The rural town of Dobson makes the most of its Yadkin Valley location with stunning scenery, rolling terrain for outdoor activities and sprawling vineyards for growing grapes. It’s a quiet and relaxing getaway, less than two hours from Charlotte and less than an hour from Winston-Salem.
Dobson’s rural nature allows visitors to embrace natural resources such as Fisher River Park, while enjoying European-style wines at four vineyards in Dobson and others nearby. The rolling countryside is dotted with rental cabins that provide maximum social distancing.
“It’s a beautiful place, especially the views coming into town off of I-77,” says Laura Neely, Dobson town manager. “I can see the mountains from my office window, and I very much enjoy that.”
The most popular outdoor destination is Fisher River Park. A 1.5-mile loop trail borders the river and provides a smooth, mostly flat hike. There is a dedicated kayak launch on the Fisher River. And off to one side, a wooded 6.3-mile mountain bike trail accommodates biking, hiking and trail running.
“Mountain bikers like it because it is an intermediate trail, and the consequences are low,” says Daniel White, Surry County Parks and Recreation director. “What makes it unique are the rock outcroppings and the little drop-offs that we have built into the trail.”
Yadkin Valley continues to grow as NC wine country, and Dobson is a great place for tastings. Shelton Vineyards, the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina, invites visitors to explore vineyards, try award-winning wines and dine at the Harvest Grill.
“It’s almost like a different world when you step onto the grounds of Shelton Vineyards,” Neely says. “It’s like all of your cares just go away.”
Newcomer Haze Gray Vineyards opened recently on an 85-acre former tobacco farm. The owners have long-standing military ties, and the vineyard is a certified Homegrown by Heroes farm, signifying agricultural products made by military veterans. A rental cabin overlooks the vineyard and sleeps four.
The wine lodge at Stony Knoll Vineyards, half a mile from Haze Gray, sleeps five guests in a renovated 1860s log home. Additional Dobson wineries include Herrera Vineyards and Hutton Vineyards.
Rental cabins are plentiful in and around Dobson, while the Hampton Inn & Suites at Shelton Vineyards is known for top-notch accommodations, professional service and in-house wine bar.