Nine things to do when you move to Wake Forest

Wake Forest provides the charm of a small, quiet town while also offering nearby amenities for your everyday needs.

With a population of over 42,000 residents, Wake Forest offers a friendly community you can call home. From its historic downtown to its luscious greenways and parks, Wake Forest has a variety of ways for you to enjoy the outdoors, great restaurants and more. When you live in Wake Forest, you’re also just 30 minutes away from North Carolina’s vibrant capital, which offers a wide range of fun activities for people of all ages. 

But when you’re moving to Southeastern’s campus, what can you do that’s just a close drive or a short walk away? We’ve got a few suggestions for you.  

1. Go to the Wake Forest Farmer’s Market.  

Head down to the Saturdays Farmer’s Market in downtown Wake Forest to pick up produce and other foods from local vendorsDuring April-October, the market runs from 8 a.m.-12During November-March, the market runs from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. All vendors represented at the farmer’s market are located within 75 miles of Wake Forest, so you know you’re getting quality, locally grown food. If you want food that comes straight from the farm to your table, check out the Wake Forest Farrmer’s Market. Learn more at www.wakeforestmarket.org 

2. Grab a meal with friends. 

You can walk to a number of local restaurants from Southeastern. From burgers and fries to soups and salads, there’s something for everyone downtown. Having so many options nearby make it easy to grab a meal to-go and sit out on our beautiful campus quad with a friend. A full list of restaurants can be found here. 

3. Study at our coffee shops 

Wake Forest Coffee Company and Black & White Coffee Roasters are popular spots to grab a drink on the go, meet a friend or get some much-needed studying done. Whether you need a pick-me-up in between classes or a spot to cram for that upcoming exam, our friendly Wake Forest baristas will welcome you in with a delicious beverage and place to work 

4. Catch a show at the Renaissance Center 

Wake Forest’s Renaissance Center offers 10,000 square feet of space for hosting private events, concerts, exhibits, theatrical productions and more. Grab dinner downtown and take in a show with friends and family. Learn more about the Renaissance Center and see what shows are coming up here 

5. Learn to paint at The Artist’s Loft 

Interested in learning how to paint? The Artist’s Loft, located on the second floor of Wake Forest Coffee Company, features work from local artists and classes throughout the year. Come enjoy a cup of coffee while perusing local artists’ works or take your own class.

6. Get active at our recreational facilities and green spaces.  

Parks abound in the Town of Wake Forest! Come enjoy 561 acres of green spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll or a long run. With over a dozen parks and recreational facilities, there are opportunities to get outside and get active. The Factory is another great spot for indoor recreational activities. From soccer to ice skating to one of the regions only indoor/outdoor skate parks, the Factory offers sports and entertainment for the whole family. At the Factory, you can also enjoy restaurants and shopping to your heart’s content. Click here for a full list of Parks and facilities 

7. Shop and eat at Meet in the Street.  

At the town’s Meet in the Street, you can find hundreds of booths, featuring vendors selling arts and crafts as well food trucks from local restaurants and entertainment for the whole family. Gather together with hundreds of others in the community to enjoy live music, shopping and fun activities for kids on White Street in downtown Wake Forest.  

8. Listen to live music at Friday Night on White.  

Wake Forest’s Friday Night on White summer concert series is another popular Wake Forest tradition, hosted downtown on one Friday night a month from April through September. The night features local bands, food trucks and more. 

9. Enjoy a walk down our beautiful Historic District 

The Wake Forest Historic District runs along the streets surrounding Southeastern and is lined with historic brick homes built as early as 1888. Crisp orange and red-leafed trees line the streets in the fall and bright spring flowers bloom in the spring, making it one of the best areas to walk around campus. You can also take a tour through the Wake Forest Historical Museum, which tells the story of the town, Wake Forest College and Southeastern Seminary.   

Want to learn more about the Town of Wake Forest? Check out the official guide here. 

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