Top 8 Things to Do in Dobson, NC

Dobson, NC might be a small town, but the surrounding Surry County region offers an extraordinary range of activities for every type of traveller. Here are the top 8 things to do when staying at Surry Inn Dobson.

1. Tour Shelton Vineyards (2.3 miles)

One of the largest family-owned wineries on the East Coast, Shelton Vineyards spans 383 acres of rolling hills. Take a guided tour of the cellars, enjoy a tasting flight of their award-winning Yadkin Valley wines, and stay for lunch at the Harvest Grill restaurant on-site. The vineyard hosts regular events including harvest festivals and live music evenings.

2. Hike Pilot Mountain State Park (~20 miles)

One of North Carolina's most iconic landmarks, Pilot Mountain rises to 2,421 feet and offers multiple hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging ridge scrambles. The views from the summit over the Piedmont are breathtaking. Rock climbing and rapelling are also popular. Bring a packed lunch and spend a half or full day here.

3. Visit the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy (12.1 miles)

Mount Airy — the real-life inspiration for Mayberry — is just 20 minutes from Dobson. The Andy Griffith Museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia from the show and Andy's personal life. Pair your visit with a stop at the Mayberry Courthouse and a slice of pie at Snappy Lunch, a diner featured in the show.

4. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway (~20 miles)

America's most visited national parkway is just a short drive from Dobson. Whether you drive a section, stop at scenic overlooks, or explore one of the many trailheads along the way, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Eastern United States — particularly stunning in autumn.

5. Explore Fisher River Park (4.3 miles)

A family-friendly park along the Fisher River featuring walking and biking trails, picnic areas, sports courts, and a splash pad. The Mitchell River section is popular for fishing and wading. A perfect half-day stop for families travelling through.

6. Visit the Dobson Splash Pad

A free family water attraction right in town — ideal for summer visits with children. The splash pad features multiple spray zones, slides, and a large pool. Admission is free and it's open daily from 10AM to 6PM during the summer season.

7. Explore the Surry County Wine Trail

Beyond Shelton Vineyards, the Surry County Wine Trail includes over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms within easy driving distance of Dobson. Notable stops include Haze Gray Vineyards, Stony Knoll Vineyards, Hidden Vineyard, and Round Peak Vineyards. Pick up a Wine Trail map from the Surry Inn front desk!

8. Visit the Rockford General Store

Just south of Dobson, the historic village of Rockford has been standing since the 1800s. The Rockford General Store is a hidden gem — part vintage shop, part eatery — serving made-to-order burgers and hot dogs on homemade buns. It's also on the famous Sonker Trail for fans of this traditional Surry County dessert.