We are proud to call Winston-Salem home. | Photo by tim_hutch via Instagram.
As we prepare for a promising new year, we want to know what you want to read about each morning.
Are you trying to find out if your favorite festival is returning, or wondering about an upcoming development? Do you want to know where to get the best bowl of ramen? Is there a piece of the Twin City’s history you’ve always wanted to know about? Here are a few things our readers previously asked:
“What was the story behind the grey lady in the arts district?” Sandra S.
“Can you share your recent listing of hamburgers from least favorite to the most favorite?” Robert H.
“I’m looking for easy to medium bike rides/greenways around 5 miles long or longer. Many are too short.” Mary F.
To celebrate 2026, we thought we’d answer 26 of your questions. Stay tuned as we work to cover what you’re curious about + find some answers.
Get ready to build. The Village of Clemmons’ Annual LEGO Contest is back with the theme “Build Your Hobby” — open to participants of all ages. Drop off your design Friday, Jan. 23, or Saturday, Jan. 24 for public viewing + voting. Winners will be announced on National LEGO Day, Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Environment
The city is distributing free flower bulbs this week. Pick up your saplings Friday, Jan. 9 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) or Saturday, Jan. 10 ( 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) at the Cattle Barn inside the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation to support the program. You can also pick up free bulbs at these recreation centers while supplies last.
Stat
80%. That’s how many of WStoday readers chose “The Masters golf tournament,” when we asked which activity is not part of a major sporting event hosted in the Twin City, earlier this week. Bravo, Winstonians. Though you can tee up at these nearby golf courses.
Outdoors
Start planning your next outdoor adventure with this month-by-month guide of North Carolina trail picks. Experience the state’s hiking trails, greenways, paddling routes, and trail towns. Pro tip: March is peak season to visit Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock State Park.
State
It looks like North Carolinians believe in the power of sweet potatoes. That’s the most popular superfood in the state, based on Google search data compiled by Eachnight. If you want to buy some or see what other goodies are growing in the Twin City, head to a local farmers’ market.
Answered
“How about leaf pickup?” WStoday reader Robin K. asked, following our Christmas tree pickup story yesterday. City crews are still working on picking up fall leaves, and are currently passing by Quandrant 3 and 4. Once complete, crews will make a third round through all routes within the city limits.
The Word
Telephobia. It’s a word to describe the fear some people — primarily Generation Z — have of making or getting phone calls. If your friend would prefer the written word over a call, send them this newsletter as a subtle message that you’d like to hang out this weekend. (CNBC)
Biz
Kickstart the new year by expanding your business’s reach. Our business promo portal puts your message in front of our thousands of highly engaged local subscribers in as little as two days. Plus, first-time customers save 15% with code NEW15 at checkout. Get started.
Health
Did you find yourself straining to hear during holiday gatherings? Make 2026 a year of better hearing with Horizon IX. This revolutionary hearing aid delivers natural sound so real, experts are calling it a miracle. Dual processors separate speech from noise for effortless clarity so you won’t miss a single word. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Post of the Day
Screenshot via Facebook
We’re reeling it back to a classic view of downtown Winston-Salem, thanks to local historian Hellen Schmeal. To the left, the Phoenix Hotel and the Crawford Building are among the buildings that existed on Fourth and Liberty streets in 1921. Did you know it cost $2 per night to stay at Hotel Frances, which was located on the second floor of that building? It was later demolished and now stands as the Hotel Indigo, according to MUSE Winston-Salem.
Are you resolving to drink more water this year? Set yourself up for success with a sleek, insulated water bottle that keeps liquids chilled for up to 24 hours. Bonus: It’s dishwasher safe.
I love doing a deep dive into Winston-Salem history. I could find myself lost in the archives easily, which is why I can’t wait to bring more pieces of nostalgia in future newsletters. Do you have a piece of history you’d like to share? Drop me a line, and I’d love to hear it.
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