As people have begun to pour into North Wilkesboro for the Nascar All-Star Race race week, our local businesses have been preparing for a new type of revival. Over the years, the towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro have been rebuilding. However this time around the economics of our towns haven't been focused on securing major corporations, or large factories, but instead on growing the small, locally owned businesses across our towns.
While we love our major employers, we know how vital it is to build a community around small businesses. They are the heartbeat of our town, and this guide details a few of our favorite long-time businesses along with a few new ones!
The Lost Wombat
A new addition to downtown North Wilkesboro, The Lost Wombat is a family-friendly restaurant and bar featuring classic American cuisine with an Australian twist. Their menu is growing daily, and their beer list will be top-notch as it fills out.
They may have the best wings in town, and be sure to check out their “Nashville Hot” sauce. As I write this, they are finishing up a playground area for kids to safely run and play in the outdoor space that they have built.
The Block
Across the street from The Lost Wombat is another new hot spot for families with children. The Block is a massive trampoline park and indoor family entertainment center. With a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages, the Block is a great way to escape the madness of race weekend.
They currently offer:
- 8,000 sq. ft. of trampoline park
- 7,000 sq. ft. roller skating rink
- Blacklight Gellyball arena
- Toddler park
- Arcade
- And more!
Merles
“The perfect little cocktail bar that I would give all my money to…” Merle’s is an absolute treat. A cocktail lounge located in a historic cottage built in 1871, Merle’s was created as a love letter to the region.
Their specialty cocktail list is limited but absolutely perfect, and of course, they can make all of the classics. Additionally, they have a handful of beers on draft and in cans.
Glenns
A Wilkes County institution, Glenn’s has been around for a long time, likely since the founding of Wilkes itself(we kid… but for real). With a classic soda shop vibe, great burgers, and a solid selection of ice cream, there is no better way to celebrate Wilkes than with a quick bite at Glenn's.
Copper Barrel
One of the first big investors in Wilkes’ craft spirit scene, Copper Barrel Distilling has deep roots in moonshine, as well as the movement to bring back the North Wilkesboro Speedway. For years they have been selling craft spirits, and have expanded into the restaurant business with the Copper Barrel Brew Haus next door.
Call Family Distilling
Another fantastic distillery from a famous name in moonshine. Willie “Clay” Call is one of the most renowned moonshiners from Wilkes County and has been making and hauling ‘shine since the 1960s. They offer tours and have a live music venue called the Mash House that puts on outdoor concerts.
Stardust Cellars
To be honest, we like to party in Wilkes County, and sometimes we like to get a bit weird when we do so. Enter Stardust Cellars, a winery specializing in mead (a fermented beverage made of honey) and biodynamic wines. Grab a bottle from Lowes Foods or straight from their taproom in Wilkesboro.
Dooleys
Classic Wilkesboro. Dooley’s has been around for a long time. A traditional American bar and burger joint, Dooleys is located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Wilkesboro. (which is totally haunted.) Also, they have a race team that competes in some of the local grassroots racing series!
Grab A Coffee At Anchor Coffee
Anchor Coffee launched in 2014 as a specialty coffee roaster that focused on importing beautiful coffees from around the world to North Wilkesboro, and sharing them with our friends. Well, our list of coffee loving friends grew, and we started a coffee bar and taproom right outside of downtown North Wilkesboro.
We currently offer an incredible list of coffees available on pour over, or for retail, along with 15 craft beers on tap. For pastries, we partner with our friends and neighbors at Dom Bakeries(another wonderful local spot).
As longtime residents of Wilkes, thanks for stopping by for the race, and we cannot wait to host you. Located nearby the Reddies River Trailhead on the Yadkin River Greenway, there is no better way to start and finish your All Star Race Week adventure than Anchor Coffee Co.
Stop by today, and say hello, or check out our online store!