Your votes are in. Congratulations to our WStoday’s Best winners, who rose to the top as your favorite places to work, live, play, and eat:
Best brewery + distillery: Foothills Brewing | With plenty of beer, food trucks, and board games, this local brewery was voted your No. 1 favorite spot.
Best fine dining: Ryan’s Restaurant | With an intimate, cozy atmosphere, robust wine list, and delicious seafood and steak dishes, Ryan’s is a go-to for a special night out.
Best ice cream + desserts: Bobby Boy Bakeshop | This artisanal bakery is our city’s first choice for freshly made croissants, cinnamon rolls, and eclairs.
Bobby Boy Bakeshop is your No. 1 pick for ice cream or dessert bar.
Photo by @winstonsalemeats
Best dentist: Shobe Pediatric Dentistry | Make going to the dentist a positive experience for kids with this family-friendly team.
Best bookstore: Bookmarks | Your favorite new page-turner is waiting at this beloved bookstore — be sure to check out its book clubs.
Bookmarks is your No. 1 choice of bookstores.
Photo by WStoday
Best spa + salon: Pure Hands Massage Therapy | Your massage will be in trusted, caring hands when you book with this expert therapist.
Handel’s Messiah | 7:30-9:15 p.m. | Wait Chapel at Wake Forest University | $45 | Lift your spirits this season with Handel’s Messiah: One of the most celebrated compositions of all time. Look forward to the glorious “Hallelujah” chorus, expressive arias + oh-so magical melodies.*
Plan Ahead
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | Truist Stadium | $15+ | Bring a blanket and cozy up under 500 dazzling drones as this timeless holiday tale is brought to life in the night sky.*
This Buena Vista estate is giving sophisticated grandeur. Tucked in a private setting, you’ll be greeted by French doors leading to a stone-fountain patio, plus ample space for your leisure. The rich hardwood floors and a gold chandelier sell it for us. Think this is for you?
Asked
Philadelphia’s cheesesteak scene recently entered the Michelin Guide for the first time, and was met with controversy. As with all cities, locals have their favorites when it comes to regional classics. That got us thinking: Which Winston-Salem spots should make the Michelin guide? Let us know. (New York Times)
Active
The 2026 Winter Olympics begin in just 60 days. Soon, athletes from across the globe will head to the picturesque slopes of Northern Italy to compete for the highest accolades in Alpine athletics. Here in the Twin City, a visit to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds will help get you in the spirit of the games.
Trending
Google’s 2025 Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Did you know that North Carolinians searched for Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys more than any other sports team? We prefer Carolina Reapers merch, but to each their own.
Drink
A raccoon in Virginia was the first victim to fall foul of holiday season merriment this year. Liquor store employees found the animal passed out in the bathroom after he broke in and had one too many. We recommend celebrating the holiday responsibly at one of 20+ spots to grab a drink after work. (AP News)
27,400+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
Editor’s Pick
❄️ Baby, it’s cold outside
Editor Kellina loves iced drinks even in cold weather. | Photo by WStoday
There’s no shortage of amazing bartenders in the Twin City. With chilly temperatures on the horizon, here are some winter drinks to try:
Gryffindor gingerbread dirty chai | Chill Nitro Creamery | Don’t pass up this combination of chai, gingerbread syrup, and espresso + milk.
The Nutty Nutcracker | Camel City Coffee | Comes with pecan pie filling and pairs well with the cookie butter croissant.
The Snowman Latte bundle | The Struggle Bus | Spread the holiday cheer and get the four-pack of lattes with caramel, vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon flavors.
Mistletoe Margarita | East of Texas | This drink combines tequila, lime juice, raspberry, and pomegranate juice.
Say hello to IQ’s newest resident — the 16-foot-tall camel located at Bailey Park across from the Wake Forest School of Medicine building. The illuminated sculpture features over 12,000 mini lights and will make an appearance during the holidays every year. Innovation Quarter is accepting name recommendations, so leave a comment with your best idea.
}})
