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Q& A with Tina Firesheets, author of 100 Things To Do in Winston-Salem Before You Die

Tina Firesheets, author of “100 Things To Do in Winston-Salem Before You Die” | Tina Firesheets

If you’re wondering what to do in Winston-Salem, Tina Firesheets has some answers for ya. Tina is the author of “100 Things To Do in Winston-Salem Before You Die.” As a journalist and a foodie, Tina fell in love with Winston. I mean how could she not?

Tina said she had big plans to move to Los Angeles — attracted by the idea of a vibrant city with lots of young professionals — but due to her mother’s cancer diagnosis, she stayed nearby to take care of her. Even more importantly, she started to see her home base as her playground as she settled in with her own family. Might we say she recreated the LA energy in the Triad?

Tina will talk about the process of writing her book at The Bookhouse Saturday, Aug. 26 with local expert Jeff Smith from Smitty’s Notes and WFDD reporter Paul Garber.

We sat down with her ahead of the talk.

What made you write the book?

It wasn’t my original idea, I was approached with the opportunity. I was a journalist with the News and Record for nearly 15 years, and then after that, I continued to freelance. So I knew previously from my other roles quite a bit about Winston-Salem. An editor I was working with at the time was approached by Reedy Press. They had versions of this book in other cities, she asked if I was interested in writing about Winston-Salem, and I said, maybe— and now there’s a book.

What can people expect from your author visit at the BookHouse on Saturday?

Well, I’m super excited to visit The Bookhouse for the first time. I’m a huge cheerleader for independently-owned bookstores. In the morning, I’ll be joined by Paul Garber— you hear his voice a lot in the mornings on WFDD. He and I are going to have a conversation about the book in the morning. So it’s going to be kind of like a cozy little chat with other people kind of being able to be a part of it. And then in the afternoon at the one o’clock one, my co-pilot is gonna be Jeff Smith, Smitty’s Notes. So I’m really excited about being out there with both of them and hopefully getting a chance to grab a Dough Joe’s doughnut beforehand.

Why Winston-Salem?

I really kind of fell in love with Winston-Salem. I’ve kind of admitted publicly that I do think — that I’m still a little hesitant to say this— but I do think that Winston-Salem has a lot going on that’s very cool and fun and innovative. So I’ve become a Winston-Salem cheerleader, as well.

Describe your perfect day in Winston-Salem.

Perfect day I always say Trade Street. Because you can take a walk in Art Park, stroll through there, the galleries, and then have your pick of restaurants and bars.

Read full interview

Asked

What do you like most about Winston-Salem?

A. Arts and culture
B. Bars and restaurants
C. People and scenery
D. Other

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Events

Friday, Aug. 25

Beauty & The Heat | Friday, Aug. 25 | 6-8 p.m. | Southern Home & Kitchen, 200 S. Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem | $71.21 | Create a meal to celebrate the end of summer with instructor Jennifer Prue.
Last Act: Winston-Salem Downtown Jazz | Friday, Aug. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Corpening Plaza, 237 W. 1st St., Winston-Salem | Free | Wrap up the Summer Concert series with live music featuring Jackiem Joyner.

Saturday, Aug. 26

Art For Art’s Sake 3D Glow Show | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 4 p.m. | AFAS Group, 630 N. Liberty St., Winston-Salem | Free | Enjoy various canvas sizes of 3D Glow art inside under all of the color lights with live musical performances.
Music in the Vineyard: Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 2-4 p.m. | 385 Dr Zimmerman Rd., Lexington, NC 27295 | Free | Winston-Salem duo the Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs will perform at Junius Lindsay Vineyard.
Next Level Conversation | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 7 p.m. | Reynolds Place Theatre, 251 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem | Free | College student athletes share their stories and experiences that have shaped them into who they are today.

Sunday, Aug. 27

The 2023 Carolina Weddings Show | Sunday, Aug. 27 | 12-4 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 300 Deacon Blvd., Winston-Salem | $20 | Whether you are just getting started planning or wrapping up the final details, discover top wedding vendors to make your dream day a reality.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Biz

A large portion of Whitaker Park could soon have a new owner. Indiana-based medical device maker Cook Medical is looking to sell the site it owns to Purple Crow, a Mexican food distribution company. (Triad Business Journal)

Arts

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts will kick off its 2023-2024 performance season tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 26, in Watson Hall on campus at 1533 S. Main St. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 per adult.

Edu

Want to make an impact in schools? Parents and guardians can apply to serve on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Facility Advisory Committee and advise the district on upcoming facility projects and plans. The selection survey will close Friday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.

Community

Artists have until Aug. 31 to submit their design for the downtown street mural painting of “Live United” on Fourth street. The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County will pay $500 for each letter painted to selected artist(s) which also goes toward supplies.

Real Estate

Boutique Wellness NC of Advance has purchased the historic Rosenbacher House for $1.1 million. Several commercial retail groups have occupied the property in the past. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Travel

It’s not too late to take that trip. NC Train is offering the $5 kids fare through Labor Day. The offer is valid for travel within the state. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Award

Junior Miller, a Winston-Salem race car driver will be inducted into the Caraway Speedway Wall of Fame on Saturday night during the speedway’s 58th anniversary. Miller has won 74 races at the Bowman Gray Stadium. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Finance

Pro tip: Peek into finance experts’ wallets and you’ll see this card. Where to start with the perks? This card is one of the best with 0% intro APR for over a year, up to 5% cash back, and no annual fee. Learn more.*

Giveaway

Could you use a vacation? How about five nights in a gorgeous beach house at Wild Dunes Resort? There’s still time (read: five more days) to enter this sweepstakes hosted by Lowes Foods.*

Fun Facts

NC’s bragging rights

Founded in NC: most iconic products made in Winston-Salem and beyond

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Cheerwine inventor Lewis D. Peeler pictured with a Cheerwine route truck. I Photo via Carolina Country.com

Since North Carolina became a state in 1789, it’s cranked out some pretty noteworthy items. Some, like the Shibumi Beach Shade + The Nugget, are newer innovations, but others — like Krispy Kreme + the barcode — are so iconic they enjoy national acclaim.

Let’s explore the timeline of NC’s most famous products, shall we?

Cheerwine

This cherry-flavored soda was born in the basement of Salisbury entrepreneur Lewis D. Peeler in 1917. Its name is derived from “cheer” (for pleasure) and “wine” (for its deep red hue). Pro tip: NC-based chains Biscuitville + Cookout serve Cheerwine at their locations. The annual Cheerwine Festival takes place in downtown Salisbury each May.

Krispy Kreme

Folks have been chowing down on Krispy Kreme’s fluffy, yeast-based doughnuts since Vernon Rudolph concocted them for his small, Old Salem-based coffeeshop in 1937. They’re so beloved, there’s even an annual Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh that challenges runners to eat 12 doughnuts over the course of 5 miles in just 1 hour.

More products made in NC

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

I’ll be getting an exclusive preview of a new art gallery collective downtown tonight. I’m always amazed by artists’ work all throughout Winston. I’ll be sharing a sneak peek on Instagram so you can join me.

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