ABOUT WILKES COUNTY
(Below are links to sites of interest in Wilkes County)

• Blue Ridge Parkway - The Blue Ridge Parkway is annually the most popular area of the National Park System. It runs a total of 469.1 miles in length.  On the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor centers, lodges, restaurants, log cabins, tunnels, trails for walking or hiking, and over 250 parking overlooks for breathtaking views.

• MerleFest - A great place to learn about this wonderful music festival which takes place each year during the last weekend in April in Wilkesboro. This festival draws star performers from a variety of music genres. The attendance has continued to grow from 4,000 in the first year of 1988 to over  78,000 participants including more than 100 artists and bands that perform on one or more of the festival’s thirteen stages . The site includes information on performers, where to stay, ticket information (includes an online ordering form and much more.

• Stone Mountain - Stone Mountain is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer emerge from the security of the forest to graze on meadow grasses at the mountain's base. The scenery is only one attraction of the park.

• Town of North Wilkesboro - North Wilkesboro offers small town charm, scenic vistas and a multitude of business opportunities. An unparalleled blend of citizens and industries work together here for the enrichment and prosperity of the local area.

• Town of Wilkesboro - Wilkesboro NC is a community located along the Yadkin River in the foothills of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Brushy Mountains. Wilkesboro NC is home to Merlefest, the Wilkes Art and Heritage Festival, and neighbor to the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. The history of Wilkesboro includes such names and places as Tom Dooley (Dula), the Tory Oak, and the Overmountain Victory Trail.

• W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir - Ideal area for water skiing, camping and hiking. All areas of the lake are highlighted.  There are also several subdivisions in the lake area, with available homes and land.

• Wilkes Chamber of Commerce - A great place to find businesses, what's happening in the county. 

• Historic Tour of Wilkes County - Wilkesboro is the county seat of Wilkes County. A Moravian surveying party passed through the area in 1752, and documented that a Cherokee Indian village stood in the old fields. The Cherokee translation for Mulberry Fields is "Keowee". Keowee was often used by the Cherokees as a place name during the Colonial Period.

• Visitor's Guide - An online tour of places to visit while in Wilkes.

• Wilkes Art Gallery - The Wilkes Art Gallery has been a driving force in promoting the arts and cultural resource of Wilkes County for over 40 years. As a thriving non-profit organization, the Wilkes Art Gallery strives to promote art as a necessary and enriching component of a well-rounded life.

• Wilkes County Schools - Wilkes County Schools recognizes the importance of the wide-spread community involvement in the education of its youth.  Thus, we encourage and strongly solicit the involvement of the citizens of Wilkes County to join forces in preparing our young people to be productive citizens of our community, our country and the world.

• Wilkes Economic Development Corporation - The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation was established to work with the County, Chamber of Commerce and the two towns of Wilkesboro and North  Wilkesboro, in an effort to advance the area's economic growth. 

• Wilkes Playmakers - Information on the local theater company now housed in Benton Hall. Includes the shows in the current Season, Children's Theater, Seniors On Stage, Membership.

• Wilkes United Way - United Way of Wilkes County works with businesses, community organizations and other agencies to help address the needs in our community.