Winston-Salem sunsets are breathtaking. | Photo by @tim_hutch
We set our sidesplitting sights on an old-fashioned, lighthearted comedy roast of Winston-Salem and took our humorous intent to ChatGPT, the online AI chatbot.
Here’s what it had to say — if you can handle it.
Can you roast Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem: A city that feels like it was half-built, then paused for BBQ. It’s all coffee shops, tobacco nostalgia, and a food scene that’s all comfort, no thrill. If you’re into quiet, quirky vibes, it’s your spot — if you’re craving excitement, maybe drive through to somewhere else.
OK, but our food scene isn’t all that bad.
Winston-Salem’s food scene is like a never-ending buffet of Southern comfort — heavy on fried chicken and mashed potatoes, light on variety. It’s the place where “fresh” means “from the freezer,” and your taste buds will be confused by how many different ways you can cook a biscuit.
Give Winston-Salem a real compliment.
Winston-Salem has a unique charm with its blend of history and modern vibe — whether it’s the growing craft beer scene or the picturesque downtown, there’s a real sense of community and creativity. Plus, you can’t beat the Southern hospitality; it’s the kind of place where people still wave at strangers.
Editor’s note: The ChatGPT responses have been edited for brevity.
Hanes After Hours | 5:30-8 p.m. | Hanes Art Gallery | Free | Step inside the gallery after hours for live music, performances, hands-on art activities, and refreshments — RSVP online.
Friday, March 7
Carolina Thunderbirds | 7:35 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds | $16+ | Cheer on the Thunderbirds as they take on the Columbus River Dragons at home.
Saturday, March 8
Vintage Show | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Wise Man Brewing | Cost of purchase | Peruse 20 vintage vendors while sipping on coffee or beer.
Vegan Seafood Pop-up | 12-4 p.m. | Radar Brewing Company | Cost of purchase | Dine on your favorite seafood dishes — from fish and chips to coconut shrimp — all made 100% vegan.
Kaleideum After Dark: March Maker Madness | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Kaleideum | $20+ | Discover Kaleideum in a grown-up, kid-free environment: sip, play games, encounter an animal + explore.*
Manolo’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Manolo’s Boutique Wines and Bistro | $65 | Get dressed up for night of New Orleans flavor with dancing, drinks, and a range of hors d’oeuvres.
Sunday, March 9
Camel City Craft Fair: End of Winter Market | 12-5 p.m. | Foothills Tasting Room | Cost of purchase | Shop from local artists and makers, listen to live music, and grab a bite from food trucks.
Rock out for a cause to kick off summer. | Photos provided by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Old Crow Medicine Show is thumbin’ their way down to North Caroline for SummerLark, presented by Allegacy Federal Credit Union.
The “Wagon Wheel” band is headlining the outdoor benefit concert at Bailey Park in downtown Winston-Salem on Saturday, May 10. Since the group’s start in Ithaca, NY in 1998, Old Crow Medicine Show has won two Grammys and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2013.
In addition to the concert, a ticket gets you access to:
Food trucks
A free photo booth
Fireworks finale
And endless good vibes
Proceeds benefit the Cancer Patient Support Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. The program provides individual + group counseling, support groups, and financial services to cancer patients and their families. SummerLark is just one way the program helps assure that “no one faces cancer alone.”
Visit Ticketmaster or the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds box office to score tickets.
The City of Winston-Salem’s annual bulky item pickup has begun. Now through Friday, Sept. 5, collection crews will go through the city street by street to pick up bulky items that aren’t accepted by garbage crews. Find your collection date.
Coming Soon
Pure Sweat Sauna Studio will open its first NC location here in Winston-Salem on Friday, March 14. The wellness studio will be located in Industry Hill and feature full-spectrum infrared saunas and cold plunge tubs.
Biz
More than 100 Big Lots locations are set to remain open despite nationwide closures, including five in the Triad. Looking for a local alternative to the big box store? Check out these options. (Triad Business Journal)
Cause
WS/FCS and community partners have opened up a free “Prom Shop” for students to shop formal wear and accessories. The shop (2700 Main St.) will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays from March 22-April 12. Sign up to volunteer at the shop.
Plan Ahead
Bethabara Park’s “Spring at Bethabara” event is coming up on Saturday, April 5. Celebrate the opening of the park’s 2025 season from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with colonial games, a scavenger hunt, and historic farming techniques.
Getting your Master of Studies in Law doesn’t have to feel like a second job. Wake Forest Law’s online program offers customizable courses designed for busy professionals — allowing you to advance your career on your own terms. Learn how it works.*
Finance
Drum roll, dear readers... one of the best balance transfer cards is here. Say “see ya” to high-interest debt with 0% intro APR into 2026 (plus no annual fee, and cash back on your buys). Apply.*
Pets
Veterinary clinics are being pushed to focus on profit, resulting in higher bills. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs — with up to 90% reimbursement. Find plans starting at only $10/month.*
The Buy
The Buy
A pack of seamless underwear. These no-show thongs for women have a 4.4-star rating, are stretchy and comfortable, and won’t show underneath clothes.
I love a good “museum after dark” experience, so I’d definitely recommend trying Kaleideum’s event this Saturday. Holiday movie fans will remember that scene in “The Santa Clause 2" when Scott Calvin gifts toys to a group of adults. In my experience, 21+ museum experiences are a lot like that — a bunch of adults getting the chance to play like kids again.
Hey [First Name], I wanted to personally send you this quick note. I hope you're doing well! Let me know if you have any thoughts on this. Feel free to reply, and we can chat more. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
}})
