Elkin's downtown has blossomed into a hub of community life, and one of its most beloved spots is The Elkin RailYard- a vibrant beer garden owned by Mitzi Settle and her husband, Virgil.
Mitzi, a longtime Elkin local, has always been passionate about bringing people together. When she and Virgil opened The RailYard, their vision was simple: create a welcoming space where friends, family, and visitors could enjoy great drinks, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere. Since its opening, The Railyard has become a staple in Elkin's social scene, offering a rotating selection of craft beers, food trucks, and a lively outdoor space that keeps the good times rolling year-round.
But Mitzi's impact goes far beyond The RailYard. She's deeply involved in the Elkin community, whether she's supporting local businesses, hosting fundraisers, or simply sharing a warm smile with customers. Mitzi is also an active advocate for the local women's shelter, serving on its board and working to support its mission through her inspirational efforts. Her commitment to uplifting those in need has made a lasting impact on Elkin, reinforcing her belief in the power of community.
Mitzi's Story:
"My best childhood memories of Elkin revolve around department store shopping on Friday nights, the Jonesville to Elkin Christmas parades, and of course the ever-popular weekend cruising with friends. It was a great area to grow up in! But high school graduation came along (yes, I was a Starmount Ram, the Elks most feared competitor) and off I went to UNC-Charlotte to become a nurse.
It was at UNC-Charlotte that I met my future husband, Virgil. Wedding bells and new jobs pulled us away from the area but in just a few short years and three amazing sons later, we finally worked our way back to the Elkin area (just inside of Wilkes County). It felt good to be home again.
Crazy, hectic years were spent raising those three amazing boys, but as my youngest packed his bags for college, I decided that it was time to leave my school nurse career behind and take a leap of faith into something new. Not that I knew what that was at the time…
Virgil and I brainstormed lots of ideas, which all revolved around opening a business in downtown Elkin. The idea that finally stuck resulted in the creation of the Elkin RailYard Beer Garden, which opened in March of 2023.
As we begin our third year at the RailYard, it has been amazing to watch the area grow. On any given Saturday, the garden is filled with weekend get-away tourists from all over NC and beyond. And it’s not just the tourists that make Elkin so amazing, it’s also the locals. They have taken ownership in the success of the town and strive to make it the best little town possible. Storefronts have filled once again, trails and music opportunities abound, and nightlife is booming. I couldn’t be happier that I get to call Elkin home."
Next time you're at The Elkin RailYard, be sure to raise a glass to Mitzi and Virgil- two of the friendly faces shaping Elkin's downtown into the vibrant place it is today!
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