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Explore Elkin

It's Hot Here, but Elkin is Cool 

Updated: Jul 2

How to Spend Summer in Elkin


School’s out, the days are longer, and as it heats up and you’re looking for things to do, look no further than the abundance of options in Elkin! From river floats to the RailYard, check out our recommendations for how to spend Summer in Elkin. 



Paddle the Yadkin River

Enjoy the Yadkin Valley River 

Looking to cool off? Kayak or float down the Yadkin Valley River! Grab a kayak or canoe from North Carolina River Riders or Yadkin River Adventures. Wanting to learn while you paddle? Yadkin Valley River Keeper, a nonprofit, membership organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Yadkin Pee Dee River basin through education, advocacy and action, leads educational floats, events, and more! Wanting to fish? There are 36 miles of stocked trout waters available to fish, just watch out for people floating by! 


Forest Bathing Trail in Elkin, NC

Take a Hike 

Of the 15+ trails mapped by the Elkin Valley Trails Association, more than five take you along or to water! 

From the Elkin Recreation Center, you can follow the Overmountain Victory Trail along the Yadkin Valley River, or the E&A Rail Trail along the Big Elkin Creek. The Forest Bathing Trail from Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery winds through the forest, crossing the Grassy Creek and looping around a small lake. Carter Falls Trail, a .5 mile offshoot from the Mountains to Sea Trail ends at a beautiful cascading waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip! 




Outdoor Seating at Angry Troll Brewing

Dine Outdoors 

Elkin has a number of locally-owned, welcoming restaurants, many with an outdoor patio for those looking to enjoy dining alfresco! Southern on Main’s patio has covered and uncovered seating from which to enjoy their southern cuisine with an artistic flair. Looking for something a little more casual? Harry’s down the street has burgers, steak, and crablegs that have become part of local lore. Fruition, one of our two downtown cocktail bars, and RailYard, our beer garden, both have outdoor seating and often live music! 



The Stages at the Yadkin Valley Heritage Trails & Visitor Center

Enjoy Live Music 

Speaking of live music, our newest amphitheater is open and excited to bring more outdoor live music to downtown Elkin. Next to the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Visitor Center, keep an eye out for upcoming shows on our Facebook and emails. The ReevesTheater has an abundance of live music to choose from! From Luke Mears and Friends playing country and blues every second Thursday, to their Wednesday open-mic night, check out their website for their full list of events. And don’t forget to get your tickets to Reevestock, Elkin’s very own music festival. This year, it’ll be held in October, and it’s the last year at Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater. Don’t miss it! 


Elkin Farmer's Market

Stop by the Farmer’s Market 

On Saturdays from 9am to noon, Elkin’s growers and makers bring their goods to the Elkin Town Hall parking lot, one block north of Historic Downtown Elkin at 101 E Market Street. Enjoy live music, and explore over 45 vendors with quality products, produce, fresh flowers, plants, baked goods, and more. Support local! 






Grassy Creek Vineyards

Savor Local Wines 

Elkin and the Yadkin Valley Wine Region is teeming with wineries, many with outdoor seating, food trucks, corn hole, live music, and more! Make a day of it with the Elkin Vine Line. The Surry County Wine Trail has over 18 vineyards and wineries, many open to kids and most dog friendly! 


Within 5 miles of Elkin:


More vineyards can be found here.


We may be small, but our love for Summer is big! Get out and enjoy all our small town has to offer! Be sure to tag @exploreelkin on Instagram and Facebook and let us know what your favorite Summer activity is in Elkin! 

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