Culture & Entertainment in the Yadkin Valley
Infinite Varieties
Welcome to the world of tours and tastings, bricks and barrels, trellises and canopies, festivals and fairs, distinctive art, distinguished theatre, gifted musicians, fine art, and fine wine. Yadkin Valley has cultivated great notoriety in the arts and, most notably, in the art of growing, cultivating, and nurturing superior wines
At First Blush
The region’s wine industry goes back as far as Sir Walter Raleigh’s Roanoke Island Colony. This is where the original Scuppernong grapevine was cultivated. Muscadine grapes, which are native to North Carolina, may be bronze or black, and Scuppernong is the most familiar bronze variety. Since the Colonial era, Yadkin Valley vineyards and wineries have carried on the early viticulturists’ rich agrarian tradition. The region’s vine-nurturing heritage continues to grow – both literally and figuratively! In 2001, the uniquely named Scuppernong grape was officially designated as North Carolina’s state fruit.
Rich soil, favorable weather, and vintage expertise are just a few of the ingredients that help Yadkin Valley produce some of the world’s most distinctive wines. The region is increasingly recognized for the fruits of its many vineyards and wineries. Yadkin Valley, which recently became a federally designated Viticultural Area, produces consistently exceptional wines that win a wide variety of awards time after time.
For a scenic and tasteful tour, follow the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail where you will discover some of the region’s premier attractions. Tour the beautiful, expert wineries and sample award-winning Muscadines and Merlots, Cabernets and Chardonnays, full-bodied Bella Mistos, sweet Sangioveses, or spicy Dolcettos.
Visit antique stores, shops, art galleries, and restaurants, then spend the night at a home-style bed and breakfast or an award-winning hotel. You can take in music festivals, art and craft fairs, special events, auctions, and historic stops along the way.
Take home some wearable souvenirs or, better yet, a bottle of clean and crisp Riesling. You can go at your own pace, stop at your favorite place, and see a little or a lot of the region.
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival
The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival in Elkin is another great way to experience the vintner’s harvest and much of the elegant food and festivities that accompany this event. People come from near and far to celebrate this increasingly popular festival. If you’re feeling adventurous and energetic, you can kick off the event by joining other rise-and-shine cyclists who’ll wind their way past area vineyards en route to the festival.
Whether you bike, drive, stroll or take advantage of convenient shuttle service, you’ll find the festivities that await you are well worth the scenic jaunt. The foods and wines you sample will be some of the best of area vineyards, wineries, and dining establishments. For more information about the wine festival check out the wine festival’s site.
The Art of Entertainment
Do you love listening to really good music? Then kick back, relax, and enjoy everything from bluegrass to blues. The arts are alive and well in Yadkin Valley, thanks to the leadership of the Yadkin Arts Council and the Foothills Arts Council. Their planning helps keep memorable events coming, including community theater productions, popular concerts, art shows, festivals, musicals, conventions, and more. Area arts councils support performances including Opera Carolina, plays by William Shakespeare, a casual coffeehouse series, and an annual Christmastime community chorus.
A growing number of gifted Yadkin Valley artists participate in special events to show and sell unique pottery; original photography; signed watercolors; oils and pastels; as well as hand-crafted glassware, jewelry, basketry, specialty papers, and more. The events typically feature a delightful abundance of delectable cookies, candies, and bars.
You can also discover new talent at art galleries and traveling exhibits that showcase the work of local artists. You can travel back in time by taking a tour of a local museum, such as the Richard Gwyn Museum of History, the Elkin Historic Collection or the Victorian House Museum in Elkin.
Fall for the Pumpkin Festival
Carve out some time on the last Saturday in September to experience the Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival in historic downtown Elkin. Visitors can buy original arts and crafts, listen to music, and photograph the region’s official largest pumpkin. Sample varied food fare, including fresh-baked pumpkin pies, cakes, breads, and bars. Participants can count on plenty of family-style fun.
Step Back in Time
Historic festivals abound including Old Jonesville Days and Boonville Heritage Days, which celebrate history in a family-style fashion. Revelers can enjoy parades, live music, entertainers, vendors, or even a pedal-power tractor pull that includes competitions for kids and adults alike. At a Medieval festival, you can chat with costumed characters; watch authentic, period demonstrations; and witness battles reenacted with armor and shields, swords, spears, rapiers, and daggers.
Celebrate Diversity
From cultivating grapevines to harvesting good times, diverse opportunities are part of the good life in Yadkin Valley. Here, there is both tremendous enthusiasm and appreciation for diversely rich entertainment and cultural events.
Invest in your community!
Join the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Today!
For more information about becoming a member of this vital business organization, please contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (336) 526-1111 or submit your information online to begin the Chamber Member application process.