Want a peaceful escape with Southern charm, history, and nature? Head to Wake Forest! Located just north of Raleigh, Wake Forest blends a walkable historic downtown, vibrant parks, and a warm, welcoming community. It’s perfect for a day trip, weekend retreat, or relaxed home base while exploring the Triangle area.
Wake Forest, NC Highlights:
- Historic Downtown Wake Forest: Shop, dine, and stroll brick sidewalks lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic buildings.
- Wake Forest Historical Museum: Explore exhibits on Wake Forest College and the town’s 19th-century roots.
- E. Carroll Joyner Park: This 117-acre park features paved trails, open meadows, performance spaces, and gardens.
- Falls Lake State Recreation Area: Just minutes away, enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside picnicking.
- Flaherty Dog Park and Greenway: A favorite for locals with scenic walking trails and a dedicated dog play area.
Best Time to Visit Wake Forest, NC
The best time to visit is in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November). Mild weather, colorful blooms, and seasonal festivals make it ideal for outdoor exploring and enjoying local events. Summers are warm and perfect for lake activities.
How to Get to Wake Forest, NC
- If you are traveling by car: Wake Forest is located just off U.S. Route 1, about 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh and accessible via I-540 and I-85.
- By Plane: Fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), then drive approximately 35–40 minutes to Wake Forest.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Raleigh, with regional buses and rideshares available to Wake Forest.
Where to Stay in Wake Forest, NC
- Hampton Inn Raleigh / Wake Forest – Convenient and comfortable with free breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Sleep Inn Wake Forest – Affordable, clean lodging near major attractions and highways.
- Local Vacation Rentals – Cozy Airbnb options in walkable neighborhoods or peaceful wooded settings.
Best Things to Do in Wake Forest, NC
⮕ Hike, Paddle, and Picnic at Falls Lake State Recreation Area
© byrdyak/stock.adobe.com
The Falls Lake State Recreation Area consists of seven different access areas that are located around the shore of a 12,000-acre, undeveloped reservoir. Within the recreation area are picnic areas and five swimming beaches, as well as numerous boat ramps, with some reserved for non-gas powered boats and paddlers.
The Falls Lake State Recreation Area also includes a network of trails for mountain biking and part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail for hiking.
Over three hundred campsites provide camping opportunities for visitors who want to stay overnight, ranging from group campsites to primitive tent campsite to RV hookups.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
, 13300 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, Phone: 919-676-1027
⮕ Sip Craft Beer and Chill at White Street Brewing Co.
© White Street Brewing Co.
The White Street Brewing Co. is focused on classically styled and authentic beers, with every batch expertly crafted using knowledge based on traditions that have been around for centuries.
The brewery creates beers that feature the exceptional flavors “as they were intended,” aiming to show those who taste their brews how an IPA, a stout, or a Kölsch are supposed to taste. Opened in Wake Forest in 2012, the taproom serves as the White Street brewery’s “heart and soul” and a gathering place for the community. Guests can sample a variety of brews tap for an ever-changing selection.
White Street Brewing Co., 218 S. White Street Wake Forest, NC 27587, Phone: 919-647-9439
⮕ Meet Friendly Farm Animals and Unplug at Winterpast Farm
© Winterpast Farm
The Winterpast Farm spans across ten acres of land near Falls Lake in Wake Forest, North Carolina, serving as a sanctuary for both children and animals, a place where people can interact with nature and animals.
During a visit to the Winterpast Farm, guests can tour the grounds, meet the variety of resident animals, and even hold or feed some of them. The animal sanctuary provides a home to chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, peacocks, ducks, miniature donkeys, emu, sheep, goats, and more. For those wanting to visit the farm, arrangements need to be made ahead of time.
Winterpast Farm, 12936 Ghoston Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, Phone: 919-244-1800
Where to Eat in Wake Forest, NC
⮕ Fuel Your Day with a Hearty Brunch at Brigs at the Forest
© Brigs at the Forest
Brigs at the Forest serves a wide array of breakfast dishes, fresh salads, hot sandwich platters, and more in the town of Wake Forest.
In addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, Brigs also offers weekly breakfast specials, the “Benedict of the Month,” monthly and weekly seasonal specials, a “Kidstuff Menu,” and a Senior’s Menu.
Opened to the public in 2004, Brigs at the Forest is open seven days a week from 7:00 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon. While there are now a number of Brigs restaurants in North Carolina, the Wake Forest location is the largest.
Brigs at the Forest, 12338 Wake Union Church Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, Phone: 919-556-8422
⮕ If You’re Craving Fresh Seafood and Lively Vibes, Head to Shuckers Oyster Bar & Grill
© Alexstar/stock.adobe.com
Shuckers Oyster Bar & Grill offers a little bit of something for everyone, even the picky eaters.
The menu here includes seafood, wraps, burgers, salads, sandwiches, steaks and more, including a gluten-free menu with more than thirty options.
The Oyster Bar serves some of the tastiest and freshest oysters around and guests can even shuck their own oysters if they wish. The Shuckers Oyster Bar and Grill strives to offer delicious food that captures different and new flavors using the best ingredients at reasonable prices. The restaurant provides a great place to relax with good food and drinks.
Shuckers Oyster Bar & Grill, Phone: 919-453-1593
⮕ Grab a Quick, Flavorful Bite at The Lemon Tree
© The Lemon Tree
Situated in the historic downtown district of Wake Forest, North Carolina, The Lemon Tree serves a menu consisting of freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads.
The portions served at this popular local dining establishment are known for being “just the right size” and the menu changes often, with different options offered daily. Serving delicious and healthy food to the community, the cafe also provides catering services for all kinds of special events and offices. The Lemon Tree Cafe is open Monday to Saturday for lunch from ten in the morning until five in the evening. Map
⮕ If You Want True Italian Comfort Food, Dine at Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
© Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant
Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant started when owner and Executive Chef Filippo Fanfani fell for a renovated house from the 1800’s along South Main Street in 2018.
This house was full of history, class, and character and was a place that made people feel like they’re at home.
Filippo grew up in Italy and attended one of Italian cuisine’s best culinary schools, which was followed by him working at a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Amalia's is named for Filippo’s grandmother and prides itself on serving classic and authentic Italian fare that’s cooked to order and has been passed down over generations.
Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant
, 1248 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587, Phone: 984-237-0002
If you are interested in local events:
- Wake Forest Friday Night on White (Spring–Fall) – Free outdoor concerts on White Street with food trucks and local brews.
- Meet in the Street Festival (May) – Annual arts and crafts festival with live music, vendors, and family activities.
- Holiday Artisans Market (December) – Shop handmade goods from local artists and enjoy festive treats.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Wake Forest, North Carolina:
- Raleigh (30 min) – Visit world-class museums, breweries, parks, and the NC State Capitol.
- Durham (35–40 min) – Discover the historic tobacco district, Duke Gardens, and vibrant food scene.
- Falls Lake (15–20 min) – Enjoy outdoor recreation across multiple park access points around the lake.
- Franklin County (20–30 min) – Explore rural backroads, antique shops, and local wineries.
- Rolesville (15 min) – A growing town with peaceful parks and small-town charm.
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Where is Wake Forest located?
- Wake Forest, North Carolina, lies just north of the bustling capital city of Raleigh.
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What does Wake Forest offer visitors?
- Despite its size, this small town offers enough activities, culture, and history to keep people entertained for several days.
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What can visitors do in historic downtown Wake Forest?
- Visitors can take a walk through the historic downtown area, have a meal at one of the many great restaurants or cafes, and explore nature.
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What outdoor activities are available in Wake Forest?
- Enjoy outdoor recreational activities at the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, or even try one of the local craft beers at the White Street Brewing Company.
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Plan Your Trip