Welcome to Wake Forest
Wake Forest is a whimsical little town that can be found just north of Raleigh. When you call Wake Forest home, you have access to a world of opportunities, both right outside your front door and a few minutes down the road in the capital city. From savory bites and small businesses to art galleries and an array of local events, Wake Forest is a place that's meant to be explored.
Our Comprehensive Area Guide
With all the things to discover in and around Wake Forest in mind, our Spencer Properties team crafted a comprehensive area guide for you to get to know your way around Wake Forest! Here's a sneak peek of this small town—and if you want a closer look at the area's homes, then make sure to join our VIP list to get the latest Wake Forest listings sent directly to you!
Our Top Picks for Wake Forest
Here at Spencer Properties, we want you to experience all that Wake Forest has to offer—so we've compiled a few of our local favorites!
Dining & drinks
Whether you're craving some Southern-style cooking or a refreshing beverage after a long week, you can always count on Wake Forest's dining scene to satisfy your palate. A mainstay of this small town, Sugar Magnolia Cafe & Emporium is located in the heart of historic Wake Forest. Here, you can grab a casual coffee with coworkers or have a proper cup of tea with friends at the tea house. And after you've sipped on your drink of choice, you can pop in the art emporium for locally produced arts and crafts. For a quicker meal, Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs has its flagship location in Wake Forest, where it originated nearly a century ago. Do you consider yourself a craft beer connoisseur? Put your taste buds to the test with White Street Brewing's impressive lineup of craft beer flavors.
Local events
No matter what time of year it is, there's always something to celebrate in Wake Forest. White Street is transformed into Bourbon Street for Wake Forest's annual Mardi Gras celebration, where the town hosts a king and queen costume contest each year. Starting in late April, one of the town's community parks hosts a free concert series for six consecutive Sundays throughout the spring. Wake Forest's Fourth of July celebration is a summertime staple that always draws a crowd. The jaw-dropping fireworks, upbeat children's parade, and variety of games are just a few highlights of the summer festival. And to end the year on a bright note, the town gathers for the annual lighting of Wake Forest's holiday tree and the highly-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus.
Parks & recreation
Any day that starts with a stroll at E. Carroll Joyner Park is a good day in our book. This 117-acre park features the Walker Garden, where you can explore the perennial garden and soak up some quiet time amid breathtaking blooms. And if you like to get moving first thing in the morning, you can embark on the park's weaving paved trails. Sports lovers thrive at The Factory, which features an exciting mix of recreational activities. From indoor soccer and an inflatable playground to go-carts and miniature golf, The Factory is sure to keep you entertained all day long. Falls Lake State Recreation Area is the go-to spot for boating and fishing on the water, plus camping under the clear night skies.