Are you visiting Yadkin Valley for the first time? If so, there are a few interesting fun facts about North Carolina to keep in mind and tips and tricks that can help you have the best vacation of your entire life! Check out this helpful how-to guide to the Yadkin Valley so you can experience all that this breathtaking wine country has to offer on the East Coast of the United States.
Choose the Top Vineyards to Visit Beforehand
If you are interested in getting a few glasses of wine during your trip to the Yadkin Valley, we recommend choosing the top wineries you want to visit beforehand so you can save time and effort. There are more than 70 wineries in the entire valley, which is almost double what there was just a few years ago! Due to the dozens of wineries and vineyards spread around the valley, you should narrow down your list to five or fewer so you can make sure to hit the best spots for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or purchasing a bottle of white wine.
Select a Few Restaurants
There are a few amazing restaurants for those who are interested in eating top-tier food, mouthwatering meat, local ingredients, tasty spices, and fresh vegetables and fruits. We recommend going to the Snappy Lunch in Mt. Airy for a midday pick-me-up. If you want to pair fresh food with a glass of wine, the Old North State Winery is THE best choice. For those who want a cheesy dish for lunch or dinner, the Loaded Goat is a fan favorite. Lastly, if you are in the mood for barbecue, Lexington Barbecue is the top BBQ spot for locals and tourists alike.
Yadkin Valley Used to Be Home to Siouan Tribes
Siouan-speaking tribes were the original inhabitants of the beautiful Yadkin Valley before the Europeans arrived, featuring the Saura and Tutelo tribes that had documented histories within the area. Prior to the Revolutionary War that changed the country, these tribes were the only inhabitants of the untouched natural beauty. After Europeans arrived, Scottish, Irish, English, and German settlers moved into Yadkin Valley and mainly settled in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia.
The Name Means “Place of Big Trees”
Yadkin Valley name means the “place of big trees” or “big tree,” which makes sense when you think about the tribes who were the original occupants of the area. Other names the Siouan Indians used to refer to the valley included the Yadkin River, Sapona River, Reatkin River, and Atkin River.
