This Wilkes County NC Travel Guide covers the best things to do, hidden gems, historic downtowns, wineries, waterfalls, and tips for exploring Stone Mountain State Park. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or exploring the North Carolina Foothills, this guide shares everything you need to know based on my firsthand trip.

► Prefer video? Watch my full Wilkes County NC travel vlog here.

Wilkes County NC Travel Guide: Hidden Gems, Downtowns, Wineries & Stone Mountain

If you’ve ever driven past Wilkes County on your way to the mountains and thought, “I’ll explore it one day,” this is your sign to stop, slow down, and discover one of the most overlooked foothills destinations in North Carolina.

From historic downtowns and bluegrass roots to Stone Mountain State Park, vineyards, waterfalls, and charming local shops, Wilkes County surprised me in the best way, and I’m excited to share everything I discovered so you can plan your own unforgettable trip.

Why Visit Wilkes County NC?

Wilkes County sits where the Foothills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains, full of character, stories, and small-town charm. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your NC travel list:

My Weekend Exploring Wilkes County

This travel guide is based entirely on my own weekend-long exploration of Wilkes County. Here’s what I saw, loved, and recommend.

Downtown Exploring Downtown Wilkesboro NC

Wilkes Heritage Museum

This is the perfect place to start your visit. Inside you’ll find:

• Early settler and frontier history
• Moonshine stories
• Bluegrass + old-time music heritage
• NASCAR roots
• And a fun fact: Lowe’s Home Improvement started here

It’s packed with context that enriches your whole trip.

North Wilkesboro Speedway

Only a few miles away sits the iconic North Wilkesboro Speedway, a historic NASCAR gem experiencing a revival. It’s worth a quick visit even if you’re not attending an event.

Wilkes County’s Music Heritage

Wilkes County has raised legendary bluegrass and mountain musicians. Today, its musical heartbeat continues across the local venues and festivals like MerleFest. If you love Appalachian music, this place feels like home.

Downtown North Wilkesboro: Coffee, Shops, and Friendly Vibes

Talia Espresso

A small-town favorite, great coffee, warm atmosphere, and the kind of place where people greet each other by name.

Local Shops

Give yourself time to wander. You’ll find:

• Pottery studios
• Art galleries
• Antique shops
• Boutiques
• Historic storefronts

This area has such a welcoming energy.

Where I Stayed: Blueberry Hill Cottage (Airbnb)

Blue Ridge Food Tour (Highly Recommended)

This walking tour through downtown North Wilkesboro was a highlight.
It includes:

• Local restaurants
• Family-run businesses
• Tastings and small plates
• Stories about moonshiners, musicians, and local families
• A visit to the Old Liberty Theater and sample the unique Patio Cherry Soda

If you enjoy food, storytelling, and community history, book this tour.

Evening Cocktail at Merle’s

Back in Wilkesboro, Merle’s is tucked inside a historic cottage and makes delicious cocktails, the perfect way to end the evening.

Day Two: Coffee + Exploring Downtown North Wilkesboro

I started the morning back at Talia Espresso, then spent time exploring art galleries, the historic hardware store, and local gems downtown, and shopping.

Stone Mountain State Park: Waterfalls, Views & Hidden Gems

Roaring River Vineyards

Just 15 minutes away from Stone Mountain State Park, this peaceful spot features:

• Local wines
• A beautiful riverside restaurant
• RV sites
• On-site lodging (click the link and then search Roaring River Vineyards)
• Gorgeous views

I could have stayed all day, but I decided to see if the park reopened, so I headed back.

There are many excellent wineries in the region, and I highly recommend checking them out.

Hidden Gems Inside Stone Mountain State Park

1. Easy-Access Waterfall | Widow’s Creek Falls

Few visitors know about this small waterfall close to the parking lot. It’s:

• Beautiful
• Easy to reach
• Perfect for families
• Great for summer wading

A must-add to your Stone Mountain itinerary.

2. Historic Garden Creek Baptist Church

A peaceful, photogenic hidden gem that feels frozen in time.

3. Hutchinson Homestead

This 1800s homestead includes restored buildings and open fields with views of:

• The massive granite Stone Mountain dome
• You might see some rock climbers ascending the face
• Scenic pastoral landscapes

Even without hiking the whole loop, you’ll get amazing views from here.

Note:
Stone Mountain State Park is well known for the larger falls, and it’s worth all the stairs to see it! As of November 3, 2025, the falls are currently closed for a Stair Replacement Project.

Best Things to Do in Wilkes County NC

• History + Culture
  • Wilkes Heritage Museum
    • Old Wilkes Jail
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway
• Food + Drink
  • Talia Espresso
  • Merle’s
  • Blue Ridge Food Tour
  • Roaring River Vineyards
• Outdoors
  • Stone Mountain State Park
    • Waterfalls
    • Hutchinson Homestead
    • Fishing & hiking trails
• Shopping
  • Art galleries
  • Pottery studios
  • Antique stores
  • Local boutiques

Sample 2-Day Wilkes County Itinerary

Day One

• Morning: Explore Downtown Wilkesboro
• Wilkes Heritage Museum
• North Wilkesboro Speedway
• Talia Espresso
• Blue Ridge Food Tour
• Evening cocktail at Merle’s

Day Two

• Coffee + downtown shopping
• Stone Mountain State Park
  • Widow’s Creek and Stone Mountain Falls
  • Hutchinson Homestead
• Optional add-on: Roaring River Vineyards

Where to Stay

• Blueberry Hill Cottage (Airbnb)
• Lodging at Roaring River Vineyards
• Hotels in Wilkesboro/North Wilkesboro

When to Visit

• Fall: Leaf season, most popular
• Spring: Wildflowers + waterfall flow
• Summer: Vineyard season
• Winter: Quiet and peaceful

FAQs About Wilkes County, NC

Is Wilkes County worth visiting?

Yes! It’s a charming foothills destination full of history, outdoor adventures, food, wine, and small-town experiences.

What is Wilkes County known for?

Bluegrass music, NASCAR roots, Stone Mountain State Park, MerleFest, Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, and its walkable historic downtowns.

What are the best outdoor attractions?

Stone Mountain, wineries, the Hutchinson homestead, and scenic hiking trails.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Fall is the most popular, but spring and early summer are beautiful.

► Watch my full Wilkes County NC travel vlog here.