Doc Watson Points of Interest

The High Country is home to the late legendary musician, Doc Watson (March 3, 1923- May 29, 2012).  Doc, who was blind, began his performing career on the sidewalks of Boone in the late 1940’s where he walked miles to downtown and strapped a tin can to his guitar to play for tips.  Today you can enjoy Doc Watson’s legacy by visiting the following:

• “Just One of the People” Sculpture
  Where:  NE corner of the intersection of King and Depot Streets in Downtown Boone
  What:  A life sized bronze statue created by sculptor Alex Hallmark and features the musician seated on a bench playing his favorite guitar
  When:  Open Daily and Nightly

• Doc Watson Museum at Cove Creek
  Where:  Historic Cove Creek School outside Boone in Sugar Grove
  What:  The museum is a tribute to the life of Doc Watson.  The museum has many of his possessions and memorabilia from his performances. 
  When: The museum is open by appointment only, but hopes to have regular hours in the near future!  Call 828-297-2200 to book a tour.

• Doc & Merle Watson Highway
  Where: Located between Boone and Deep Gap on Highway 421, there are two signs labeling the section the "Doc & Merle Watson Highway."  Visitors like to stop and have a photo made with the road signs.

• Doc Watson Exhibit at the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame
  Where: Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame located in the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkesboro
  What: Here music, see photos and instruments of Doc
  When: Open 10-4, Monday-Saturday

• “Eddy Merle Watson Garden of the Senses”
  Where:  Campus of Wilkes Community College, 1328 Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, 336-838-6100
  What:  Specialty gardens featuring Braille-labeled plants and alphabet walls.  The garden has been designed so that everyone, regardless of their visual ability, may enjoy it.
  When: Open Daily

• Doc Watson Mural
  Where: 101 West Main Street, Downtown Wilkesboro (within walking distance of the Wilkes Heritage Museum)
  What: The "Where the Mountains Begin" mural celebrates the colorful landmarks and legends of Wilkes County: Stone Mountain State Park, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, and Doc Watson. Local artist Wes Gregory designed the mural of Doc Watson, a well known area musician who helped begin the Watson Festival at Wilkes Community College
  

• “MerleFest”
  Where: Campus of Wilkes Community College, 1328 Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, 336-838-6100
  What:  MerleFest celebrates the Watson Family and is home to one of the premiere festivals in the country attracting a global audience as well as some of the best musicians in the world. 
  When:  Every April. For more information: merlefest.org

• Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest in Sugar Grove
  Where: Historic Cove Creek School, Sugar Grove
  What: MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove is an all-day, family-oriented event celebrating the music and lives of Doc and Rosa Lee Watson with a fantastic lineup of live music, local food, crafts and entry to the Doc & Merle Watson Folk Art Museum. With two stages and more than 10 bands, there is something for the whole family!
  When: Saturday, July 16,2022 For more information: docwatsonmusicfest.org

• Doc Watson Day
  Where: The Jones House Community Center, Boone
  What: A tribute to the music of Doc Watson by his friends and musicians
  When: Friday, August 19th, 2022  For more information: joneshouse.org

• Doc Watson & Rosa Lee Watson Scholarship Fund
  Where: Appalachian State University, Boone NC
  What: The late Doc and Rosa Lee Watson wanted to support local students majoring in Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University. 
  When: To find out more about paying tribute to Doc Watson through his scholarship fund, Click HERE

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