The Cozy Small Town In North Carolina That Comes Alive Under A Blanket Of Snow

Wilkesboro is a magical, winter small town in North Carolina sitting in the lovely foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This place offers warm hospitality, history, excellent food, and many outdoor activities even in the snow. Here you'll find numerous opportunities to explore the breathtaking vistas showcasing the Appalachian rural landscapes and rich, forested mountains while enjoying a glass of mead. That combination is surely unique to our beloved state.

The Wilkesboro countryside is extra charming especially under a blanket of fresh, quiet snow.

And when you find yourself on the ice-covered roads, look for a lovely welcome up ahead.

The Northwest North Carolina Visitor Center is a cozy respite from the cold, wintery weather, featuring art, maps, and education.

This gorgeous space is the North Carolina Department of Transportation's first "sustainable" building design to implement LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). It received the Environmental Excellence Award in 2011.

Once you warm up, more outdoor inspiration is available on the Cascades Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The parking lot offers plenty of spots for this short loop trail that leads to the lookout. Read about this pretty hike on the AllTrails website.

It won't take long to discover the mysterious history surrounding the area.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a gorgeous, historic stop, especially all wrapped in ice. The Gothic brick structure was consecrated on July 8, 1849 by Bishop Ives. Read more on the St. Paul's Episcopal Church website. And for more interesting structures, take the Wilkesboro Architecture Walking Tour.

Also along the tour you'll find the Wilkes Heritage Museum.

Thankfully, this treasured icon was established in 1968 to restore the Old Wilkes County Jail to its original 1860 appearance and to offer an educational center for the community. Other features include the 1779 home of Captain Robert Cleveland and the 1902 Wilkes County Courthouse. Find additional information on the Wilkes Heritage Museum website.

Maybe it's time for a scrumptious meal, and you can find one at Almost on the Lake.

This eatery offers delicious food in a cool atmosphere with outstanding customer service.

We particularly like the fresh Southwest Mahi when it is offered, a fan-favorite served grilled or blackened.

See the specials on the Almost on the Lake Facebook page.

For some more indoor time, visit the Cellar at Stardust Cellars.

Here you can enjoy the tastes of the ancient methods in such flavors as Lavender Mead, Melon Mead, and Chardonnay. And for those interested in learning more about this old craft and the vineyards, read about the NC Mead Alliance Beekeepers and Mead Makers Conference 2024 event on Facebook.

Just look at the view from the stage of this spacious venue.

Discover more weekly events from karaoke to murder mysteries on The Cellar at Stardust Cellars' website.

And speaking of events, we hope you're up for an educational one at the impressive W. Kerr Scott Reservoir.

A Winter Tree Identification Workshop takes place from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2024, at the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir Visitor Assistance Center. Find out more on the N.C. Cooperative Extension web page. The 1,475-acre reservoir also offers some excellent hiking trails to identify the winter birds and other sweet creatures.

Discover more information about this winter small town in North Carolina on the Town of Wilkesboro Facebook page. And while you're there, rent a room from Booking.com and stay awhile.