Forsyth County turns out a beautiful fall with tree colors that rival those farther north. The winters are usually mild and temperate, although snow isn’t out of the question. Spring is a welcome respite with warmer temperatures returning, luscious trees and flowers blooming, and beautiful gardens to explore. Summer in Forsyth County can be hot and humid! Finding a pool or lake to cool off in is a fine idea on the most sweltering days.
There are so many things to enjoy in Forsyth County, no matter the season. Here are some you might want to add to your list:
Winter
Winter in Forsyth can bring quite a chill. You could curl up inside with hot chocolate or, better yet, pile your family and friends in the car and head for Tanglewood!
Tanglewood Park’s vast countryside transforms each holiday season into a sparkling winter wonderland with more than one million twinkling lights. The Festival of Lights at Tanglewood is open nightly from 6-11 p.m. from mid-November through January 1st. Entrance fees are paid at the gate; $20 cash/$23 credit for family vehicles (cars, trucks, vans). There are extra experiences to be had once inside the park, including a visit to S’moresville and rides in a horse-drawn carriage or tractor-pulled hayride.
For a more historical experience of wintertime, discover early Moravian traditions as you walk the inviting streets of Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where the fragrances of pine-bough decorations greet you. Costumed interpreters invite you to explore centuries-old holiday customs inside the historically restored village which features more than 100 original buildings and structures.
Spring
Who can resist the color and renewal of spring? In the spring, seeds take root and plants begin to grow. The weather is warmer, and blooms are everywhere…but the increase in rain can be a dreary companion.
From the gardens at Old Salem to those at Bethabara Park, Winston-Salem is known for its flowers in springtime. Reynolda House is one place to find an exquisitely tended garden. Having a proper garden meant a great deal to Katharine Reynolds, original resident of Reynolda House. The greenhouses and conservatory were built at least four years before the house was completed so work could begin on the gardens. Many surrounding estates of the time had equally grand and lavish gardens which was the style of life in the “country.” Reynolds wanted the gardens of Reynolda to always be accessible to the public.
Summer
In the summer, temperatures may increase to record highs and being outside may not be the most comfortable unless there is a cool body of water close by.
Shacktown Falls at Shore-Styers Mill Park is close by in Yadkinville, NC. If you love waterfalls and are looking to get your feet wet, this may be just the place for you. Located about 30 yards from the parking lot, this waterfall is the perfect place to cool off. The waterfall is actually only about 10 feet high but is across a very wide stream with a large water flow. Perfect for a hot summer day.
What would summer be without a night out with the Winston-Salem Dash? They are truly a hometown team. From their earliest days playing as the Winston-Salem Twins to their stint as the Warthogs playing at Ernie Shore Field, the Dash have held a place in Winston-Salem sports-lovers’ hearts since 1905. Almost every home game features a fun promotion – like a free Kids’ Zone, discounted beer or wine, and fireworks.
Another great summer event is the Winston-Salem Open Tennis Tournament. The Winston-Salem Open is part of the American Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour 250 Event Series. Held at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex, the week-long tournament has brought big names and world-class tennis to Winston-Salem.
Fall
From admiring fall foliage to sipping pumpkin-flavored brews, Forsyth County has many seasonal activities to make you fall for fall.
From the foothills to the scenic summits of nearby Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park, inspire your senses with views of the vibrant, colorful leaves on the trees. Stroll up Pilot Mountain to see the peak or embark on an exhilarating trek along the Hanging Rock Trail, where Blue Ridge Mountain views await. What could be more fall-ish than hiking and looking at leaves?
After your hike, take advantage of one of the nearby wineries. RayLen Vineyards & Winery awaits you in the Yadkin Valley. The rolling hills and winding drive will fill you with anticipation as you drive through 35,000 European varietal grapevines. Once you arrive, taste the wines, tour the facility and settle yourself on the porch with a great bottle of wine. Or, spend the day at JOLO Winery & Vineyards for grand views of Pilot Mountain State Park and delicious food – like the salmon cake sandwich or filet salad – from its onsite restaurant, End Posts.
Baking is taken very seriously in Forsyth County. Check out these local favorites, and indulge yourself in a sweet treat. Louie & Honey’s Kitchen, Humble Bee Shoppe, Camino Bakery and Dewey’s Bakery. A special shout out to Winkler Bakery, the oldest continuously operating bakery in the country. Located in the heart of Old Salem, this shop offers a variety of bread and is known for its delightful Moravian sugar cake and Moravian cookies.
Keep looking forward to each new season, and find something special about each one. We are certainly blessed in Forsyth County to witness every season of the year and delight in the infinite colors and experiences of all of them.
