Downtown North Wilkesboro certainly doesn't have a parking spot problem. In fact, we have 495 spots located in our nine public lots that offer free, long-term parking in a clean and convenient area. In addition, we have 100 plus two-hour on-street parking spaces that offer residents, shoppers and diners the chance for quick stops to grab a gift, to-go-order, or unload groceries. 

With more people wanting choosing to live downtown and building owners looking to add upper floor residential units, the search for a convenient spot to park and shop, watch a movie or eat out becomes more challenging. The hunt for elusive parking spaces can eat up hours per year, wasting time, fuel and patience. According to a 2017 USA Today article, motorists spend an average of 17 hours a year searching for spots on streets, in lots, or in garages.

So instead of wasting precious time looking for the closest on-street parking space, considering the nearest public lot. A little walking never hurt anyone. 

Wilkes has so many locally-owned small businesses, stretching end to end across our 750 plus square miles of beautiful county. 

We've got farms producing home-grown beef, pork, chickens, honey, wine, hops, mead, granola and more. 

Craftsman making one-of-a-kind jewelry, frames, quilts, spirits, pottery and paintings. 

Want to knock someone out with the gift that keeps on giving. How about a beekeepers kit? Have a honeybee enthusiast in the family? Rossman Apiaries on 9th Street in downtown North Wilkesboro has all your beekeeping needs. 

Do you have a child that enjoys creating or just need to keep little hands and minds busy? Spinning Wheels Yarn and Creations on 10th Street offers crocheting classes and sells lots of supplies too. 

Gathering more than one household together this holiday isn't such a good idea, so you'll probably be dropping off or mailing a lot of gifts. What could be easier to mail than a gift certificate? Most of our small businesses, including restaurants like Dom Bakeries on D Street, offer these year round. 

Last minute shopping is best done locally too. You can skip out at lunch and grab something fun from Hallmark Quickframe on Main Street or something sassy from Under His Wings on Tenth.

Gift giving is made sweeter when you keep shopping dollars local. Money that stays in Wilkes helps create and retain jobs and supports public safety, schools, parks and recreation, trails and more. 

Happy Holidays. Shop Small. Support Local. 





 

With COVID positivity rates and hospitalizations increasing daily, now is not the time to let your guard down. It's important to stay the course. Wear, Wash, Wait. 

It's tempting to want to gather with family and friends you've been missing over the last months, but even small get togethers may be big mistakes. Why not plan a simple Thanksgiving this year with hopes of a grand party in 2021.

The CDC recommends sharing holiday meals with household members only.  Fewer guests equals less stress and leftovers. Take this opportunity to share favorite family recipes with your kids and give them more responsibilities in preparing dinner. With a lighter work load and less table clean up, you've got time to enjoy a game of cards or perhaps Monopoly. 

If it's just you and your partner, consider having your Thanksgiving catered by a local restaurant. Sixth and Main and Brushy Mountain Smokehouse offer this easy, helpful and delicious service. Maybe try an exotic dish or vegan side that wouldn't normally fly with the extended family.  

While you may celebrate a smaller, simpler in-person holiday, you can still connect with other loved ones virtually using Zoom, Google Meet, Skype or Face Time. Or take it back old school and make a phone call. 

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.