Many people traveling through Wilkesboro never venture off of U.S. Highway 421. But Mike and Janet Martinez didn’t want to follow the steady stream of cars heading to the big-box stores and chain restaurants, so they turned off the highway and ended up downtown.
That detour changed their lives. “We felt an immediate connection,” Janet recalls. The couple bought a vacation home in Wilkes County, and after traveling back and forth from Miami for about a year, they made the foothills their permanent home in 2007. They opened a real-estate business, like the one they’d had in Florida, “to help other people discover why this is a great place to live,” Mike says.
Today, the couple knows practically everyone in Wilkesboro, from the mayor and town clerks to the husband-and-wife team behind the new artisan center and café. After 13 years, their love affair with the ever-changing community is still strong. “Wilkesboro has changed a lot since we moved here — so many amazing new businesses have moved in, and the town has made an effort to improve the downtown area and wants to see it grow. But it still has the same beautiful scenery and friendly, welcoming community that made us fall in love with this town,” Mike says. “It’s the best move we’ve ever made.”
Dooley’s. Built in 1891, the old Smithey Hotel is now the home of a popular restaurant and bar that Mike calls “our local watering hole.” Janet loves the vegetarian options, while Mike prefers the mac-and-cheese burger. Another local favorite: the pimento cheese burger with a side of sweet potato fries.
102 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-0800 or facebook.com/DooleysWilkesboro
TwoBoros Brewery. In 2019, the opening of one of Wilkesboro’s first breweries made the historic J.T. Ferguson building one of the busiest spots on Main Street. Owners Seth and Grayson Cohn and brewmaster Trey Church collaborated on the menu, which features local favorites and wood-fired pizzas, like the buffalo chicken (left).
111 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 990-9455
Wilkes Heritage Museum. “So many generations have stayed in Wilkes County and have such strong ties to this community,” Janet says, “and their histories are on display at the museum.” This former courthouse features exhibits showcasing timber, religion, and military memorabilia, and houses the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. The Old Wilkes Jail behind the main building is also open for guided tours.
100 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-3171 or wilkesheritagemuseum.com
Carolina West Wireless Community Commons. This spot has always hosted live entertainment, but the new open-air Wilkes Communications Pavilion, which opened in 2018, sets the stage for even more community events. “We come down on weekends to check out the festivals and live music and get together with our neighbors,” Mike says. “The tribute bands are incredible.”
102 West Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 838-3951 or wilkesboronorthcarolina.com
Cub Creek Park. “We have nature trails accessible to us right from town,” Janet says. “We can walk out the front door of our office and go two blocks and be in the middle of the woods.” The 117.5-acre park includes hiking and mountain bike trails, a creek stocked with trout, a community garden, and a dog park.
206 South Bridge Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 667-8804 or oldedwardsinn.com
Blue Ridge Artisan Center. The former federal building, which dates back to 1915, is now a cultural hot spot that showcases a juried collection of art and hosts special events such as concerts and open-mic nights. “There is a lot of talent in this area, and it’s a spectacular venue for [artists and musicians],” Janet says.
201 West Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 990-9500 or blueridgeartisancenter.org
Sweet Smiles. The hand-dipped ice cream, glass-bottled sodas, and bins overflowing with old-fashioned candies remind customers of a classic general store. “It’s one of those places that make you smile the minute you walk through the door,” Janet says. Her favorite treat: peppermint candies.
101 West Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 990-0599 or sweetsmilescandy.com
Bella Rose Cottage. This adorable 1871 cottage on the edge of downtown is chock-full of antiques and collectibles, ranging from quilts and pie safes to vintage and handmade jewelry. Owner Tammy Desiderio (right) puts out tea and snacks in case shoppers work up an appetite.
106 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
(336) 902-2276 or facebook.com/bellarosecottage
Mark our words: Whether they nod to North Carolina or were penned by its residents, these notable, quotable passages remind us of the power of speech inspired by our state.
When one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together.
When the weather outside is frightful, one chef serves loved ones dishes so delightful.
A historic Rose Bowl pitted Duke University against Oregon State in Durham. Then, in the dark days of World War II, those same football players — and a legendary coach — joined forces to fight for freedom.
