Set in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains along the Yadkin River, Wilkesboro is the county seat and the historic heart of Wilkes County, NC. With roots dating back to 1800 and formal incorporation in 1847, this small mountain town has a walkable downtown filled with old brick buildings, locally owned restaurants, antique shops, and a quiet sense of history. Set just across the Yadkin from its sister town of North Wilkesboro, the broader “Wilkesboros” area has long been a cultural anchor for this part of North Carolina, with deep traditions of bluegrass and old-time mountain music. Click on the attractions and food and beverage stops below to dive deeper into the places we’ve personally explored around Wilkesboro.
A Small Town with Deep Roots
Wilkesboro takes its name from John Wilkes (1725-1797), the British radical politician and Lord Mayor of London who became a celebrated champion of American colonial rights — the same namesake honored in Wilkes County itself. The town was settled around 1800 and formally incorporated in 1847 as the seat of Wilkes County government. The Wilkes County Courthouse has long anchored the downtown, alongside historic structures including the Old Wilkes Jail — one of the oldest standing jails in North Carolina and now a museum operated by Old Wilkes Inc.
The town also has its place in one of America’s most enduring folk legends. Tom Dula — known to most listeners as Tom Dooley — was a Confederate veteran whose conviction for the 1866 murder of Laura Foster, and his subsequent execution in 1868, inspired the haunting ballad later popularized by The Kingston Trio in 1958. The trial and trail of evidence in the Dula case has been the subject of fascination, books, and films ever since.
The Two Wilkesboros
Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro sit on opposite banks of the Yadkin River, separated by a short bridge but connected by a shared history. Together, the two are often referred to collectively as “The Wilkesboros,” and visitors will find that exploring one almost always means exploring the other.
A Walkable Downtown with Real Character
Wilkesboro’s downtown is the kind of small Southern main street that rewards visitors who slow down. Old brick buildings line the streets, locally owned restaurants serve everything from comfort food to craft cocktails, and antique shops and small galleries give the town a real sense of pride in its history. With just over 3,600 residents, Wilkesboro maintains the close, neighborly feel of a true mountain town — one where you’re likely to strike up a conversation with someone at the next table or across the counter.
The town is also home to Wilkes Community College, the host of one of the most beloved music festivals in the country: MerleFest. Founded by the legendary guitarist Doc Watson in honor of his son Eddy Merle Watson, MerleFest has grown into one of the premier annual gatherings of bluegrass, old-time, Americana, and folk music — drawing artists and fans from across the country to Wilkesboro every spring.
Outdoor Recreation Nearby
For visitors looking to head outdoors, Wilkesboro offers easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation in this part of North Carolina. The Yadkin River flows right past town, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and riverside walks. Just west of town, the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the area, with kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and an extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails along the shoreline. The Brushy Mountains and the broader Blue Ridge foothills offer additional hiking, scenic drives, and quiet country exploration within easy reach of downtown.
Plan Your Visit
Click on the attractions and food and beverage options below to dive deeper into the spots we’ve personally explored around Wilkesboro. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, the outdoor recreation, or the small-town hospitality, Wilkesboro is one of the most rewarding stops you can make in northwestern North Carolina.
Photos of Downtown Wilkesboro, NC
Things To Do in Wilkesboro, NC
