The Block is locally owned and operated by the Zulpo Family of Purlear, NC.

How it started….

Once upon a summer in ’96, Mick and I worked at a summer camp in Reidsville, NC, Camp Betsy Jeff Penn. Mick, was traveling the world post high school from Australia. I was born and raised in Cary, NC (when it was a small town). Mick crashed on my couch after camp while i started my sophomore year at Appalachian State. We both fell in love with the mountains. #TIGMA

Fast forward through our twenties – Mick’s was living in Australia, Japan, Canada, and I was in the Triangle area and Mount Pleasant, SC. I became crystal clear that our friendship was destined for something more. Love bloomed, we tied the knot when we were 30, and now they’re proud parents to two incredible boys.

In 2017, after years of hard work and determination, we finally acquired a rental cabin in Buck Mountain in Purlear, NC. But fate had another twist – COVID struck! And so, we found themselves taking refuge at their beloved cabin…and never left!

Now, you may be wondering why on Earth did we decide to open The Block? Well, the answer is simple: why not?! Every community needs a place where families can come together. We all need to ditch those screens and get moving! The Block is here to provide endless fun, physical activity galore, and unforgettable memories for everyone who visits.

Please let us know how we can make your trip to The Block a memory for a lifetime!

**Updates from The Zulpo’s**

Since opening The Block in November 2021 we have continued to reinvest in the historic downtown North Wilkesboro community. Please consider further supporting our vision by dining at The Lost Wombat, our family friendly (and fun…complete with a massive playground and yard) restaurant. Or catch a movie at the historic Liberty Theatre for just $5.00 for all first run movies. Or swing down to Wisdom Brewing next door to Key City Antique for a meat pie and a beer! Also check out Key City Arts when you are at Wisdom Brewing to see all the talent Wilkes has to offer!

Thank you for your support our Block family truly appreciates it!

-Aynsley Zulpo (co-owner)

More about Aynsley Zulpo

More about Mick Zulpo

The Lost Wombat

Just down the street, The Lost Wombat Restaurant & Tavern is another locally owned downtown North Wilkesboro destination. Stop in for lunch or dinner, head upstairs to the Tavern for a drink and the game, or relax outside while the kids enjoy the play area. We’re proud to be part of a growing group of local businesses working together to bring more places to eat, drink, play and explore in downtown North Wilkesboro. Make a day of it—visit The Block, grab a bite at The Lost Wombat, and check out our other local businesses while you’re downtown! Check out our menu HERE.

Liberty Theatre

The Liberty Theatre In Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro (next to The Lost Wombat) opened in 1932 but we became co-owner with the Cook family of Cook’s Sports & Outfitters in Feb 2023 in efforts to save her from closing forever! Check out what is playing, HERE. All shows are new release movies and just $5.00! Help us keep her going another 95 years for future Wilkes County generations to enjoy!

Wisdom Brewing

Right down Main Street, Wisdom Brewing brings locally crafted beer and a little Australian spirit to historic downtown North Wilkesboro. Enjoy house-brewed beers, a full bar, Australian meat pies, and plenty of space to relax inside or out on the covered porch. It’s a great stop for the adults after a day of family fun at The Block. Play at The Block, eat at The Lost Wombat, catch a movie at the Liberty, and grab a pint at Wisdom Brewing—all while supporting locally owned businesses right here in downtown North Wilkesboro.