A Dozen Fun Things to Do in Wilkes County – Making It Worth The Drive...Always!
For you early risers – Start the day off right at 6 a.m., with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast. Since 1954 Jacks Drive-In has been a favorite. You may find yourself surrounded by vintage autos as “Cruisin” antique car enthusiasts top off their own tank and talk cars.
Feeling freshly fueled and invigorated, enjoy a morning jog, brisk walk or bike ride on the Yadkin River Greenway. Got kids? Crank it up a notch at Lowes Park at Rivers Edge, a newly constructed half million-dollar facility featuring extreme sports, bikes, boards, and inline. Whew … time to stop for a smoothie at the Coffee Tavern. Revitalized once again – head on down to North Wilkesboro Main Street and stroll the many specialty shops. Mosey in and “out” of the Old Wilkes Jail Museum, something old Tom Dula couldn’t quite muster, proving once again, “love triangles,” never work out.
Freshly commuted from forlorn love …take flight and head for W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir to enjoy the beauty. Water sports, hiking and swimming abound but first take heed from Dolly Parton and visit Glenn’s Restaurant, where you can eat in or pack it for a picnic. They’ve been serving the locals since 1963.
Take a deep breath of the fresh air and saddle up for some treasure hunting. Wilkes County boasts some fine antique shops. 100-year-old dust got ya feelin’ parched? You’re in luck; local award winning Windy Gap Winery offers an oasis. Quaintly small, the owners will make you feel right at home.
Ready now for a chill pill? Sneak off to a movie at Liberty Theatre, dating back to the early 1900’s. Or perhaps a live performance calls your name… Benton Hall, Pitt Auditorium or The Walker Center is just the thing.
Sensors satiated? How about a mountain slumber at Falls Creek Cabins, Slip Away Haven or Leatherwood Mountains? Don’t drift off just yet, indulge yourself with five-star dining at 6th and Main in antebellum style, or enjoy the country comforts of The Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery. Liquor stills here inspired the “wildlife.” The areas own godfather of NASCAR, Junior Johnson, adorns the motif and copper kettle “stills” fuel the lore.
And festivals, none better: • Brushy Mountain Apple Festival – October • MerleFest – April • Wilkes Art & Heritage – June
For more information, call (336) 838-8662 or visit wilkesnc.org.
