Every once in a while, the longing to travel far away from the daily routine and discover someplace new, scenic, and exciting is bound to strike. When it does, treating yourself and those you love most to a first time getaway to Dobson, North Carolina is a truly inspiring choice! Whether you have a few days of fun to spare in the name of a well-deserved vacation or you’re excited to make the most of a longer trip this way, you’ll find Dobson is a delightful destination to explore at your own preferred pace. Dobson sits right in the heart of Surry County and offers its guests access to a place where they can easily blend time in the great outdoors with in-town fun and entertainment. The community here has earned a reputation for excellence around their friendliness, and if you happen to be a wine enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to find yourself settling into the heart of the Surry Wine Country beginning the very first day of your stay. Dobson hosts a long lineup of annual events for locals and visitors alike to enjoy year-round, and if you feel like kicking back, relaxing, and doing nothing more than admiring the stunning view, that’s just fine too. No matter when you arrive in Dobson, how long you stay, or how many others you’re traveling alongside, this guide to your first visit to the North Carolina Mountains is a great place to start for maximizing every moment.
Getting Here Is Easier Than You Might Imagine
Dobson’s great location in Surry County makes it a refreshingly easy place to access no matter when you happen to have time to book your tickets to visit for the first time. Travelers flying into the area will want to make sure they book their flights from their point of origin to the Greensboro/High Point Airport. Once you land here, you can pick up a rental car on-site and make the little more than one hour drive into town. The road leading to Dobson offers up enjoyable views, putting you in a great mood before you’ve even arrived. Travelers who prefer to fly in on a private aircraft will have options to land at the Mount Airy/Surry County Airport instead which is located in Holly Springs and a quick drive to Dobson. Other options to consider for those flying in who don’t mind a longer drive include airports in Asheville, Raleigh, Roanoke, and Charlotte.
Getting Around When You Arrive in Town
Your first trip to the mountains in NC is one that’s sure to be filled with small town charm, but getting to and around this quaint destination is still best and most conveniently enjoyed with the help of a rental car in place. Dobson is near some great local communities well worth exploring when you’re in the area, and having a vehicle available to make the drive whenever you’d like is nice when you value options to customize your travel experience. Dobson is also known for its amazing collection of local wineries and vineyards, some of which sit further out of town. It can be nice to take your time and get there at your own pace when you have a fun tasting or tour on the itinerary. On days when you do decide to stick closer to the center of town, you can feel free to leave the rental car parked and opt for walking or biking instead. Downtown Dobson is extremely pedestrian friendly and a great place to stroll your way through an afternoon without a worry in the world.
The Best Time of Year to Travel This Way
Dobson, North Carolina is truly a welcoming and fun vacation destination for travelers to enjoy any time of year you have time to spare to come here and explore for the first time. In Dobson, you can count on access to all four seasons of weather and climate changes making it easy to pick and choose between a chilly winter adventure with a focus on cozy eateries to check out and occasional snow fall, or a summer trip complete with easy access to hiking trails, warm weather, and options to get out on the water. While summer is typically the busiest time of year in Dobson, spring sees its fair share of visitors too thanks to a blooming landscape of wildflowers to enjoy and mild temperatures which make activities like picnics in the local parks endlessly inviting. In the fall, Dobson’s trees change to vibrant hues, making this a great place to set your sights for a first time visit when you want to emphasize leaf peeping fun with the family.
Can’t Miss Restaurants to Try
Treating your tastebuds to a delicious moment or two during your first getaway to Dobson is an easy thing to do. Here, you’ll find restaurants of all kinds are extremely accessible whether you’re looking to try local fare or you’re inspired by dishes from further destinations. Places like Little Italy in Dobson serve up authentic Italian cuisine every day of the week on White Street alongside pasta, pizza, and appetizers designed to delight. Whether you go for the baked spaghetti or the shrimp alfredo, there’s a good chance you’ll be tempted to return at least one more time before your visit to the North Carolina Mountains comes to an end.
When cravings come calling during your Dobson stay, Sue’s Kitchen on Main Street is a must-visit. This is a cozy family-friendly restaurant in town with a menu that features everything from hamburgers and ground steak sandwiches to biscuits and gravy as well as country fried steak. Large portions of country-inspired dishes make Sue’s Kitchen a place in Dobson that visitors are likely to linger longer than they might have originally planned.
If you find yourself longing for Asian cuisine during your Dobson getaway after a day of sightseeing and outdoor adventure, be sure to head to Golden China Restaurant while you’re here. Located on Llewellyn Street, this Chinese restaurant doesn’t require a reservation to enjoy, just a hearty appetite for specialties like crab Rangoon, hot and sour soup, chicken lo mein, chop suey, fried rice, and much more! They’re open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday making this eatery a convenient choice to add to any itinerary.
Don’t leave Dobson behind on your first visit without visiting The Depot Restaurant at Cody Creek either. This eatery is found just a mile from Dobson and is situated with views of gorgeous rolling hills surrounding it. The menu here features everything from seafood and ribs to steak, salads and chicken-based dinners. If you drop by on a Sunday, you can enjoy their Southern menu with traditional dishes like cornbread, pot roast, and fried chicken served up in abundance.
Finally, the Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards is another Dobson must-enjoy eatery to add to your list when you want to pair time at a beautiful local vineyard with a fantastic meal. Much as the name indicates, The Harvest Grill is found right at Shelton Vineyards in town and is a farm-to-table restaurant where bistro-style dining is enjoyed with an emphasis on sustainable culinary practices. Seasonal American dishes are highlighted here, and the Sunday brunch is always a treat too. Due to its terrific location, you would be right in assuming that when you dine at The Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, you’re encouraged to pair each plate with delicious and locally sourced wine!
Amazing Attractions and Activities
It’s fair to say that when you take a trip to the mountains in NC for the first time, you won’t have any trouble at all filling up an itinerary with activities, events, and attractions of all kinds to enjoy. The breathtaking scenery here lends itself seamlessly to outdoor adventures and whether you’re someone who enjoys biking, hiking, kayaking, or wildlife watching, there’s a lot to look forward to. A top destination to check out during any first time visit this way is always Pilot Mountain. This towering peak sits within Pilot Mountain State Park and if you have time to tackle the trail to reach its summit, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views at every turn. There are also lower elevation paths to check out with your hiking boots laced up that run around the base of Pilot Mountain and are equally impressive—especially if you happen to be a bird watching enthusiast!
Time exploring the greater Yadkin Valley Wine Region during your Dobson stay as well as the Surry County Wine Trail is likely to be a highlight of your visit. Dobson sits in the heart of wine region which means you won’t have to go far to find yourself enjoying time in one of many local vineyards. Stops like Shelton Vineyards and Stony Knoll Vineyards frequently win awards for excellence with good reason, but a stop at the Herrera Vineyards will be equally tantalizing and memorable.
Dobson’s proximity to places like nearby Mount Airy means you can also add some fun summer-specific events to your list on your first visit. The Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In is an event hosted here on the third Sunday of every month between May and September. Between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm guests are invited to drop by and enjoy admiring amazing classic cars on-site. There’s live music to set a fun family-friendly scene and plenty of food to enjoy too. Eventually, classic car owners will take off in a parade of nostalgic appeal as they cruise around Mount Airy in sleek style for spectators to admire.
When you’re looking forward to spending time shopping during your stay, strolling through Downtown Dobson is always a treat. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted goods, apparel, or home décor, you’ll find it all and more here. Dobson is also a terrific place for first time travelers who enjoy spending time casting a line. The Fisher River Park is a prime place to grab your fishing gear and see what’s biting as the waters are typically filled with rainbow and brown trout alike. If you’re hoping to pair your fishing fun with time on the bike, there are exciting mountain biking trails nearby that are well worth checking out. The park also has a scenic walking trail that follows the river for about a mile and a half that’s ideal on a sunny afternoon when you’re looking to slow things down at a refreshing pace.
Book Your Stay in Comfort and Style
No matter when you’re fortunate enough to find time on the annual calendar to enjoy a journey to Dobson, North Carolina, your trip this way deserves to be one-of-a-kind from start to finish. At Carolina Getaway Cabins, we provide our guests with access to incredible vacation rental accommodations in and around Dobson that not only meet their travel needs but exceed expectations too. When you book your stay through us, you’ll find our vast portfolio of options makes it easy to find just the right home-away-from-home for your small or large traveling crew. We have rentals available to enjoy that come with stunning views right outside the windows, and homes that are cozy and inviting as well.
Reach out today to learn more about our many exciting rental options available and how we can help you turn your first getaway to Dobson into an unforgettable experience from start to finish. We look forward to seeing you in North Carolina soon!
