One of the towns where we build our CustomCrafted and ReadyCrafted homes is Wake Forest, North Carolina. Whether you travel by car or by plane, Wake Forest is the perfect place to start for a weekend getaway, no matter the season. Wake Forest is a charming town in northern Wake County with a lot of history, culture, and activities for all ages. You can take a stroll through its charming historic downtown district or grab a bite at one of the numerous local restaurants. You can also enjoy a tour of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, which was once the location of Wake Forest College before the campus moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. There are more than 10 parks in Wake Forest to visit, as well as dog parks and splash pads. Of course, with Fall comes the opportunity for cooler nights and enjoyment of the changing colors of the leaves. A great getaway begins with selecting a destination just far enough away from home to forget your to-do list without attaching so much transit time that precious time to relax is lost.
If you already live in Wake Forest, a getaway does not have to include the mountains or beach, as the town is surrounded by several unique destinations, all within a two-hour drive. For a bigger adventure, there are also several non-stop flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport that will have you on the ground in another city in the same timeframe.
Bladen County, NC is home to the White Lake resort area, a 1200-acre spring-sustained lake that was first opened to the public in 1901. This lake has increased available activities for visitors during the last several centuries, perhaps most famously its reputation as a waterskiing hotbed. The White Lake Ski Heels team was formed in the 1970s, sending many local skiers onto professional careers. Today, it is a favorite spot among wakeboarders, with many starting long relationships with the sport on the waters of White Lake. Accommodations range from campgrounds to cottages to motels and inns - many of which are pet friendly. Autumn is the perfect time to visit as the summer rush has concluded and the fall foliage frames the lake in beautiful colors.
Pinehurst, NC may be known for its status in the world of golf (and it should be!), but there are many other things to see and do in this quaint village. This mini-Triangle consists of Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and Southern Pines and was designed as a quick getaway from city life nearly a century ago. Enjoy the cooler weather while strolling the streets of Southern Pines, stacked with eclectic stores, or take a guided tour in Pinehurst proper. Self-guided historical tours start at the Pinehurst Welcome Center or have an expert lead you on a culinary tour featuring seasonal favorites. The lake at Aberdeen Park is also a must-do for Fall with a walk on the 1.5-mile trail canopied by the changing leaves. There are endless hotels (many with spas!) in the area, as well, most famously The Pinehurst Resort. Whether you stop in for a visit or make your bed at the resort, don’t miss a round of Thistle Dhu, a mini-golf course that utilizes natural twists and turns to challenge participants.
A visit to Winston Salem, NC may require you to tack on an extra day as there are so many options for enjoyment, starting with the Old Salem Museum & Gardens. This community celebrates Old Salem’s past with authentic craftsmen in period costumes recreating crafts. The Reynolda Mile, located minutes from downtown Winston Salem, showcases historic homes and numerous boutiques. There are also nearly fifty wineries in the nearby Yadkin Valley, just waiting for travelers to sip and swirl while admiring rows of growing pumpkins. Winston Salem is the perfect place to reconnect and rejuvenate - but it may take more than one trip to see all that it offers.
If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, zip over to Raleigh-Durham International for a quick flight to one of several unforgettable cities. Non-stop flights from RDU are offered to Atlanta, GA; Nashville, TN; Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, and more - all of which can be reached in less than two hours. Imagine trading your office chair for a barstool in Nashville’s entertainment district within just a few hours. The live country music and mild temperatures are a perfect combination. You might even catch a tune from the next big artist.
If honkytonk isn’t for you, take a flight to Philadelphia and discover where America started. Stop by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to see where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Cast your vote on the best cheesesteak (Pat’s or Gino’s?), check out the performance spaces on South Street, or stroll through the food explosion of the Reading Market. If it’s Fall in Philadelphia, then it is also football season - catch and Eagles game to round out the weekend.
Fall is the perfect season for a quick trip. While the change of seasons can feel like the start of a long lull before the holidays, a few days away can re-energize that carefree spark of summer before it drifts away. Make plans now to explore North Carolina and beyond and make Wake Forest your first stop. If you would like to learn more about our ReadyCrafted new home community in Wake Forest, Everly, or about CustomCrafted homes we have available, contact us today and we would love to show you how we can help you live a Life well crafted.