Wilkes County, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will wow you with stunning mountain views and small-town charm.  As you experience Wilkes you will discover more than 50 miles of mountain biking trails, including Warrior Creek Trail, rated one of the best trails in the U.S. Scale great heights rock-climbing the 600-foot granite face at Stone Mountain State Park or soak in stunning scenery as you float above the Blue Ridge Mountains on a paragliding adventure. Go tubbing, (not tubing) down the Yadkin River in a giant washtub that holds four or more people. Or, fly fish in the heart of historic North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro enjoying the downtown rivers and streams.

If you appreciate Yadkin Valley libations there are more than 50 wineries within an hour’s drive of Wilkesboro! Step into Tuscan-style Villa at stunningly picturesque Raffaldini Vineyards for a taste of “Chianti in the Carolinas.” Enjoy Southern hospitality sipping award-winning wines at Elkin Creek Vineyards, Menarick Vineyards & Winery, Piccione Vineyards, Roaring River Vineyards, and Stardust Cellars & Taproom.

Wilkes County’s locally sourced fruits and grains yield lush libations. Holman Distillers produce moonshine using corn meal from Linney’s Mill, one of the last mills in NC that grind with water power from an adjacent stream. They produce Applejack, the only spirit invented in America. Explore the Wilkesboro connection between moonshine and NASCAR as you visit Call Family Distillers, whose founders’ family tree includes the Reverend Dan Call (who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey), and the “Uncatchable” Willie Clay Call, legendary moonshiner.

Mind blowing musical talent and heritage music is at the very heart and soul of Wilkes County. Generations of traditional music continue to be passed down. Visitors are marveled at the talent showcased in the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame located at Wilkes Heritage Museum. Take in an outdoor concert held May through October or be inspired at FaithFest in August. Visit and hobnob with music legends at world-famous MerleFest, the four-day Americana music festival.

Bike, float, sip, and sing as you escape from the busyness of life and take in the hills and valleys of picturesque Wilkes County.