What do locals really call things in Winston-Salem?

Officially, it may be Salem Parkway, but it’s always “Old 40" in our hearts.

A dark blue sky surrounds the top of the Wells Fargo Center, a large building with a domed top.

Sorry, all — the nickname(s) for this iconic local building fall under “NSFW.”

Photo by @tim_hutch

Are you guilty of calling Salem Parkway “Old 40"? You’re not alone.

Across the US, communities have created their own nicknames that might confuse out-of-towners asking for directions. Chicago’s Willis Tower is still referenced by locals as the “Sears Tower,” NYC’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is lovingly shortened to “the BQE,” and closer to home, Greenvillians in SC call Augusta Street “Augusta Road.”

How the names originate doesn’t matter. Be it a former title that locals can’t let go of or a silly nickname that caught on, we’re curious to know what Winstonians really call things — even if it’s just among friends or family. We’ll go first:

  • Many locals affectionately call the Wells Fargo Center... other names that reference its unique shape.
  • It’s not uncommon to hear folks shorten Shell Service Station to “The Shell.”
  • And of course, Salem Parkway goes by many names; Reader Lydia I. says that “You can tell how long someone has lived here based on what they call the highway through downtown.”

What readers said

We asked our readers what their nicknames for local landmarks, businesses, and streets were. Here’s what they said:

  • The strip of Hanes Mall [Boulevard] between Stratford and Jamestown we call “the CF.” — Crash B.
  • I still call it “the Reynolds Building.” I still call the tobacco company “Reynolds.” — Frank J.
  • The Wells Fargo center is still the “Wachovia Building” to me. And “Gate City Boulevard” in Greensboro is still “High Point Road.” — Julia T.
  • I always call Marketplace Cinema the $2 theater, because that’s how much it cost when it first opened. And I would always wait to see the first run movies until they came there a few months later. — Nancy H.
  • The end of Silas Creek Parkway near where it meets the Main Street exit-that will ALWAYS be “Corporation Parkway.” — Janet P.
  • Burke Public Safety Center is still just PSC! — David K.
  • I still hear people call Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital “The Baptist!” — Teresa A.

Share your own nicknames for local landmarks, buildings, or streets in the comments below.

More from WStoday
Enjoy the ultimate Halloween excitement — from exploring Old Salem’s spooky vibes to showing off your best costume for a chance to win a prize.
From “coffee, coffee, coffee” to chilaquiles and everything in between, here are a few ways to pay homage to “Gilmore Girls” in Winston-Salem this autumn.
Show some love to your fave businesses in Winston-Salem.
These neighborhoods have some character, and they’re here to flaunt it.
Here’s how to find out when trucks will be in your neighborhood.
The award-winning Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center serves older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Sponsored
Take a look at what projects get prioritized and funded by the city.
Whether you’re looking for something unique for your front porch or want to have some fun with your family, pumpkin patches and farms in the Winston-Salem area have plenty to offer.