Wilkesboro, North Carolina, sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers the perfect mix of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and rich Appalachian heritage. Jenn and I spent several days exploring the wonderful town of Wilkesboro during our visit in August of 2025, and we were genuinely impressed by how much this historic town has to offer.
From hiking and shopping to great local food, art, and live music, Wilkesboro makes a great stop for anyone exploring the western North Carolina mountains.
Our Wilkesboro Travel Guides
Where is Wilkesboro?
Wilkesboro is located in northwestern North Carolina along US-421, about 30 minutes south of Boone and just over an hour northwest of Winston-Salem. The Yadkin River separates Wilkesboro from its sister city, North Wilkesboro, and together they make up what locals call “The Wilkesboros.”
Downtown Wilkesboro is easy to reach and simple to explore, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a short walk of one another. The town’s small-scale layout makes it ideal for a relaxed weekend visit — you can park once and spend the day discovering its historic buildings, local businesses, and friendly community atmosphere.
Why Visit?
Wilkesboro blends outdoor fun, real Appalachian history, and a friendly downtown that just keeps getting better the more you explore. A few reasons we think it’s worth a trip:
- Outdoor access that’s actually close — lake, trails, river, and bike parks within a short drive
- Deep musical roots and festival energy throughout the year
- A walkable downtown with independent shops, public art, and family-friendly events
- Easy hop to Boone/Blowing Rock while paying far less for lodging and food
- Great restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more.
Things to Do
Most of the best things to do in Wilkesboro are centered right around downtown. The area is walkable, welcoming, and full of character, with restored historic buildings, local shops, and plenty of spots to relax and explore.
During our visit, we toured the Wilkes Heritage Museum and the Historic Wilkes County Jail, both offering a fascinating look at the town’s past and the people who helped shape it. The museum complex alone is worth the stop — it’s packed with local history, exhibits, and even a few surprises.
Downtown Wilkesboro is also home to a growing collection of boutiques, antique stores, and galleries. We enjoyed visiting several different shops with clothing, home decor, gifts, and of course, southern charm. You’ll also find a few great antique stores and locally owned shops scattered around Main Street that are perfect for browsing.
Throughout the year, downtown comes alive with events, festivals, and live music.
See our full guide on Things to do in Wilkesboro, NC.
Restaurants
We ate our way through town and found friendly service and big portions across the board, from casual bakeries and pizza to hearty Italian dinners and sweet treats. If you’re planning a foodie weekend, you’ll be in good shape here.
See our photos, notes, and top picks in our Fantastic Restaurants in Wilkesboro, NC guide.
Where to Stay
Our Pick
During our visit, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Wilkesboro, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The rooms were clean, quiet, and comfortable; the staff was friendly; and the location made it easy to get around town.
They have an outdoor pool, full exercise room, and complimentary breakfast. We’d definitely stay here again on a future visit.
Other Options
Wilkesboro also has a few other solid hotel options, including the Hampton Inn Wilkesboro and Quality Inn & Suites, both close to dining and shopping along US-421.
If you prefer more space or a home-like stay, there are also vacation rentals available in and around Wilkesboro and nearby North Wilkesboro. These range from small in-town apartments to cozy countryside cabins just a few minutes from downtown.
Planning Your Visit
Best time to visit
Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temps for hiking and biking. Summer is prime for the lake and river. Fall delivers orchard season and color in the nearby mountains, with easy day trips up to the Boone area. Winter is quieter and a good time for budget travelers.
How long to stay
A weekend covers downtown, the museum/jail, a lake day, and a couple of meals out. Add a third night if you want more trail or outdoor time.
Getting around
Parking in Wilkesboro is easy and free throughout downtown. Most of what you’ll want to see is close together, so you can park once and explore on foot. The streets are walkable, and it’s a pleasant area to spend a few hours visiting shops, restaurants, and historic sites. If you’re venturing beyond downtown or visiting both Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, everything is only a short drive apart.