Cultural Heritage Attractions

Barn Quilt Trail 

Reflect on times past as you travel through the present scenery of Wilkes County, with generational homesteads, barns, and farms. Quilt patterns were chosen from centuries-old, placed on barns of local residents wishing to ensure this legacy, and enjoyed by all who gaze and recognize it as a form of art.

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

Experience the Culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is the regional steward of living Appalachian traditions in North Carolina. We honor our elders and invite new generations to explore music, craft, foodways, the outdoors, and the native wisdom that all have their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. 

Wilkes Art Gallery 

Founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie Winkler’s home, the Wilkes Art Gallery has experienced many transformations over the years. Perhaps the most dramatic of these was the 2004 move into the renovated, original North Wilkesboro Post Office building located in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro at 913 C Street.

The Gallery’s 10,000 square foot facility includes:

  • Education center with a complete ceramics studio
  • Gallery gift shop
  • Over 3,500 square feet of exhibition space
  • Painting and drawing studios
  • Two multi-purpose classrooms

Wilkes County Farmers Market 

The farmers' market is located at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace in Downtown North Wilkesboro and will operate on Saturdays from April 18th through October 31st (with a few exceptions for downtown events) from 7:30 AM to Noon and on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM starting in June for the 2026 season. We are currently accepting EBT/SNAP benefits.

Contact

For more information, visit https://www.downtownnorthwilkesboro.com/wilkescountyfarmersmarket.

Wilkes Heritage Museum 

Wilkes Heritage Museum (WHM) is a non-profit responsible for operating and maintaining the Old Wilkes Jail (circa 1859), Robert Cleveland Log Home (circa 1779), and the Wilkes Heritage Museum (circa 1902). The WHM consists of a self-guided tour with exhibits including:

  • Early Settlers
  • Early Stock-Car Racing
  • Medicine
  • Military History
  • Moonshine

Visit the Wilkes Heritage Museum website.

Wilkes Playmakers 

Wilkes Playmakers is an independent, non-profit community theater company dedicated to the cultural enhancement of the children, adults and senior citizens of Wilkes County through theater.