Yadkin Valley

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: MP 2199.1 to MP 276.4

The Yadkin Valley region of northwestern North Carolina reaches out to visitors not only with famous names like Andy Griffith, Tom Dooley and Doc Watson, but also with its two dozen high-quality and award-winning wineries and a cluster of small towns that take you “back home” like nowhere else can do. Old-time diners, antique shops and downtown charm are alive and well not just in “Mayberry” (Mt. Pilot), but also in Wilkesboro, Dobson and Elkin. Museums take you back to Native Americans, the Revolutionary and Civil wars and the sad tale of Tom Dula and Laura Foster. Get outside at Pilot Mountain and Stone Mountain state parks. Listen to genuine mountain and old-timey music not only in the downtowns but also at the annual Merlefest, the festival dedicated to Doc Watson’s late son Merle and attracts the biggest names in acoustic music.

Events

SPRING

  • Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention (Festival). March 25-26. Surry Community College, Dobson. Musicians, bands,luthier’s displays, workshops, food. (877) 999-8390.
  • British Car Show. April 16. Shelton Vineyards, Dobson. Over 200 cars on display. sheltonvineyards.com. (919) 779-1224.
  • MayFest. May 6-8. Downtown Pilot Mountain. Crafts, gifts, food. (336) 274-2353.
  • Yadkin Valley Wine Festival. May 21. Elkin Municipal Park, Elkin. Wine tasting, crafts, music. 11 am-6 pm. (336) 526-1111.
  • MerleFest. April 28-30, May 1. Wilkesboro. Music festival in memory of legend Doc Watson’s son. (800) 343-7857.

SUMMER

  • Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention. June 4. Mount Airy. Music, workshops, food, camping. (336) 345-7388.

FALL

  • Mayberry Days. September 22-24. Mt. Airy. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The Andy Griffith Show 1960-2010. (336) 786-7998.
  • Autumn Leaves Festival-Downtown Mount Airy. Oct 14-16. Downtown Mount Airy. Music, crafts, food. (800) 948-0949.

Area Links