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Event Spotlight
Think you’ve got what it takes to turn this newsletter into a poem?
Grab your beret and get those snapping fingers ready. The Bookhouse is hosting a poetry reading on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. What really caught our attention: three local poets are reading.
You’ll hear from Kat Bodrie, Spencer Brown, and Sam Barbee — all of whom are published authors. Still want more? The Bookhouse is also hosting a poetry slam this Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.
Look forward to a gripping, in-depth conversation as the pair offers insights into modern foreign affairs, current national security challenges, and so much more.
$8 million. That was the average price to run a 30-second commercial during last night’s big game. With that kind of money, you could purchase this 19,500-sqft, gated Winston Salem home in cash — and have plenty left over to fill that huge closet with new clothes.
History
As you watch the Milan-Cortina Games, pay special attention to the Olympic fanfare. It was created by the French-born Leo Arnaud, who’s buried one county over from Winston-Salem in Hamptonville.
Community
This Valentine’s Day, put your heart into local journalism by supporting WStoday. Your contributions will go directly toward creating more of the local stories you love, expanding our coverage, and ensuring we can remain a free resource for all. Give a little love to local news.
Ranked
Winston-Salem residents are not the best at pinching their pennies, according to a new WalletHub ranking. WS ranks No. 132 out of 182 in the list of cities with the best budgeters. It’s easy to buck that trend with one of these lunch deals.
Holiday
Create a Valentine’s gram for your special someone this Thursday, Feb. 12 at Polo Park Community Center from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Try This
Northern Italy is currently hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, but did you know, the region is seeing a real estate boom? It turns out gorgeous landscapes, world-class food, and rich cultural history are appealing to homebuyers. Shocker. There’s no need to travel — Winston-Salem has European elegance of its own. (Wall Street Journal)
Arts
Did you know? There are 48+ upcoming world-class performances right here in WS at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. From dance and drama to opera and jazz, finding what inspires you is as easy as exploring the packed schedule. See what’s opening this Spring.*
Number
240,000+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Trending
We’ve got to wait a little longer for one more small step. NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon was going to launch as early as this week, but a leak during testing has postponed it until at least next month. In the meantime, a trip to Kaleideum’s Digital Dome will have to quench our interstellar wanderlust. (The Guardian)
Home
Stop settling for gutter guards that barely work and still leave you climbing a ladder every month to clear debris. LeafGuard’s award-winning, one-piece system is designed to make clogs impossible. For a limited time, our readers can get 75% off installation plus an extra $200 off. Get a free assessment.*
Try This
Need high-quality childcare? Imprints Cares’ Center for Thriving Children is welcoming infants, toddlers, and pre-K kiddos starting March 2. Located on the Brookridge senior living community campus, this brand-new facility helps cultivate meaningful connections between seniors and children.*
Featured Deal
Explore an introduction to psychedelic therapy and how it can help depression or anxiety. Pre-order your book today, February 9, and get bonus access to a live online summit with Michael Pollan, Gabor Maté, Melissa Etheridge, and more.*
Category
City Guide
Celebrating love year-round
Love might not be a game, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. | Photo courtesy of ROAR/Mayfair Hospitality
Looking for a date night idea to woo your Valentine this month (and every month after)? We’ve got more than 20 of them in our guide.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
See an indie film or documentary at a/perture cinema and stop in Camino Bakery across the street for dessert. Bonus: you can bring your vegan date here, too.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Take your date to easytalk for a unique and intimate cocktail experience — talk to the bartender for a minute, and they’ll serve up a drink catered to your tastes.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
ROAR is the perfect place to bring your picky eating date, thanks to the food hall with plenty of options. After eating, head to the mini bowling alley or The Twisted Putter for interactive mini golf.
Searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Surprise loved ones with these gifts that can arrive by the end of the week.
❣️ Remind them how you feel with a little sign to say I love you that’s the perfect size for desks and night stands.
🧦 You can never go wrong with soft, fuzzy socks that make every step feel like you’re walking on clouds.
📚 The perfect gift for any book lover, a three-month Audible membership is under $50 + provides access to thousands of audiobooks.
🍽️ Spark spontaneity with this set of scratch off date ideas that’s been featured in US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and more.
✋ This top-rated hand massager can ease sore hands with five intensity levels + two heat settings.
What first caught my eye about the Bookhouse’s upcoming poetry reading (scroll up) — the names Spencer Brown and Kat Bodrie. I worked with both local writers a decade ago while editing Triad City Beat newspaper, and it’s been a joy to follow their careers.
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