CAROLINA FEATURE

City Overview:
Winston-Salem

By Douglas G. Scarboro,
Staff Writer

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - In this day and age of merger and acquisitions, multitasking and Telecommuting, it is no surprise that cities can be combined in the name of efficiency. Small towns that are incorporated into the larger metropolitan area are seemingly common occurrences. What is not as common is the combination of two individual cities.

Winston-Salem is the combination of two former independent small cities in North Carolina. The result is a wonderful mid-sized city that is full of culture and class. The city encompasses several business districts, cultural attractions, universities and some awesome golf courses to boot.

Those who visit the city will quickly learn that a majority of events run along Stratford Road, one of the main thoroughfares through town. Along this road you will see chain restaurants and stores intermixed with boutiques and family owned restaurants. This mixture allows you to please your palate with exciting new tastes or to dine sufficiently on popular favorites.

The laid back pace of Winston-Salem is sure to be popular with those visiting the area. People are generally nice and full of Southern charm.

The Winston-Salem area also has several beautiful neighborhoods and living areas. Due to the prevalence of proceeds from several large tobacco firms, this area has some of the most beautiful homes in the state. This area is also well known for the Bowman Gray Medical Center, which is a part of the Wake Forest University system.

The research hospital is a major center for several procedures and practices used worldwide. Wake Forest University is also home to a law school, a business school and several graduate programs. Outside of academics, the university is also well known for its Division I, NCAA basketball and football programs.

The city is home as well to Winston-Salem State University. This public four-year institution is one of North Carolina's many historically black universities. Winston-Salem is also home to the School of the Arts. This is a school for high school junior and seniors from across the state that have shown exemplary talent in one of the performing or visual arts. This state ran high school is highly selective and competitive.

For those new to the area or new to the South, there are certain things that are just sacred here. Besides college basketball and barbeque, one of those things is the tasty goodness of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. These morsels of soft goodness are found throughout the city. The publicly traded company is headquartered in Winston-Salem.

All those knowledgeable of the doughnuts are extremely excited at the illumination of the neon doughnuts sign. These signs lets all passer-bys know that hot, freshly made doughnuts are awaiting them. A trip to Winston-Salem is not complete without a stop at one the Krispy Kreme locations.

Winston-Salem is located on the edge of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. This region is in the middle portion of the state and encompasses everything in between the mountain region and the coastal plain region.

Its positioning allows visitors to access the Blue Ridge Mountain range in under two hours. The placement of the city makes for picturesque views and wonderful scenery. Be sure to visit this beautiful area.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.