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Sip Happens

Sip Happens

by | Apr 30, 2021 | Do, May 2021

With over 70 local wineries and vineyards to enjoy, there’s nothing to wine about during a fun-filled getaway to Elkin, NC

If you thought you had to book a flight to the West Coast to sip your way through vineyards, think again. Just over a two-hour drive west down I-40, Elkin is known as “the best kept secret in North Carolina”—and for good reason.

As part of the Yadkin Valley wine country (North Carolina’s first federally approved American Viticultural Area), the small town boasts more than 70 (!) nearby vineyards—clearly enough for a vino-hopping vacay—that showcase the fruits of our region and reflect the area’s particular microclimate.

And you won’t be limited to the state’s standard muscadine and scuppernong varietals as you taste your way through diverse award-winning grapes (that recognition, a nod to the viticulture and research of several local winemakers). And beyond the palate-pleasing accolades and flavor, your inner sommelier in training can get tipsy on knowledge, as Yadkin Valley’s intimate wine-tasting rooms also offer the opp to get schooled on the winemaking process and the land’s rich history. That, plus plenty of unique experiences (think petting zoo) and eats (reservation-only brick-oven pizzas) to boot.

Between sips and vineyard tours, uncork some adventure among Elkin’s abundant outdoor activities (its location along the Yadkin River yields ops galore), eateries (downhome restaurants and breweries abound), and entertainment (think shopping, live music and fests). But no matter your Elkin destination, it’s all about the journey in “the best little town in NC.”

DO

Stone Mountain State Park
Just 20 miles outside of Elkin sits the massive granite dome that is Stone Mountain (you can’t miss it!) with recreation ops aplenty (hey, camping, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking and hiking!) across 18-plus miles of trails, more than 20 miles of designated trout waters and a 90-site campground. Permitted climbers can even scale the towering 600-foot granite face overlooking the restored 19th century Hutchinson Homestead mountain farm. ncparks.gov

Rocky Forest River Run
Soak up some sun as you float or paddle down the Yadkin Valley River via kayak, tube or canoe rentals from this local outfitter. Experienced kayakers are encouraged to challenge themselves to fitness kayaking (paddling upstream). Yippie kayak indeed. rockyforestriverrun.com

Carter Falls
They say not to go chasing waterfalls… but this one is worth it. Carter Falls is a hidden gem accessible by a moderate 1/2-mile trail through an old-growth forest on Big Elkin Creek. And, come summer, bring your bathing suit—you won’t be able to resist taking a dip in the swimming hole on a hot day. yadkinvalleync.com

Stone Mountain State Park

EAT

Southern on Main
A homey vibe and homestyle meals welcome all to this upscale Southern eatery in the heart of Elkin, where traditional dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and bread pudding (a must!) are served with a side of authentic Southern hospitality. southernonmain.com

John Boy’s BBQ & Seafood
It’s nothing fancy, but boy is the food delicious. Stop in this old-timey joint for breakfast (the biscuit sandwiches are to-die-for!) or lunch (try the famous chopped barbecue sandwich, popcorn shrimp or flounder). Or make time for both—we guarantee it’s worth more than just one visit. facebook.com/johnboysbbqelkin

Creamy Dayz
After feeling the calorie burn all day from adventuring (or sipping), #TreatYourself to a hand-dipped ice cream cone at this Elkin mainstay. Don’t pass on the housemade waffle cone! Also not to be overlooked are the homemade hot and fresh doughnuts covered in sprinkles, crushed Fruity Pebbles, Oreos and even bacon. facebook.com/creamydayz

Creamy Dayz

DRINK

Adagio Vineyards
Adagio’s (a musical term meaning “slowly with passion”) award-winning vinos are grown and made with love on 7 acres of gorgeous land in the Yadkin Valley. Ever apt, each of its bottles are named after musical terms depicting origin, composition or sensory characteristics. So, they’re like music to your taste buds… adagiovineyards.com

Elkin Creek Vineyard
Come for the wine; stay for the pizza. Every Sunday, Elkin Creek Vineyard prepares made-to-order brick oven pizzas—but they sell out quickly; so reserve a dough ball in advance, and, while you wait for it to cook, enjoy a wine tasting. elkincreekvineyard.com

Skull Camp Brewing
Get the best of both worlds at Skull Camp, serving up both canned wines and craft beers made with local ingredients whenever possible. And when hunger strikes, visit Skull Camp’s taproom and smokehouse next door for wings, burgers, peel-and-eat shrimp, and other fab pub fare. skullcampbrewing.com

Elkin Creek Vineyard

STAY

Ridenour Ranch
Alpaca your bags for a one-of-a-kind stay at this alpaca farm located right outside of Elkin. Two properties—a four-person antebellum farmhouse and a one-bedroom “barndominium”—are perfect for animal and nature lovers looking for a peaceful night’s sleep (mind the alpaca noises!). ridenourranch.com

Slightly Askew House
There’s nothing askew about lodging at a winery—um, right in line with our #goals actually. The stuff of our dreams, Slightly Askew’s luxury vacation house features four bedrooms, a large deck and a hot tub—all just steps from a glass of wine anytime you’d like. Book it! slightlyaskewwines.com

Maggy’s Place
Located in the refurbished Elkin & Alleghany Railroad Office on Main Street, this charming Airbnb is right around the corner from downtown’s best restaurants, shops, entertainment and trails. And for romance… the parlour, kitchenette and fenced-in patio area add up to the perfect romantic getaway. airbnb.com/rooms/24205357

Ridenour Ranch
Vineyards in the Valley

Vineyards in the Valley

by | Oct 16, 2017 | Do, October 2017

Tucked away in the furthest northwestern corner of North Carolina’s Piedmont region is the gently rolling Yadkin Valley, more than a million acres comprised of land from seven counties, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. The Piedmont’s mineral rich, clay-loam soil, topography, elevation and cooler climate made it ideal for growing tobacco for decades. With the decline in tobacco farming and cigarette manufacturing, however, the area has shifted its focus to another industry: winemaking.

The Yadkin Valley is one of five American Viticultural Areas in the state, areas federally recognized for their grapevine growing properties and regional wine character. After generations of limited success growing vitas vinfera—the European style grape species harvested for Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots, among others, local viticultural researchers have recently found ways to help these grapes thrive. French-American grape hybrids, Muscadines, Labrusca and other fruit varieties are also producing wines in the Yadkin Valley’s dozens of wineries and vineyards.

If you’re not inclined to wine tasting, the Yadkin Valley is still worth a visit. The town of Elkin, the geographic center of the valley about two-and-a-half hours west of Raleigh, is charming, with a quaint central street of shops and restaurants running through the heart of the town of some 4,000.

STAY

Frog Holler Cabins on Big Elkin Creek

Cozy, rustic cabins feature a kitchen, fireplace and a private hot tub overlooking Big Elkin Creek. Ten minutes from Stone Mountain State Park, you can fish, hike trails and birdwatch near the cabins or relax with an in-cabin massage.

Downtown Elkin Vacation Homes

Maggy’s Place in downtown Elkin is a restored historic cottage that served as the ticket office for the old but still active Elkin & Allegheny Railroad. The early 1900s Victorian House, two blocks away from Main Street, sleeps seven and has a charming wrap-around porch. Slightly Askew Winery House is a newly renovated vacation home located behind the winery’s tasting room. 

Byrd’s Branch Campground

For hikers and campers, recharge at Byrd’s Branch Campground in Elkin. The site offers RV hookups with water and electricity and four sites for tent camping. Restock your supplies at Byrd’s Branch Camp Store, grill out on the premises and enjoy hand-dipped ice cream. 

EAT

Harry’s Place

A plastic tablecloth type of spot, locals will tell you that Harry’s Place in downtown Elkin has the best food in town. With few seats, be prepared to wait, but post up at the bar for beer, wine and spirits. Staples include burgers, barbecue, crab legs, shrimp, steak and renowned desserts.

Southern on Main 

For an upscale dining experience and excellent cocktails, try Southern on Main. The family-owned eatery has a spacious outdoor patio as well as a sleek, modern interior and it specializes in classic Southern fare: fried chicken, shrimp and grits and fried okra and green tomatoes.

DRINK

Angry Troll Brewing

In just a year, owner Bob Puckett has mastered the art of brewing beer in his basement brewery in downtown Elkin. Stop in and order a flight; notable brews include the Sir Walter ESB, the Cocunut Porter, the Coffee Stout and the Strawberry Wheat.

Barking Coyote

The owners are farmers at the Barking Coyote farm in Wilkes County, and last year, they opened their coffee shop in downtown Elkin. Stop in for a fair trade Red Rooster coffee, hot chocolate or gourmet tea to perk up after exploring the area’s breweries and wineries.

DO

Explore the Wineries and Vineyards

There are nearly 70 different vineyards in the Piedmont West area. In Elkin, take in beautiful views from the rustic wood tavern at Elkin Creek while tasting the winery’s impressive list of whites and reds. At Divine Llama vineyards, the owners raise llamas, including newborn babies, you can visit with while enjoying your wine. Other notable vineyards include Native Wines Vinery in Lexington, surrounded by ancient Indian burial grounds; Raffaldini Vineyard and Winery in Ronda, evocative of the Italian countryside; and Brushy Mountain Winery conveniently located in downtown Elkin.

Hiking Trails Ahoy

The Elkin “In Town” begins on Elkin’s Main Street and stretches for 2 miles, ending at the Elkin and Allegheny Railroad Gong. Or try the Yadkin River Blueway Trail, which has launch points for canoeists and kayakers. Elkin hosts a segment of the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, a federal linear park that begins at the Elkin Municipal Park and runs along the Yadkin River, as well as a portion of North Carolina’s Mountain to Sea Trail. History buffs can check out the North Carolina Civil War trail.

Get An Aerial View

An unexpected way to view the beautiful Yadkin Valley is by helicopter or hot air balloon, and there’s no better time for flying than the fall, when the leaves are changing color. Amateur aviators can take a 30-minute helicopter flight lesson at the Elkin Municipal Airport. Families can check out Yadkin Valley Balloon Adventures at Pilot Mountain. From the air, you’ll see the Blue Ridge Parkway, Stone and Pilot Mountains and dozens of the region’s sprawling vineyards and rolling farmlands.