If you’re thinking of relocating to Raleigh or recently moved to Raleigh, we encourage you to get to know more about the adorable neighboring town of Wake Forest.
Getting to know Wake Forest
Out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Raleigh but still a thriving place full of things to do, Wake Forest is the perfect town just north of Raleigh for people looking for a peaceful escape while still wanting the fun and convenience of city life.
Let’s start with the Downtown area
Downtown Wake Forest is charming, with little shops and restaurants on a picturesque street just around the corner from the beautiful campus of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Shop Local – Downtown Wake Forest from Town of Wake Forest, NC on Vimeo.
Get some vegan donuts at Plant Cakes Bake Shop, serving up delicious desserts and donuts for vegans and people with allergies.
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Pick up some fun candy at Sweeties Candy Shop, find some gifts and souvenirs at Southern Suds and Gifts.
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The Cotton Company is a historic building offering jewelry and gifts from over 50 vendors, as well as galleries of local artists. The Magnolia Tea Room has cute tea party events for children and offers a great afternoon with tea and desserts.
The White Street Brewing Company is another great stop–see the whole brewing process and try one of their handcrafted beers and lagers. During Halloween, children can trick or treat to each shop, and the Wake Forest Christmas Parade features local businesses and performances and marches right down Main Street.
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Enjoy Arts and History
The Wake Forest Historical Museum gives visitors a chance to learn about this over 100 year old town, with films and exhibits about local history. Check out the 1820 Calvin Jones House that has been restored and offers free tours.
The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, previously the Wake Forest College before it moved in the 1950s to Winston-Salem, has beautiful grounds to see. Historical homes line the street around the campus, and are often decorated wonderfully for Halloween and Christmas. It makes for a nice afternoon drive–and don’t forget to stop by Lumpy’s right there for some ice cream! The second Friday every month, Art After Hours displays local artists’ work on White Street to enjoy and purchase.
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Wake Forest Schools
With some of the best schools in North Carolina, Wake Forest has several free charter schools that families can apply for that offer different educational focuses.
Endeavor Charter School focuses on fine arts, with hands-on learning with small class sizes.
Envision Science Academy focuses on STEAM learning, with hands-on science experiments and a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Franklin Academy, Wake Forest Charter School– the list goes on. These schools are K-8 and provide families an opportunity to have their kids at the same school when they would otherwise be attending an elementary and junior high school. Also, check out our guide on Raleigh Montessori schools nearby.
Enjoy the Restaurants
Wake Forest has so many outstanding restaurants, its residents don’t even need to venture to downtown Raleigh for good food.
Bodega Tapas, Wine and Rum in downtown Wake Forest has creative dishes and cocktails that keep locals coming back every weekend. Their lamb meatballs, arancini and empanadas alone are worth the trip. Eating those, combined with the intimate setting, dim lighting, and exposed brick interior make you feel like you’re in Spain.
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Amalia’s Authentic Italian Food has accomplished the impressive feat of sweeping its guests off their feet and making them feel as though they’re eating in a Michelin star restaurant in Italy. Set in a renovated home built in the 1800s, the service is the best in
North Carolina, with knowledgeable waiters and an upscale ambiance perfect for a special occasion or just treating yourself. The penne alla norcina with its black truffle sausage and pasta and the brasato braised beef cheek are the stars of the menu. Their wine was a treat in itself.
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The restaurant options are endless.
The Curry House is perfect for that Indian food craving. Their tikka masala hits the spot and they offer takeout options.
Over the Falls is another great restaurant; their extensive menu covers anything from wings to steak, fantastic salads to pizza.
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Afterwards, head next door to Strike and Barrel for some bowling and a milkshake or beer in the quaint bowling alley.
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LOCAL’S TIP: Check out Page 158, a charming little independent bookstore is also next door.
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Play in the Parks and Nature
E. Carroll Joyner Park is a highlight, with expansive walking trails that pass historic log cabins with plaques for the kids to read about the people and animals who lived there. There is also a pond to spot turtles, paved trails for bikes, and a large playground erected within the last couple of years. The new community center hosts a variety of outstanding children’s programs, from hip hop dance to holiday crafts, to free open play in their gym with a variety of toys for kids to enjoy. Adults can also take advantage of their gym memberships and the nice indoor running track with a view of the forested park.
And don’t miss their Six Sundays in Spring event, with free live concerts in the park six Sundays in a row starting at the end of April right when the weather is warming up. Forest Ridge Park is another great playground and nature park, with a zipline and fossil dig for the kiddos. They can dig for shark teeth and a variety of fossils in the dirt that has been brought in from caves in Western North Carolina.
The park has a large open field perfect for kicking around a soccer ball and some mountain bike trails as well. In the park, a butterfly and pollinator garden can also give the kids and young at heart a chance to enjoy beautiful flowers and insects. The Forest Ridge Community Center has nature programs for the kids that teach them about local flora and fauna and hike with them around the lake. Heritage Golf Course is a scenic course right in the heart of the Heritage neighborhood with a lake and enough green hills for any avid golfer.
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Falls Lake provides swimming and beaches that are just a short drive away but can feel like a vacation away from home. Sandling Beach on Falls Lake is perfect for families with a playground, a large sand beach, and a lake with barriers to keep the kiddos out of the deeper boating areas. There are picnic and barbeque areas, and the parking is convenient at just $7 dollars per car for the day. Beaver Dam offers a great place for kayaking, swimming and fishing, as motorized boats are prohibited. Hiking trails and trees surround the serene lake, making it a perfect little getaway.
Plenty of fun events
Friday Night on White in downtown Wake Forest is a summer concert series that features local bands and serves beer and wine in the street for purchase as well as a variety of food trucks that line the street. The Wake Forest Farmers Market downtown brings together various cheesemakers, farmers, bakers, soapmakers and artists so visitors can get a real taste of the area! Wake Forest Mardi-Gras is a family-friendly event right on White Street in downtown Wake Forest, with games, a king and queen costume contest, and a children’s parade. There is even a two-day Fourth of July Celebration, with fireworks, a children’s parade, a pie-eating contest and a variety of games. Beach Night on White is another fun event downtown, with dancing to live beach music and the shops and restaurants staying open late for the festivities. Join the fun in August! Stay in-the-know and follow NC Eat & Play for greatWake Forest events.
Wake Forest is the perfect blend of slower-paced country living with the conveniences of city life. Come see what all the talk is about, and why Raleigh residents are moving up to Wake Forest!
Sources
Top 10 Things to Do in Wake Forest, N.C. VisitRaleigh, Accessed 12 Mar. 2021.