PLAN YOUR VISIT
Coming to Wake Forest
If you’re traveling to attend a class at Pettyjohn’s School of Textile Care, we want the rest of your visit to be as easy as possible.
Our school is located at:
1905 S. Main St.
Wake Forest, NC 27587
We’ve put together a few recommendations for places to stay, places to eat, and things to do while you’re here. We’ve included both cost-conscious options and places where you may want to spend a little more.
Hotel rates can vary considerably depending on the dates of your class, so we recommend comparing current rates before booking.
Where to Stay
Good Value
Tru by Hilton Wake Forest Raleigh North
4.8•Hotel
Website•Directions•(919) 488-4505
This would probably be one of my primary recommendations for students. It’s a newer, more budget-oriented Hilton property with free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. It’s also convenient to the school and surrounding restaurants and shopping.
Good for: Students looking for a clean, simple room and trying to keep the overall cost of attending class down.
Candlewood Suites Wake Forest Raleigh Area by IHG
4.8•Extended stay hotel
Website•Directions•(919) 554-6901
Another good option, particularly for students attending a longer class. The rooms are designed more like extended-stay suites and include a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave and stovetop.
Good for: Longer stays or students who want to save some money by preparing some of their own meals.
A Step Up
Hampton Inn Raleigh/Town Of Wake Forest
4.2•Hotel
Website•Directions•(919) 554-0222
A dependable mid-range choice with free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. It’s conveniently located near Capital Boulevard and provides easy access to the school and Downtown Wake Forest.
Good for: Someone who wants a traditional hotel experience with breakfast included.
Something Different
For people traveling together, I would also mention that Downtown Wake Forest has several highly rated whole-home and condo rentals. That could be especially attractive if two or three employees from the same company attend a class together and want to split lodging costs.
Where to Eat
I’d divide this into “Quick & Casual” and “Treat Yourself.”
Quick & Casual
Asuka Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar
4.0•Japanese restaurant•Open
Website•Directions•(919) 570-2828
This one is especially convenient because it’s at 2101 S. Main St., essentially right down the road from the school. Sushi is the main attraction, but they also have ramen, noodles, bento boxes and other options.
Curry House
4.6•Indian restaurant•Open
Website•Directions•(919) 263-1222
Also at 2101 S. Main St., Curry House serves Indian and Himalayan/Nepalese food. This gives students another good option extremely close to class.
For students who want to head downtown after class:
The Burger Shop
4.4•Hamburger restaurant•Closed
Website•Directions•(919) 562-2333
A casual local burger restaurant in Downtown Wake Forest known for handmade burgers, fries and fresh-squeezed lemonade and orangeade.
Over the Falls
4.2•American restaurant•Open
Website•Directions•(919) 570-8588
A relaxed downtown restaurant with a broad menu—burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza and entrées. I’d include this because it’s an easy recommendation when a group of students wants to go somewhere together and everyone wants something different.
Forks Cafeteria & Catering
4.0•Traditional American restaurant•Open
Website•Directions•(919) 556-6544
A longtime Wake Forest spot serving traditional Southern and homestyle food cafeteria-style. This one gives visitors something that feels a little more local rather than recommending only chains.
A Nicer Night Out
Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum
4.5•Tapas restaurant•Closed
Reserve•Website•Directions
A smaller, more upscale downtown option centered around tapas and shared plates. This would be a nice recommendation for someone wanting to relax and have a more leisurely dinner after class. The Town of Wake Forest actually includes Bodega in its own downtown food-and-drink itinerary.
Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
4.5•Restaurant•Closed
Reserve•Website•Directions
This is the special-occasion recommendation. It’s an upscale Italian restaurant in a renovated historic home—and interestingly, it’s also on South Main Street, so it’s very convenient to the school.
I’d probably put a little “Katie & Andrew Recommend” badge next to two or three restaurants that you two personally like. That makes this page feel like recommendations from your family rather than a generic tourism page.
Things to Do
Explore Downtown Wake Forest
Downtown Wake Forest
4.5•Attraction
Website•Directions
If someone only has a couple of hours after class, this is probably where I’d send them first.
Downtown is walkable and has local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, shopping and nightlife. The Town itself describes it as a small, walkable downtown with dining, shopping and entertainment.
Cost: Free to explore
Best for: An easy evening after class
E. Carroll Joyner Park
- Carroll Joyner Park
4.7•Park•Open
Website•Directions•(919) 435-9560
For someone who has been sitting in class all day and just wants to get outside, this is a great recommendation. It’s a 117-acre park with restored farm buildings, gardens and about three miles of paved walking trails.
Cost: Free for simply enjoying the park/trails
Best for: Walking, relaxing and getting outside
Falls Lake
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
For students staying an extra day—or bringing their family—Falls Lake is worth mentioning. The recreation area offers hiking, biking, paddling, swimming, fishing and picnicking.
There can be a vehicle entrance fee during certain parts of the year, so I’d link students to the state park information rather than putting a permanent price on your website.
Best for: Students staying through the weekend or traveling with family.
Make Yourself at Home
We know that traveling for training involves more than simply showing up for class.
If you have questions about where to stay, where to eat, or what part of town might work best for your visit, feel free to contact us. We live and work here, and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.