingston Trio catapulted Tom Dooley to fame again in the 1960’s with the song “Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley”. Visitors still travel from far and wide to visit the graves and tour the countryside where the story took place.

Windy Gap Vineyard
656 Pardue Farm Road
Ronda, NC 28670
Phone: (336) 984-3926


Our award-winning, family-owned winery is located in the rolling foothills of Wilkes County’s Brushy Mountains, in the center of the burgeoning Yadkin Valley wine region. We are conveniently located along scenic U.S. Highway 421 North only 10 minutes from Interstate 77. Our tasting room is only a 40-minute drive from Winston-Salem, 60 minutes from Greensboro and 70 minutes from Charlotte. Come and visit one of the prettiest vineyards in North Carolina. Sample award-winning wines in our Tuscan-style tasting room. If you’d like, bring a picnic basket and enjoy lunch on our wine patio while listening to quiet music. We’ll provide the wine and will make you feel right at home.

Yadkin River Greenway
717 Main Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone: (336) 651-8967


This greenway is a beautiful natural area between urban communities where wildlife, vegatation and streams are preserved and enjoyed that travels along the Yadkin and Reddies Rivers. For a map of the greenway, along with trailhead access points and parking, please link to website above.