Page 7 - Wilkes NCG 2026_Flipbook

Wilkesboro

We Are
Wilkes

Living, Exploring, and Working in the
Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains

n Wilkes County, enjoy the best
I city convenience. the oldest Protestant denominations).
Those familiar with the settling of this area
of small-town living and large-
have heard tales of heavenly portals and
angelic encounters.
Wilkes counTy You can see the falls from the Moravian
Falls Family Campground. While on private Moravian Falls
Population 66,390
property, public access is generally allowed
Affectionately known as The Great State
with permission from the campground office.
of Wilkes, Wilkes is among North Carolina’s
Pick your own apples at Perry Lowe Orchards,
larger counties at more than 757 square
a sixth-generation farm known for its fresh
miles. Established in 1777, the county has
cider and apple varieties.
developed a rich cultural heritage and a
thriving, diverse economy.
During the Prohibition Era, illegal liquor norTh Wilkesboro
runners became racing pioneers in Wilkes Population 4,394
County. Stemming from this history as a With the motto Living Starts Here, North
“Moonshine Capital,” Wilkes has deep roots Wilkesboro is known as the Town of Two
in early NASCAR. Today, the county attracts Rivers, which largely defines the nature-
visitors seeking agritourism and ecotourism. loving lifestyle here. Town leaders are
A hub for culture, arts, entertainment, committed to providing a high quality of life
festivals, and spacious landscapes, Wilkes for a diverse population of residents, visitors,
County also touts a diverse slate of industry, and businesses. Fish along Reddies River
including mainstays Tyson Foods and downtown and enjoy the urban river scene,
Dreamwalls by Gardner Glass, and textile, plus more natural views along miles of the
furniture, and construction manufacturing. Yadkin River Greenway. Toss some discs at
Living in Wilkes County puts residents the nearby Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course North Wilkesboro
approximately 165 miles from Raleigh, 80 featuring 18 baskets on 70 hilly acres.
miles from Charlotte, and 45 miles from The town’s legacy of innovation fuels in cafes and restaurants. Downtown North
Winston-Salem and Hickory. its progress. North Wilkesboro Speedway Wilkesboro holds the outdoor Yadkin Valley
played a foundational role in the early days Marketplace, seasonal events, a summer
MorAviAn FAlls of NASCAR, and the first Lowe’s hardware concert series, and the annual Brushy
Population 1,285 store began here. Textiles and furniture Mountain Apple Festival.
Two cascading drops form the 35- manufacturing once powered the economy. North Wilkesboro was founded when
foot Moravian Falls, the showpiece of this Today, downtown blends heritage with Norfolk Southern railroad built its terminus
unincorporated residential area in the foothills renewed energy. Art Walks attract people depot near the banks of the Yadkin River
of the Brushy Mountains. It is named for both downtown to visit Wilkes Art Gallery, catch in 1891. The city continues to build on its
its waterfall and the brothers of Moravian faith a performance by the Wilkes Playmakers industrious past with a forward-looking
who settled here in 1753 (Moravian is one of at Benton Hall, shop in boutiques, and dine community spirit.

wilkeschamber.org About The Area 5