Wilkesboro: Apres Ski and Stay

Ski in the High Country, Stay in Wilkesboro!

There’s nothing more invigorating than skimming down the slopes of a mountain, wind in your face, Carolina-blue sky above and bright sunshine reflecting off the fresh snow. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding or tubing, the mountains of North Carolina have plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter sports. But we all know that taking the family away for a ski weekend can be a costly adventure, once you tally up lift tickets and equipment rental. Here at Explore Wilkesboro, we have the perfect solution to make your ski weekend more affordable – ski at Beech or Sugar Mountain and stay in Wilkesboro!

It’s just a little over a half-hour’s drive from the slopes of Appalachian Ski Mountain to your choice of nice hotels in Wilkesboro, where room rates are considerably less for a stay in a comparable hotel during the height of ski season. Wilkesboro offers a choice of national chains including Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Days Inn, and Quality Inn & Suites. You’ll find the same comfort and amenities in our hotels as in the hotels in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, while spending less of your hard-earned money.

Aprés Ski

The good times don’t have to end when you kick off the skis! After a little rest in the car on your drive down the mountain you’ll be ready for some after-ski partying once you get to Wilkesboro. Fuel up after a long day on the slopes at one of Wilkesboro’s many fine restaurants, then take some time to experience the local brewing scene.

Stardust Cellars. More than just a tasting room, this is a great hangout to relax and unwind after a long day of snow sports. A fire pit and cornhole provide ambiance for enjoying wine from this biodynamic vineyard, where everything is sustainably grown and produced. The taproom also offers a variety of mead and unique beers, charcuterie boards and an assortment of food trucks.

Two Boros Brewery. A proud producer of locally crafted beers, you can belly up to the bar and enjoy a pint of Brushy Mountain Brown Ale, Winter Warmer, or one of the many other selections. This historic hardware store-turned brewery and brick oven pizza will power you up for another day (or night) on the slopes. 

Call Family Distillers. Currently the tasting room us closed for renovations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some moonshine, part of our county’s heritage. Local ABC stores carry the spirits that bear the likeness of Willie Clay Call, “The Uncatchable.” For a traditional taste of the mountains, try the white lightning, or spice up your night with the popular Reverend's Forbidden Fire cinnamon whiskey. 

A short drive from Wilkesboro is the world-renowed Yadkin Valley Wine Region. You'll find the Swan Creek AVA and Wine trail, including wineries like Raffaldini, Piccione, and Shadow Springs, with ten tasting rooms within a 5 mile radius, and 50+ more wineries, breweries and restaurants at your disposal within an hour's drive. 

Don’t Forget Breakfast

It’s often called the most important meal of the day, and we could add it’s also one of the most delicious. Many of the local hotels offer free breakfast as an amenity with your stay, and those are always great. Kids love getting to make their own waffle, and the other healthy choices often include oatmeal, eggs, fruit and yogurt.

Wilkesboro also boasts some establishments well-known for their breakfast menu. Fuel up on a heaping serving of home-cooked grits at Cagney’s Kitchen, or indulge yourself in biscuits and gravy like your grandma used to make at Glenn’s Restaurant. Both are family friendly and full of southern hospitality. The 50s Snack Bar is popular with locals for their generous servings of delicious breakfast staples as well as fast and friendly service. 

Other Outdoors

If the weather doesn't cooperate or maybe the snow forecast does not materialize, Wilkesboro has a wonderful array of outdoor activities, from top ranked mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, tubbing and more.