Wake Forest Downtown

08/31/2026

When you choose to shop small, you aren’t just making a quick purchase or grabbing something off a shelf. You are directly supporting the real families living right here in our community.

My journey as a small business professional started right here at The Cotton Company years ago, calling out bingo numbers upstairs. Over time, I worked through almost every role in the building, such as sales associate, event director, and assistant manager, before eventually stepping into the general manager role. Managing this space while also running my own booth, West & Main Boutique, gives me a front row seat to how special our Wake Forest community truly is.

When you support local, there is no giant corporate machine behind the scenes. We see every single sale that comes through. For my family, that support directly pays for my kids’ dance lessons, covers preschool tuition, and keeps our everyday life moving. It stays right here in our town, flowing from one local family to the next.

Getting involved with Wake Forest Downtown has allowed me to serve on different committees, help plan favorite local events like Forest Fest and Spirits of Wake Forest, and even serve as last year’s board chair. Seeing all the passion and hard work that goes on behind the scenes to keep our community thriving has made me love this town even more.

I still remember coming downtown and dressing up in pearls and hats at the old tearoom when I was younger. Now, operating a business and serving in that same community makes it all mean so much more.

Building and managing a small business while also being a mom has been quite the journey, but showing my kids what is truly possible makes every single step worth it. I want them to see that with hard work, patience, and a strong community, you can carve out your own path.

- Marissa Shattuck

08/28/2026

✨ Every haunting has its season…stay tuned as we continue to share chilling snippets from our “retired” vault throughout the fall.

This year, we’re saying goodbye to the haunting story of Wake Forest’s old passenger depot. Once a bustling stop for travelers, the historic building now stands quietly on the edge of downtown—but those who step inside say it may not be as empty as it seems… 🚂👻

🎟️ Want to discover the new stories waiting in the shadows this fall? Tickets for Spirits of Wake Forest go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 8 at noon at wakeforestnc.gov (search “Spirits”)

📖 To continue reading this retired tale, visit the Town of Wake Forest website and search “Retired Haunted History.”

08/26/2026

Supporting downtown means supporting the people, small businesses, and dreams that make our community special. 💕

Dolly Parton has always reminded us of the importance of staying true to who we are, working hard, and giving back to others.

As we remember Dolly and the joy she has shared with so many, let’s carry that spirit by supporting local, loving our community, and keeping our downtown shining. ✨

08/26/2026

“Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walks return to Downtown Wake Forest October 1-30, tickets on sale September 8

“Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walks return to Downtown Wake Forest October 1-30, tickets on sale September 8

WAKE FOREST, NC - If you’re looking for a “hauntingly” good time this fall, then don’t miss the “Spirits of Wake Forest” ghost walk in Downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown (WFD), Inc., in partnership with Firebox Theatre Company, these walking tours will be offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, October 1-30, according to the following schedule:

• Thursdays & Fridays - 6:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
• Saturdays - 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Downtown Wake Forest’s buildings and sidewalks have seen well over 100 years of history, and they have some eerie stories to tell! Join WFD, Inc. and Firebox Theatre Company’s incredible cast of storytellers to learn about the tragic train wrecks, frightening folklore, and restless spirits that make up just a small piece of Downtown’s haunted history.

Tickets are $20 each, go on sale at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and must be purchased in advance at https://bit.ly/SpiritsofWF. Tickets sell out fast, so mark your calendars for this date and time! Please note: Tickets are non-refundable/non-transferable. Tours will take place rain or shine. Tours are recommended for ages 8 and up, but younger children are welcome at their parents’ discretion. Any attendees under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. As much as we love your furry family members, we respectfully ask that you please leave your pets at home.

Lasting approximately one hour and 15 minutes, each tour will take place in Historic Downtown Wake Forest’s business district, primarily along South White Street. Tour groups will meet outside Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., and the tours will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Tours are within the business district only and will not include private residences.

A special thanks to our 2026 WFD, Inc. sponsors: Platinum - Cameron Family CPAs, Professional Touch Paint, Town of Wake Forest. Gold - Brightspeed Fiber Internet, Johnson Hyundai of Wake Forest, Renewal by Anderson, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Hamlet Quail Crossing, The Knotty Sheep, True Insight Direct Care, The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce. Silver - Daniels Financial Partners-Raymond James, Fidelity Bank, Furman CPA, MK Creative Arts Studio, Piedmont Federal Bank, RE/MAX Legacy, Renovation Sells, and Warren, Shackleford, & Thomas Attorneys.

Spirits of Wake Forest is planned and hosted by a volunteer committee, and all proceeds from ticket sales will serve as donations to WFD, Inc. Our organization’s mission is to strengthen community connections, champion local businesses, and preserve the charm and vitality of downtown Wake Forest. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/SpiritsofWF or email Downtown Development Specialist Camryn Gutierrez at [email protected].

08/20/2026

314 Brooks Street

Built: circa 1927

314 Brooks Street is connected to 331 South White Street, a single-story brick building that served as Wake Forest’s Ford dealership for many years. The storefront still includes a large concrete car ramp.

Henry Miller operated the Miller Motor Company with his wife, Ida, from 1945 to 1948. The Ford dealership continued to operate through the 1960s under several owners, including Cruser-Tynes Motor Co., Strickland Bros. Motor Co., Wake Forest Motor Co., and Chappell Motors, Inc.

In October 2015, the space became home to Back Alley Coffee Roasters, founded by Tracy McKenzie, a Professor of Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his wife, Beth. Dr. McKenzie was introduced to specialty coffee by one of his students, which inspired him to refine his roasting techniques over the years. The name “Back Alley Coffee Roasters” came from sharing coffee and doing demonstrations in the “back alley” during breaks at work.

In 2017, Lem Butler and Kyle Ramage, former United States Barista Champions and cofounders of Black & White Coffee Roasters, purchased Back Alley Coffee Roasters. By 2020, the shop had opened two additional locations in Raleigh and Rolesville. However, the Rolesville cafe has since closed.

Black & White Coffee Roasters still operates at 314 Brooks Street today. The storefront facade features their signature panda-head logo.

📸The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC). “Coffee Shop Brings a World of Flavors to Wake Forest.” July 20, 2016.

08/19/2026

Wake Forest is home to me. It’s comfort, community, and a place I’m proud to be part of.

I moved to North Carolina from the Midwest in December 1999, looking for better weather and, more importantly, a great place to raise my kids. At the time, Wake Forest had around 12,000 residents, and I’ve been fortunate to watch this community grow and flourish while continuing to maintain the character that makes it such a special place to call home.

From community events and traditions to the history that surrounds us, there’s something special about living here. The growth we’ve experienced is a reflection of what so many of us already know: Wake Forest is a great place to call home.

That sense of community is also what drew me specifically to Downtown. It wasn’t until I opened my business here that I realized what I had been missing. There’s just a cool vibe here. It’s fun and inviting! I’ve enjoyed becoming more involved in the community through both my time as a business owner, WFD board member, and sponsors.

As I enter my 12th year in real estate, I’m grateful that my career allows me to introduce others to a place that has meant so much to me and my family. I get to share not only homes but also the history, traditions, events, and sense of community that make Wake Forest so unique.

— Mike Ponsolle, Re/Max Legacy of Wake Forest, NC

08/18/2026

Save your receipts for a chance to win up to $300 in Downtown Dollars! 🛍️✨

Whether you purchase a new pair of glasses from Framed Eyewear, get a haircut at Creative Shears, attend an event at The Wake Forest Listening Room, treat yourself to a pedicure at Highpark Nail Spa, indulge in a tea at Sugar Magnolia Cafe, or support another amazing Downtown Wake Forest business, your purchases could pay off!

Want to see all the businesses you can support? Check out our Downtown Wake Forest business directory here: https://bit.ly/4x7L1Yl

Simply snap a photo of your receipts and submit them for your chance to win. The Support Local Receipt Challenge runs August 14 through September 14, so there’s plenty of time to shop, dine, explore, and support local!

Please view our original post for full details, rules, and how to enter.

08/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming The Hideaway to Downtown Wake Forest! (Located at 308 E. Roosevelt Avenue) 🍻🍷

The Hideaway offers a welcoming spot to gather and enjoy a great drink right in the heart of downtown. Pull up a seat and explore their selection of craft beers and wines while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and great company.

We’re thrilled to welcome The Hideaway to our Downtown Wake Forest community and can’t wait for you to check them out. Stop by, raise a glass, and help us give them a warm downtown welcome! 🎉