Wilkes county offers a small-town atmosphere combined with the conveniences of larger cities nearby. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Wilkes County is three miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 37 miles east of Boone and 54 miles west of Winston-Salem, N.C. The county's moderate climate enables residents and visitors to enjoy its many attractions year-round. Average temperatures range from near 40 degrees in the winter to 80 degrees in July.

The heritage and personality of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro seep through their downtown districts. Visitors can take a virtual trip back in time to see small-town life as it existed in the 18th and 19th centuries on the Old Wilkes Walking Tour. Many of its sites are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Just as important as the county's roots is Vision 20/20, a detailed look at what the county wants to accomplish in the next 20 years. Sturdy infrastructure, successful recruitment of new industry, healthy economic growth and good schools - including four new middle schools on the way in 2001 - have Wilkes County poised for continued success.

And nearly everywhere you look, there's beauty - from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the majestic 600-foot-high granite dome in Stone Mountain State Park, trout streams, camp sites, hiking trails and rock climbing areas.

All in all, Wilkes County wraps up a pretty attractive package for residents and businesses alike.