Wake Forest, NC Guide

Wake Forest, NC Guide
Area Information
Big-city convenience meets small-town charm in Wake Forest, NC! Though it’s located just minutes from all the opportunities and attractions of both Raleigh and Durham, Wake Forest is its own world of quaintness and charm. Explore the historic streets of downtown. Partake in community events. Discover nature in a scenic park. Award-winning schools are available. Enjoy top-notch employers. And at the end of it all, come home to quiet neighborhoods full of beautiful homes and friendly faces. You can have it all with Wake Forest real estate.
Things to Do in Wake Forest, NC
Restaurants
Wake Forest has all kinds of food options that you’re sure to love, including Over the Falls. This local favorite offers daily specials and American classics like delicious burgers and chicken wings. They also have brunch on the weekends and make all of their desserts in-house. Another local favorite is Shuckers Oyster Bar and Grill. Not only do they have great seafood, but they have lots of other options for your picky eaters. They also offer daily specials so you can always try something new, and they can cater to all of your special events. You’ll love your evening out at Shuckers!
Charlie’s Kabob Grill is another place to find great food. They have two locations in Wake Forest that are both serving up fresh, healthy Mediterranean food. The owner first started cooking up his mother’s recipes, and now he travels to Lebanon every year to bring back fresh spices and new recipes! Head to Charlie’s if you’re looking for delicious, authentic Mediterranean food.]
Arts and Attractions
From rock ‘n roll concerts to comedy shows, dramatic theatrical productions to movie marathon weekends, there’s something for everyone at the Renaissance Centre for the Arts. Movies, holiday concerts, the Broadway Ball, and even classes and workshops for all ages are offered to the public of Wake Forest. Another unique way to experience art is to visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Adjacent to Wake Forest University, this historic house has been turned into an art museum that features lots of American artwork by artists including Georgia O’Keeffe, Grant Wood, Stuart Davis, Jacob Lawrence, and more. They also have beautiful outdoor gardens and trails that you can explore during your visit.
Every year, you can attend the Wake Forest Mardi Gras celebration. Wander downtown to see the parade, do all of the activities, listen to the live entertainment, have your faces painted, participate in different contests, and so much more! This celebration is sure to be a day of fun and excitement for everyone.
Parks and Recreation
Wake Forest has all kinds of outdoor spaces where you can spend the day soaking up the sun. Falls Lake State Recreation Area has countless activities to choose from on the water including boating, fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. They also have sandy beaches along the lakeshore and restrooms nearby, perfect for a day of swimming in the lake. You can spend the day hiking or biking through the park on one of the many trails, or you can participate in one of the environmental learning sessions led by park rangers. Overall, you’re going to have a fun-filled day no matter what you choose to do.
You can also visit E. Carroll Joyner Park, the newest and largest park in Wake Forest at 117 acres. This park also has tons of amenities to choose from, including restored farm buildings, paved trails, charcoal grills, and gardens. They also have a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater where they host a free concert series in the Spring and family movie nights in the summer.
Another great park is the J.B. Flaherty Park. With 100 acres to explore, you’re sure to find something to do between the playgrounds, baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and more. This park is great for everyone to spend the day outside playing games on the fields and eating lunch under the picnic shelters!
Shopping
The Cotton Company is a great place to check out. This restored warehouse is home to 50 different boutique retailers, all under one roof. You can knock out everything on your shopping list in one place. The Cotton Company is truly a local gem that highlights local products like pottery, clothing, gourmet foods and snacks, jewelry, and more. For all the bookworms, Page 158 Books is a great local place to check out. Not only do they carry lots of books, including those by local authors, but they also host lots of events like book clubs, book launches, author meet-and-greets, and more. This is a great place to explore new books and expand your library.
The Wake Forest Farmers Market is also another great place to find local products. They are open every Saturday, and all the vendors are local. You can find fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, and see the creations of artisans and crafters. This is a great place to connect with and support the community!
Schools & Employment
If you’re considering schools with your big move, rest assured that Wake Forest has some great schools. They have both public and private schools, including Endeavor Charter School, Franklin Academy, Jones Dairy Elementary, and Heritage Elementary and High School. For more information about schools in Wake Forest, visit the Wake County Public Schools website.
Wake Forest is located in the heart of the blossoming tech hub of the Triangle. Top employers of the Triangle region include Duke Healthcare, IBM, Duke University, GlaxoSmithKline, and SAS Institute. But you don’t even have to leave Wake Forest to find top employers, such as CenturyLink, Rex Healthcare, Cake County Public Schools, Ultra Electronics, or WakeMed Health.
Wake Forest, NC Neighborhoods
Ready to explore the Wake Forest area? Browse these Wake Forest neighborhoods below:
Ready to buy or sell a home in Wake Forest?
Contact the Rachel Kendall Team to get started!