The Best Things to Do in Wake Forest

Best Things to do in Wake Forest

Wake Forest is a suburb nestled just outside of Raleigh, maintaining a small-town feel while being filled with exciting things to do. There’s a blend of history, charm, and modern attractions that make Wake Forest well worth exploring. Check out some of the most popular activities in the list below!

Start your day atWake Forest Coffee Company.Located in the heart of downtown Wake Forest, Wake Forest Coffee Company is the perfect spot to kickstart your day. The two-story building has been a staple of the area since 1919 – it was formerly the town grocery store, an upholstery store, and a Western Auto Parts Store. Today, it churns out brews and offers beans sourced from different regions, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Bali, and Guatemala. Or ask for some fresh roasted beans to take home – Wake Forest Coffee Company will even grind them for you. For those who aren’t coffee lovers, you can still enjoy tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, and a variety of snacks from Wake Forest Coffee Company!

Stop downtown and grab a bite to eat.For lunch, stop at a spot locals love, Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs. Shorty’s hasn’t moved from its original location and it is still run by the family that started the business in 1916. It’s known as the longest-running restaurant in the greater Raleigh area and serves up hot dogs and burgers. Or if you’re in the mood for salads and sandwiches, check out the cozy Sugar Magnolia Café. They even offer a tea service and have a unique gift shop featuring handcrafted items from local vendors such as greeting cards, premium tea, accessories and more!

Continue your shopping spree atThe Cotton CompanyorNorth Carolina General Stores.The Cotton Company is located in a historic warehouse in downtown Wake Forest and features a marketplace with more than 60 booths stocked with local, handmade goods and furnishings. The building is also home to an art gallery and event space called “The Graham,” perfect for parties, meeting or conferences. In addition to private rentals, The Graham is available for community events, including theater performances, musicals and comedy shows.

Meanwhile, North Carolina General Stores specializes in North Carolina-made foods such as a variety of sauces, nuts, grits and spice blends. The store also features a gallery of artwork made by the late Nathan “Rusty” Forrest. Forrest was the artist in residence at the shop for many years and now his legacy lives on through his gallery of painted North Carolina scenes and landscapes.

Turn a new page at Wake Forest’s independent bookstore.Visit locally owned Page 158 Books in downtown Wake Forest. The store has outdoor seating to soak up the sun and get in a good read, or step inside to buy new books and book-related gifts. Page 158 often hosts author meet-and-greets, book signings, story times and book clubs, and even sponsors a StoryWalk for children at the local E. Carroll Joyner Park. Check out the calendar of events linked here to stay up to date on Page 158 Books’ latest happenings.

Shop local at theWake Forest Farmers Market.The Wake Forest Farmers Market is dedicated to educating the community about the value of local farms and food systems. The market is open on Saturdays, year-round, and features dozens of vendors. All vendors are located within 75 miles from the market and sell a variety of products. From jams to handmade soaps and jewelry, the Wake Forest Farmers Market is sure to have something for every taste and style!

Step back in time at theWake Forest Historical Museum.The Wake Forest Historical Museum is a collaborative effort between the Wake Forest College Birthplace Society and Wake Forest University, which is now located in Winston-Salem, NC. During your visit, tour the historic Calvin Jones House, where Wake Forest College began in 1834, visit the new museum building’s exhibits, and take a stroll through the gardens. The Wake Forest Historical Museum offers free admission.

Experience the outdoors at several parks and preserves. Enjoy the North Carolina weather year-round at one of Wake Forest’s many outdoor parks or preserves. The Falls Lake State Recreation Area has activities for everyone to enjoy, including hiking and biking trails, as well as water access for boating, fishing, and swimming. The E. Carroll Joyner Park is another popular spot for Wake Forest locals and visitors alike. It consists of 117 acres of beautiful landscapes and hosts events such as Art in the Park painting classes, concerts, and movie nights.

Enjoy a show at theWake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts.Located in the hub of Wake Forest, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts is an ideal venue for concerts, plays, exhibits, and even private celebrations. Throughout the year, the Renaissance Centre has opportunities for artists of all ages to submit their work to be featured in various exhibitions. Downtown Wake Forest has a vibrant arts scene, and this venue is at the heart of it all. Check out the calendar of events here!

Cap off your evening with a craft beverage. Wake Forest is home to several breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Start at White Street Brewing Company, a taproom with award-winning flagship brews, as well as seasonal and special release drafts. If you’re more of a wine drinker, make your way down the road to Unwined on White. This wine lounge features a variety of choices by the glass or bottle, and doubles as a yoga studio! Weather permitting, you can enjoy a glass on the rooftop.

Wake Forest offers an ideal mix of relaxation and adventure, with happenings all year long. Take a look at our Mews at Holding Village community, consisting of two and three-story townhomes that embody easy living. In addition to all that Wake Forest has to offer, homebuyers at The Mews have access to green space throughout the Holding Village planned communities including six parks, a pool pavilion, a 15-acre lake, miles of greenway trails, and playgrounds. Holding Village provides residents with the everyday joys of outdoor living, featuring spaces that encourage neighborly connection. It’s the ideal blend of modern homes, a serene ambiance, and a sense of community.

Start checking off this list of the many things to do when you call Wake Forest home!

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