Discover the rhythms of the South in North Carolina’s musical towns.
North Carolina’s musical sound and style have evolved over the landscape and generations, from mountain folk jams to live concerts on the slopes. North Carolina attracts big-name artists because of its big stages, but the real magic is in the local names, bluegrass hunters, jug bands, street musicians, and Appalachian roots. Take a musical road trip through the mountains and enjoy various styles, stages, and shows that showcase North Carolina’s music scene.
Take a road trip and discover the best of North Carolina folk and mountain music.
Asheville: Capital of Live Music
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the best starting point for your trip to Asheville, a two-hour drive west. This laid-back mountain town is known for the famous Baltimore Estate, craft brews, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique art, but it also rocks, taps, jams and beats nightly and on weekdays, especially downtown. On certain days, you’ll see groups of stomping spectators crowded around one of the many street musicians, who play everything from bluegrass and jazz to zydeco and mountain rock. In the summer, the music scene revs up with weekly drum circles in Pritchard Park and the popular bluegrass concert series called Shindig on the Green. Often voted a Western North Carolina favorite (and named one of Rolling Stone’s top five venues in 2008), the Orange Peel has hosted countless artists from Bob Dylan to the Beastie Boys in this intimate indoor space. Electronic music pioneer and inventor of the Moog synthesizer Robert Moog lived in Asheville for 30 years. At the Moog Music Factory, you can take a free tour to see and play instruments being made before heading into the mountains.
The Music of Wilkesboro Mountain
This small town is a perfect destination for mountain bikers, and there are more than 40 wineries within an hour’s drive. But the most notable feature is that it’s brimming with Appalachian spirit and folk music. The famous Kruger Brothers, folk and bluegrass musicians, made Wilkes County their home, so you’re likely to encounter their music and similar sounds wherever you go. The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, located at the Wilkes Heritage Museum, invites national and local musicians, luthiers, dancers, and other artists into the world of mountain music. Be sure to check out the rest of the museum, especially the circa-1859 Old Wilkes Jail, where Confederate soldier Tom Dula (Dooley) was incarcerated. He was later commemorated in the folk song “Tom Dooley,” made famous by the Kingston Trio in 1958. Wilkesboro is undoubtedly best known for MerleFest (in honor of Doc and Merle Watson), held each year in late April. Featuring a cast of “traditional and more” performers (traditional Appalachian music, plus anything that sounds good), MerleFest has become one of the top music festivals in the country.
Mount Airy: More Country Tunes
Just over the North Carolina -Virginia border, the charming town of Mount Airy happens to be the birthplace of Andy Griffith. A stroll through downtown is like strolling through a real-life Mayberry. You can also tour the Andy Griffith Museum and snap a photo with the bronze statue outside. But you’re here for the music, and Surry County is revered as a haven for fiddlers, banjoists, and other traditional Appalachian musicians. Visit the historic Earle Theatre, a bastion of old-time music. The Earle is home to the Merry-Go-Round live radio show, the second longest-running after the Grand Ole Opry. There are also jam sessions with local musicians on Thursdays and Saturdays. These sessions are lively and intense, with an incredible amount of musical teamwork that is much appreciated by foot-tappers and dancers. On the first weekend in June, music fills the mountains with the Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention. During the summer, kick back with a lawn chair and cooler to enjoy live music at the Blackmon Amphitheatre downtown.
Unique settings in the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough
Head into the mountains for your next stop in Chapel Hill. A lot is going on here, making it the perfect place to end your trip. Chapel Hill is dominated by the state university of the same name, and the atmosphere is young, fun, and Southern. Head to popular Franklin Street to hear street musicians as you browse local shops and bars. As the sun goes down, West Franklin comes alive with entertainment. Check out the oldest bar in town, The Cave, a quintessential watering hole with great music and drinks. At Local 506, catch local and touring musicians on a small stage. In the neighboring town of Carrboro, Cat’s Cradle hosts a variety of rock bands on an entertaining 750-seat stage, while the adjacent Arts Center hosts concerts, plays, and stand-up comedy. Before you head out, be sure to stop by the small town of Hillsborough to the north, or hang out at Mystery Brewing for a dose of craft beer and live music. Make sure you have a good playlist going before you head out from Raleigh -Durham International, just 30 minutes from Chapel Hill.
