Wilkesboro has deep historical roots. The North Carolina General Assembly selected a committee to develop the area that would become Wilkesboro in 1799. The group bought land from the University of North Carolina and delivered the deeds to the county court. General William Lenoir, chair of the court and Revolutionary War hero, organized the town into a grid of streets and lots with the courthouse and public buildings in the center. In May of 1800, the lots sold, and Wilkesboro formed in the same general shape that we know today.
During the American Revolution, Tories (defenders of English colonial rule) were brought to a hanging tree near the courthouse by Colonel Ben Cleveland. The tree was known as the "Tory Oak" and became a symbol of freedom to locals. The town recently reconstructed Cleveland's Revolutionary period log farmhouse near the courthouse.
The old courthouse and Cleveland's home are part of the 13 stops of the Wilkesboro Architecture Walking Tour, which begins at the Heritage Museum. Along the way, you can stop at the J.T. Ferguson Store (built in 1890) for a meal. All the buildings in the tour have earned the distinction of being in the National Register of Historic Places.
Wilkesboro is a destination town for many RVers because of its deep historical roots. Don't be misled though; repeat visitors have learned that Wilkesboro is also a town that knows how to throw a party. RVers always find something fantastic happening in town, such as Concerts in the Commons, a bimonthly music event.
The Brushy Moutain Apple Festival is one of the largest arts, crafts, and music festivals held in North Carolina. The festival takes place every year on the first Saturday in October in North Wilkesboro.
Bluegrass and folk music enthusiasts flock to Wilkesboro's annual Carolina in the Fall Festival at the end of summer. Food trucks attend the event as well as vendors from local vineyards and craft breweries.
MerleFest is a four-day music event that features over 100 artists who take turns performing on the festival's 13 stages. Held annually in April, the fest takes place on the Wilkes Community College campus.
Straddling the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the closest national park to Wilkesboro. The visitor center is in Cherokee, NC, and it features exhibits that tell the story of life in the area from Native American and early European settlement perspectives. At The Mountain Farm Museum, next to the visitor center, you can attend the park's demonstrations of farm life on a seasonal schedule.
Congaree National Park is the only national park wholly within North Carolina borders. Several of the park's trees are on the National Register of Champion Trees for being among the tallest of their species. Guided programs are led on Saturdays to help you explore 25 miles of trails and the 2.4-mile boardwalk that allows access to Weston Lake.
New River Gorge National Park opens the famed New River Gorge Bridge to pedestrians and various activities for a single day each year in October. "Bridge Day" draws vendors, BASE jumpers, repellers, musicians, and more. The day is West Virginia's most famous festival and the largest extreme sports event in the world. Beyond Bridge Day, the park partnered with others to develop a self-guided smartphone auto tour. The tour tells the stories of coal miners and railroad workers that helped shape the region.
A massive granite dome is the most notable feature of Stone Mountain State Park. People visit the park to enjoy the views of the dome while picnicking on the park grounds. The park also features an active events calendar. Sessional programs such as STMO Spooktober Series: All the Night Creatures are a favorite of visitors.
RVers use New River State Park as a launching point to enjoy the river. Easy navigation and fantastic scenery make the New River a good choice for novice paddlers. The park also has a swimming and beach area for those who want to relax. For young explorers, hands-on exhibits about plants and animals are available at the visitors center.
Lake Norman State Park has a popular mountain biking network with over 30 miles of single-track trail. Or you can enjoy the lake at the park's beach and bathhouse complex. Alternatively, anglers can use the boat ramp or cast their line from various spots along the park trails.
The Biltmore Estate is a National Historic Landmark and known as America's largest home. Beyond the self-guided tour, which could be a day trip on its own, the experience is much more than seeing a big house. You can view Legends of Art and Innovation, a multiyear exhibit series that displays art by Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci. Additionally, activities for kids, outdoor experiences for all, and seasonal events make the estate a must-see stop for travelers.
Sliding Rock Recreation Area, an Ashville-area attraction, is a quick and easy stop for 60 feet of slippery fun. Sliders appreciate the metal railing along the side when they realize they need to make it back to the top. Riverside picnic tables along US 276 are available nearby.
To the southwest of Wilkesboro, Mount Mitchell's summit is the highest point in North Carolina. You can picnic at one of the tables provided by the park or enjoy the views from the observation deck. Additionally, a museum near the summit offers education about the history of the mountain.
RVshare's top picks for campgrounds in the area include Riverside Golf and RV Park, the perfect spot for golf lovers. The campground has a mini-golf course, golf store, and driving range. Alternatively, Lake Hickory RV Resort made the top picks because it is perfect for folks attracted to water. The campground maintains a beach, boardwalk, and boat launch for campers who want to enjoy the lake.
For RVers seeking a nature experience, Mountain Stream RV Park is in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. In a quiet forested area, the campground is an ideal selection for families with kids. Lastly, RVshare chose Statesville/ I-77 KOA for people traveling to points south. The campground is right off the interstate and has a store catering to travelers on the go.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Wilkesboro, NC, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Wilkesboro?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Wilkesboro from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Wilkesboro?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.