08.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

86º | 25% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:40 a.m. | Sunset 8:09 p.m.

📈 A billion reasons to love Forsyth County

The numbers are in: visitor spending in Forsyth County tops $1 billion

Multicolored mural of people running and biking with city backdrop in background. The words "Greetings from Winston-Salem, North Carolina" are written.

There’s always something new (and old) to explore in our city. | Mural by @jpyourlife, photo by WStoday

We know Forsyth County is a great place to live, work, and play. Visitors are discovering that too. People who visited Forsyth County in 2023 spent a total of $1.05 billion, a 6.9% increase from spending in 2022. Here’s why that’s important:

$72.6 million in state and local taxes were generated
$272 million in personal income was earned from tourism
6,753 jobs were supported

Furthermore, visitor spending is saving residents money. Each NC household saved an average of $518 in taxes thanks to the economic boost.

Statewide successes

Visit NC commissioned the annual study to look at the impact of tourism statewide. Additional findings include:

NC hosted ~43 million visitors in 2023.
Domestic and international travelers spent a combined $35.6 billion in NC last year.
More employees were hired to support tourism — direct tourism employment rose 4.8%.

Leading the charge

Forsyth County ranked ninth statewide for visitor spending. The county’s dedication to drawing people from out of town goes back to 1983. That’s when it was one of five counties to adopt a special tax on visitor accommodations. Today, about 61% of revenue from hotel tax + room occupancy tax go back into tourism efforts — the rest is distributed to municipal government.

Looking down on long inside hallway with education booths set up. There is art on the walls. — Visit Winston-Salem staffs someone at Benton Convention Center to help visitors learn their way around the area.
|
Photo by WStoday

Visit Winston-Salem, Forsyth County’s tourism bureau, is in charge of marketing the Greater Winston-Salem area. Its focus is attracting overnight visitors for business and leisure. It works closely with local businesses and venues like Benton Convention Center to attract small and large events.

“Visit Winston-Salem implements sales and marketing strategies that motivate meetings, groups, sporting events, and leisure travelers to choose Forsyth County,” said Visit Winston-Salem President Stephanie Pace Brown. “These efforts create economic vitality by enhancing the customer base for our local businesses, supporting jobs, and generating taxes — all for the benefit of the people who live here.”

Events

Friday, Aug. 16

“Cleaning House” Dinner Theater | Friday, Aug. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | Doubletree by Hilton | $45-$65 | The event will feature a vendors market, dinner, a comedy show, and the featured play.
Downtown Jazz | Friday, Aug. 16 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Corpening Plaza | Free | Improvisational soul-jazz flutist Althea René performs live.

Saturday, Aug. 17

A Book Talk with Frances Mayes | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 4-5 p.m. | Bookmarks | The author will discuss her new book “A Great Marriage,” about the impact of a couple’s decision to call off their vows days before the event.
Summer on Fourth | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | 638 W. 4th St. | Free | Honky-tonk band The Bo Stevens will entertain the crowd outside Foothills Brewing.
Open Mic Poetry | Saturday, Aug. 17 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Chad’s Chai | Free | Share your poetry, listen to others, and participate in a haiku contest.

Sunday, Aug. 18

“A Gospel Brunch” | Sunday, Aug. 18 | 12-5 p.m. | Simply Sonya’s, 2101 Peters Creek Pkwy., Ste. 26 | $30-$250 | Willie Mason and his talented friends will perform gospel songs while you enjoy a good meal.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Biz

A produce distributor is eyeing Winston-Salem for an expansion that could bring ~305 jobs and a $6.25 million investment. Forsyth County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on incentives for the company, right now only known as “Project Kohlrabi,” at their next meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5. (Triad Business Journal)

Real Estate

A 25-unit subdivision is coming to five acres on West Clemmonsville Road (~two miles east of Silas Creek Parkway). DreamBuilt Construction Inc. will break ground on the StoneBriar community in early September. Home prices are being marketed from $225,000 to $375,000. (Triad Business Journal)

Development

City Council will vote to approve an engineering and design contract to expand Long Branch Trail on Tuesday, Sept. 3. It’s part of the plan to use a federal transportation grant to extend the multi-use path 1.2 miles, across Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to 25th Street. (WFDD)

Closing

It’s your last chance to grab crepes + coffee at Pink Moon Cafe’s current location on West 5th Street. The business will celebrate its “grand closing” on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. but has plans to reopen in a different location — stay tuned for updates.

Eat

Get a pizza from Cugino Forno delivered to your table at Dram and Draught. The neighbors in Innovation Quarter are teaming up to serve customers cocktails and food. Looking for more delicious spots for a slice? Check out our pizza guide.

Arts

Tickets go on sale today, Aug. 16 at 12 p.m. for UNC School of the Arts’ 2024-2025 performance season. “UNCSA Presents” begins Sunday, Aug. 25 with “Of River and Field” and includes features from the Schools of Dance, Drama, Filmmaking, Music, and Design + Production.

Sports

Watch local high school football teams participate in the inaugural Bill Hayes Pigskin Challenge tonight, Aug. 16 starting at 6 p.m. The retired football coach will make remarks before the scrimmages begin at North Forsyth High School’s Nifong-Crafford Stadium — get in the gates for $10. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Film

The free screening of “Sound of Hope” on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. will now be held at a/perture cinema. If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent and want to watch the story about embracing children in the foster care system, you must register to reserve your tickets.

Home

Cringe alert: Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down for toilet paper. But this new bamboo toilet paper just might save the planet. It feels just like high-end TP, but doesn’t harm trees. Plus, code 6AM30 gives you 30% off your first purchase. Read more.*

Finance

Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. These are hands down some of the best.*

Eat

It may be hard to stop munching on these bite-sized spicy tuna wontons, but that’s a risk we’re willing to take. See the recipe.*

Plan Ahead

ICYMI Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County celebrated its 75th anniversary last week — and the celebration will continue for the next year. See the lineup of 75th anniversary events (and the hundreds of other Council-supported events you can attend).*

Wellness

Curious about CBD gummies? Cornbread Hemp is giving first time customers a second jar for free with code SUMMERTIMEBOGO. Choose from watermelon, berry, peach, or special sleep varieties.*

Real Estate

Bring your appetite back to Old Salem

New plans for former Tavern restaurant property in Old Salem

Old Salem, Inc. has owned the building since 1965. | Photo by Warren LeMay via Wikimedia Commons

The beloved Tavern restaurant in Old Salem will once again welcome customers. Old Salem, Inc. has sold the property at 736 S. Main St. Developers plan to renovate the building and open a new restaurant in the space.

With its traditional decor and simple but savory menu, the Tavern was a local favorite until it closed at the end of 2019. A subsidiary of Charlotte-based RJS Properties, Inc. purchased the building — it plans to preserve the Tavern’s menu and its Moravian history.

New features will include upgrades to the outside dining area, dedicated parking, and new kitchen equipment. Crews will start on construction immediately. The building is a local historic landmark, which means the restoration will follow strict rules and regulations.

The new Old Salem Tavern restaurant intends to serve lunch and dinner. If everything goes according to plan, developers anticipate opening later this year.

The Buy

The Buy 8.16.24 (Affiliate)

These waterproof Chelsea rain boots. Prepare for rainy months ahead with these stylish rubber boots — available in three different colors — that will keep your feet safe and dry from any inclement weather.

More worth The Buy

Answered

We asked, “What’s your favorite part of the Winston-Salem Open?” Here’s what you said:

Tennis court illuminated at dusk with two players. The court is surrounded by a crowd in stands, with a stadium in the background. — The 2023 Winston-Salem Open brought $5 million to the Winston-Salem economy.
|
Photo via Winston-Salem Open

I’m all about the action — 47%
I love seeing the boost it brings to Winston-Salem — 33%
Other — 20%

The tournament kicks off tomorrow

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambridge

From the editor

The Tavern closed before I had a chance to check it out but I still hear people talk about how much they enjoyed it. Hopefully doors will reopen just in time for cool weather, which will make that Moravian chicken pie taste even better.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

›

Advertise with us to stand out.

›

Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More

›

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY