YADKIN COUNTY
County Offices
217 E Willow Street
Yadkinville 336-679-4200
www.yadkincountync.gov
Chamber of Commerce
205 South Jackson Street
Yadkinville 336-679-2200
www.yadkinchamber.org
Named for the river that marks its northern and eastern boundaries, Yadkin County was formed in 1850 from parts of adjacent Surry County. The county is home to a little more than 38,000 residents. Its county seat is Yadkinville. The county is divided into 12 townships, and like many rural counties in North Carolina, these county is also home to dozens of small unincorporated communities as well.
LIFESTYLE
Originally a farming community, flue cured tobacco was the major cash crop grown in Yadkin County. As tobacco use declines, production of other crops continues to increase. Vineyards are now becoming the major crop producer in the county with the production of grapes to be used in winemaking. All of Yadkin County is included in the Yadkin Valley AVA, an American Viticulture Area recognized by the United States government as a unique grape-growing region. Wines made from grapes grown in this area may use the appellation “Yadkin Valley” on the label. Yadkin County is also home to the second North Carolina AVA, the Swan Creek Wine Region. The first winery opened in 2000, and currently Yadkin County is home to 14 producing wineries, the largest concentration in the state of North Carolina. The Yadkin Valley Wine Region was the first and remains the largest federally designated wine producing region, or appellation, in North Carolina. Wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier, and Chambourcin are winning medals in competitions throughout the nation. Wine tours are now a popular draw in the county and the Yadkin valley Wine trail is a popular pastime for residents and visitors.
For those who want another type of adventure, the arts are alive and well in the county, thanks to the leadership of the Yadkin Arts Council and the Foothills Arts Council. Residents can choose from different types of arts and entertainment including community theater productions, popular concerts, art shows, festivals, musicals, conventions and more. Area arts councils support performances including Opera Carolina, plays by William Shakespeare, a casual coffeehouse series and an annual Christmastime community chorus. A growing number of local artists participate in special events to show and sell unique pottery; original photography; signed watercolors; oils and pastels; as well as hand-crafted glassware, jewelry, basketry, specialty papers and more. The events typically feature a delightful abundance of delectable cookies, candies and bars. Or travel back in time by taking a tour of a local museum, such as the Richard Gwyn Museum of History, the Elkin Historic Collection or the Victorian House Museum in Elkin.
The small towns and communities that make up the county are home to fairs and festival throughout the year. And historic downtowns offer renovated landmarks, homespun shops, refurbished storefronts, and long time merchants who’ve been there half a century all add to the flavor of the region. The town hall, police station, library, visitor’s center, post office, arts council and local newspaper publisher can be found in this conveniently central location. Practical services are right at hand, too, including dentists, dry cleaners, bridal shops, travel agencies, attorneys, insurance agencies, pharmacies and banks. Yadkin County is a great place to call home.
SERVICES
While it began as an agricultural center and remains primarily rural in character, today the county combines a farming economy with growing industrial development. Yadkin County is home to a mix of manufacturing operations. Unifi, Inc. is the county’s largest firm, with over 1000 manufacturing employees, followed by Lydall with over 500 employees. Plastics, metalworking, insulation for the automotive industry, and furniture add to the manufacturing base. The Phillips-Van Heusen Apparel Group operates a “state of the art” distribution facility in Yadkin County to create further diversity for employees. Nonni’s Foods is the newest manufacturing addition to the County, making food products under the New York Style and Seven Day brands. Two major four-lane highways, I-77 and US 421, make Yadkin County easily accessible for industry, residents and visitors.
The County affords outstanding educational opportunities at all levels. Public and private schools offer strong college preparatory, vocational and technical programs. Yadkin County Schools offer a variety of enrichment programs which take students beyond the normal curriculum. Yadkin County has three high schools, Forbush, Starmount, and the Yadkin Early College. Starmount Middle School opened in August and serves seventh and eighth grade students from Jonesville, Boonville, and West Yadkin Elementary Schools. Forbush Middle opened in November and serves East Bend, Forbush Elementary, Fall Creek, Courtney, and Yadkinville Schools. Both campuses are adjacent to the High Schools. The Yadkin Early College is a five year program where High School and College courses are offered on the Yadkin campus of Surry Community College. Students get the opportunity to earn their High School diploma and an Associate’s degree in Nursing, Criminal Justice, or a Transfer degree to a four year university. The school system also operates Yadkin Success Academy, an alternative learning center on Old U.S. 421 in Yadkinville.
Health care is a priority in the County and is well represented by an excellent full-service hospital, healthcare facilities and human service agencies that offer a continuum of care, resources and support to meet the physical, mental and developmental needs of the community. The county is served by several medical facilities, including the Yadkin Valley Community Hospital, a 22 bed critical access hospital. IT is also served by the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital and several other smaller clinics and facilities.
Yadkinville
Town Offices
213 Van Buren Street
Yadkinville 336-679-8732
www.yadkinville.org
Chamber of Commerce
205 South Jackson Street
Yadkinville 336-679-2200
www.yadkinchamber.org
Yadkinville is the County seat of Yadkin County and is located on US 421. It is home to just under 3,000 residents who enjoy a high quality of life in stunning natural surroundings. The town is located just 45 minutes from Greensboro and 75 minutes from Charlotte. Yadkinville is a quintessential small town, populated with friendly residents, small businesses in historic buildings and a laid-back atmosphere. While tobacco was once the main business of this rural community, today vineyards dominate the agricultural landscape of the area. With a superb combination of sun, soil and soul, area wineries are ideally located in this region that is rapidly gaining a reputation for growing high-quality grapes and producing world-class award-winning wines. The community offers residents all of their necessities close to home, with the added urban amenities of major urban areas not far from home. Whether it’s outdoor recreation, shopping or a community event that brings neighbors together, Yadkinville offers it all.
Boonville
Town Offices
110 Carolina Avenue North
Boonville 336-367-7941
www.boonvillenc.com
Boonville is home to a little more than 1,200 residents, it is located on the northwest side of Yadkin County, approximately three miles south of the Yadkin River which is the dividing line between the counties of Yadkin and Surry. While primarily a small rural community, the town’s location in the beautiful Yadkin Valley means that there is a lot to do close to home. Whether it’s visiting a nearby winery or hiking, biking and fishing in one of the areas state or local parks, residents have plenty of activities at their doorstep. The town is home to its own public library and several local businesses. There is a strong sense of local pride and community among locals whose families may have lived in the area for several generations.
Jonesville
Town Offices
1503 NC Highway 67
Jonesville 336-835-3426
www.jonesvillenc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
116 E Market Street
Elkin 336-526-1111
www.yadkinvalley.org
Jonesville is the oldest town in Yadkin County. It is home to more than 2,500 residents. The closest large city is Winston-Salem, which is just 30 miles away. Jonesville is a rural community with a primarily residential base. However due to its proximity to Interstate 77, NC Highways 21, 67, and 421, Jonesville is well served by several major roadways as well as many scenic back roads. Jonesville boasts many chain restaurants as well as several locally owned eateries. Located in the heart of the burgeoning wine country of the Yadkin Valley, Jonesville serves as an easily accessible gateway to not only wineries, but to fabulous scenic and recreation attractions such as Stone Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir. Residents also enjoy community parks and recreation centers that are scattered throughout the area and offer all of the favorite pastimes: hiking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, biking, camping, picnicking, fishing and rock climbing. Jonesville’s close proximity to the Winston-Salem area, scenic parks and water ways as well as back country byways make this an ideal location to settle down for a lifetime.
