Plus, a new Mediterranean restaurant.
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67º | 1% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 6:44 a.m. | Sunset 7:54 p.m.


A rental for you + 20 of your closest friends

A large dining table with three small fire pits in the center is surrounded by chairs on and outdoor balcony. The balcony overlooks mountains on a sunny day with blue skies.
Mountain views while sipping wine and eating over a fire? We’re in. | Photo via VRBO
Each year, VRBO shares its Vacation Rentals of the Year — homes with standout guest ratings and reviews, unique spaces and amenities, and “Premier Host” owners. Check out these rentals of the year that are within driving distance from Winston-Salem.

Gatlinburg, TN

~4 hours driving time

In search of a mountain retreat? Even in the dead of winter or dog days of summer, this 7500-sqft cabin is an ideal getaway thanks to an indoor pool, theater and game rooms, multiple fireplaces, and exceptional views.
An outdoor pool is surrounded by fake grass, with real grass behind it. On the fake grass are several lounge chairs and umbrellas laid out. Behind the real grass is a river.

Up to 12 guests can be accommodated at this peaceful Folly Beach rental. | Photo via VRBO

Folly Beach, SC

~4.5 hours driving time

Located on the Folly River, this rental is the perfect relaxing counterpart to Charleston’s bustling tourist season. The 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home features a private pool, spa tub, and outdoor fire pit.

Pro tip: Make a jam-packed agenda thanks to our friends at CHStoday, who can tell you where to dine, park, explore, and grab your morning coffee.
Two more top VRBOs

Asked

Which of the VRBOs would you be most interested in staying at?

A. “Domus Pacis” in Seagrove Beach, FL
B. “Deep Water Days” in Folly Beach, SC
C. “Heaven’s Crown” in Gatlinburg, TN
D. “Woodpecker House” in Jewett, NY
Travel here to answer

Events

Wednesday, April 16

Beginner West Coast Swing | 6:45 p.m. | Real World Ballroom | $10 | Learn basic moves like the Sugar Push, Sugar Tuck, Left Side Pass, Right Side Pass, and Basic Whip.

Foot Soldier Run Club | 6-8 p.m. | Foothills Brewing Tasting Room | Free | Join this group that meets weekly for a run and a pint — get $1 off pints of the bartender’s choice.

Thursday, April 17

Open Bike Night | 7-9 p.m. | Jake & Amy’s House | Free, RSVP | Learn about everything you’d need to bring for the organization’s upcoming spring “bikepacking” trip — BYOB.

Friday, April 18

High Spirits: A Night of High-Jinx | 9-11 p.m. | Fair Witness Fancy Drinks | $13 | Enjoy a night of laughter and music with a Camel Gate Comedy lineup including Madison Bergstedt, David Goolsby, Jeremy Nelson, and Neil Hoover.

WS Pro Rodeo | Friday, April 18-Saturday, April 19 | 6:30-11 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds | $15+ | Saddle up for this rodeo event coming to town with bull, bronc, and barrel racers.

Saturday, April 19

Food Truck Festival & Market | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Hanes Mall | Cost of purchase | Explore local food trucks, artists, makers, and small businesses set up in the mall parking lot.
More events this way
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News Notes

Read

Bookmarks announced that it will host No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman for the release of his new book “My Friends.” The author of “A Man Called Ove” will be at RJ Reynolds Auditorium on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets.

Coming Soon

Pizza and Mediterranean restaurant Paprikas is set to move into the former Trido of Japan location, with an anticipated June opening. The restaurant will feature quick-service options ranging from falafel bowls to smash burgers. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Development

Next week, Winston-Salem City Council and the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will consider incentive packages for two manufacturing companies hoping to move to the city. Both companies have only been publicly identified by code names, but promise to bring 70 new jobs and $46 million in investment. (Triad Business Journal)

Fun Fact

Forget Katy Perry — we’re more interested in the local plant samples that made their way into space this week. The samples come from Winston-Salem State University’s Astrobotany Lab and made it onto Blue Origin’s all-female mission thanks to a partnership and experiment with rocket scientist Aisha Bowe. (WFMY)

Open

Yesterday, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center opened its new adult emergency department, marking the completion of phase one for the new care tower. The 45,000-sqft department features 43 new treatment rooms, a drop-off area, and a large check-in + waiting area.

Plan Ahead

“How sweet it is” that this “piano man” is headed to Winston-Salem. On Saturday, April 26, Clay Mottley will bring his tribute show James & Joel: A Tribute to Great American Songwriters to Hanesbrands Theatre. Purchase tickets.

Biz

Dr. Julie A. Freischlag, CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and practicing vascular surgeon, announced that she will retire at the end of the year. Freischlag has been a practicing surgeon for 38 years + has worked for multiple organizations as a leader in academic medicine for 32.

Job

Small business owners, we know you wear a lot of hats. Let us handle one. Post your job listing on the WStoday Job Board for free and get it in front of some of the best local candidates.

Health

Protect your eyes and your wallet when you get personalized coverage with VSP® Individual Vision Plans. Enroll today for as little as $13 a month.*

The Buy

The best pet supply products to simplify at-home care and keep your fur baby happy:

🐾 Pet ear wipes are a quick, one-step solution to make sure pets don’t develop problems caused by build-up.
🐾 This cat + dog steam brush de-sheds better than plain brushes or combs, thanks to hair-attracting steam.
🐾 Eager to avoid expensive teeth cleaning? Once-a-week dental wipes can get you there without tangling with a toothbrush.
🐾 Swapping water bowls for a pet water fountain keeps water filtered and fresh — and pets tend to love drinking from it.
🐾 As seen on TV, Muddy Mats are designed to trap dirt, mud, and sand from paws, keeping entryways clean — no toweling off required.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Brianna Williams Wrap
On Monday, we shared several statements about the Wright Brothers and asked readers which one was false. Seems like we were able to stump a lot of you. Only ~31% of respondents correctly guessed that the pair didn’t open a skate sales and repair shop in 1892 — it was actually a bike shop.
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.
Sent from my iPhone
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