Wake Forest, North Carolina

Located just north of Raleigh, Wake Forest is a beautiful small town with enough history, culture and activities to keep travelers entertained for days on end. Stroll through the historic downtown district, home to a charming community of art galleries, shops and restaurants, grab a bite at Sugar Magnolia Cafe & Emporium for an authentic taste of N.C.-style Southern cooking or opt for a quick hot dog at Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs, a family-owned business since 1916.

If you’re in the shopping mood, stop in at The Cotton Company, where you can make your own gift basket filled with Tar Heel souvenirs. Dive further into Wake Forest’s rich history at the Wake Forest Historical Museum and the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, which was once the Wake Forest College campus before the school moved to Winston-Salem in the 1950s. Stop at the Wake Forest Farmers Market to find local cheeses, fruits, soaps and other great gifts.

For the sports enthusiast, The Factory offers ice rinks, a skate park, indoor soccer, an inflatable playground, miniature golf and go-carts. But the fun doesn’t stop there—kids will revel at the sight of an inflatable playground, the most popular spot at this Wake Forest park. Golfers can also enjoy Heritage Golf Club, which offers top-flight golf throughout the year. Cap the day off with a visit to White Street Brewing Company with a group of good friends.

Wake Forest is also a nature lover’s paradise, with Falls Lake State Recreation Area nearby, perfect for boating, camping, cycling, hiking, fishing or bird-watching. Catch a gorgeous sunset over the lake after a long weekend of fun in this quaint and charming town.