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Things To Do In Wilkes County NC

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  • Art and Architecture, History and Heritage, Outdoor Activities
  • 202 Bridge Street, Wilkesboro
  • 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.

  • Art and Architecture, History and Heritage, Outdoor Activities
  • 100 East Main Street, Wilkesboro
  • 336-667-3171

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. Admission to the Heritage Museum includes a self-guided tour of the museum, guided tour of the Old Wilkes Jail and the Captain Robert Cleveland Log Home.

  • Art and Architecture, History and Heritage
  • 200 West Cowles Street, Wilkesboro
  • 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.

  • Art and Architecture
  • 200 West Cowles Street, Wilkesboro
  • 336-667-4231

In 2002, a beautiful partnership was formed between the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes, St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the world renowned artist Benjamin F. Long, IV to paint two fresco scenes of the Apostle Paul’s time of conversion and while writing the Epistles in prison. The frescoes reside in the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the commons area joining the chapel and the sanctuary. These classically beautiful frescoes are open for free viewing by the public.

  • Art and Architecture
  • 1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro
  • 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.

  • Art and Architecture, Genealogy Resources, History and Heritage, Outdoor Activities

Wilkes County, NC was established in 1777 and is one of the oldest counties in western North Carolina, being founded right after the start of the Revolutionary War. Our history is a big part of our culture and our pride. Our residents have included famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, legendary soldiers, political leaders and NASCAR racing legends. Our architecture is as unique as our residents, as you will see when you visit the places shown in this brochure.

  • Art and Architecture, History and Heritage
  • 203 West Main ST, Wilkesboro
  • 3368383951

Wilkes County covers a vast area of land that ranges from the Blue Ridge escarpment in the west to rolling farmland and vineyards in the east. It offers a variety of outdoor activities to go along with a rich heritage including the origins of NASCAR, the Tom Dooley legend and ballad, and the country’s biggest Americana music festival, MerleFest. The Northwest North Carolina Visitor Center (221 East Highway 421, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659) showcases all the region has to offer. Its design was even inspired by a moonshine still!