Wilkesboro NC is a community located along the Yadkin River in the foothills of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Brushy Mountains. Wilkesboro NC is home to Merlefest, the Wilkes Art and Heritage Festival, and neighbor to the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. The history of Wilkesboro includes such names and places as Tom Dooley (Dula), the Tory Oak, and the Overmountain Victory Trail. For recreation, Wilkesboro NC offers easy access to sites such W. Kerr Scott Reservoir and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains also offer a beautiful parkway for relaxing drives.The inaugural Merlefest took place in April 1988 to a crowd of about 4,000 people. Merlefest takes its name from Merle Watson, who died in a tractor accident in 1985. Merle Watson was a noted finger-picking guitarist in the folk, blues, and country styles. He and his legendary guitarist father, Doc, performed together. Merlefest was conceived as a benefit concert to raise funds for a memorial garden in honor of Merle that would be located on the grounds of Wilkes Community College. Including the inaugural festival in 1988, the Merlefest has always been held at Wilkes Community College.