By Caitlin Acker

Staff Writer

Photo provided by Natalie Sahloff

One of the many beautiful views of downtown Winston-Salem

Being a student today can be very challenging, so having an open space to be yourself is crucial. Although not very popular amongst R.J. Reynolds High School students, downtown Winston-Salem has so many places to hang out and spend time with friends. With the combination of local shops and friendly people, it is the perfect spot to spend your weekend.

    One of the many places you could visit is a candle store called Kin and Cottage. The store was founded by Megan Thompson and sells everything from candles to perfumes. Clove, an employee at Kin and Cottage, loves working downtown due to the walkability and the community.

    “I think it’s important for teenagers and people of any age to feel like they have a welcome spot in the city and in downtown,” Clove said.

   Despite downtown being such a cool place, students typically don’t visit it. Is it the lack of information about downtown? The need for transportation? Or could it even be the growing popularity of online shopping? One of the biggest reasons students don’t gravitate towards downtown is because of the increasing popularity of other shopping areas in Winston. 

    Not only does downtown have unique stores, but it also has good food spots, like Chad’s Chai, one of the best cafes in Winston. As you walk in you are greeted with a calm and refreshing atmosphere, the perfect place to study and meet with friends. Not only are the vibes great but also the menu, with a large selection of teas and pastries, you will never run out of things to order. 

     Chads Chai isn’t the only place to visit downtown. Imagine flowers is the perfect spot if you are feeling like spicing up your home with a new bouquet of flowers. Denys Mertz, an employee at Imagine Flowers, is very passionate about small businesses and local shops; this is why she enjoys downtown so much. 

    “I think shopping locally is really important, and I think that if it’s instilled in the youth, it’s going to carry on throughout their life,” Mertz said. “I think that it’s a really good start for teens to see local shops and how they run and what kind of offerings they have versus all of the things that are on Amazon or online.”

       Downtown should become a more popular place among students. If you are ever short on things to do with your friends, just go downtown and look at all the shops and food places. The community is one of the best parts of downtown. Supporting local businesses fosters a thriving community of craftsmen, creators, and entrepreneurs that bring vibrancy to our city.  Give downtown a visit with your friends and find the places you like. The beauty of downtown Winston-Salem is that there is always a place for everyone.