Elkin: A Spirited Foothills Town

On a recent Saturday night in Elkin, the audience was beaming at the Reeves. Amanda Anne Platt and The Honeycutters were performing, and the show was a hit. 

But there was another reason folks were so pleased. The theater recently re-opened after a long restoration, and it’s a stunner. 

The Reeves began as a stately art deco movie theater, back in 1941. By the time it closed in 1994, it was the Elk Twin. The landmark was a gloomy shell on Main Street for many years, but today it’s a stylish performing space with exceptional acoustics and main floor and balcony seating. There’s also a farm-to-table cafe, open Monday through Saturday, which serves local wine and beer. 

Its concert series, featuring emerging national artists and new local faces, takes place Friday and Saturday evenings. It’s a great place to take a date, spouse or friend, and there is accessibility for those with limited mobility. 

Main Street and more

Elkin, a quaint foothills town, offers shops, antique stores and restaurants within easy walking distance. A quick sampling of fun stops on Main Street includes: The Angry Troll (wood-fired pizza and local beers from six lines at this restaurant-brewery); The November Room (a combination vendor market with fashionable clothing and handmade crafts and snack/wine/beer bar); Barking Coyote Coffee Shop & Farm Store (fair-trade coffee and made-from-scratch items like pimento cheeses, seasonal jams and freshly baked scones); and Southern on Main (gourmet meals like beef braised short ribs and Sunday brunch mimosas). 

Shout-outs for eateries that aren’t downtown, but not too far away, include Generations, Prime Thai and Skull Camp Brewery and Smokehouse. 

Kayaking on the Yadkin

Recreational pursuits

The Yadkin River meanders through Elkin, and outdoor opportunities abound. You can put a kayak in at Crater Park in Elkin (among the river access points in the region). Area outfitters include Rocky Forest River Run in Elkin. NC’s Mountains-To-Sea trail goes through town (marked by MST signs), and you can also hike the historic Overmountain Victory trail (start at Elkin Municipal Park). Many visitors use Elkin as a base to explore places beyond, too, like the awe-inspiring trails at Stone Mountain State Park (16 miles away). Couples enjoy the thrilling hot air balloon rides that Yadkin Valley Balloon Adventures launches in Boonville (12 miles away). 

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

Wineries 

Elkin, located in Wilkes and Surry counties, is in the heart of the Yadkin Valley Wine region. More than 20 wineries are located within 15 miles of Elkin alone. Suggestions include the Tuscany-like Raffaldini Vineyards and scenic Elkin Creek Vineyard (take time to stroll to its pretty creek). A good way to learn about area wineries is to stop by the welcome center in nearby Jonesville (exit 82, off I-77).

Lodging

There’s a range of options in Elkin, including unique cabins, an RV/tent campground, motels, chain hotels and Airbnb and VRBO sites. The Elkin Fairfield Inn, off I-77 just north of town, recently worked with Surry-Yadkin EMC to install electric vehicle charging stations for guests needing a charge.

Events

Upcoming events in Elkin include the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival (May 19) (yvwf.com or 336-526-1111). Car cruises are typically held May through early fall months. For updates, check facebook.com/CruiseDowntownElkin.