In late August 2025, we spent three days exploring Wilkesboro, NC, and came away really impressed by how much there is to see and do. We enjoyed a mix of history, great food and drinks, shopping, outdoor adventure, and time just relaxing and taking in the local vibe.
Everything in this guide is something we experienced during our visit. From the first cup of coffee in the morning to evenings spent with food and cocktails or wine, we tried to sample as much of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro as we could, and we’re excited to share our favorite things to do with you.
If you’re planning a trip to the area, here are some of the best things to do in Wilkesboro based on our own visit and personal experiences there.
Step Back in Time at the Wilkes Heritage Museum
One of the highlights of our visit was touring the Wilkes Heritage Museum in downtown Wilkesboro.
We had the pleasure of meeting George Childers, the Board Chairman, who guided us through the museum. George’s passion for local history was contagious — he not only walked us through the various rooms and exhibits, but also shared fascinating stories about the people, places, and events that helped shape Wilkes County.
After exploring the main museum, George walked us over to two historic buildings on the property: the Old Wilkes County Jail and the Robert Cleveland House, which dates back to the 1770s. Walking through those spaces gave us a real sense of what life was like in Wilkesboro centuries ago.
The museum is full of treasures, but a few exhibits really stood out to us:
- The Old Jail – This former county jail is still intact, complete with its original cells and the living quarters for the jailers. Walking through, we could almost imagine what it must have been like for inmates housed there years ago.
- The NASCAR Section – Wilkes County has deep racing roots, and this exhibit highlights legendary driver Junior Johnson. Seeing his story displayed was both inspiring and a reminder of how much this area has contributed to stock car racing.
- Medical and Dental Room – Filled with vintage equipment, this exhibit gave us a glimpse into what healthcare looked like decades ago. Some of the tools looked more intimidating than helpful!
- Classroom Schoolhouse – Stepping into this recreated one-room schoolhouse felt like stepping back in time. With old desks, chalkboards, and books, it gave us a real sense of how children in Wilkes County learned generations ago.
- Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame – We also loved exploring this section, which honors the musicians and traditions that shaped the sound of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From bluegrass pioneers to gospel legends, it’s a moving tribute to the region’s musical roots.
The Wilkes Heritage Museum is located at 100 East Main Street in Wilkesboro. Parking is available nearby in downtown Wilkesboro.
Indulge at Suck It Up Milkshakes
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can’t miss Suck It Up Milkshakes in downtown North Wilkesboro. This spot takes milkshakes to a whole new level — ours came loaded with whipped cream, sprinkles, cotton candy, and over the top toppings that turn your shake into an edible work of art.
We tried two of their creations: the Blondie, a strawberry shake topped with an ice cream cone, strawberry wafer cookies, and strawberry drizzle; and the Butterlicious, a decadent mix of cookie butter, Biscoff cookies, and caramel drizzle, all topped with a snickerdoodle cookie. Both were just as fun as they were delicious — rich, creamy, and so over the top that we couldn’t stop smiling as we tried to figure out how to even start eating them.
The shop itself is in an old gas station, and outdoor picnic tables are available for seating. Beyond milkshakes, they also serve boba tea, ice cream nachos, cookies, and more — but let’s be honest, it’s those wild shakes that steal the show.
If you’re downtown and craving something sweet, Suck It Up Milkshakes is an absolute must. Just make sure to bring your appetite (and grab lots of napkins).
Taste and Explore with Blue Ridge Food Tours
One of the absolute highlights of our time in Wilkesboro was going on a Wilkesboro food tour with Blue Ridge Food Tours, led by our wonderful guide, Mya. The tour was the perfect mix of food, history, and local flavor.
As we walked through town, Mya shared stories about Wilkesboro, the surrounding mountains, and the South — everything from quirky bits of history to fascinating details about the food we were sampling. It felt like we were experiencing the town in a way we never could have on our own.
And the food? Incredible. Each stop offered something unique:
- Dom Bakeries – We kicked things off with fresh-baked treats, including pizza and apple donuts.
- Tripp’s Mercantile – Their Limoncello Cake from Amalfi's was light, sweet, and unforgettable. We also enjoyed shopping and exploring the store while there as well.
- 6th and Main – A local favorite, offering delicious bites in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We sampled their spicy pecan glazed chicken, with mashed potatoes and a glass of wine.
- Key City Antiques – Not only did we browse vintage treasures, but we also tried old-fashioned sodas that took us straight back in time.
- Cinder Bistro – Hands down, some of the best BBQ and beer we’ve ever had. We enjoyed their pulled chicken, pulled pork, and brisket along with some smoked collards and a flight of local craft beers.
- C’est La Vin – A stop for wine lovers, where we enjoyed a charcuterie board and wine tasting that felt both refined and relaxed.
- The Lost Wombat – Our final stop, where we indulged in a hearty Aussie Burger and a moonshine lemonade. To top it off, the owner gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic movie theater next door (see below), where we even got to see pieces of the original film reel from Star Wars: A New Hope.
From start to finish, the food tour gave us a real taste of Wilkesboro — both literally and figuratively. We really enjoyed the balance of trying amazing food, walking through the charming downtown, and learning more about the area’s history and culture.
Tours usually run about 3 hours, include multiple stops, and are best booked in advance online. Tour cost is $65 per person, and you can upgrade to alcoholic beverages for an additional $14. You can check their schedule and reserve tickets directly through their website.
Sip and Savor at Merle’s Craft Cocktails
After a day of exploring, we made our way to Merle’s Craft Cocktails in downtown Wilkesboro, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops. The last time we had cocktails to this level, were during a visit to San Diego. The atmosphere here is local, relaxed and stylish. A perfect spot for unwinding with friends or starting a night out.
Smoked Old Fashioned
We sampled a few different drinks, but the standout for us was the Smoked Old Fashioned. Merle’s offers a couple of variations on the classic Old Fashioned, but the smoked version was hands-down our favorite — smooth, bold, and beautifully balanced with just the right amount of smokiness. Watching it prepared and then enjoying that first sip was an experience!
What made Merle’s even more memorable was the people. We chatted with the owner LB, who was not only incredibly friendly but also passionate about her craft. Every cocktail on the menu is made with thought, care, and an aim to give guests something truly special.
Merle’s is clearly a local favorite, with plenty of regulars mixing in alongside visitors. It’s the perfect spot to sip on some fantastic cocktails, socialize, and soak in the Wilkesboro vibe.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy high-quality drinks and good conversation, Merle’s should be at the top of your list. We'll definitely be back.
Pick-Your-Own Fun at Perry Lowe Orchards
No trip to Wilkes County in late summer or fall would be complete without a stop at Perry Lowe Orchards. This family-run orchard has been welcoming visitors for more than 6 generations, and it shows in the warm, welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.
We hopped on one of the tractor rides that take you up into the orchards and spent time picking a variety of apples right from the trees. The scenery from the fields was beautiful — rolling hills, crisp air, and the satisfying crunch of apples fresh off the branch.
The fields are well labeled, and there are even apple washing stations so you can taste your apples and decide which ones you want to bring home. We've been a number of North Carolina apple orchards, and this was our first time seeing this feature, and we loved it.
Back at the farm stand, we sampled some of their delicious offerings: fresh-pressed cider, cider apples, and even icy cold apple slushies (which were a big hit on a warm afternoon). There was also merchandise, and other food items available as well.
This orchard is also very family-friendly, with activities that go far beyond apple picking. Kids (and adults too!) can enjoy the Super Mega Slide — Larry tried it and can confirm it’s just as fun as it looks.
The slide is big with a number of different lanes. You grab a tube on the way up, and the staff at the top will lubricate the bottom, and help you slide down.
There is also a giant jump pad, tractor-themed playground, and a bee train ride. For something extra unique, there’s even an apple cannon, where you can shoot apples at fun targets.
Perry Lowe Orchards is located just outside Wilkesboro and is open seasonally, from late summer through the fall. Hours vary depending on the harvest and activities, so it’s best to check their website before your visit. Admission is free; you simply pay for the apples and any extra activities you choose. Tractor rides and kids’ attractions may have a small additional fee.
Explore Downtown Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro
One of our favorite parts of the trip was simply spending time in downtown Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.
Wilkesboro is kind of unique in that there are two towns literally right next to each other and separated by the Yadkin River. While the two towns are separate, they are treated as one. Wilkesboro was first, and North Wilkesboro came later when the railroad came through. Both have downtown areas to explore, with North Wilkesboro having the largest downtown area.
We did spend time in both and enjoyed them both. In this section, we'll feature our visit to downtown North Wilkesboro, as that is where many of the shops are located.
The historic main street of North Wilkesboro is lined with a mix of shops, cafes, and local businesses, all set against a backdrop of beautifully restored buildings that give the area so much character.
We strolled through town, popping into boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops. A few of our favorite stops include:
- Key City Antiques - This large shop has antiques, collectibles, furniture, local items, and more. It's a treasure trove of vintage finds.
- Carolina Treasures on Main - a large antique shop full of unique gifts and antiques.
- Fruit of the Vine Boutique - A beautiful mix of fashion, art, and faith. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of fine fashion, artwork, and handcrafted pieces from Christian artists and makers — all centered around their inspiring theme, “The Art of Living Well.”
- Wilkes County Hardware - A historic old-school hardware store that offers repair and assembly services, and essential home items. This store is fun to browse. Be sure to check out the operating historic elevator!
- Ivy Ridge Traditions - a boutique full of stylish clothing, home décor, and gifts that perfectly blend Southern charm with modern style. We picked up a few items to bring home with us!
Another must-see downtown is the historic Liberty Theater, which still stands as a reminder of Wilkesboro’s long-running love for film and entertainment. Even just admiring the marquee and building from the outside gave us a sense of nostalgia and history.
Downtown also has some wonderful spots to pause and relax, whether that’s sipping coffee at Talia Espresso, grabbing a bite to eat, or just sitting outside and people-watching in the heart of town. We noticed how the area is continuing to grow, with new businesses opening alongside longtime favorites, giving it a lively but still small-town feel.
If you’re visiting Wilkesboro, make sure to allow time just to explore both downtown areas — it’s the best way to soak in the local charm and discover hidden gems.
Hike at Stone Mountain State Park
About 30 minutes from Wilkesboro, Stone Mountain State Park offers some of the most stunning outdoor scenery in the region. The park is named after its massive granite dome — a 600-foot rock face that towers above the surrounding forest — and it’s every bit as impressive in person as it sounds.
During our visit, we hiked the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, a 4.5-mile loop that takes you across the top of Stone Mountain and then down and around its base. The trail is a workout in spots, but absolutely worth it. As we made our way up, the views just kept getting better — sweeping panoramas of the Blue Ridge foothills and the dramatic granite dome stretching out before us.
On the back half of the trail, we followed paths through shaded forest and alongside streams and waterfalls. The sound of rushing water and the cool mist from the falls were a refreshing break after the climb. By the time we finished, we felt like we’d gotten the perfect mix of mountain views, forest trails, and peaceful water features all in one hike.
Stone Mountain State Park is about 30 minutes from Wilkesboro and offers more than 18 miles of hiking trails. The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is moderate to strenuous in difficulty, so be sure to bring plenty of water, good shoes, and allow at least 3–4 hours to complete it.
The park also features camping, trout fishing, climbing, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a half-day or full-day trip. There’s no entrance fee, but parking areas can fill up on weekends, so plan to arrive early if you’re visiting during peak season.
If you love hiking and want to experience the best of the park, the Stone Mountain Loop Trail is a must-do while you're in Wilkesboro!
