While it isn't Nascar, racing is back in Wilkes County. Racetrack Revival has brought its brand of grassroots style racing back to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, and we are here for it. Originally a part of the Winston Cup Circuit NWS is one of the original American race tracks. 
(from Gary Buffaloe's Why Aren't We Racing at North Wilkesboro?)
Now that racing is back in town, you may find yourself looking for things to do and places to visit while in our beautiful county, and we have a great list of things to check out while you are here.
Drive Along The Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the best parts about visiting Wilkes County is its multiple access points to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national parkway that runs for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful stretch of road has many opportunities for hiking, camping, as well as gorgeous overlooks.
Specifically in Wilkes County there are several great spots to check out including:
- Brinegar Cabin: An old homestead high up on the Blue Ridge mountains. The Cabin itself was built in 1880.
- Doughton Park: Highland meadows with multiple picturesque viewpoints, miles of hiking and bridle trails, spaces for camping and cookouts, and one of the few locations on the Parkway with a restaurant can be found in Doughton Park (called The Bluffs)
Visit Both Of Our Downtowns
Oddly enough, there are twin towns (don't tell anyone we said that) North Wilkesboro, and Wilkesboro. Both of them have unique characteristics and are separated by the Reddies River.
Both towns have offer shopping, restaurants, and lodging opportunities. There are also several wonderful events that happen throughout the year such as:
- Merlefest: A celebration of roots music honoring Merle Watson, son of the pioneer of americana Doc Watson. This festival has been running since 1988 and hosts tens of thousands of attendees each year at Wilkes Community College.
- Carolina in The Fall: Another yearly music festival held in downtown Wilkesboro. This one is a more intimate affair, and closes out with the presenting band The Kruger Brothers,
- Concerts in the Commons / Concerts on the Deck: Two free music series put on by the towns at each of their public square. They typically run throughout the Summer and early Autumn.
Explore Local Distilling Culture
Wilkes County is home to well known bootleggers turned drivers such as Benny Parsons and Junior Johnson. Infamous for their high quality shine and skills behind the wheel of a car, these bootleggers along with other less well known moonshiners, have inspired a very "spiritual" revival (See what we did there) with distilleries such as Call Family Distillers, and Copper Barrel making the high quality stuff(albeit legal).
Experience Mountain Biking Like Never Before
One thing is for sure, Wilkes county has some of the best mountain bike trails around. With 30+ miles of easily accessible flow trails, as well as Cooks Outfitters offering bike rentals, there is no excuse to not check out our cycling scene. ]
If you are looking for close to town easy riding, our greenways as well as the Cub Creek trails are perfect. Dark Mountain and OVT both offer unique flowing cross country trails with a few fun downhill options to check out.
Warrior Creek trail is an epic cross country trail with a nice back country feel. In addition to the 12 mile loop, there is a unique gravity area called the Hub. You can check out our Hub at Warrior Creek Trail Guide here!
If you have a little extra time, check out Rocky Knob Park on 421 towards Boone, NC.
Enjoy Specialty Coffee Roasted Right Here In North Wilkesboro
Yeah! That's right, there is a specialty coffee roasting company right here in North Wilkesboro. Offering a variety of single origin coffees and blends, as well as a lineup of specialty espresso drinks, and craft beer, we have got you covered!
Located nearby the Reddies River Trailhead on the Yadkin River Greenway, there is no better way to start and finish your Wilkes County adventure than Anchor Coffee Co.
Stop by today, and say hello, or check out our online store!