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 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.
🎟️ Experience
Wait a minute, Winstonians. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Acadia Foods Market and Deli.
Wilmington Riverwalk | Water Street
Take a scenic route while passing various markets, boutiques, quaint shops, and outdoor cafes. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on riverfront drone shows every Saturday in December.
The Burgwin-Wright House is one of five colonial sites left in historic Wilmington.
Photo courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens | 503 Market St.
Tour the decorated house museum for free year-round. Walk around rooms showcasing 18th and 19th-century antiques, plus stroll along the colonial-style gardens. Explore various exhibits showcasing Wilmington’s history and evolution. Admission costs $20.
Cape Fear Festival of Trees | 1011 Porters Neck Rd.
The beloved tradition, which entails browsing through decorated trees, will take place at The Davis Community while the aquarium is under construction.
Which of these facts is NOT true about Wilmington, NC?
A. It is home to an NC battleship B. It is home to a tree that is almost half a century old C. It is one of the most haunted cities in the US D. It has hosted 120 films over the years
Congratulations to the 2025 Winston Under 40 Leadership Awards honorees, celebrated for their impact as emerging leaders in our community. Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. recognized 25 outstanding individuals for their contributions toward building a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Seasonal
Twinkle, twinkle, little star — festive light displays shine near and far. Take a stroll through the 2025 Light Up the Village of Clemmons and explore homes featuring the season’s most dazzling decorations. Bookmark this map and embark on a self-guided tour.
Arts
You showed up earlier this year, and D.O.S.E Artist Collective is asking for you to show up again before the end of the year. The community art space provides opportunities for artists and creatives to collaborate and experiment with their craft. Donate to help D.O.S.E. bring more programming to the arts district.
Try This
Grab your pajamas and dive into a world of nostalgia on Polar Express Day at Chill Nitro this Sunday, Dec. 14. Try the peppermint hot chocolate ice cream and bring back your inner child with friends. Come on, get in.
Gallery
Wondering what the Winston-Salem parade looked like in the 1900s? Dig through the Digital Forsyth Archives to relive the old days. And if you missed last weekend’s celebrations, these highlights‘ll put you right in the holiday spirit.
Trending
Mall retailers are making a cool comeback. Gen Z shopping trends have driven earnings spikes for millennial staples like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, and Gap. You can find these stores around local shopping centers today, but first, let’s pay homage to Winston-Salem’s original mall heydeys. (Business Insider)
Health
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Health
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The Buy
A super powerful mini massage gun. It weighs less than a pound, making it the perfect recovery accessory for when you’re on the go.
If you’re looking for another winter drink, Chad’s Chai just released its seasonal menu. This candy cane matcha was silky-smooth with a dense foam on top and a hint of peppermint. The best part? It delivered festive flavors without being overly sweet.
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