WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

Tina Firesheets has penned a book, “100 Things To Do In Winston-Salem Before You Die,” a compilation of things to do, and in particular places to eat, that is an interesting read even for long-time residents. She and local social media icon Jeff “Smitty” Smith held a conversation on Saturday, Aug. 26, at the new bookstore in Reynolda Village, The Bookhouse, where they talked about how Winston-Salem has changed and grown and the opportunities it offers.

Firesheets was a journalist with the Greensboro News & Record for several years, but lives in Winston-Salem. She saw the opportunity to write this book for Reedy Press out of St. Louis, Missouri, a publisher of similar books for other cities. Her first contact was Smitty, known for his e-newsletter and website, Smitty’s Notes, that for over 25 years has been keeping folks informed of what was happening in town, whether it was a musical event, festival, fundraiser or new restaurant. She said Smitty has been a wealth of knowledge, as well as an inspiration and supporter as she compiled the lists for the book.

The number 100 was set by the publisher and although she tried to get them to fudge a little … 102, 105 … the number 100 seems to be magical and they wouldn’t budge. So she culled her list down to 100 and said she hasn’t visited every single one, but those she didn’t get to visit are on her to-do list for the future.

Firesheets said during the conversation at the bookstore that she is easily distracted by food, so there are many references to places to eat and drink in the book. This is evident in some of the chapters, which include:

*Drink in the Town with a Craft Draft Crawl (breweries)

*Break Bread Throughout the City (bakeries)

*Make Friends and Forge Relationships Over Fried Green Tomatoes and Okra (Sweet Potatoes)

*Relish Coastal Flavors Without Driving to the Beach (Forsyth Seafood Market & Café)

*Weigh In On The Great Hotdog Debate (Places known for their hotdogs)

*Sip a Cup of Joe (coffee shops)

Other topics include:

*Turn Date Night Into a Play Night (Roar)

*Walk With the Deacons, Groove to the Red Sea of Sound (college football)

*Picnic at a Secret Waterfall (Reynolda Village)

*Browse the Arts District (highlights of stores and boutiques)

*Get Spooked with a Haunted Tour of Winston-Salem (Carolina History & Haunts)

*Pause, Learn and Reflect: Experience Black History (Triad Cultural Arts)

In the back of the book are Activities by Season and Suggested Itineraries by topic or interest.

This would be a great gift for a newcomer to town, college student, or even a long-time resident. It’s a fun way to rediscover all the interesting things Winston-Salem has to offer … and uncover some surprises, too.

Find the book on Amazon.com.