Page 19 - Wilkes NCG 2026_Flipbook

uncovering Wilkes hisTory
North Carolina auto racing originated from the competitions
among moonshiners in the 1930s and went on to inspire today’s
auto racing giant, NASCAR. The NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural
Resources created a Moonshine and Motorsports Trail
celebrating the state’s history of distilling and racing; a guide
of digital collections, music, media, and resources. dncr.nc.gov/
programs-services/moonshine-and-motorsports-trail
Inside the restored 1902 Wilkes County Courthouse, the
Wilkes Heritage Museum tells stories of early pioneering, military
history, industry, agriculture, medicine, communication, education,
AnnuAl FesTivAls
entertainment, and transportation.
The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame at the Wilkes Heritage • MerleFest
Museum showcases and preserves the rich musical heritage of the April | Wilkes Community College
greater Blue Ridge Mountains area from North Georgia to North
• Brushy Mountain Peach & Heritage Festival
Virginia. The Hall of Fame interprets the history of musicians in all
July | Wilkesboro
genres from the region with exhibits and an annual celebration of
inductees. wilkesheritagemuseum.com • FaithFest
A free, self-guided Wilkesboro Architecture Walking Tour September | Wilkesboro
stops at 13 buildings that collectively reveal the character of
• Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
Wilkesboro as it developed. The buildings are included in the October | North Wilkesboro
National Register of Historic Places. wilkesheritagemuseum.com
Hutchinson Homestead in Stone Mountain State Park features • Spooktacular
a log cabin, barn, blacksmith shop, corncrib, meat house, and October | North Wilkesboro
original furnishings. The farm was built in the mid-19th century
• Light Up Downtown
and restored to represent the lives of early settlers of the Stone
November | North Wilkesboro
Mountain area. Visitors may tour the grounds when the site is not
open. ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park • Christmas in the Commons
Whippoorwill Academy & Village offers group tours of 15 December | Wilkesboro
people or more by appointment for folks looking to get a glimpse
of the old ways of Blue Ridge Mountain life and hosts several
community events. Whippoorwill Academy & Village is open on 3rd
Saturday afternoons, April to October. whippoorwillacademy.com Scan for more ideas on Arts,
Visit our online Chamber Member Directory for more activities, Culture and Entertainment.
venues, and cultural opportunities. Arts, Culture + Entertainment!
wilkeschamber.org

wilkeschamber.org Arts/History/Culture 17