UPDATED May 2022
The town of Elkin, North Carolina was nominated as one of The Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel and it is very easy to see why. This quintessential town located right in the heart of Yadkin Valley Wine Country has so many things to do it would take you weeks to see and do them all.
From mountain views and waterfalls, hiking trails, biking trails, riverside trails, playgrounds, historic sites, small town shops, countless vineyard and wineries, some of the best restaurants in the area, festivals and music venues, fishing, swimming, kayaking, tubing, camping…the list goes on and on and there is literally something for everyone here.
The lineup on things to do in and around Elkin is long and as frequent visitors to the area we’d love to share some of our favorite spots with you. Below you will find ideas on some of the best hiking spots, vineyards, restaurants and activates to do while visiting the area.
We live in Charlotte, NC and Stone Mountain is one of the closest day trips for us. No matter the season we seem to gravitate towards this way and the trails never disappoint. A short hike to the summit or the waterfall, a pretty good exercise taking the 5 mile loop that goes past the Homestead, an easy 2 mile Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock Trail or waterfall sliding at Widows Creek Falls – there is no shortage of hikes you can pick from depending on your hiking abilities and time constrain. We have a full article on Stone Mountain that you can find on our website where we share in length all the details on the trails that you can find here.
Some of the trails start at the Lower Parking Lot and some of them begin at the Upper Parking Lot. The Widow Falls Creek trail has it’s own Parking Lot. Make sure to check our website before hitting the trails to get directions.
This beautiful just over a mile trail is located about 10 minutes from the center of town right by Byrd’s Branch Campground and close to Grassy Creek Vineyard. Remains of what once was a powerhouse that supplied the electricity to the Town of Elkin and the surrounding area are visible along the well maintained path that leads to the Falls. The cascades and the falls are absolutely stunning and the hike itself following the river is peaceful and lovely.
A 240 foot suspension bridge named “The Bridge of Dreams” will be constructed 60 feet above Carter Falls and would be the long awaiting connecter of the Mountain to Sea Trail that goes through the the town of Elkin, passed Stone Mountain and all the way to the coast. If you’d like to be a part of the construction of the Bridge you can make a donation by purchasing and sending in a “ribbon” here. Your dream ribbon would be eventually tied to the finished bridge creating a colorful creation hovering over the Falls. You can also volunteer some of your time and help in the creating of the 20 miles of new trails leading to the Falls the Elkin Valley Trail Association has tirelessly been working on. More information on how to get involved can be found here.
Carter Falls is the ultimate trail for all skill levels. The wooded, flat path is easy for small children and pets and for hikers not looking for a strenuous hike. It offers great reward with little to no effort and is accessible throughout the entire year.
There are several ways to get to the Falls. There is a parking lot for about ten cars at the trailhead of the Falls located at 633 Pleasant Ridge Rd Elkin, NC where you can park and descend to the trail. If the parking lot is busy (which is rare) you can park at the Campground by their office cabin and start the hike from there. That would extend your adventure by less than a mile round trip. If you are looking for a longer hike but still want to incorporate Carter Falls, park your car at Grassy Creek Vineyard and start the trek from there. A parking lot is located behind the Red Barn Tasting Room and a sign that points to the direction of the Falls is easily visible from there. That would extend your hike by about 2 miles round trip.
#3 ELKIN and ALEGHANY RAILTRAIL
This easy and flat 3.3 mile trail begins at the Elkin Municipal Park and tells the story of the East-West NorthEastern N.C. Railroad that extended through here in 1890 coming from Winston-Salem and going to North Wilkesboro and the history of the textile industry at the time.
The path starts at the parking lot by the building and follows the river for some time, passes the dam before heading into the woods. There are stairs visitors can take that lead to the bottom of the dam. Benches are located along the way for rest and multiple large metal gongs can be found to the side of the path. It states that you can make a wish and hit them 3 times (but not more) your wish will come true. It is real fun for little kids.
Signs with pictures of what the area used to look like back in the days can be found along the way and are worth a stop and a read if you want to know more about the fascinating history of the town. The path is used by pedestrians and bikers and 5 extra miles can be added to your trek by taking any of the trails to the side of the main path. Multiple bridges and small cascades would be found along the trails here. This trail is not heavily trafficked but do watch out for mountain bikers.
The first Forest Bathing Trail in North Carolina awaits you just outside town limits. Located on the trail to Carter Falls from Grassy Creek Vineyard this short but quiet and rejuvenating space is carefully designed to create experiences that enhance nature connectedness while boosting the therapeutic and restorative effects of the forest. If you are looking for a nature based wellbeing therapy that promotes positivity, health and mindfulness this trail is for you.
The trail begins at the parking lot behind the Red Barn Tasting Room at Grassy Creek Vineyard. Following the path through the woods you will reach a small picnic area and a creek crossing. Ones you cross the bridge over the creek the trailhead to the Forest Bathing Trail will be to your right. From there follow the path through the woods that weaves through the forest before reaching Klondike Lake. Take it slow and let the forest speak to you. The state of your mind designs the state of your life is what forest bating is all about. On your way back don’t forget to pop in and say Hello to our friends at the Winery and grab a glass of red or white.
We already mentioned Widows Creek Falls once above but we have to give this trail a special notice. We absolutely love visiting the Falls in the summer. It’s our kids first choice every time we ask them what would they like to do today. Of course nothing beats swimming and sliding down a waterfall on a hot summer day so we totally understand the pull.
The trail to the falls is located inside Stone Mountain State Park. The path is almost flat and only .2 miles long which makes it easily accessible to almost everyone. There is a pretty large parking lot and the trek leading to the falls begins right off of it. The trailhead is located to the right just past the lower parking lot at the Park if you are coming from the main entrance. If you follow the GPS you might be directed to the back entrance of the Park. A small section of this road is gravel so make sure to plan accordingly. There are no bathroom facilities right at the trailhead here but you can find some at the parking lot just up the road.
The gorgeous falls consist of a large cascade that drops into a shallow pool and than continues on to a wider cascade that falls into a large pool. Kids love wading at the top pool and sliding down the bottom part. Bring a tube to make it easier for sliding and a picnic. There are several spots to sit in the shade and enjoy a treat.
#6 DOUGHTON PARK and THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Doughton Park and The Blue Ridge Parkway are less than a half an hour drive from Elkin, North Carolina and offer a wide variety of hikes for every skill level. The Bluff Restaurant and Café located next to the Doughton Park Visitor Center recently reopened it’s doors and is worth the trip any day. Some of our favorite hikes in the Recreation Area are:
- The Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.8 mile hike if you are looking for a long hike.
- Wildcat Rocks Overlook is a short .2 miles walk and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Flat Rock Ridge Trail is a 13 mile strenuous trail if you are looking for a great workout.
- The Alligator Bach Trail is a short and easy trail perfect for kids and dogs and offers beautiful views.
- If you put the Doughton Park Visitor Center coming from Elkin and follow the road you would be greeted by multiple overlooks along the way that would take your breath away.
Doughton Park is the less traveled part of the Blue Ridge Parkway yet offering absolutely stunning views around every turn. That being said it is the best choice during the busy fall months as most people head towards the Boone and Blowing Rock area crowding the roads there. That leaves you with the opportunity to enjoy the Mountains and the changing leaves without battling the crowds here. If you are heading this way in the winter months make sure to check for closures on the trails. For most part unless there has been severe weather the Parkway is open to drive through but do check ahead of time just to be on the safe side.
There are over 20 Wineries in Elkin and each and every one of them is unique in it’s own way. We have gone to most of them and would love to share few of our favorites and why we love them. Keep in mind most of the time we have kids in tow and they travel with us so one of our first criteria while visiting a place is – is it kid friendly. Every Vineyard in Elkin have proved to be and some are so sweet that they even offer smores and juice boxes for the kids ( Golden Road Vineyards! We appreciate you! 🙂 )
- GRASSY CREEK VINEYARD and WINERY. Great open outdoor space, friendly, great selection of wine, live music and events, food truck on weekends, lovely views from the covered pavilion overlooking the grapevines, hiking trails…
- ELKIN CREEK VINEYARD. Great outdoors right by the Big Elkin Creek, great wine selection, events, oven baked pizza on Sunday (to die for!), vacation cabins and walking trails.
- GOLDEN ROAD VINEYARD. So sweet and friendly, love the outdoor firepit and views of the grapevine, events, live music, food trucks.
- MENARICK VINEYARD AND WINERY. Great open outdoor space and lovely tasting room, their sweet wine selection is lovely, events, sitting by the firepit in the winter overlooking the pond and grapevines is a dream.
- SLIGHTLY ASKEW WINERY. Unique wine produced from local juices. Their location is great! Right in the heart of town with plenty of parking space in the back of the tasting room.
#8 SKULL CAMP BREWERY, WINERY and SMOKEHOUSE
We intentionally did not mention Skull Camp along with the wineries above despite them offering some delicious wine because they are so much more than that. The unique atmosphere of Skull Camp Brewery can be sensed from miles. You can not miss the large rustic looking building located right in town. Cozy, warm spacious indoors with a fireplace in the center of the back room and lovely wide open back patio with plenty of space to spread on. We absolutely love the history of Skull Camp and their small batch beer selections. The food is out of this world delicious and if you love wings and barbeque this is the spot for you. Ask for their home cut fries made extra crispy. Trust us you would be drooling over them long after you’ve gone home.
Skull Camp Brewing has two locations with the second one in Round Peak offering not only wine, beer and gorgeous views of the near by peaks but gorgeous vacation rental properties and disc golf right on the property by the tasting room so all you need to do is get here, park your car and enjoy a weekend of adventure.
#9 ANGRY TROLL/222 PUBLIC HOUSE
Tasty beer and yummy food awaits you at the Angry Troll brewing and restaurant. Located centrally in town this spot is where it’s at. The food is great, the beer plentiful and the space is roomy, open and inviting. The transformed downstairs are loaded with arcades to keep you and your friends entertained and they offer a large variety of events to choose from for every day of the week. If you love sushi their Thursday night sushi night is the best in town as is their oven baked pizza.
Southern hospitality and excellent food. If you only have time for one restaurant visit while in town than you have to check out Southern on Main. Located right in the heart of Elkin this true gem is superb. The food here is always delicious, their ever changing lunch menu offers something that will be sure to please your taste buds and the wine list is extensive. The atmosphere is ambient and cozy and the stuff is so very friendly. The outdoor seating is a must in the cool fall and spring nights and the perfect lunch spot in the summer. WE give it 10/10 every time.
#11 THE REEVES THEATER and CAFE
Reeves Theater is known as the Home for Music in the Heart of the Foothills. The locals have grown up and are so font of this beautiful Art Deco movie house that has been part of the town since 1941 and would love to sit with you and tell you all about it’s history, the hardships and the revival this special place has gone through throughout the years. And if you have a minute or couple of hours we urge you to open the door to it’s lobby, find a table and grab a drink and ask them about it. Or catch a a show, lunch or an open mic session- you would not be disappointed either way. A full list of their shows, events and menu can be found on their website here.
While strolling the cute downtown in Elkin right between the Angry Trill and Reeves Theater you’ll find the November Room. This charming indoor artisan market has everything from local crafts and gifts, postcards, paintings and photographs by local artists, kitchen décor and knitted goods to ice cream, chocolates, snacks and local wines. The shop offers weekly classes and activities for you and your little ones so if you are in town and looking for something to do check out their page for a list of events and for the newest arrivals at the store. We absolutely love their painting classes that keep our kids entertained for few hours while we sit at the shop and unwind with a glass of wine.
For some excellent wine tasting option we highly recommend The Wisdom Table located downtown Elkin right across from the Southern on Main. This bottle shop offers a spectacular selection of more than 100 North Carolina Wines and just as many wine choices from around the world. The beautiful shop has a pretty chill vibe and intimate atmosphere. The Wisdom Table is the ultimate date night spot for you and your significant other and a great option for a night on the town. If you are a lover of everything wine related this is the spot for you.
If you are in the mood for something other than wine Fruition it is. Tucked away in downtown Elkin this beautiful cocktail bar serves the best drinks in town by the friendliest staff. Cozy and intimate atmosphere with floral decals and lovely outdoor sitting Fruition will be sure to charm you. Their trivia night is worth the pop in if you are ever in town on Wednesdays. For opening hours and menu check it their Facebook Page here.
Every Saturday the town of Elkin, North Carolina offers visitor the chance to enjoy locally grown produce and goods. From fresh organic fruits and veggies (depending on the season), baked pastries, honey, fresh flowers even doggy treats.. the Market gives visitor the chance to support local growers and crafters while also enjoying the community, live music, food trucks and other special events. The Farmers Market is located at the market shelter just one block from the historic downtown and is open weekly on Saturdays from 9-12 during the months of April till October and from 10 to 1p.m. from November till March.
If you find yourself in Elkin on a sunny gorgeous day get to know the town by taking a mural walk. The town currently has 10 murals and another one on the way so you will get a pretty good stroll finding and seeing them all. They are located in a close proximity to each other so once you park your car just walk around the town to catch a sign of them and maybe grab a selfie. Here is a detailed walking tour website with directions and pictures of all the murals in town.
#17 GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE AT DIRTY JOE’S
While cruising around town and need a pick me up and possibly a delicious freshly baked pastry check out Dirty Joe’s coffee shop located right downtown Elkin. They recently opened a second location making it convenient for a quick pick up if you are on the go. We love the murals at their downtown shop and the coffee is always fresh and extra tasty.
While in town plan a visit to the Foothill Art Center. They offer a wide variety of workshops, special activities and exabits by varies talented artists fostering community and creative practice through education, collaboration and entertainment. Arts and crafts instructions, performing arts, visual arts the Center is a labor of art. The gallery is currently open for tours by appointment or on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out their website here for details on where to find the historic building and ways to plan your visit.
#19 ROUND OF GOLF AT CEDARBROOK COUNTRY CLUB
The long history of the land the golf course is siting on is equally as spectacular as is the course. 18 holes set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only minutes away from town this spot is outstanding. The greens are so very well maintained, the golf carts are new and equipped with the latest, the country house is everything one can expect and more. Plan your visit for a round, a special event or treat yourself to a membership. Whatever you choose you would not be disappointed.
Plan a visit to Late Bloomers Flower Farm located at 1143 Cool Spring Church Road in Elkin. Each year sometime in April the farm invites you to come on over and pick your own tulips. Visitors can pick from a great selection of red, purple, yellow orange and white. The farm is located right off the road and the patches are easily accessible.
If picking a bouquet isn’t necessarily something you enjoy but still want to surprise someone with a beautiful one a call can be scheduled ahead of time and a tulip bouquets would be ready for you to pick up at their location. While supplies last. The phone number for online ordering is 910-538-4719. The Farm accepts cash or venmo.
In late July and early August the Farm also offers sunflower pick you own and bouquets as well as mixed bouquets with flowers from the farm. Make sure to check their callender and stay up to date on when the flowers are in bloom and their operating hours and happy flower picking!
Food Truck Friday returns to downtown Elkin with a bang. Delicious Food trucks, live music by various artists, arts and crafts, local goods, wine and craft beer await you every Friday evening in the summer. This even is always the highlight before the weekend and we hardly can’t wait for next summer to come.
#22 ANUAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS, CONCERTS
Elkin has so much to offer but some of the best is their annual festivals that have been drawing people for many many years. We have a list with dates on some of our favorites below:
- NC TRAIL DAYS happening the first weekend in June is an event like no other. This annual event that lasts three days includes guided hikes, music, exhibition, trail blazing, 5k Stone Mountain Run and so much more. It is our favorite time of the year to be here. If you are planning to join in on the fun next year make sure to plan ahead as this is a very popular celebration and the town gets busy.
- ELKIN ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL. This celebration of music of all kinds event happens on the Third Weekend of June and surprises us all with different line up and absolutely spectacular performers every year and we can edge you enough to plan a trip here during it and enjoy the lovely, heart filling atmosphere.
- REEVESTOKE MUSIC FESTIVAL. Come and enjoy all that the local restaurants, wineries and breweries have to offer in a special, community oriented celebration filled with music, events, kids activities and so much more. The festival happens annually on the first weekend of August.
- BIG ELKIN BRRRFEST
- This event brings the community together with a big cookout and beer and wine from local breweries and wineries and is perfect for the whole family.
We visit the town of Elkin as a family and like to have space to spread and let our kids run around to run off energy so hotel isn’t ideal. After several visit we have found our favorite little home away from home and would love to share it with you in case you are visiting and need a special place to stay. Why we love this spot is because it is close to town, trails and vineyards yet it feels perfectly secluded. The views from the front lawn of the cows grazing and the sunsets we’ve seen are splendid, the backyard deck feels as if you are at a tree house and having coffee out there in the morning is my favorite thing. A glass of delightful local wine on the front deck while kids play happily at the game room few feet away from us after along day on the trails is a dream and the house is clean ad cozy you can barely believe it’s even real. If you would like to stay at this spot you can book it on Airbnb here.
#23 WINE TOUR COMPANIES IN ELKIN, NC
A great option if you are visiting the town of Elkin and will be doing a wine tour is to call one of the wine tour companies that would come and pick you up within a certain location and bring you to some of the best wineries in town. They are so much fun and would leave you with unforgettable memories to hold on for a long time. Two of our favorites that have picked us up at the cottage while we’ve stayed there without kids are:
Make sure to call and make a reservation way in advance especially during the busy months of the year as they get booked quickly.
For everything Elkin check out the Explore Elkin Website that keeps tabs on all the happenings in town and has a pretty good calendar of events, specials and possible adventures. Make sure to find us on INSTAGRAM to get ideas on trails, restaurants, vineyards and breweries. Happy Trails!
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