Introduction
North Carolina is acclaimed for its awe-inspiring Appalachian mountains, pristine beaches, and abundance of rural farmland; however, some of the lesser-known charms of NC are the small-town main streets that dot the state. One such place is Wake Forest, North Carolina, located about 30 minutes from both Raleigh and Durham.
Last year, I bought a townhouse in this quaint but growing downtown. It was a perfect location to commute daily into the big city of Raleigh while maintaining a rural, small-town feel. It also didn’t hurt that my townhouse’s location provided perfect walkability to Wake Forest’s main street, filled with shops, restaurants, and breweries. Now that I’m living in Raleigh with Daniel, we have decided to turn this townhouse into an Airbnb (Walkable Wake Forest Townhouse).
To get the townhouse ready for hosting visitors, Daniel and I spent a day in Wake Forest evaluating the town through the eyes of our soon-to-be guests. These are our recommendations on how to spend a day in Wake Forest, one of the most charming and fastest-growing towns in the Research Triangle area. Fun fact: the town was once home to Wake Forest University; however, the university moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. Students still show up in town each fall looking for their dorms! For more information on the university’s namesake and how a move over half a century ago still leads to confusion today, here are some superb resources on the history of the town and the university.
Morning:
Begin your day in downtown Wake Forest at Plant Cakes Bake Shop, a vegan and gluten-free bakery with sinfully delicious and guilt-free doughnuts (gluten options are available). We recommend trying their cookies and cream doughnut or, if you visit during the fall, the apple cider one. To get your coffee fix, it’s a short walk up White (the main street) to Wake Forest Coffee. This establishment packs plenty of charm into its early 1900s frame. On both floors of the shop are displayed selections from local artists, and you can order any of the baristas’ favorite drinks by name (jump to 0:48 in the embedded video above; Daniel recommends the “Sofie,” a steamed cinnamon pumpkin latte). My favorite is the honey lavender latte.
After you’ve finished breakfast and are appropriately caffeinated, stroll back down the main street and peruse the local shops. The Cotton Company, a former cotton warehouse, has now been transformed into a store featuring over 50 local artisans selling everything from custom art to olive oil and handmade greeting cards. The space also boasts a local artisan that offers candle-making workshops and a special event space for wedding receptions and holiday parties. You are certain to find something special to commemorate your trip!
Mid Day:
After finishing up with all the shops downtown, walk off your breakfast at one of the many hiking options in the area. Daniel and I recommend the Wake Forest Reservoir, just about a mile from downtown. This easy four-mile loop is popular with mountain bikers and offers spectacular views of the lake that supplies some of the town’s drinking water. If you need more hiking, consider jumping onto sections of the nearby Mountain to Sea Trail (Little Lick Creek Bridge) and/or Falls Lake. Finally, if you have kids or prefer paved trails, E. Caroll Joyner Park is the place for you. This park offers a wonderful playground, community center, and historic farm buildings, which makes for a terrific stop that is both educational and active.
Once you have hiked to your heart’s content, head back into town to enjoy a delicious craft beer (or three) from any of the local breweries. Norse Brewing takes its Scandinavian namesake seriously by offering beers paying homage to Norse mythology, such as “Phat Thor,” a dark and strong stout, and “Hammer Time,” a funky and fruity strong Belgian ale. The kitchen also prepares excellent food, including well-reviewed entrees like the “Viking Burger” and “Norse Short Ribs.” On your way out the door, inspect Norse Brewing’s signature Viking Rune Stone and choose which of their five gnome mascots represents you and your party!
Still in the drinking mood? White Street Brewery, located in an old Chevrolet Service Building, offers a generous selection of IPAs and their famous Kolsch, which is sold all over the Triangle. Much of the year, you can also find “Fruitfinity Cranberry Kölsch” on tap, which takes their most popular original to a whole new level. If you are not one for breweries, consider patronizing the local cocktail bar, Tonic, or Unwind on White, where you can find world-class wines and local cans of beer paired with a beautiful rooftop view. Unwind also offers yoga classes and features artisan markets a few nights a month!
Evening:
For dinner, there are a plethora of restaurants in downtown Wake Forest. Our recommendation is Las Margaritas, a no-frills, simply fabulous food joint located in a basement building at the end of downtown. The Monster Margaritas are an excellent deal, and the salsa and chips never stop flowing! If you prefer a fancier evening, Bodega, a Spanish tapas restaurant featuring a wine and rum bar, is the spot for you. Depending on how tired you are by this point in the night, Strike and Barrel is a solid choice to get in a game of bowling and play some classic or modern arcade games.
Conclusion
No matter how you spend your day in Wake Forest, North Carolina, we know you’ll absolutely love it. We look forward to hosting you and yours on your next visit to the area!