What to See & Do

Downtown Wake Forest

From art galleries and specialty shops to coffee companies and consignment boutiques, Downtown Wake Forest is a vibrant, charming, historical and happening place to visit. Although Wake Forest ranks as North Carolina’s 26th largest city with a population of just over 31,000, our downtown, or Renaissance Area, is quaint, walkable and full of friendly, small-town appeal.

Wake Forest College Birthplace

Wake Forest University ’s roots are in the town of Wake Forest. It was here, in February of 1834, that the first class enrolled in Wake Forest College. The Calvin Jones House, built before 1820 and home to the first president of the college, was the center of activity at the school. Located in the Wake Forest Historic District, the house is “a lasting monument to the founders of Wake Forest College and the thousands of students who attended classes and graduated from the institution." The Wake Forest College Birthplace collects, preserves and displays the history of the town of Wake Forest as well as Wake Forest University. Visitors have access to an impressive collection of photos, books, college publications, furniture, documents, professors’ writings, and medical, law and sports memorabilia.
450 N. Main St.
Wake Forest, NC
919-556-2911

The Factory

What do you do when you are tired of driving from place to place for soccer practice, for dance lessons, to pick up a birthday gift, and to grab a bite to eat? You go to a place where you can do it all in one stop, that's what you do! The Factory is just that place, a sports and entertainment mall for parents and kids alike to eat, shop, and play.
US 1A/S. Main Street
Wake Forest, NC
919-453-1839

Wake Forest Farmers Market

Over the years, the Wake Forest Farmers' Market has grown into a lively community event each Saturday morning. We offer our own fresh-off-the-farm produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork; free-range eggs; fresh and dried herbs; honey, jams, and preserves; fresh-cut flowers; and delicious baked goods. The majority of our farm products are raised using environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, which are healthy for the soil, water, air, animals, and you!

The Farmers’ Market is open year-round according to the following schedule:

April - October - 8 am to noon.
November - March - 10 am to noon.

Taylor Street

Wake Forest, NC
919-671-9269

Hill Ridge Farms

Hill Ridge Farms is the Triangle's best destination for old fashioned, educational family fun, just 20 minutes north of Raleigh in Youngsville, North Carolina. Bring your children and grandchildren to relive our heritage and enjoy a day in the country!
703 Tarboro Road
Youngsville, NC
919-556-1771

North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art features the most dynamic permanent collection south of the Potomac and east of the Mississippi rivers.
2110 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607-6494
919-839-6262

North Carolina Museum of History

Since its founding in 1902, the North Carolina Museum of History has been an exciting place to explore North Carolina history. The museum encourages visitors to discover the past; to reflect on their own lives and their place in history; and to preserve state, regional, and local history for future generations.
5 E. Edenton St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-807-7900

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest natural history museum in the Southeastern United States.
11 W. Jones St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-733-7450

Triangle Town Center

Located on US 1 North (Capital Boulevard) visit North Carolina's newest and most spectacular shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.
5959 Triangle Town Blvd.
Raleigh, NC
919-792-2222

Recreation

Wake Forest Parks & Facilities

The Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department manage 561 acres of parks, open space, natural land and trails. This includes five baseball/softball fields, three soccer fields, one pool, six picnic areas, eight playgrounds, eight lighted tennis courts, a dog park, the Wake Forest Community House, Flaherty Park Community Center, and more than six miles of greenway trails.

Banks D. Kerr Family YMCA

The Banks D. Kerr Family YMCA serves youth, adults and seniors in Wake Forest and the northeast area of Wake County. We strive to meet community needs through organized programs that promote good health, strong families, confident kids and better communities. We invite you to explore the many programs the Banks D. Kerr Family YMCA offers.
2500 Wakefield Pines Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27614
919-562-9622

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Hours of relaxation await you at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Just moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Falls Lake is a great way to escape urban life. With a 12,000-acre lake and 26,000 acres of woodlands, Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a choice of recreation areas—Beaverdam, B.W. Wells, Highway 50, Holly Point, Rolling View, Sandling Beach and Shinleaf. Fishing, boating and swimming are only a few of the activities awaiting you on the water. On land, you can enjoy walking, mountain biking or camping along a portion of the state's Mountains-to-Sea Trail. From recreation to environmental education, no matter what you are looking for, you are sure to discover it at Falls Lake.

13304 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-676-1027

Jellybeans Super Skate Center

Jellybeans Super Skate Center ensures the best in-line/roller skating and sound and light show around. Playing all the new music as well as the oldies, Jellybeans offers a great quality maple hardwood skate surface, snack bar, exciting video and redemption games, and a fun Redemption Center full of prizes and novelties. The courteous and professional staff are ready to greet you with a smile. Jellybeans also offers Hockey and Day Camps.
10701 Common Oaks Drive (behind the Kroger Shopping Center in Wakefield)
919-562-2326