📜 History Highlight
Snowed in with nothing to do? Queue up this week’s episode of “Finding Your Roots,” which will trace Chris Paul’s ancestry!
Photo courtesy of “Finding Your Roots”
The Show: In “Finding Your Roots,” Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores celebrities’ ancestry. One of this season’s guests is Chris Paul, who attended West Forsyth High School, played basketball at Wake Forest, and currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Background: Chris Paul’s ancestor, Peter Oliver, was sold to the Moravians in 1786. A skilled potter, he worked with the Moravian Church in Salem to earn his freedom in 1800, then returned as a farmer and raised a family.
When: The episode airs on PBS at 8 PM tomorrow, February 3. You don’t need a subscription to watch!
Did You Know? Local nonprofit Creative Corridors Coalition will honor Peter Oliver’s legacy through the upcoming Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery.
❤️ Love is in the air — and reservations should be on your calendar. With Valentine’s Day approaching, here’s why The Downtown Grille should be your spot:
• Atmosphere: A cozy, upscale atmosphere for a romantic & memorable evening
• Experience: Crafted cocktails and small plates to start, hearty mains and classic sides, shareable desserts, and after-dinner wine/cocktails
• Flavor: Local ingredients + culinary expertise = chef’s-kiss classics like Chicken Marsala and an indulgent 8-oz Filet
Get excited about the menu, then book your reservations online!*
🗓 Events
Tuesday, February 3
Latin Dance - Learn the merengue with Triad Social Dance at East of Texas, followed by social dancing! Join them every Tuesday to learn various Latin dance styles. 6-9 PM
Children’s Author - Take your kids to Bookmarks to meet Stacy McAnulty, author of the Our Universe picture books! Free to attend. Drop in from 4-5:30 PM.
Wednesday, February 4
The Clash - Rescheduled from February 1. Catch all the racing action at Bowman Gray Stadium! Gates open at 12:30 PM, main race starts at 6 PM.
Hearts & Crafts - Stitch a Valentine’s-themed pattern on your favorite crewneck at Main & Mountain Bookstore! Supplies provided. 7 PM
Thursday, February 5
Terrarium DIY - Join Sophisticated Florals to create a Valentine’s-themed terrarium! 6 PM
Vocal Performance - Grammy Award-winning singer J’Nai Bridges performs at Wake Forest University! 7:30 PM
🗞 Other News
🏈 Sports: Let your kids run, play, and score! NFL Flag Football teaches the game in a fun, no-contact environment with the largest youth program in the country. Register by February 22!*
🏸 Coming Soon: Dill Dinkers is expected to open at 3208 Silas Creek Parkway in May or June! The indoor pickleball club was originally slated to open early this year. Read next week’s newsletter for more upcoming businesses!
🎨 Art: The WS|FC Public Art Commission needs your input! They’ve selected 4 finalists for the upcoming 6th-Cherry-Trade Parking Deck mural — share your thoughts on the designs by February 9.
⚾ Baseball: The Dash released its 2026 promo schedule! Check out the theme nights and giveaways coming to Truist Stadium. We’re excited for the Carolina Reapers rebrand nights. Grab your single-game tickets today!
🏙 Ranked: Winston-Salem made Good Housekeeping’s best city vacations guide! The guide noted how visitors can enjoy our city’s attractions and dining scene without breaking the bank.
💙 Support: Local small businesses need our help! Que Viva Latin Street Grill shared on Facebook that the winter storms have been catastrophic for them. Show them some love by visiting the restaurant or ordering online!
A MESSAGE FROM THE YMCA NWNC
Why the Y?
There’s more to the YMCA than meets the eye. Membership comes with benefits you might not even know about.
Personal Training: You don’t have to do it alone. Reach your goals with a certified trainer and save up to 10% on session packages. Plus, new members receive three one-on-one Wellness Coach appointments.
Group Fitness Classes: Enjoy popular classes like BodyPump, Cardio Barre, and Cycle. Want more accountability? Take it up a notch with GRIT, a specialty class offered in 4- or 8-week sessions.
Extra Amenities: Not every Y is the same — and that’s the benefit. YMCA NWNC members enjoy access to 12 unique locations, with amenities ranging from pools and saunas to steam rooms and basketball courts.
Don’t let the weather freeze your fitness goals. Join by Feb 5 and pay $0 to join. Already a member? Refer a friend by Feb 28, and you’ll both get $50 in Y Cash, a chance to win a $500 gift card, and your friend pays no joining fee.
SPONSORED
Upcoming Events
Big Band Brunch - Love is in the air — and so is jazz. Enjoy a Valentine’s brunch buffet with live music from the Camel City Jazz Orchestra at the Millennium Center on February 15.
Evening in the Atrium - A taste of live music. Jess Klein takes the stage as The Downtown Grille serves up small bites at 500 W 5th on February 19.
Pianos for Paws - Two pianos. One great cause. Join Fur-Ever Friends of NC for a spectacular Dueling Pianos show, a silent auction, and raffles at The Warehouse on Ivy on February 21.
❄️ How are you feeling about these winter storms?
👀 Poll results: Was your road still covered in ice last week?
Yes - 90%
No - 10%
Hannah M. shared, “With this winter’s storms, I wonder if WS will get better infrastructure for clearing roads so that those of us in non-highway or downtown areas can get out.”
🌀 The Wrap
A note from Christy, our founder:
We started The Go-To in early 2021 with one simple goal: to share what was happening in Winston-Salem. Back then, one newsletter a week did the trick. As our city and community grew, one became two. Now, even that’s not enough.
Starting tomorrow, you’ll receive a third weekly newsletter to better highlight, share, and keep you informed about everything happening at WS.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
* denotes sponsored content