Yadkin County: Experience Wine, River and Culture

A cascade is the centerpiece of Shore-Styers Mill Nature Park on North Deep Creek. Wine events, river access points and cultural offerings give Yadkin County a range of other, very different dimensions. You can shape your trip around what interests you most: nature by the water, regional wines, art or history.

Rivers, a Lake and Outdoor Activities

The Yadkin River Trail is designated as a state Blueway Trail and has four access points in Yadkin County. Along the Yadkin River, the county maintains Donnaha Yadkin River Access, Shores Yadkin River Access and Huntsville Yadkin River Access. This means that both the designated trail and the named river access points are part of the options for getting out on the water.

Kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and boats with trolling motors are allowed on Lake Hampton in Yadkin Memorial Park; boats with gasoline engines are not permitted. The park rents kayaks and jon boats by the hour or day. An accessible kayak launch adds another way to enjoy the lake. The permitted boat types and rental options differ, so if you plan to get out on the water, you can take these details into account.

Yadkin County Park also offers ways to spend time outdoors: it has a gravel walking trail, a nature trail and two fishing ponds. The options range from trails on land to activities on the water. Which ones suit your stay depends on whether you prefer to walk, observe nature, fish or plan a boat trip.

Wineries and Events

Yadkin County has twelve wineries that produce award-winning wines; the number of wineries may change. You can explore the wineries on your own or consider the Yadkin Wine Shuttle Service as a chauffeured option. Operators and schedules may change, so check the current arrangements in advance.

Events include the Yadkin Valley Grape Festival, held annually on the third Saturday in October. The program includes wine tastings, live performances, arts and crafts, and food vendors. Exact dates and arrangements vary from year to year. Yadkin Winter Reds is also an annual wine event: wineries from Yadkin County present wine paired with a small food sample; dates also change from year to year. The Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival has been a highlight in the Yadkinville area since 1976.

For a different taste of local products, visit Shiloh General Store for Amish crafts, homemade baked goods, deli meats and cheeses, and fresh sandwiches. Days and hours of operation may change; check them before your visit. This will help you fit a stop at the store into your plans without confusing it with a wine event or a tour.

Agriculture, Art and History

Alpha & Omega is a 20-acre agritourism site with maze paths, hayrides, horse-drawn wagon rides and more than 30 activities. Its own five-acre corn maze uses an interactive app with custom-created QR codes. It may take about 30 minutes to make your way through. The business operates seasonally; check whether the maze is open before your visit. Planning for the seasonal maze and the site’s other activities are two separate aspects of your outing.

For art and culture, the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center has the Willingham Theater, with 193 seats. The Welborn Gallery features a changing selection of two- and three-dimensional artworks. Hinshaw Gardens can be rented for weddings, family reunions and photo shoots. These places and offerings range from changing exhibits and theater to a garden available to rent for specific occasions.

Historical attractions are also represented. Historic Richmond Hill Law School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Richmond Pearson House in Historic Richmond Hill was built in 1861. There are six Civil War Trail markers throughout Yadkin County. Step-on guide services are available for tours along the Yadkin County Quilt Trail; the trail is currently being updated. Confirm arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Yadkinville, Hamptonville, Jonesville, Orange, New Hanover County, Wayne, New Hanover, Watauga.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.