When Logan Haynes attended his first Trail Days in 2019, he didn’t expect to rediscover home in Surry County. After years of traveling to and living in destinations like California and Colorado, Haynes realized so much of what he’d been searching for existed in his own backyard.
“Elkin and Jonesville are the perfect base camp for exploring the Yadkin River and the Blue Ridge Mountains,” he says. “You don’t always have to travel across the country to decompress in the wilderness with your friends, dog, or by yourself.”
Not only did Trail Days convince Hayes to move back home, but he’s now the leader of the very festival that changed his path. At 32, he spends his free time rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, trail running, and hiking. “Interacting with the outdoors gives you that rejuvenation — that outdoor church,” he says.
A group gathers to celebrate the outdoor landscape for Trail Days, which offers a festive weekend of hiking, biking, and paddling. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
Like the nearby Yadkin River, life in Elkin typically moves at an easy, unhurried pace. But when festival season arrives, the town hums with renewed energy as locals eagerly greet their neighbors and welcome visitors with open arms.
“Being in the Foothills is a beautiful and peaceful place where you can relax and be your true self,” says Quinn Wilkins, who’s part of the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve been named the Friendliest Small Town in North Carolina — and it’s so true. We’re genuinely happy you’re here.”
This cozy sense of community and belonging threads through it all, whether on a mountain trail, in a tasting room, beneath the strains of bluegrass, or celebrating the holidays. Read on for some of locals’ favorite times and ways to celebrate the place they call home throughout the year.
Escape to Elkin for river views, scenic trails, live music, local wine and craft beer, and a downtown full of small-town charm and big experiences.
Guided adventures lead hikers around Stone Mountain and Pilot Mountain state parks. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
Held over a long weekend in June, Trail Days draws more than 1,000 locals and visitors to experience Surry County’s natural beauty. There’s something for everyone — from half-mile hikes for youth and seniors to challenging excursions for seasoned adventurers. Participants can join river clean-ups, take guided walks with naturalists, or compete in kayaking races. For avid hikers, there’s even an overnight trip along Segment 6 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
One of Haynes’s favorite routes begins at Devil’s Garden Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and winds toward Stone Mountain State Park, complete with sweeping views along the way.
Back in town, a lively vendor village highlights local artisans and craftspeople, plus live musicians and food trucks. “It’s a great way to experience our two river towns,” Haynes says. “Elkin and Jonesville have this cool, eclectic spirit and a slow-going, adaptive vibe. They’re authentic — they know exactly what they’re about.”
Stroll through downtown Elkin, browsing vendors and artisans at the annual Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
Celebrate harvest season in late September with the Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival. Don’t miss the oversized fruit display at the Heritage Center. The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth’s annual fruit competition yields 1,000-pound pumpkins and 11-foot gourds, hoisted on forklifts and set down with extreme care in the middle of town.
“These are their babies that they’ve nurtured for months,” Wilkins says. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate our farmers.”
The Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off recognizes the agricultural feats of farmers across the state. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
It’s also a time to celebrate downtown Elkin’s small-town charm, as local retailers and restaurants fling open their doors and lively vendors fill the streets.
“Our locals are incredibly expressive,” Wilkins says. “You’ll find everything from dream catchers and upcycled jeans to fine art, pottery, and woodworking.”
A kids’ zone features bounce houses, performers, and interactive fun. And the food truck lineup appeals to even the pickiest of eaters.
Milltown Get Down raises funds in support of Elkin’s local music and arts programs. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
North Carolina’s old-time music culture runs deep in Surry County, and it takes center stage each October at Milltown Get Down. Building on the legacy of the former Reevestock Music Festival, which was founded by Sam Tayloe of the band Time Sawyer, this newer event has quickly become a favorite. Unfolding across multiple stages throughout downtown Elkin, the two-day event celebrates the banjo-playing and fiddling traditions that were pioneered in this corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains by notable names, including Tommy Jarrell.
More than a dozen national and international touring artists share their talents at The River Stage, Creek Stage, and the historic Art Deco Reeves Theater, their melodies from mandolins, fiddles, and guitars creating a soundtrack with a profound sense of place.
Participation is encouraged. Musicians of all levels are invited to bring their own instruments and join an old-time jam session, creating spontaneous moments of creativity and connection.
Listen to carolers downtown or pose for a photo with Santa as a part of the Light Up Elkin festivities. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
The first Friday in December, Main Street twinkles with lights and storefronts compete for the best window displays as part of the annual Light Up Elkin.
The entire downtown comes alive with holiday magic for this evening event. Local dance groups and musicians perform timeless holiday classics. Children delight in train rides and visits with holiday characters before running over to see the live animal nativity. And guests can take photos with Santa, shop at the holiday market, hop on a hayride, and enjoy free trolley tours through the decorated streets.
Sample local brews and spread cheer at Brrrfest’s heartwarming benefit. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
This meaningful winter tradition warms the body and soul. Held the second Saturday in February, Brrrfest brings together craft beer, comfort food, and a generous community spirit. Adults can grab a tasting mug and sample local craft beers, meads, and cider inside Colley Hall’s event space. Brrrfest shares the date and venue with the annual Soupin’ for Shelter Benefit, which supports a local women’s shelter. If you want to warm up with hearty soups and chili after you sample the brews, you can buy tickets on site during Brrrfest.
Enjoy live music, from country rock to beach favorites, all weekend long at the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
Elkin sits in the heart of North Carolina’s wine country: the Yadkin Valley, which became the state’s first federally designated American Viticultural Area in 2003. Today, the region is home to nearly 50 wineries.
That’s what makes the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival such a standout event each spring. As the festival enters its 30th year, it gathers the region’s best wineries in one place for a weekend in May.
“Napa sits nearly along the same latitude as Elkin, so our wine regions have a lot in common,” Wilkins says. “But you’ll also find many unique varietals and flavor profiles you can’t get in California.”
In addition to sampling local wines, visit food trucks and local craft vendors during this weekend-long celebration. Photography courtesy of Explore Elkin
Wine enthusiasts can sample one-ounce pours and purchase bottles and merchandise to take with them. In addition to home-grown wines, festival goers can shop for craft goods and snacks from local vendors.
For those who prefer to stay active, the Tour de Vino presents five cycling routes ranging from 30 to 100 miles. As they weave through scenic vineyard landscapes, cyclists can stop at designated wineries along each route. It’s a taste of all the region offers and enough to tempt your return trip. “Visiting each winery is like stepping into its own world. Every experience is completely different,” Wilkins says. “You’d need two weeks to see them all.”
Whether you want to raise a glass in a vineyard, hit the trails around Stone Mountain, or weave through downtown Elkin at a street festival, there’s an experience to plan your visit around. Click here to learn more.
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