Wine Country Weekend: A Travel Guide for Elkin, North Carolina

“Where’s that?”

People often ask me about my next trip, and my answers typically get responses like “Cool,” “Neat,” or occasionally, “I’ve been there!”

But when I mentioned that Michael and I were headed to Elkin for a recent weekend getaway, I got a lot of “Where’s that?” followed by puzzled looks.

Elkin may not have the name recognition of cities like Asheville, Raleigh, Wilmington, or Durham, but this town just 90 minutes from Charlotte should definitely be on your radar.

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Portions of our trip to Elkin were hosted, but this guide is not sponsored.

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As always, when I discover a destination worth sharing, I can’t keep it to myself.

Today, I’m especially excited to share my weekend guide to Elkin because it means you’ll get to discover this hidden gem, too.

Let’s explore!

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ABOUT ELKIN

Elkin, North Carolina, is a small town of about 4,000 people set against the picturesque backdrop of the Yadkin Valley. Established in the late 1800s, the town’s name is derived from the nearby Elkin Creek. The town’s prime river location made it the perfect setting for a mill, and in 1877, Alexander Chatham established Chatham Manufacturing Company. This woolen mill would be Elkin’s largest industry for decades, accelerated by the arrival of the railroad in 1890.

Today, Elkin’s prime location is better known as a destination for activity and leisure. With ample opportunities for hiking and paddling, it’s an outdoor lover’s dream. Elkin is also part of the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, making it a prime stop for wine aficionados who can tour over 40 wineries in the area. Culturally, all of this combines in a vibrant blend of old and new, and the city’s numerous festivals, art galleries, and live music events reflect the town’s creative spirit.

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WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT ELKIN?

Whether you’re interested in arts and culture, enjoying the great outdoors, or savoring local flavors, Elkin offers a warm welcome and a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler. The town is a beacon for musicians, who perform at any of the surprisingly high number of venues given the town’s size. Adventurous types will want to hit the trail, whether it’s during NC Trail Days or on any of the other 362 days per year. And people who feel like travel is just something you do between meals will find plenty of opportunities to indulge.

Unlike other Southern small towns, I discovered that many Elkin establishments are open on Sunday, giving you a full weekend’s worth of adventures. Even the social district is active seven days a week for those who want to keep the party going! The town feels so welcoming to visitors, right down to the public restrooms in several locations downtown (this may seem like an odd thing to mention, but to me, this thoughtful amenity further drives home the point that Elkin is exceptionally welcoming). No matter your reason for visiting, you’re bound to have a memorable trip.

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THINGS TO DO IN ELKIN

Catch a show

You can’t miss The Reeves Theater during your visit to Elkin—literally.

This gorgeous Art Deco theater is the crown jewel of the downtown silhouette, where it has presided since it opened as a movie house in 1941. Unfortunately, its history hasn’t always been so glamorous. The theater closed in the 1990s and remained vacant and deteriorating until 2013, when a trio of local residents purchased the building and secured the funds to repair it.

Today, the theater serves as a destination for live music in the region, from touring acts to local open mic nights. Michael and I couldn’t believe our luck that our visit coincided with a concert from Maggie Rose with opener Fancy Hagood, but you can test your travel fortune by checking out the calendar.

And if you’re feeling peckish before the show, the lobby’s cozy cafe offers a selection of tasty dishes to enjoy!

→The Reeves Theater & Cafe // 129 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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Explore a winery

With over forty wineries in the Yadkin Valley, it can be tough to choose just one*, especially if your visit coincides with summer’s intense heat. Unable to bear the thought of too much wine on a blistering day, we decided a visit to one of the area’s oldest and most renowned vineyards would be a safe bet.

The seeds of Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery were planted in 2003 (figuratively speaking, of course—I’m not a viticulturalist, but I believe most grapevines are grafted), making it the fourteenth vineyard in the Yadkin Valley appellation. Today, visitors can enjoy a relaxing tasting room with local cheese and snacks available, or unwind on the expansive patio, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

The tasting is a generous five pours from the winery’s selection of dry, semi-sweet, and dessert wines, offering something for everyone’s palate. I wouldn’t turn down a glass of any of those five pours, but if you need a little direction, our top two were the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2022 Artista Rosé.

As always, consider sharing a flight, naming a designated driver, or hiring a tour company if you plan on exploring more of the wine region.

→Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery // 235 Chatham Cottage Ln, State Rd, NC 28676

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Indulge in local flavors

Saturday mornings in Elkin bring in truckloads of local produce, prepared foods, and crafts to the Elkin Farmers Market—definitely worth an early rise for the best selection!

Offerings will vary by season, of course, but my early summer visit brought tables spilling with colorful cucumbers, blueberries, and tomatoes. Though many travelers may not need raw ingredients, the market has plenty of appealing offerings for visitors. From peak blooms to local honey to baked goods, you would have to try not to find a souvenir from your Elkin visit here. Grumbling at my past resolution to buy no more new yarn until I finish some knitting projects, I can confirm that I did resist the soft, squishy alpaca wool, but it was a challenge.

Note: not all vendors accept all types of payment; have cash, card, and mobile pay handy, just in case.

→Elkin Farmers Market // 101 E Market St, Elkin, NC 28621

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Do a little shopping

I don’t know about you, but I think poking around shops is a fun way to spend an hour or two exploring a destination. Elkin’s boutiques and stores offer a unique shopping experience, no matter your tastes.

For local art, head to heArt & Soul of the Yadkin Valley for an eclectically curated selection of art in all sorts of mediums. You just might find your wall’s favorite piece, ready to hang and remind you of your time in Elkin. Still searching for the piece that speaks to you? Wildflower Artisan Gift Shop is located just down the block, with local crafts, decor, and more.

You know I love a good secondhand shop, and Elkin has two that are practically next door to one another. Michelle’s Consignments offers a fun scavenger hunt for clothes for all ages—but you won’t find that cute maxi floral skirt, as it came home with me. Steps away, Hugh Chatham Health Thrift Shop has racks and racks of clothing, plus a neighborhood’s worth of home decor. Happy hunting!

→heArt & Soul of the Yadkin Valley // 113 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621
→Hugh Chatham Health Thrift Shop // 103 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621
→Michelle's Consignments // 107 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621
→Wildflower Artisan Gift Shop // 209 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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ELKIN FOOD + DRINK

Southern On Main

Just like you, I like to ask around for recommendations before I visit a new destination (that’s why you’re here, right?). And for Elkin, one restaurant cropped up more than any other: Southern On Main.

This family-owned and operated restaurant on Main Street serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner heaping with Southern flavors. The sheer number of diners we saw from our hotel window coming and going confirmed its popularity (I doubt the front door ever has a chance to fully close!).

Michael and I waffled over visiting for brunch or dinner, but our schedule chose for us. We were first through the door for Sunday brunch, but by the time our entrees arrived, almost every table was occupied. I let my cravings be my guide, and on a hot summer day, nothing sounded better than a BLT. But true to its name, the restaurant’s take on this classic dish has a Southern twist, swapping the chunky red tomato slice for a perfectly fried green tomato.

I was halfway through inhaling the thing when a pair of hot biscuits arrived on the table, and my sincere apologies go to the other diners who heard me squeal. Michael says his Reuben was delicious, but I was too busy floating in biscuit heaven to even try it to confirm.

→Southern On Main // 102 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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The Yellow Door Café

Finding The Yellow Door Café is as easy as spotting the vibrant yellow door that gives this charming eatery its name. Specializing in Southern food with an occasional French accent, it’s the perfect place to wake up your tastebuds on Saturday mornings.

The cozy interior and the mismatched, homelike decor made me feel like I was eating breakfast at my grandparents’ house. And once our Sunrise Plate arrived with scrambled eggs, perfectly crisp bacon, fluffy biscuit, cheesy hash browns, and a side of fruit, it really felt like it (though I’m so grateful we decided to share at the very last minute—portions are generous, to say the least).

I’d love to return sometime to explore the rest of the menu—if you have a chance to make it in for lunch or dinner, would you drop a comment to share your favorite dish?

→The Yellow Door Café // 280 Standard St, Elkin, NC 28621

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Angry Troll Brewing

If there’s a brewery in town, you can bet I’ll visit (especially if we’re talking about Charlotte, but that’s beside the point), and Angry Troll Brewing in downtown Elkin was no exception. According to local lore, the brewery was founded by a troll whose bridge had been demolished, turning his misfortune into a thriving business venture.

Both on a Friday night visit to the Brewpub and a Saturday night stop in at the Taproom downstairs for a to-go beer, we found the place packed to the gills with locals unwinding for the weekend. Settle in wherever you can find a spot, and savor a local brew from Angry Troll and Mt. Airy’s Skull Camp Brewery.

Whether or not you believe in trolls, you can believe that this is Elkin’s top late-night spot. Just watch out if you decide to order a little food with your drink, because the buffalo nachos come with a kick that even a troll might find surprising!

→Angry Troll Brewing // 222 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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Mexico Viejo

Most of the spots in this guide are located in the downtown core of Elkin, but a visit to Grassy Creek Winery gave us the perfect excuse to enjoy a meal en route. A quick glance at the menu at Mexico Viejo was all I needed to pull into the plaza where it is located, because the appearance of authentic dishes like tacos de birria, tamales, elote, and more, is always a good sign.

With entree prices under $10, the lunch menu called to our value-driven hearts. Michael and I gorged on puddles of refried beans, an exquisitely stuffed tamal, an oozy chile relleno, and perfectly seasons choripollo—and still boxed up half for later. Thankfully, our hotel had plenty of kitchen space for a second helping at midnight (but more on that later!).

→Mexico Viejo // 544 CC Camp Rd #700, Elkin, NC 28621

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The RailYard

How would I describe The RailYard?

That’s easy: it’s like the front porch of Elkin.

This sprawling lawn feels like an open-air gathering place for the community, with plenty of available seating and a stage ready for live performances. Order a local beer at the railroad spike tap wall, and sit under the trees in the clusters of Adirondack chairs (don’t be surprised if you make a new friend!). Although the mercury was pushing 90°F, the shade – and let’s be honest, probably the beer as well – kept things nice and comfortable.

The RailYard is one of the venues for Explore Elkin’s Friday Night Live series, and we were treated to an outstanding performance by Detective Blind (even if the venue is elsewhere during your visit, The RailYard regularly hosts local acts on their stage at other times too). Head to their social media for the current monthly calendar with all the upcoming musicians, food trucks, and other wonderful-looking events.

→The RailYard // 203 W Depot Alley, Elkin, NC 28621

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Fruition

I rarely have the chance to visit a location twice in one weekend, but our Friday afternoon at Fruition was so delightful, that it warranted a return trip the following day.

This chic bar feels straight out of a city much larger than Elkin, with a beautifully crafted cocktail menu and a well-curated lineup of wine and beer. Order a new-to-you cocktail combination from the knowledgeable bartender, and make your decision: to stay at the glimmering bar or head into the parlor to cozy up on a sofa with your date.

While you’re sitting in whichever space you choose, make plans to return the very next day to do it all over again. Fruition’s charm is too irresistible to pass up!

→Fruition // 223 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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River Roast Coffee

Until Garden Route Coffee opens its doors, River Roast Coffee is the closest traditional coffee shop to downtown Elkin. Just a five-minute drive across the bridge (note: there are no sidewalks on the route, so I don’t recommend walking), and you’ll be able to order your favorite early-morning beverage.

Though the pastry case was incredibly tempting, I held back after a weekend of indulging. Fortunately, each coffee comes with a chocolate-covered espresso bean for a little nibble of sweetness.

→River Roast Coffee // 442 N Bridge St, Jonesville, NC 28642

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Creamy Dayz

Creamy Dayz is the perfect antidote to a hot summer day in Elkin! This ice cream shop inside River & Trails Emporium is ready to scoop up creatively named flavors of ice cream (Old Man Special or Elkin Pot Hole, anyone?).

We sampled a couple of flavors before settling on Oats & Cream, a delicious way to cool down. While enjoying our ice cream, we also took the opportunity to browse the emporium’s selection of outdoor goods—a refreshing treat and a bit of window shopping all in one place.

→Creamy Dayz at River & Trails Emporium // 112 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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WHERE TO STAY IN ELKIN

Three Trails

Three Trails is a one-of-a-kind, fourteen-room boutique hotel right on Elkin’s Main Street. The location is undeniably impeccable for a weekend in the region (truly—I mean, it sits on the corner of the main intersection in downtown Elkin), but the impressive rooms and amenities make this an unbelievably well-suited choice for visitors.

Michael and I found our one-bedroom apartment-style room immaculately clean and filled with all of the things we needed for our stay. Beyond the typical amenities you expect from a hotel (a comfortable bed, hot shower, WiFi, etc.), the rooms at Three Trails also include a fully stocked kitchen, premium linens, and breezy contactless check-in.

There’s always something a little bittersweet about leaving a hotel behind after calling it home for a few days—but I hope this visit ended with a “see you soon” rather than a farewell. To learn more, you can find my full review of Three Trails here, and save 20% on your stay at Three Trails or any other of the other properties by The Carolina Experience with code WAYWARD when you book direct.

→Three Trails // 101 W Main St, Elkin, NC 28621

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WITH MORE TIME IN THE YADKIN VALLEY

I always call this section “With more time…” but in reality, I feel like I mostly write this section for myself, taking note of all the things I can’t wait to do when I return. So let’s just call it like it is!

For my next trip to Elkin, I want to:

• Have a seat at The Wisdom Table – this wonderful-looking wine shop was closed for summer break, giving me the perfect excuse to return.
• Take a weaving workshop at Yadkin Valley Fiber Center – I’d love to expand my weaving knowledge in one of their many beginner and intensive workshops
• Join the locals at Harry’s Place – This hole-in-the-wall restaurant has been serving the community since 1957.
• Hit the trails – Elkin is the only place in North Carolina where three trails converge (the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Yadkin River State Trail). Plus, hikers can cool off with a stop at Carter Falls.
• Hunt for my next great meal at Camp Creek Lodge – This newcomer looks right up my alley.
• Sip on more of the region’s best at local wineries – There’s so much more to discover, and I’ll hop on the Vine Line for safe transport!

If your “with more time” list looks anything like mine and you make it to any of these spots before I do, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

*need another recommendation? I can also recommend Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery - you can see it in the background of our engagement photos - where the old-world wines taste of vineyards much further afield.

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FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A WEEKEND IN ELKIN, NORTH CAROLINA

While not everyone knew where to find Elkin on a map, more than once I heard people exclaim, “Oh, Elkin is my favorite North Carolina small town!” when I shared my next destination. Now that I’m back, I can honestly say I get it.

(Not that I can officially pick a favorite destination, because I haven’t visited them all yet, but you know what I mean).

This tiny town in the foothills has left a giant impression on me. From the warmest hospitality in public gathering spaces to a lively cultural scene that values its artists, Elkin is clearly doing life right.

If you’re reading this, I hope you’re ready for this town to leave an impression on you, too.

Thank you to The Carolina Experience for generously hosting our stay at Three Trails and to Explore Elkin for the warmest welcome to your town!

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Questions for you

When was the last time you visited a small town?

What was the last concert you saw?

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