Wilkes County was founded in 1778 and became a cradle of Appalachian culture, moonshine lore, and…read moreearly NASCAR. Its current courthouse in Wilkesboro, completed in 1998, replaced the historic 1902 structure and reflects a more modern design. Wilkes County is named for John Wilkes, who was an English radical, journalist and politician. In 2001, this new structure was completed. While it lacks the ornate Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival flourishes of its predecessor, the 2001 structure emphasizes practicality and efficiency, with a more subdued architectural profile. It is modern and massive and could easily be mistaken for an office building. It is functional, accessible and secure. That said, there is more than enough parking and they have even set up some EV chargers along the way. [Review 1205 of 2025 - 4390 in North Carolina - 24757 overall]

Set prominently in front of the historic Wilkes County Courthouse, this memorial honors local…read moreveterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Dedicated in 1970, it reflects a national movement during the Vietnam era to recognize service across multiple generations and conflicts. The obelisk itself is simple but dignified. Tall, tapered, and solemn, it was designed to convey permanence and respect. Its placement ensures it remains visible to passersby and serves as a natural gathering spot for commemorative events. The plaques have weathered over time and could benefit from some care, but the monument still stands as a meaningful tribute to Wilkes County's veterans. [Review 1278 of 2025 - 4432 in North Carolina - 24830 overall]

Cool little piece of Lenoir history…read more You can go there and walk the grounds for free which I highly recommend. It's a beautiful area. If you pay the fee which was $7/person when we went then you will get a guided tour inside the house and learn about the history of William Lenoir, his family and the house he built. I think it's totally worth it if you are into that. Regardless if you do the tour or not it's definitely worth a quick stop to check it out if you are in the area.

Saw a gun and musket but my son got shot and now he looks like a crinkly raisin thanks to you…read more Pic below has his classic catchphrase

Located on the grounds of the Alexander County Courthouse, this 15-foot-tall open structure is made…read moreof white-washed brick that matches the courthouse. The four brick columns support the bell housing and bear bronze plaques detailing the memorial's origins and purpose. One one includes the cornerstone from the 1902 courthouse that was destroyed by fire on August 11, 1967. The bell itself had been broken in the firebut was repaired by local businessman Rowe B. Campbell and later placed alongside the salvaged cornerstone on the courthouse grounds. In 1997, as part of the county's sesquicentennial celebrations, a working group led by Benjamin W. Hines initiated the project to preserve these elements. Their efforts culminated in the dedication of the memorial on May 10, 2003. One plaque points out that the bell itself had been purchased circa 1850 at the cost of $68.50. It was used to call court into session. "Before refrigeration, it announced that fresh meat was for sale and when a fire occurred, it sounded the alarm." [Review 1201 of 2025 - 4386 in North Carolina - 24753 overall]

While in Hickory, I knew I had to make a stop at the Harper House. After you drive up the driveway,…read morethere is a free parking for you to use on the property. When you arrive for your tour, you do need to go to the Lyerly House (Hickory History Center) to check in and pay rather than the Harper House. (I do think they want you to schedule an appointment to tour the house even though I just showed up and asked for a tour as I didn't know about needing an appointment then) I don't have much background in Hickory's history so I wasn't sure what to expect with the Harper House. From the minute I walked in the house, I was wowed. It is said to be the finest Queen Anne home in the state and I think I'd agree with that statement. The house was built in 1887 by Daniel Webster Schuler who founded Hickory's first bank. The Harper's acquired the house in 1923 and three generations of the family lived in the house. In 2000, Catawba County took ownership of the house and started to restoring it to its original Victorian decor. The architecture is just amazing and unique in this house from the fish scale shingles to the spindles on the porch railing to the pebble dashing to the stained glass windows to the cherry staircase to the winged Mercury on the stair post to the parquet floors. The ornate details are there. I hadn't seen wallpaper before on the ceilings or various patterns used together. One room had at least 13 different patterns in the design. The furnishings are elegant to show off their luxury. It is a little overwhelming. The draperies are beautiful and the chandeliers are amazing but it is a lot. The attic was a fun surprise as that is the speakeasy used during Prohibition and the Harpers required they get a silhouette on the wall. I highly recommend touring the Harper House as you are in for a treat with this gem.

Lovely Victorian house. Nice way to spend an hour or two. The guide had a lot of knowledge about…read morethe entire history of the home & the exhibit in the office building on polio was very interesting.

The BEST dmv experience! NC DMV's experiences aren't usually great. They're understaffed, waits are…read morelong, appointments are hard to get. But today I took my teenager to the Statesville DMV on Carolina Ave and they were GREAT! Quick, patient, helpful and the young lady who gave my daughter her was road test was an angel. My daughter was so nervous but the administrator couldn't have been kinder to her.

Located in the center of Wilkesboro at the courthouse, this marker points out the US occupation of…read morethe city during the Civil War. It reads, "On a raid through Western North Carolina, General Stoneman's U.S. cavalry occupied Wilkesboro. March 29, 1865." This was one of the longest cavalry raids of the Civil War through western North Carolina, aiming to cripple Confederate infrastructure rather than engage in direct combat. His 5,000-man force destroyed railroads, factories, and supply lines, disrupted Confederate defenses, and ultimately helped block escape routes for Lee and Johnston's armies. After a brief, rain-soaked pause in Wilkesboro, Stoneman's men resumed their march north, continuing their campaign into May and aiding in the pursuit of fleeing Confederate leaders. During the extended stay, Union troops on raids in the countryside discovered several moonshine stills and the drunken soldiers rode roughshod over the town of Wilkesboro. Angered by his men's actions, Stoneman tried unsuccessfully to stop their recklessness. The surrender at Appomattox Court House occurred on April 9, 1865, just eleven days after. [Review 1277 of 2025 - 4431 in North Carolina - 24829 overall]