Let’s go down memory lanes of your favorite reads this year. | Graphic by 6AM City design team
Your WStoday Wrapped is here, and it’s been a big year for the Twin City. Let’s dive into your top stories of 2024 — but first, some stats.
41,824 of you are subscribed to WStoday and know all the best news and events in our city. Psst... send this newsletter to a friend to make sure they’re in the loop too.
You’ve read 263 newsletters. In those newsletters, we celebrated our one-year anniversary, played around with our new look, and shared over 1,000 News Notes. Thanks for being here.
Let’s deep dive into the data
These posts got Winstonians talking and sharing with their friends.
POV: “You learn Winston-Salem is one of the best places to live” garnered 37,000 replays and reached over 23,000 accounts with the highest engagement of the year.
Carolina Thunderbirds vs. Watertown Wolves | Friday, Dec. 13-Saturday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena | $12+ | Watch the Thunderbirds shoot for eight straight wins.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Holiday Ornament Workshop | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Cobblestone Farmers Market | Free | Stop by Gateway Nature Preserve to make a painted leaf ornament with natural materials.
Winter Festival | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Walkertown Branch Library, Walkertown | Free | Bring your family and take part in planned activities like a winter-themed photo shoot, building gingerbread houses, and making your own favorite hot beverage.
Pet-nat and Pupusas | 5:30-8 p.m. | The Caviste | $38 | Get a taste of pupusas made in-house + sip on a glass of sparkling wine — walk-in or RSVP until sellout.
Kernersville Recreation + Event Center Grand Opening | 6-8 p.m. | Kernersville Recreation + Event Center, Kernersville | Free | Explore new amenities like large classrooms, sports courts, and indoor meeting spaces that will be open to the public.
Kaleideum After Dark: Ugly Sweater Party | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Kaleideum | $20+ | Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and socialize with other grown-ups without the kids — ticket includes two drink vouchers for beer and wine.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Champagne Cocktails Workshop | 2 p.m. | easytalk | $30 (class deposit) | Mix and sip sparkling cocktails as you prepare to ring in the new year.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Class | 4-6 p.m. | Joymongers | $30 | Grab your friends, sip on a drink, and let your creativity run wild as you craft the perfect cookies to take home during the guided experience.
Can’t attend in person? The summit will include live streams of panel discussions. | Photo provided by Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is inviting leaders, educators, and industry professionals of all levels to the spring Belonging and Inclusion Leadership Summit — a one-day educational event dedicated to the intentional cultivation of more inclusive, higher-performing environments.
Hosted in Wake Forest University’s Farrell Hall on Thursday, March 13, this interactive summit offers the opportunity to:
Gain actionable insights to elevate inclusion in your organization.
Enhance team performance by creating a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Learn from executives who are building belonging in their own organizations.
In addition to addresses from Dr. Will Lewis, President of WillHouse Global, and Christopher Bylone van Sandwyk, Global Head of Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at Krispy Kreme, the event includes expert panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions covering:
Wondering what was on Winstonians’ minds this year? According to Google Year in Search 2024, people in our city were searching for things like “peach cobbler near me.” Pssst: Check out the food scene around the Twin City.
Pro tip for kids gifts:Consider gifting the family a membership to the Kaleideum. Why? Experiences keep toys out of the living room and kids out of the house. Browse kid-friendly activities for more gift ideas.
Film
You’ve heard of Barbenheimer and Glicked, now brace for… Babyratu? Snag an advanced ticket to see Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl” and Nosferatu at a/perture Cinema Saturday, Dec. 28 — show times vary.
Travel
347,360. That’s how many people rode on Amtrak’s Carolinian route in 2024, up 10% from last year. The Carolinian stops in High Point (~30 minutes from Winston-Salem) and connects to cities like Raleigh, Richmond, and New York — learn more about how to take a ride.
We can help get you connected with the best local talent. | Graphic by 6AM City
Are you hiring? Post your open positions on our community job board + immediately get connected with qualified local candidates.
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter. We highly recommend it.” – George Campbell of Campbell Teague, Entrepreneurs at Law
While many hiring sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter are over-saturated, 6AM City Job Board is tailored to Winston-Salem, maximizing visibility among top local talent.
Walk through the festive displays in the historic downtown. | Photo courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Itching to get out of town, Winstonians? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to Wilmington (~3.5 hours from Winston-Salem) instead. From touring historic homes to dining on freshly served oysters at aView Rooftop Bistro — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the Port City.
🍔 Eat
Cam Cafe @ Cameron Art Museum | 3201 South 17th St. No need for a museum membership to access this European-style cafe that serves lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Satelite Bar & Lounge | 120 Greenfield St. Relax with live music on Sunday afternoons and nights at this lounge area. Catch salsa and bachata lessons once a month on Wednesdays.
Dough House Pizza Co. | 110 N. Front St. Opt for handcrafted pizza and sandwiches, or build your own. Get this — Chef Nick Chavez was one of the contestants on Food Network’s “Chopped” where he took home a grand prize of $10,000.
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
I’m excited to be hosting my Christmas party this weekend. It’s been a beloved tradition of mine since moving to Winston-Salem two years ago. Not a fan of hosting at your home? Leave it to these pros to plan a cozy and intimate party that’ll leave a lasting impression on your guests.