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Wilkesboro, NC, boasts a plethora of outdoor activities packed with excitement. Take your family and friends on an adventure in a spacious Chrysler Pacifica or Jeep Cherokee and discover all the fun in the area. more Play a Round of Disc Golf Challenge your family and friends to a game of disc golf on the beautiful Fort Hamby Nature Trail Disc Golf Course at S 1534 Recreation Rd in Wilkesboro. The course caters to novice and advanced players, incorporating long and short tee pads. The wooded areas, water hazards, and uneven terrain make for a challenging and exciting game. The signs at each hole offer pro disc golf tips and plant and tree information. Stroll or Cycle Down the Yadkin River Greenway Walk or cycle from 717 Main St in North Wilkesboro down the scenic Yadkin River Greenway, a 7.5-mile paved and graveled trail system. The picturesque route meanders along the Yadkin and Reddies Rivers through breathtaking natural areas, hardwood forests, and along W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. The Greenway provides access to various paved and unpaved hiking and biking paths, fishing piers, and boat ramps. Swim, Paddle, and Fish in W. Kerr Scott Reservoir The region's prime paddling and fishing spot is the 1,475-acre W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. Anglers wet their hooks to reel in large, smallmouth, spotted, and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, tiger muskellunge, and channel catfish. You can fish from the shore or boat, canoe or kayak, and bask in the sun on one of the lovely swimming beaches. Mountain Bike on the Best Trails in the Region Hop on your mountain bike and hit the trails along the shores of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. Choose between 40 fun and exciting single-track trails built by mountain bikers. The 7.5-mile Dark Mountain Trail is a network of routes on the lake's north side. Alternatively, the 6-mile Overmountain Victory Trail runs along the lake's south side. You can also follow the Fish Dam Creek Trail or the Warrior Creek Trails near the Warrior Creek Campground. Hike and Horseback Ride in Stone Mountain State Park Discover the 600-foot granite dome and the historic mid-19th-century Hutchinson Homestead in the beautiful Stone Mountain State Park at 3042 Frank Pkwy in Roaring Gap, 24 miles from Wilkesboro. Explore the scenic surroundings on foot or in the saddle down a section of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail and miles of nature trails. Hike past tumbling waterfalls and babbling brooks and catch glimpses of native birds and animals along the way. Get ready to experience the great outdoors and get your adrenaline pumping with these thrilling activities. Pop in at Randy Marion CDJR today to find the ideal ride for outdoor fun.

Summer is here and it's time to get out of the house. Are you looking for something to do? School's out so grab the kids, hop in your new ride, and check out these fun summer activities near Wilkesboro, NC. more Carolina West Wireless Community Commons Have you checked out the newly renovated Carolina West Wireless Community Commons? They've got some great events going on this summer that you can't miss. Concerts in the Commons are held on the second Saturday of the month, and this summer they have a great lineup. Not only can you enjoy a great variety of music, but there are also food trucks and plenty of kid's activities. The concerts are from 6 to 10 pm at 102 West Main Street. What's better than a night under the stars? The Commons also offers Movies on Main every second Friday. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a family-friendly movie. Admission is free. There are also plenty of free games for the kids before the movie. Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Get out of the heat and enjoy a little history. The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame is located in the Wilkes County Heritage Museum in downtown Wilkesboro. Their mission is to preserve the heritage and music of the Blue Ridge Mountains area from Georgia to Virginia. Enjoy the educational exhibits and celebrate the music of the area. Concerts on the Deck It's time to cross the river into North Wilkesboro, and your new Jeep is sure to turn heads on the way to this next stop. Music is a rich tradition in this area and this is another activity for music lovers. Concerts on the Deck are held at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace every third Saturday. The concerts go from 7 to 10 pm, May through October. Admission is free, and you can find the marketplace at 842 CBD Loop. Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course Let's switch it up and go disc golfing. Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course is one of the top three disc golf courses in North Carolina and is located in North Wilkesboro. Test your skill on eighteen baskets on seventy beautiful acres of rolling hills. This par 56 course is sure to give your family a fun summer challenge. It's located at 1011 Old US 421 Road. The Block Do your kids need to burn off some energy? Take them to The Block in North Wilkesboro and they will sleep really well tonight. This indoor park has rollerskating, trampolines, basketball and dodgeball courts, and an arcade. Did we mention the Ninja Warrior Park? It's a challenge that will keep your kids moving. Find The Block on the corner of Sixth and Main. Heritage Square Splash Pad Are you ready to cool off from the summer heat? The Heritage Square Splash Pad is located in downtown Wilkesboro in front of the Wilkes Heritage Museum. It's open from 10 am to 8 pm from June through mid-September. You're sure to have a blast. (Hint: splash pads aren't just for kids.) August is just around the corner and the kids will be back in school before you know it. Enjoy the summer fun while you can. Better yet, enjoy getting to these awesome summertime activities from behind the wheel of a brand-new Jeep. Visit Randy Marion CDJR and find the perfect new or used vehicle for all your summertime fun. Image by Jan Anděl from Pixabay

Wilkesboro, NC boasts more than 55 acres of parkland within the town limits. If you're ready to experience the best outdoor recreation in the area, don't miss our four favorite local parks. more Westwood Park This park is the perfect place for picnics and pick-up basketball games. In addition to the open court and the picnic shelter with tables, Westwood Park features a playground, baseball fields, a batting cage, and restrooms. There's also a concession stand, which is open during baseball games only. Westwood Park is located at 1030 Fletcher St in Wilkesboro. Cub Creek Park This large park spans more than 200 acres and features pickleball courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, a dog park, mountain biking trails, walking paths, a butterfly garden, a community garden, tennis courts, and an inclusive playground. You'll also find a fishing pier where you can angle for trout in Cub Creek Stream. In fact, Wilkesboro is designated as an NC Mountain Heritage Trout City. When it's time for a break, the park has three sheltered picnic areas, as well as benches and tables throughout. You can even use Cub Creek Park as a starting point to further explore local nature, since the park connects to the wider county trail system. It's located at 206 S Bridge St in Wilkesboro. School Street Park If you're interested in local birds and wildflowers, this park is for you. When you visit in the spring or summer, you could catch a glimpse of Catesby's trillium, a native pink bloom that only grows in five Southern states. School Street Park also has nature trails with signs providing more information about the trees and plants you'll encounter on your walk, and they're designated as part of the official North Carolina birding trail. School Street Park is located at 1248 School St in Wilkesboro. It's located right next to the Wilkesboro Civic Center. Community Commons Park and Pavilion This park serves as a gathering space for Wilkesboro residents and friends, where you can attend events like Movies on Main and Concerts in the Common. The center of Community Commons Park is the amphitheater, where you can catch live music and other performances on the rolling green lawn. You'll also find a hardscape area with firepits and chairs, as well as the Heritage Square Splash Pad open seasonally right next door. Community Commons Park and Pavilion is located at 102 West Main St in Wilkesboro. It also provides a connection to the Yadkin Valley Greenway trail. You can check the official calendar to find out more about events planned through the summer. You can bring your friends, your lawn chairs, and whatever else you need for a fun day in the spacious Chrysler Pacifica. Test drive this impressive CDJR minivan today at Randy Marion CDJR in Wilkesboro, NC.

When you're looking for a place to enjoy a family meal, you want somewhere relaxed, family-friendly, and offers food even the pickiest family member will enjoy. In Wilkesboro, NC, we're fortunate to have many great restaurants that tick those boxes. These are our top picks for family restaurants within easy distance of us. more Amalfis Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Amalfi's has been serving up fantastic Italian food since 2002. The relaxed atmosphere, faux rustic columns, and artfully painted walls make you imagine you're visiting a ristorante in Italy. As soon as you sit down you're greeted with free baskets of bread with olive oil and herbs. While you munch on the bread, you can run through the menu options. Their menu is extensive, from pizzas to pasta to antipasti and more. Burgers, sandwiches, and salads are also available for any family member who doesn't want Italian food. We love their gourmet pescatora pizza with scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, mozzarella, and delectable marinara sauce. Amalifi's can be found at 1919 US Highway 421 Suite G. The 50's This vibey restaurant is located at 109 W Main Street opposite Community Commons Park. The 50s is a wonderful rendition of a traditional 50s-style diner with checkered floors and retro pictures on the walls. The restaurant is owner-managed and operated, and service with a smile takes on a new meaning here. The atmosphere is friendly, and the cheerful staff are happy to give you advice on anything on the menu. The menu is filled with ever-popular comfort food favorites like pork chops, chicken casseroles, cheeseburgers, soups, and sandwiches. The portions are generous, so you need a takeout box at the end of the meal. We recommend saving room for dessert, as their German chocolate cake slices are incredible. Plaza Del Sol Mexican food is always a popular family-friendly choice, as it offers something for everyone. Plaza Del Sol has been part of our town for many years, and it's well-known for its authentic Mexican food, high-quality ingredients, and huge portions. We also like the wrought iron railings, faux stone walls, and bright, cheerful wall decor. Their menu is huge and features meat, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian entrees. They have twenty-four specialty items and a range of combination plates for anyone who can't decide exactly what they want. Our favorite is the costillas, with baby back ribs bathed in their special salsa and served with cabbage salad, rice, beans, and tortillas. You can find Plaza Del Sol at 1917 US-421 Suite A. Your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 4 x 4 is waiting to take you and the family out to eat. Its roomy seating for five and enhanced safety features will get you there in style and comfort. Keep your Jeep's 5.7 L V8 HEMI in great shape with a tune-up. Contact us today at Randy Marion CDJR in Wilkesboro, NC.

Wilkesboro, NC, is nestled along the banks of the Yadkin River in NW North Carolina, and we're home to many festivals and other annual events. What some people might not know is we're also known for our great shopping experiences. Let's take a look at some of the amazing stores our town and the local area have to offer shoppers. more Keys City Antiques Keys is the area's largest vintage and antique mall, encompassing over 42,000 square feet of space. They host 120 vendors and sell refurbished, antique, and vintage furniture, folk art, regional crafts, and a range of other items. Prices vary from vendor to vendor, but great bargains are always available. When you visit, we advise allowing plenty of time as there's always something more that will catch your eye. In addition to their antique and vintage collections, you can also find vendors offering locally produced butter, honey, candies, and wine. Keys has plenty of secure parking and is open Mondays to Sundays. You can find them at 502 Main Street, North Wilkesboro. Naomi's This charming boutique's mission is to provide trendy, cute clothing to the area at affordable prices. Selling clothing can be difficult in a saturated market, but Naomi's quickly carved out a large niche for itself. The store is family-owned and operated, and its stock is carefully selected for its value and quality. They carry a wide selection of dresses, tops, bottoms, accessories, and shoes. In addition, they recently expanded their services and added ranges of makeup, skincare, haircare, and essential oils. Service is always friendly, and they're happy to help you with choices and advice on whatever you're looking for. Naomi's can be found at 915 Main Street, Suite 100, North Wilkesboro. Michael's Jewelry Michael's is the go-to store for your jewelry needs. Its been a part of the local community since 1985 and stocks jewelry from well-known national and international jewelers like Imperial Pearls, Ostbye, Fredric Duclos, and others. Michael's will custom-make jewelry for you and can design and make the piece in-house. The store offers jewelry clearing and repair and has the latest technology to engrave pictures, business logos, or fingerprints onto anything for you. In addition, Michael's also has a watch repair service that will have your timepiece as good as new in no time. His store is located at 900 Main Street, North Wilkesboro. Going to the store usually involves at least a short drive. Book an appointment at Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram's CDJR Service Center and our Service Department can keep your new or used car in great shape for your next shopping adventure! Image by Ann San from Pixabay

Wilkesboro is the perfect place for winter fun. Whether you want to hit the slopes, take a stroll through a winter wonderland, or find a cozy spot for a warm hot chocolate, you can find all that and more just a short drive away. From outdoor adventures to indoor activities, here are three fun winter activities you can drive to from Wilkesboro, NC. So, bundle up and get ready to explore the winter wonderland that Wilkesboro has to offer! more Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to experience winter, then you've found it. Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline is the perfect spot for tubing, sledding, and ziplining. It is located at 2058 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils. This winter wonderland is open seven days a week. Snow tubing hours are 11 am-4 pm, and ziplining hours are 10 am-4 pm. Tube and zipline tickets must be purchased separately. The park also offers an obstacle course for kids under ten years old, so no matter what your age or skill level, there's something for everyone at Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline! Ice Skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain If you're looking for a cozy, winter-wonderland experience, then ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain is sure to hit the spot. Located just 20 minutes from Wilkesboro, this outdoor ice skating rink is open daily until March 31st, weather permitting. From November to February, you can enjoy an indoor ice skating rink, as well as a snack bar with hot chocolate and warm, delicious apple cider. Admission is $8 and includes rental skates. Children under 6 are free. Appalachian Ski Mountain is located at 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock. Sledding at Beech Mountain Ski Resort Located at 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, Beech Mountain Ski Resort is the perfect place for outdoor winter fun. From mid-December to mid-March, you can enjoy a variety of winter activities, including snow tubing, a snow sledding hill, and a winter zipline. Located just 25 minutes from Wilkesboro, Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a winter wonderland you and your family can enjoy together. There is also an indoor ice skating rink if you'd prefer to enjoy winter activities without being outside. Admission and hours may vary depending on the activity. Whether you're looking for a family outing or a day trip with friends, you're sure to find something to keep you entertained until spring. Make your journey even more exciting by exploring Wilkesboro in a sleek Jeep Wrangler. With a powerful engine, this car will help you do more of what you love. Visit us at Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to see the variety of new CDJR vehicles we have available. Image by hmschl from Pixabay

Wilkesboro, NC is a great place to be if you're hoping to start your day off with a filling and nutritious meal. For the days when you wake up hungry but can't imagine having to cook, hop in your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, enjoy its available 16-way adjustable seats that will help you find the optimal position to sit in during your drives, and check out some of these fantastic breakfast places! Nina's Good Eats Bakery and Coffee Nina's Good Eats Bakery and Coffee is a family-owned bakery and coffee shop that makes everything from scratch. The shop believes in promoting the way that food connects us all and is open Wednesday-Saturday. Its breakfast menu includes dishes like breakfast quesadillas, sausage biscuits, avocado biscuits, and gravy and biscuits. If you're looking for a good coffee drink to pair with your breakfast, consider ordering Nina's toasted coconut breve. more Coffee House Diner Coffee House Diner is North Carolina's top diner for all-day breakfast and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant's breakfast menu includes breakfast plates, special breakfast plates, omelets, griddle items, hash browns, breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, and sides. Available sides include country ham, sausage links, country-fried steak, toast with jelly, and cooked apples. 50s Snack Bar 50s Snack Bar is open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch. Its breakfast menu includes breakfast plates, omelets, from the griddle dishes, breakfast sandwiches, homemade biscuits, biscuits and gravy, and side orders. Available breakfast sandwiches include a country ham sandwich, a country egg and ham sandwich, a tenderloin and egg sandwich, and a sausage and egg sandwich. Talia Espresso Talia Espresso is a bistro-style coffee house that specializes in espresso-based beverages, sustainable foods, and a connected community. The shop is open Monday-Saturday and its breakfast menu includes bagels, avocado toast, yogurt parfaits, homemade quiches, oatmeal, omelets, assorted pastries, and more. Available assorted pastries include cheese danishes, coffee cake streusels, lemon pound cake, and scones. Cagney's Kitchen Cagney's Kitchen is an easygoing restaurant that is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its breakfast menu includes breakfast platters, omelets, pancakes, French toast, croissant sandwiches, English muffin sandwiches, side orders, and more. All of the restaurant's breakfast platters are served with two eggs and your choice of grits, gravy, or hash browns. Available omelets include a spinach and feta cheese omelet and a corned beef hash omelet. Now that you've started off your day on the right foot, keep the day going great by looking for a new car to take you on your future breakfast adventures. Stop by Randy Marion CDJR today and have a look at our selection of new and pre-owned Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Wagoneer vehicles! Image by patikaipmuzika from Pixabay

The 2022 Grand Wagoneer is a full-size SUV that is packed with a suite of technological features that drivers and passengers alike will love. Additionally, the Grand Wagoneer has the rugged capabilities you need in an adventuring vehicle. 1. Panoramix Sun-Roof The 2022 Grand Wagoneer features a massive tri-pane panoramic sunroof that allows passengers in every row of this full-size SUV to bask in the sunlight. This panoramic sunroof opens with the touch of a button and ensures that you enjoy the fresh air and an excellent view of the night sky. This available sunroof also closes, projecting the Wagoneer's accented painted black roof. more 2. Powered Running Boards Entering and exiting a full-size SUV can be challenging. Thankfully, the '22 Grand Wagoneer has power-retractable running boards to ensure everyone can easily enter and exit this SUV. It is easy to engage the running boards with your key fob and then allow them to retract automatically once everyone is inside the vehicle. These running boards have been redesigned this year with unique edges that create a seal between the board and the vehicle when retracted. This seal prevents mud, debris, and dirt from coating your running boards while driving, ensuring that your passengers don't slip when entering and exiting the Wagoneer. 3. Rear-Seat Entertainment The 2022 Grand Wagoneer is perfect for keeping the kids entertained on long road trips. The available rear-seat entertainment system features two 10.1-inch screens mounted to the back of the front seats. In addition, these screens can be equipped with the available built-in Amazon Fire TV, which allows your passengers to select their own programs and even share them. 4. Climate Control The four-zone automatic climate control featured in the '22 Grand Wagoneer allows you and your passengers to ride in maximum comfort. The four-zone system splits the front and second row into four separate areas, allowing you and your passengers to set their preferred temperature. After the temperature has been selected for each area, the system then works to keep that section of the car at your desired level. 5. Cargo Space This full-size SUV boasts the best-in-class cargo volume behind the third-row seats, ensuring that you never have to leave anything behind when you drive the '22 Grand Wagoneer. Additionally, the second and third-row seats can be folded flat, giving you extra space when needed. If you want a full-size SUV that is ready for snowy adventures this winter, you need to check out the 2022 Grand Wagoneer. Come visit us at Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today to test drive your new SUV.

There's never a bad time for ice cream, and we've got some wonderful shops for it here in Wilkesboro, NC. Next time you have the craving for something sweet and cold, skip the cheap soft serve at the local fast-food joint and try one of these nice places. Igloo Just up the road at 4337 NC-16 in Millers Creek, Igloo serves amazing desserts from 11am until 7pm Tuesday through Saturday. They have good prices, and in addition to nice frozen desserts, you can also have some of the best dogs and burgers you'll find anywhere. Try one of their delicious milkshakes (especially the butterscotch, if you want our opinion), and don't overlook the Boston shake, Banana Split shake, or the floats. They make some truly stellar sundaes, and they also have an array of hand-dipped and soft-serve flavors. more Glenn's This is an old-fashioned shop with good burgers and even better frozen desserts. You'll find this spot at 800 River St. They open up at 6am and close at 9pm every day but Sunday. If you can avoid the various pies and cakes they offer, try their sundaes or shakes, or order something special, like the Boston shake, the banana split, or a cone dipped in chocolate or butterscotch. Pelican SnoBalls At 929 Main St, Pelican SnoBalls serves delicious, shaved ice in the classic New Orleans style. You couldn't ask for a better place to bring the kids: there's plenty of room for them to play. This spot has excellent prices and an amazing variety of flavors. Best of all, there's no high-fructose corn syrup in any of their flavors, and they have sugar-free options available if you need them. Try their pink bubble gum, carrot cake, cherry margarita, or red velvet cake flavors if you're interested in something different. They even have some exotic offerings like tamarind, toothpaste, and egg custard! Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery If you've ever thought, "Why can't I get great BBQ and great frozen hard-scoop in the same place?", then this spot is for you. They're open from 11am until 9pm from Tuesday through Saturday and are closed on Sunday and Monday. The staff here are great, and everything they serve is delicious. Their desserts are all hand-crafted in their in-house creamery, made from the best quality ingredients. This is an especially rich and smooth scoop, and we'd recommend sharing. They offer new flavors all the time, so visit to find out what's available. Everything can be had in bowls, cones, milkshakes, or scooped on top of their cobblers and pies. If you're feeling hungry now, we can't blame you. Get a nice dessert and then come to Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for great service on your vehicle. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Located in the northwestern corner of the state and about 85 miles north of Charlotte, the city of Wilkesboro, NC, is not far from several expansive nature reserves and bodies of water that provide excellent recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. If you are planning a trip and are looking for the best fishing spots in the region, here are three nearby destinations you should not miss. 1. W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Completed in the early 1960s as part of a flood control program, W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir was filled with the construction of a dam across the nearby Yadkin River. This artificial body of water covers an area of almost 1,500 acres and is surrounded by several different parks and nature reserves where visitors can enjoy their favorite water sports and recreational activities. Located less than 10 miles west of the Wilkesboro city center, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is a well-known day trip destination that can be reached in about 15 minutes by car via route US-421. Boasting a 56-mile shoreline and open year-round for boating and fishing, this reservoir is home to several different fish species including channel catfish, largemouth bass, blue catfish, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and white crappie. more 2. Watauga Lake Covering a surface area of almost 6,500 acres, Watauga Lake is another manmade reservoir that attracts anglers and water sports enthusiasts from all over the region. Created in the late 1940s by the Tennessee Valley Authority, this body of water is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and is considered one of the most scenic areas in the state. Watauga Lake is home to healthy populations of rainbow trout, bluegill, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, lake trout, channel catfish, and walleye, making it an excellent destination to cast your lines and spend some quality time with your friends and family. Getting here from the Wilkesboro city center takes about one hour and 25 minutes by car, driving 60 miles west along US-421. 3. Lake Norman State Park Located a little under 45 miles south of downtown Wilkesboro, Lake Norman State Park is another fantastic fishing destination that can be reached in about one hour via route NC-16 and Old Mountain Road. Established in 1962 and covering over 1,900 acres, this public recreation area offers excellent fishing opportunities for striped bass, black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and bluegill. Before you hit the road and explore these wonderful destinations, visit us at Randy Marion CDJR! Ask one of our agents about our latest new and used vehicles, take your favorite model on a test drive, and take home a new car with a custom financing plan that adapts to your needs. Image by Khalid Mehmood from Pixabay

When taking your family on an adventure from Wilkesboro, NC, to enjoy exciting kid-friendly activities, you want to know they'll enjoy every minute of the drive. The super comfortable 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series III offers you the latest tech and safety features and loads of cabin and cargo space to comfortably fit everyone and the gear for an exciting adventure. 1. Go on an Outdoor Adventure at Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir The beautiful Yadkin River Valley's lush forests and mixed hardwoods of oak, hickory, sycamore, and poplar surround the scenic Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir here in Wilkesboro, making it the ideal spot for outdoor adventures with the kids. The area is abundant with wildlife, and white-tailed deer, eastern cottontails, and a variety of bird species are often spotted on the trails. Take the kids swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking on the 1,475-acre reservoir, fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, tiger muskellunge, threadfin shad, and channel catfish, and pitch a tent at one of the scenic campsites on the edge of the water. more Address and Hours W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir is at 499 Reservoir Road in Wilkesboro. 2. Brave the World of Weird Science at Mystery Hill Mystery Hill, one of the state's biggest indoor and outdoor hands-on weird science attractions, is 36 miles away in Blowing Rock. Here you will encounter gravity-defying mysteries such as water that flows uphill and balls rolling upwards. Get encased in a giant bubble, throw knives and axes, brave a bull riding challenge, and search for hidden treasure. Learn more about Appalachian history at Dougherty House, the Historic Farmyard, and the Native American Artifacts Museum, with one of the world's largest collections of privately owned Native American artifacts. Address and Hours Mystery Hill is between Boone and Blowing Rock on Highway 321 and is open daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 3. Appreciate the Beautiful Views in Elk Knob State Park If you're the parent of teenagers, take them on a 41-mile road trip to Elk Knob State Park in Todd to stand on one of the highest peaks in North Carolina at an elevation of 5,520 feet. Hike through the beautiful woodlands up the somewhat strenuous 1.9-mile natural surface and gravel Summit Trail to reach the top. From the summit, you will see spectacular views of Mount Jefferson, Mount Michell, Grandfather Mountain, and the Tree Top and Bluff Mountains as far as Mount Rodgers in Virginia and Tennessee in the distance. Address and Hours Elk Knob State Park is at 5564 Meat Camp Road in Todd. The park is open November to February between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., March to May from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., June to August, the park closes at 9 p.m., and October and September at 8 p.m. Take the kids with you and drive to Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today and ask them what they think of the new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series III. A premium, luxury 4x4 with a powerful 5.7-liter V-8 engine and three rows of comfortable seats. Image by Picography from Pixabay

For both local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts, Wilkesboro NC offers some of the most gorgeous natural scenery found anywhere. One of the best ways to get out and enjoy it is to visit one of the excellent nearby state parks. Here we highlight some of the best options for finding adventure in the great outdoors. 1. New River State Park With diverse terrain and gorgeous natural scenery, this is the perfect playground to tackle in your new Jeep Wrangler. Named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1976, the New River can be accessed via Wagoner Road and US 221. The park offers a number of great activities including camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. You can also arrange to have a picnic in one of the park's designated areas that feature multiple tables, grills, and a fireplace. Tent and paddle-in camping is available at the Wagoner Access Area, with bathroom facilities and hot showers. The Alleghany Access and Riverbend Access Areas offer primitive campsites for paddle-in camping only. Shallow, gentle waters combined with fabulous scenery make this park an excellent choice for more inexperienced paddlers. Small tributary streams merge with the river to stir minor rapids that add to the fun and excitement. more 2. Stone Mountain State Park A majestic granite dome tops this beautiful expanse below the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are 90 campground sites that offer tent, trailer, RV, and backpack camping. Rock climbing is a featured attraction here, where the signature 600-foot granite face can be scaled after obtaining a permit that is available for free at the climber's area near the base of the mountain. This activity is not recommended for beginners unless accompanied by experienced climbers. Hiking and horseback riding are also excellent options here, with more than 18 miles of trails. Fishing is a popular choice as well, with more than 20 miles of designated trout waters to choose from. The lower parts of the stream are populated by rainbow and brown trout, while brook trout favor the higher and cooler sections. Be sure to check with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for regulations and season dates. 3. Lake Norman State Park Located on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, this is a very popular family campground that features numerous available activities. There are 33 available campsites, with occupancy generally limited to one family or six people per site. Larger groups can reserve sites for 7 to 25 people for a fee. Certain spots along the trails allow fishing for the local catch, including perch, catfish, and three species of bass. This is also a very popular mountain biking zone, with 30.5 miles of single-track trail. There are plentiful boating and swimming activities available as well, so bring your bathing suit. These are just a few of the many terrific state park options worth visiting in the Wilkesboro area. After you're done, be sure to stop by Randy Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM to see how our excellent selection of Jeeps can help make your next trip even better.