Thrive
Experience Life in Surry County, NC
Let's be real: you can have the perfect job and affordable housing, but if there's nothing to do on the weekends, you're going to be miserable. Good news—life in Surry County is anything but boring. From Yadkin Valley wine country to Blue Ridge hiking trails, year-round festivals to craft breweries, there's always something happening. And the best part? You can actually afford to enjoy it all.
Shelton Vineyard
North Carolina's Largest Family-Owned Estate Winery
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What They Offer: Tours, tastings, fine dining at Harvest Grill, live music events, seasonal festivals, lodging
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The Experience: Stunning property with 350+ acres of vineyards, professional tasting room, outdoor event spaces
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Don't Miss: Sunday brunch, harvest festival, summer concert series, wine club
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Perfect For: Date nights, celebrations, introducing out-of-town guests to the area
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Price Range: Tastings $10-15, dinner entrees $20-35, wine bottles $15-45
Other Must-Visit Wineries
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RagApple Lassie Vineyards – Family-friendly with alpacas and farm animals
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Medaloni Cellars – Italian-style wines and beautiful views
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Grassy Creek Vineyard – Oldest in the region, rustic charm
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Divine Llama Vineyards – Yes, llamas. And good wine.
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Round Peak Vineyards – Mountain views and locally sourced food
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Sanders Ridge Vineyard – Events and live music
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Shadow Springs Vineyard – Intimate setting, handcrafted wines
Yadkin Valley Wine Country
Your Gateway to Wine Country
Yadkin Valley is North Carolina's first federally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA), home to over 40 wineries producing award-winning wines. Rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and family-owned operations create a wine experience that feels authentic, not pretentious.
Explore the Towns
Options Never Run Out in Surry
With outdoor activities, a Vibrant Food Scene, Strong Cultural Heritage, and Lively Festivals, you'll always have plenty to choose from.
Day Trips & Regional Attractions
Within 90 Minutes
Charlotte (90 min)
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Professional sports (Panthers, Hornets, Knights)
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Arts and museums (Bechtler, Mint, Discovery Place)
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Upscale dining and shopping
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Concerts and shows at major venues
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Winston-Salem (60 min)
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Reynolda House Museum of American Art
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Old Salem historic district
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Wake Forest University
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Downtown arts district
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Restaurants and breweries
Greensboro (75 min)
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Greensboro Science Center
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Shopping (Friendly Center)
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UNC Greensboro campus
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Museums and cultural sites
Blue Ridge Parkway (45 min)
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Scenic drives with overlooks
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Hiking trails along the parkway
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Fall foliage destination
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Picnicking and nature photography
Boone/Blowing Rock (90 min)
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Mountain town charm
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Appalachian State University
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Tweetsie Railroad (family fun)
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Grandfather Mountain
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Skiing in winter
Bottom Line: You can have an amazing weekend for $100-200 per person including food, drinks, and activities.
Entertainment
Festivals
Usually free
Live music
Free-$20
Arts events
$10-25 typically
Movies
Standard pricing
Dining (way less than big city prices)
Casual meal
$10-15 per peron
Nice dinner
$20-40 per person
Craft beer
$5-7
Coffee
$3-5
Outdoor Activities (Most outdoor recreation is FREE)
Pilot Mountain
Free
Elkin Valley Trails
Free
River access
Free
Kayak rental
$30-50 per day
Wine Tasting (affordable compared to Napa/Sonoma!)
Tasting Fee
$10-15 per peron
Bottle of wine
$15-45
Lunch/dinner at winery
$15-35 per person
Cost of Fun
What You'll Spend
