The Yadkin River keeps drivers company as they head east along NC Highway 268 toward Elkin. The waterway flows parallel to the town’s Main Street, meandering at a peaceful pace, much like the folks who traverse the sidewalks.

A signpost’s arrows point the way to shops in town and signify that Main Street is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which converges with the Yadkin River State Trail for paddlers, as well as the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. It’s only fitting that Elkin hosts the NC Trail Days festival each year.

Across the street from the signpost, Angry Troll Brewing refreshes locals and day trippers returning from Stone Mountain State Park — about 30 minutes northwest — with a pint of beer and slice of wood-fired pizza.

Several doors up, River & Trails Emporium stocks a variety of outdoors gear, from tents, hiking boots, and hammocks to Elkin-branded clothing and hats.

Situated along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, this friendly trail town is a welcoming stopover for shopping at the local retailers and grabbing a bite or brew on Main Street. photograph by Revival Creatives

Gina Haynes-Buchanan and her son, Ryan Grider, run the shop, which was a Roses five-and-dime when Gina was growing up. At the back of the store, they operate Creamy Dayz, serving lattes, as well as ice cream on “doffles” — a square, baked treat made from waffle and doughnut batter. In 2019, they started the ice cream and coffee shop on North Bridge Street. Four years later, they moved to the current location and expanded to include the outdoors stock.

Haynes-Buchanan says she’s been pleased with how much downtown has grown over the past seven years. “It almost feels like a Hallmark movie,” she says. “It’s bringing the community together in a positive way.”

Soon, the mother-and-son duo plan to show movies and sporting events in the back of the store so visitors can relax at the booths Gina’s husband built, and enjoy a cone full of tasty flavors like the popular Elkin Pothole, a mix of chocolate fudge and peanut butter cups.

Two doors down from River & Trails, guests grab seats in the high-backed booths at Embers Eclectic Pub to enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The neighboring restaurant, Southern on Main, satisfies cravings with lunch and dinner comfort food like sweet tea-brined fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and country-fried steak. Across the street, The Wisdom Table serves meals from a small, select menu and curated wine list.

Just half an hour from Elkin, Stone Mountain State Park is known for its 600-foot granite dome. photograph by Adam Mowery

On the western end of Main Street, visitors find other diversions. The bookend is the 1940s Reeves Theater, a historic Art Deco venue that hosts open-mic nights, songwriter showcases, jam sessions, and concerts by local musicians.

Shoppers can browse Wildflower Boutique and Gifts for souvenirs like boho and vintage women’s clothing, graphic T-shirts, prepared foods, locally made pottery, and a charm bracelet-making station.

Meanwhile, Yadkin Valley Fiber Center draws people from across the country to learn about weaving, a heritage craft native to the Appalachian Mountains. Leslie Fesperman, its founder and director, says she’s pleased with the exposure that the center receives on Main Street.

“The excitement I see when people learn how to weave — that’s very rewarding,” Fesperman notes. “It’s nice to be part of a small, nice downtown.”