Stone Mountain State Park is a short drive from Elkin, NC and has plenty of options for great hikes with expansive views! The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is challenging, but the view is worth it. You can also visit the Hutchinson Homestead within the park and grab some ice cream at the Stone Mountain Country Store after your hike.

At milepost 238.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Brinegar Cabin was built in the 1880s by Martin and Caroline Brinegar. The landscape provides a view of middle class Appalachian farming and family life from 1885 to 1935, interpreting activities such as loom weaving and traditional subsistence agriculture. There's also a great hiking trail at the end of the parking lot that the Roethling family has often frequented.

Elkin is another classic mountain town where you can find charming storefronts and local restaurants. Two of our favorite restaurants are Angry Troll Brewing and Prime Thai. We highly recommend!

Sparta is a classic small town on the top of the mountain. Make sure to visit the TikTok famous Sparta Candle Co. which make their own amazing candles and soaps (Meredith has about 20). Also order a delicious coffee or lunch at Becca's Backwoods Bean then purchase a book at the pre-owned book store to support the public library. Or, find a piece of locally made pottery that you'll cherish for years to come. If you like Mexican food, we highly recommend Mis Arados!

Lots of unique little shops are here, and you won't be sorry you visited.

Grayson Highlands is a little more of a drive, but has some beautiful hiking trails, wild Shetland ponies, and plenty of rocks to climb along the way.

If you like candles and uniquely decorated soaps, you'll LOVE this place! Meredith has about 1,000 of their products and doesn't regret buying any one of them. They also have a Taylor Swift inspired line of items, so what's not to love!? Take a look at their website or social media if you need to be convinced even more.

The Blue Ridge Music Center houses the Roots of American Music Museum. It's a beautiful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, (about 50 minutes from Elkin), but is well worth the visit if you have the time. The center also has some peaceful hiking trails and offers free Midday Mountain Music sessions every day from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

Grassy Creek is a fantastic option for getting your exercise and your relaxation all in one place! The property, which used to be a dairy farm, has some beautiful hiking trails and a unique tasting room which was renovated from a nostalgic red stable barn. We love it here!

Jones von Drehle has Stephen's all-time favorite wine - Steel and Stone. He and Meredith first discovered this place in their early days of dating and have loved it ever since. Head over there for a tasting at a beautiful winery tucked away into the mountains.

Shelton is the largest family-owned estate winery of North Carolina. It's a beautiful location with a large tasting room and plenty of room to relax. They also have the Harvest Grill, a delicious restaurant with "upscale bistro-style atmosphere" and partnership with a nearby Hampton Inn.

Roaring River is a serene vineyard along some winding mountain roads. You can sit on the deck overlooking the passing river while enjoying a meal and sipping your wine.

We love Angry Troll Brewing in Elkin, NC! They have great food and a lot of pool tables downstairs, making for a fun evening!

The Bluffs is a comfort food restaurant along the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby Doughton Park (a great place for a hike). Eating there is like stepping back in time!

They also have a great page on their website which directs you to other points of interest in the area. https://www.bluffsrestaurant.org/points-of-interest

Prime Thai is an unassuming little Thai restaurant on Bridge Street of Elkin. It is Meredith and Stephen's favorite place to eat in these mountains!

If you like a classic Mexican restaurant, you'll love Mis Arados! It's a local favorite for a reason! It's a family-run business and has been open for 22 years, AND they just moved to their new location, so make sure to use the address listed here.