Ardmore Winston-Salem, NC

Ardmore holds the distinction of being one of the first residential areas to develop in Winston-Salem in the early 1900s. The rolling hills and homes with detached garages attracted commuters looking for room to grow and raise families. A large, historic district with over 2,200 properties makes up the bulk of the neighborhood. Home styles range from cottages and bungalows to Craftsman homes and Victorian manors.

Downtown Winston-Salem hosts the RiverRun International Film Festival in late April every year. Recognized as a premier film festival in the southeastern United States, the festival hosts over 18,000 guests and screens more than 140 films during the course of its 10-day run.

Just north of Ardmore, near Wake Forest University, lies the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, which displays a collection of American art and architecture. Set on 20 acres, the museum maintains art exhibits as well as wooded trails and formal gardens.

Well-known chain restaurants and local eateries restaurants dot the landscape in and around Ardmore, dishing up tasty choices for every palate.

Locals love Bad Daddy's Burger Bar with its casual vibe and juicy burgers. Try the Bad Ass Burger with buttermilk-fried bacon and horseradish mayo to kick-start your tastebuds. If you prefer lighter fare, Bad Daddy's menu features a variety of salads along with burger alternatives such as tuna, chicken and turkey. Be sure to order the hand-cut fries or tater tots to complement your meal.

Expand your dining horizons and head to Irie Rhythms, a hidden gem tucked inside a small strip mall. Made-from-scratch menu items like barbecue jerk pork and curry shrimp saute highlight the menu's fusion of Jamaican and North Carolinian cuisines. Known for their warm and friendly service, the servers here are happy to help newcomers navigate the eclectic menu.

Travel a little farther into the downtown area to visit Willow's Bistro, a charming restaurant with items such as crab cakes and beef tenderloin that are sure to please any gourmand. Regulars rave about the pan-seared scallops and crab cakes. The daily specials change seasonally and feature fresh, local ingredients. Take a seat on the wide porch for al fresco dining or choose a table inside the bright and airy dining room.

Take in some live music after dinner at Johnny and Junes Ultra Saloon, which host live music during the week. Winston-Salem's wildest country bar delivers with a full bar and a great sound system to listen to your favorite local and regional acts.

Vin205 Wine Bar features a accessible and balanced wine list, even wine on tap. Stop in for a glass, and share an appetizer or a meal. Visitors often enjoy live music on the weekends. Before you settle the tab, stroll over to the wine shop for a bottle to take home.

Easy access to Interstate 40 and Silas Creek Parkway give residents several options for reaching all points in and around the Winston-Salem area. Drivers easily find public parking in the downtown area of Winston-Salem thanks to metered parking spots and public parking ramps. Ardmore's businesses provide free parking for customers.

While most residents prefer to commute by car or ride share, several bus routes service the Ardmore area. The majority of bus stops occur on Old Salem Road and Marshall Street to the west and Peters Creek Parkway to the east. While Uber does not serve the area, several cab companies operate locally, and those needing a ride can make arrangements ahead of time.

Bikers will find many bike-friendly thoroughfares in the Ardmore area, even though the neighborhood lacks dedicated bike lanes. Pedestrians appreciate the quiet side streets and parks for running or strolling.

Miller Park, located in the heart of Ardmore, features two large playgrounds complete with blacktopped areas for tricycles, scooters and budding sidewalk chalk artists. Numerous streams and bike paths intersect the shady green spaces. This free, public park remains open from dawn until dusk, and dogs must remain on a leash.

Considered a hidden gem by locals, Lockland Park, a sliver of green space in Ardmore, enchants visitors with its tranquility. This 1.86-acre micro-park attracts nature lovers (and their children) with wooded areas, a babbling brook, and a playground.

Moussaka, anyone? The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Ardmore hosts its Greek Festival mid-May every year, which features Greek food, live music, church tours, a Greek market and native folk dancers. The family-friendly festival runs three days beginning on Friday.

Ardmore-area locals enjoy of a cost of living that comes in about 8 percent less than the national average. Rentals costs for a one-bedroom apartment hover around $495 a month.

Expect to pay $3 for a domestic bottle of beer, with craft beers costing a bit more at around $6. Vehicle owners fill up their tanks for a little less in Ardmore, with gas prices averaging about 1 percent less than the rest of the nation. Prefer taking the bus? Fares are only $1 and include free transfers.

Hanes Mall gives area residents their big-brand shopping fix, while neighborhood stores provide a more personal shopping experience.

New cooks and seasoned chefs alike will want to check out Southern Home and Kitchen. Select the perfect kitchen tool while perusing home decor items. Don't forget to sign up for a cooking class while you are here.

Search the stacks at Edward McKay Used Books and More for the perfect reading or audio material. Browse among both new and used items for CDs, video games, DVDs, books, periodicals and more.

For grocery shopping, Ardmore residents head to Harris-Teeter, conveniently located at the Thruway Shopping Center. Across the parking lot, Trader Joe's supplies shoppers with a second grocery option. There are also Walmart, Food Lion and Compare Foods locations in the vicinity.

The Old Salem Cobblestone Farmers Market, held at Old Salem Museums and Gardens, opens every Saturday morning, rain or shine. It sells locally grown and sustainable produce all year round, plus bakery items, meats and cheeses. If time allows, tour the restored buildings and watch artisans such as potters and shoemakers practice their historic trades.