Winston-Salem Northern Beltway progress | City Editor Kellina spoke with Division 9 Engineer John P. Rhyne to discuss the efforts that state and county officials are making to help ease traffic congestion around Winston-Salem.
Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day | The Twin City has events for couples seeking romance, singles seeking singles, and friends seeking group outings — check out a few of our favorites.
Remembering Winston-Salem’s sit-in movement | Nonviolent protests at a lunch counter started with one man and grew to include nearly two dozen students. Their actions created change in the Twin City.
Events
Events
Friday, Feb. 14
2025 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Live-Action | Friday, Feb. 14-Thursday, Feb. 20 | Times vary | a/perture cinema | $10+ | View a special release of the year’s most spectacular live action short films like “Anuja” and “I’m Not a Robot.”
Valentine’s Day Bash at Tucker’s Tap Yard | 5 p.m. | Tucker’s Tap Yard | Cost of purchase | Spend Valentine’s Day with your true love (your pup) and enjoy specialty cocktails, activities, and a dog kiss booth.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Mega Auditions spring 2025 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance | Free | Audition for the alliance’s spring 2025 shows, including “Zorba” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Chocolate & Roses, A Valentines Affair | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Simply Sonya’s Restaurant & Lounge | $31+ | Enjoy complimentary chocolates while host Mr. Petri Byrd — the bailiff from “Judge Judy” — brings in national artists for live performances.
Sweetheart Dinner and Dance | 5:30-10 p.m. | Old Homeplace Vineyard | $80+ | Enjoy a multi-course meal with dishes like prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, and wine before hitting the dance floor.
Sunday, Feb. 16
“Fences” | 7:30 p.m. | Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts — Hanesbrands Theatre | $35 | In this play by August Wilson, a former Negro League baseball star now works as a garbage man to support his family in 1957 Pittsburgh.
Monday, Feb. 17
Birthday Bash Drag Bingo | 7-9 p.m. | Joymongers Barrel Hall | Free | Celebrate Joymongers’ anniversary month with a night of drag bingo featuring Anna Yacht + Genesis De Vil.
Book Talk with Elaine Neil Orr | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Bookmarks | Free, RSVP | Join this conversation with the author of “Dancing Woman,” a novel about a young woman artist born in Nigeria to expat parents.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Winter Dance | Thursday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 23 | Times vary | University of North Carolina School of the Arts | $20+ | Five iconic choreographers showcase the brilliance of modern and classical ballet during this multi-day event that blends history, innovation, and artistry.*
Brownie Batter Dream is a first-of-its-kind nighttime blend for better sleep, now available hemp-free. | Photo by Beam Organics
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Would you live in a six-bedroom home located 656 ft under the water? A project called Deep, backed by an anonymous investor, is working to create a permanent “human settlement” under the sea. We’ll just take this Camel City home with a pool for now, thanks. (The Guardian)
Number
$200+. That’s how much a one-day adult pass to Disneyland costs now. Consider spending that money closer to home with these kid-friendly activities around Winston-Salem. (The Wall Street Journal)
Fun Fact
Planning a wedding? You’re in luck — Taco Bell recently launched a $777 Vegas-themed wedding package featuring all the bells and whistles, like an Elvis impersonator and a Taco Bell hot sauce bouquet. For those who don’t see the vision, we’ve got a guide to local venues. (People)
Tech
A new app called WikiTok allows users to scroll through Wikipedia articles without end. Of course, our Instagram page is basically the local equivalent; just scroll through our Reels to learn new things about Winston-Salem every day. (Ars Technica)
Plan Ahead
Have you been watching John Legend coach on “The Voice” this season? The music icon is coming to WS in April for a one-on-one conversation for the final Face to Face Speaker Forum of the season. Snag tix before they sell out.*
Health
Feel like your vision benefits are leaving you in the dark? Brighten things up with VSP® Individual Vision Plans, starting as low as $13 a month.*
City Guide
City Guide
Retirement is a full-time job
Instructors will guide you every step of the way at Sawtooth. | Photo by WStoday
Earlier, this week, we shared our local retirement guide. In case you missed it, check out more activities, tips, and deals for Winston-Salem’s community of retirees.
Get Fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in retirement, keep moving with fitness classes and activities designed for older Winstonians.
YMCA programs | Check out your local Y’s programs for adults 50+, ranging from pickleball to “active older adults bingo.”
Recreation center programs | Look into the programs offered at your nearby rec center — some have classes like gentle yoga (Brown & Douglas), chair volleyball (South Fork), or adult boxing (Minnie Lee Davis Harris).
Spend time with family
Whether you’re hoping to spend more time with grandkids, children, or nieces and nephews, these suggestions might help.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Friday… a combo that won’t happen again for another six years. Why not treat yourself for the occasion? We’ve got five picks we think you’ll love.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Still looking for the perfect card to give your loved one? Check out these punny local valentines.
Answered
Answered
Share the love
Yesterday, Kellina shared her love letter to Winston-Salem and asked you all to do the same. We just had to include this response from reader Amy W.:
“During our first visit to WS in 2021, we instantly felt the special unique vibe of this great city. The history, the art scene, and the outgoing friendly people drew us back for several more visits. Each time we discovered new things and fell more in love. We knew that one day we would eventually call it ‘home.’ We put our plan in motion and in April 2024 we made the move from FL! We currently reside in the beautiful West End neighborhood and couldn’t be happier. We love you Winston-Salem!!”
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