Dobson, North Carolina might be the east coast equivalent of Napa Valley. This small town of just over 1,000 people is known as the Carolina Wine Country with its multitude of high-quality vineyards. The historic downtown of Dobson is a great place to find fine dining establishments and quality shopping, while the number of outdoor attractions balances culture with the outdoors. Dobson is an unexpected find in the mountains of North Carolina, as it has some of the best wine in the south. Don’t miss out on a chance to explore this Carolina wine capital!
Read on to find out about the top 9 things to do in Dobson, North Carolina.
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1. Taste North Carolina wine at Shelton Vineyards
Founded in 1999 by two brothers, Shelton Vineyards was designed to provide a new agricultural resource to the region once home to tobacco farming. The Shelton wine is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before, and the unique soil and climate of the Yadkin Valley helps give this wine its distinct flavor. Visit the Shelton Vineyards for a tour and a taste of what makes North Carolina wine different from the rest!
Shelton Vineyards
Address: 286 Cabernet Lane, 27014 Dobson, NC
Website: Shelton Vineyards
2. Travel back in time at The Rockford General Store
The historic town of Rockford is located a short drive from Dobson, and the Rockford General Store is a one-of-a-kind adventure back in time. The general store features homemade treats and food daily, including sonker, a deep dish dessert made from local fruits. It’s like a pie, but better!
You can also find unique candy, local crafts, and unusual merchandise. The Rockford General Store also hosts events throughout the year like the popular Sweet Potato Festival in September. You’ll feel like you stepped into a time machine when you step into the Rockford General Store!
Rockford General Store
Address: 5174 Rockford Rd, 27017 Dobson, NC
Website: Rockford General Store
3. Try local wine at Herrera Vineyards
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Order up! #herreravineyard #nc #wine #seafood #crab #appetizer #igfood #foodphotography #food #colomboshrimp #ncwine #localbusiness #yadkinvalleywine #ncvineyard #foodporn #onthetable #restaurant
Posted by Herrera Vineyards on Saturday, February 22, 2020
Herrera Vineyards is owned by Javier Herrera, who spent his youth working at a vineyard in his home country of Mexico. After coming to America, Herrera brought his childhood memories to North Carolina by planting grapes on his farmland. The vineyard was actually created by accident, as Herrera planted too many grapes.
Today, Herrera Vineyards is a well-known regional vineyard which has made a name for itself in the Yadkin Valley. When you visit the Herrera Vineyard, you’re family. Taste the best of this family owned farm with a tour and a tasting.
Herrera Vineyards
Address: 231 Vineyard Ln, Dobson, North Carolina
Website: Herrera Vineyards
4. Taste historic blends at Stony Knoll Vineyards
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Stony Knoll Vineyards is a family owned farm from 1896. Their facilities include two vineyards, a tasting room, and venue space for weddings and special events. Located high in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this farm has belonged to the same family for over 100 years! There are wine tasting tours hosted daily for you to enjoy the flavors for yourself.
Stony Knoll Vineyards
Address: 1143 Stony Knoll Road, 27017 Dobson, NC
Website: Stony Knoll Vineyards
5. Yadkin River Adventures
Dobson is located along the Yadkin River, making it a great place for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping. Yadkin River Adventures is a local tour group offering different trips and rentals for all sports and skill levels. Enjoy the best of the Yadkin River with a family-friendly guided tour of the region from the water. See fish and wildlife like never before, and take in breathtaking mountain ranges.
Yadkin River Adventures
Address: 104 Old Rockford Rd, 27017 Dobson, NC
Website: Yadkin River Adventures
6. Explore Fisher River Walk
Located on the banks of the Fisher River is the Fisher River Park. This park hosts a variety of outdoor activities as well as great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is the best place in Dobson to fish, and the Fisher River is stocked with trout and other wildlife. The park also has a range of fields for sports like softball, soccer, and baseball. There are walking and biking trails, so this is the perfect place for a day outdoors.
Fisher River Walk
Address: 251 County Home Road, 27017 Dobson, NC
Website: FIsher River Walk
7. Treat yourself at Lorene's Bakery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Good afternoon everyone. We have all kinds of goodies for y’all. Per everyone’s request we have re-stocked our pumpkin...
Posted by Lorene’s Bakery & Catering on Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Lorene’s Bakery is the best spot in Dobson to get a specialty cake or one-of-a-kind treat. This locally owned bakery creates high-quality treats at an affordable price. Lorene’s is popular particularly for wedding cakes, and her red velvet flavor is to die for.
Lorene's Bakery
Address: 314 N. White Street
Website: Lorene’s Bakery
8. Walk the North Carolina Civil War Trail Site
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
North Carolina has a rich history dating back to the Civil War, and many landmarks remain today commemorating the battles and soldiers from the Civil War. The Civil War Trail Site is located a short distance from Dobson, and you can walk the grounds once home to Civil War battles. There are even re-enactments throughout the year so you can experience what it was like to be a soldier in the Civil War.
Civil War Trail Site
Address: Dobson, NC
Website: Civil War Trail Site
9. Have a meal in the Surry Diner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Surry Diner on Friday, June 18, 2010
This small-town diner has been serving locals for years. When you visit for a meal, you’re greeted with a warm “Welcome Home!” This restaurant serves a little bit of everything, from prime rib to breakfast items. The Surry Dinner is a local staple, and you haven’t really visited Dobson until you’ve had a meal at this quaint family-operated business.
Surry Diner
Address: 2368 Zephyr Rd, 27017 Dobson, NC
Facebook: Surry Diner
Dobson, North Carolina: The Napa Valley of the East!
Dobson is an unexpected treasure in the Carolina region. With a surprising collection of world-class vineyards, southern charm, and history, this small town is unforgettable. Visitors and locals alike are drawn to Dobson’s quaint charm, culture, and family-friendly values!
History
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