Things to do in Wake Forest, NC

Raleigh is a top destination for visitors, but when you’re looking for something less urban that’s close to the famed Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill), check out the many things to do in Wake Forest, NC.

Wake Forest is a scenic Raleigh suburb, just 17 miles northeast of the North Carolina capital and 23 miles east of Durham, creating its own version of a triangle. Whether you plan to commute to either of these popular cities or just want easy access, living in Wake Forest is a smart choice for so many reasons.

Explore the vibrant arts and music scene.

You can pursue your passion for the arts in Wake Forest, NC. Browse the many galleries, studios, and special events. ARTS Wake Forest is renowned for supporting arts and culture throughout the region. Music, dance, theater, and art are all connected with ARTS Wake Forest. The organization sponsors performances, festivals, artisan markets, exhibits, workshops, seminars, and special programs for children. 

As an artist or connoisseur, the Wake Forest Guild of Artists is an inspiring resource. The renowned Guild presents events, seminars, and social events, as well as offering artists exhibition opportunities.

Music lovers love the live concerts presented throughout the year. Six Sundays in Spring brings live concerts to the amphitheater at E. Carroll Joyner Park, where you can spread out your picnic blanket and take in the sounds and sunshine on a Sunday afternoon. Six Sundays in Spring is also the site and date for Art in the Park Market, sponsored by the Wake Forest Guild of Artists. The event returns for Six Sundays in Fall. 

Spend a day at E. Carroll Joyner Park.

E. Carroll Joyner Park, Wake Forest’s newest and largest park, spans 117 acres and offers amenities that give you many ways to spend your day. The 1,000-seat amphitheater is the perfect spot for catching an outdoor performance, like Six Sundays in Spring. The performance garden is a more intimate setting, seating up to 150 people. Be sure to take the time to wander through the beautifully tended Walker Garden. 

The recently added Joyner Park Community Center is a 32,000-square-foot facility for recreation—including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and a walking track. The dance studio and multi-purpose rooms are the place to go for community classes. From sign language for babies to culinary classes for adults, the Joyner Park Community Center has events to bring everyone together!

Joyner Park also houses a piece of history. A variety of restored farm buildings are open for touring, taking you back to North Carolina’s agricultural roots.

Another unique feature at Joyner Park is the pecan grove. The trees are still producing a sustainable harvest every year.

To get the best look at the natural beauty here, follow three miles of paved trails through the park.

Tee up your golf game at Wake Forest’s 4 courses.

Feel like getting out and playing a round? Choose from 4 different golf courses in Wake Forest alone. 

Play 18 holes of championship caliber golf at The Heritage Golf Club, or sharpen your skills in the driving green, chipping green with practice bunker, and 8,000-square-foot putting green. When you’re not playing golf, The Heritage Club’s pool, tennis, and fitness facilities add more reasons to join the club.

The Hasentree Club delivers challenge and fun on a 7,074-yard, par-71 course. Spend a day playing 18 holes on a manicured course with breathtaking views.

For more than a century, the Paschal Golf Course in Wake Forest has been offering a top quality public course. Arnold Palmer himself played the 18 holes while he attended Wake Forest College (before it moved to Winston-Salem, NC).

Want a quicker game? Get in 9 or 18 holes at the Brevofield Golf Links. Wide open fairways are forgiving to the average golfer. The views, however, are top-notch, presenting panoramic vistas from one of the highest points in Wake County.

Retail therapy is plentiful.

Does retail therapy boost your mood? Among the many things to do in Wake Forest is the shopping experience. Downtown Wake Forest is worth a walk just to see the historical buildings that have been lovingly cared for—including the Wake Forest Town Hall, which was built in 1939.

While the architecture is fun to see, you’ll certainly enjoy the retail diversions that line the streets. Book lovers of all genres can spend hours browsing the shelves at Page 158 Books. For out-of-the-ordinary trinkets, gifts, and must-haves, visit The Cotton Company and North Carolina General Store. Music lovers can sift through treasured vinyl in every imaginable music style at Record Krate. For your inner (or actual) child, Play4Life Comics stocks more than 34,000 comic books, plus vintage toys that collectors will love.

You can also spend hours at the many other boutiques, galleries, and stores that make up the shopping adventure waiting for you in Downtown Wake Forest. 

Feed your foodie habit in Downtown Wake Forest.

When you’re living in Wake Forest, the many tempting restaurants in nearby Raleigh may be worth the drive, but save time and gas by dining right near home. The dining establishments in Downtown Wake Forest will take care of anything you crave.

Meet a friend for coffee, grab a great lunch, or make a night out of it with dinner at one of the many locally owned restaurants. You’re certain to run into familiar faces as you find your favorite place. Maybe you like to get your caffeine jolt at The Wake Forest Coffee Company or Black & White Coffee Roasters. How about lunch at The Lemon Tree or over at Sugar Magnolia’s Cafe, where you can grab an outdoor table and watch the Wake Foresters walk by. The Burger Shop of Wake Forest calls itself a “classic burger joint” and Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs is the best place in town for grabbing a hot dog with a side of hometown hospitality. If you want a diner-style experience, you can’t beat The Forks, where you can dine in or take out. And Las Margaritas is Wake Forest’s favorite Mexican restaurant.

Get the sweet stuff at Lumpy’s Ice Cream, where “You’re just a scoop away from a smile.” The homemade ice cream is blended in a tantalizing array of flavors. Try Bennie’s Bacon & Bourbon, Wired Hippie (coffee ice cream with trail mix), Bubba’s Backyard Blackberry, Denise’s Chocolate Brownie Addiction, or any of the flavorful creations!

When it’s after 5 somewhere, Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum comes alive. A relative newcomer to the Downtown Wake Forest community, Bodega guests can choose from almost 40 wines, a lengthy rum list, and a menu of tapas to accompany your beverage of choice.

For locally crafted beer, Downtown Wake Forest gives you a choice. Visit the taproom at White Street Brewing Company. Or check out Norse Brewing Company, serving craft beers and a Nordic-inspired menu that treats you from appetizer through dessert.

How about a little yoga with your wine? Unwined combines the right blend of bend and stretch for your glass.

Keep it fresh at the Farmers Market.

All year, you can pick up produce and other local freshness at the Wake Forest Farmers Market. Head to South Taylor Street any Saturday morning for fresh-from-the-field pickings.

In addition to the produce, plants, meats, baked goods, condiments, and dairy, you’ll discover hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind items that make your visit worthwhile. Support local farmers and artisans when you come home with farmers market finds like the fragrance of freshly harvested lavender, organic nut milk, or a locally made barbeque sauce or jam.

Fall in love with Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

One of Wake Forest’s natural treasures in the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. The 12,000-acre park encompasses the crystal clear Falls Lake, where visitors can swim, canoe, kayak, paddle board, or fish. Follow along 25 miles of hiking trails or 14 miles of biking trails.

With 300 campsites, an overnight in the great outdoors is a fun way to enjoy camping without traveling far from home. You can spend the day on the trails, in the water, or taking in the natural surroundings. Then retreat to a tent, group, or RV campsite for a night under the stars.

Lakestone: Enjoy lakeside living in Wake Forest

Baker Residential brings you another reason to consider living in Wake Forest. We’re building executive homes in Lakestone at Wake Forest just minutes from Falls Lake and all the other things to do in Wake Forest. These new homes for sale in Wake Forest are appointed with luxury features and stunning curb appeal. Some of the homes include a finished basement. The 3,685-square-foot home at 1224 Touchstone Way North has a finished walkout basement—a desirable feature that’s hard to find.

We currently have move-in ready new homes for sale in Wake Forest at Lakestone. The floor plans range from 3,493 to 5,246 square feet, with up to 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, with prices starting at $875,000. 

Plan to come to Wake Forest, NC, to see the quality lifestyle for yourself. Please include Lakestone at Wake Forest in your visit. Contact Baker Residential if you’d like to schedule a personal tour to make the most of your time here.