New England-raised physician Dr. Calvin Jones became Wake Forest's first settler when he bought 615 acres of forest land there in 1832. He turned the land into a plantation and worked as a doctor and local postmaster from his home for more than a decade until he decided to relocate west. Dr. Jones persuaded his friend John Purefoy, a Baptist minister, to purchase his land to establish the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute. Boys as young as 12 attended the institute, trading manual labor for religious education. The institute would later become Wake Forest College.
Wake Forest's population began to grow rapidly in the 1840s, with the establishment of a railroad depot in nearby Forestville. The depot moved even closer to Wake Forest in the mid-1870s, stimulating even more economic and population growth. In 1880, the area was officially incorporated as the Town of Wake Forest College. The word college was dropped from the town's title in 1909.
Wake Forest has continued to grow through the decades. At the 2000 census, Wake Forest was home to approximately 12,600 people. By the 2010 census, its population had more than doubled to over 30,000 residents. As Wake Forest continues to grow, it's infrastructure is always improving for residents and visitors alike. New restaurants and stores complement the parks and historic buildings that keep tourists coming back.
When should you visit Wake Forest, NC?
Wake Forest's humid, subtropical climate makes summers a steamy affair. Nights in the low 80s and beyond are common, although the humidity can make it feel much warmer. Winters are cool but more comfortable than in many American cities, with daytime temps regularly hovering around the low to mid-50s. If your heart is set on a winter visit, participating in Christmas activities can help you stay warm.
Spring is the ideal time to visit Wake Forest, with its warm weather and dry days and nights. Many people save their travel for the longer summer break, so spring is often a little quieter in Wake Forest. This is reflected in lower accommodation prices.
Fall temperatures are also pleasant, however, rain showers can sometimes dampen vacation plans during September. Some say it's worth risking the rain to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in Wake Forest's parks. It'll be drier during November, but also much colder with night temps often hovering around the 40s and 50s. Bring a warm coat if you're traveling so close to winter.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Wake Forest, NC:
Wake Forest, NC: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Wake Forest, NC. Browse these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Wake Forest for any future trips.
What are the luxury hotel options in Wake Forest, NC?
4 Star Average Prices: $145.31
For a little extra luxury, look to hotels on Wake Forest's outskirts. These quality establishments offer guests superior service and accommodation.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Crabtree Valley offers its guests spacious, well-appointed one- and two-bedroom suites with separate sleeping and living quarters and full kitchens. Modern features including two-burner cooktops, fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers make preparing meals and cleaning up after yourself easy. If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, take advantage of the local restaurants, then retire to your room to watch the TV or surf the internet. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms, so you don't need to worry about data restrictions. Hot breakfasts, weekday newspaper deliveries, and a grocery shopping service are also included in your rate.
Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Cary offers the creature comforts of home, and then some. Self-parking is free, but you don't need your car for exploring. The Hilton Garden Inn offers a free shuttle service that takes you anywhere within a five-mile radius of the hotel. After sightseeing, you can soothe your muscles in the saltwater pool or hot tub. The hotel's handy to restaurants, but if you'd prefer eating in, try the Garden Grille & Bar. Alternatively, use your room's microwave to heat a ready-to-cook meal from the Pavilion Pantry. The modern guestrooms also feature high-definition LCD televisions, plush beds, and free Wi-Fi.
What are the affordable hotel options in Wake Forest, NC?
3 Star Average Prices: $117.65
Wake Forest accommodations are usually more affordable than rooms you'll find in nearby Raleigh. However, some hotels are more affordable than others. The following hotels offer bargain rates to guests.
Candlewood Suites Wake Forest Raleigh Area has suites, rather than small guestrooms, so it's the ideal choice for an affordable family getaway. Eating in is easy, as each suite has a kitchen with ceramic cooktops and generously sized granite countertops. You'll never get bored with a flat-screen TV and DVD player in each suite. Bring your own movies or borrow one from the hotel's lending library. The hotel also has a guest laundry, gymnasium, and free high-speed internet access in all suites and the on-site business center.
WoodSpring Suites Raleigh Northeast Wake Forest, formerly Value Place Raleigh NC (Wake Forest), is another affordable option for travelers on a budget. This pet-friendly hotel is a great choice for an extended getaway, with its special weekly and long-stay rates. Its suites are spacious with well-equipped kitchens for preparing meals and dining tables and chairs for enjoying your family meals. The flat-screen TV sets show cable and satellite channels, including at least one free film channel. If you prefer binging on streaming services, make use of the hotel's free Wi-Fi access.
