British Woods - Winston-Salem, NC

British Woods, and the area surrounding the community, has encountered steady growth from the 1920s to the modern day. The need for blue-collar and middle-class housing for residents working in the textile and tobacco trades increased the need for this development throughout the 20th century. The neighborhood itself remains fairly isolated from the busy downtown corridors but still lies within a close proximity to all of Winston-Salem's popular and important amenities.

British Woods does not have any museums, art galleries or annual events, but Winston-Salem has long been considered a community with a great arts scene. Residents and visitors alike head downtown to the New Winston Museum, the Winston Cup Museum and galleries such as the Gallery at Old Salem. Locals also cherish the city's popular festivals, including the River Run International Film Festival and the North Carolina Wine Festival.

No restaurants sit within the actual neighborhood boundaries of British Woods. Residents must drive east to Peters Creek Parkway or west to Hanes Mall Boulevard for the majority of dining options. Quite a few fast food and chain-operated establishments sit throughout the community. Local restaurants, though present, are few and far between.

Described as upscale-casual, Bleu Restaurant and Bar serves American cuisine in a relaxing environment. Menu options change throughout the year, depending on the seasonal availability of meats and produce. The hot crab dip, a favorite of many diners, comes with a lemon and herb crumb topping and a hearty serving of French bread. The shrimp and grits here also knock it out of the park, with Andouille sausage, spinach and cherry tomatoes topping this creamy, decadent dish. Drink specials change daily, so be sure to check the website if looking to indulge in a cocktail or local microbrew.

Everyone's favorite Mexican restaurant is Papa Nachos. This authentic restaurant with a fun name invites restaurant-goers in with a festive vibe, full bar and large entrees.

For nightlife, British Woods residents head to the Hanes Mall Boulevard area for a number of casual options, including Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Cities Grill & Bar, Bleu Restaurant & Bar and Village Tavern.

For an adventurous evening, head to Johnny and June's Ultra Saloon at the Marketplace Mall. This happening honky-tonk opens Thursday through Saturday and has an on-site mechanical bull and drink specials. Upscale bars, nightclubs, and music venues lie in downtown Winston-Salem and the Burke Street Pub. Microbreweries also abound in all of North Carolina. Be sure to check out the Foothills Brewpub, also located downtown, to sample many of its small-batch beers. On weekends, you can catch live music from local artists.

Most people drive to work or carpool. Commuters driving into downtown Winston-Salem take Peters Creek Parkway north, directly into the city center. Interstate 40, which runs just south of Winston-Salem, is accessible by either Peters Creek Parkway or Hanes Mall Boulevard. Residents encourage visitors to park along residential streets, as no parking garages lie within the neighborhood.

Bus service through the Winston-Salem Transit Authority operates near British Woods. Bus stops along Hanes Mill Boulevard pick up commuters hourly between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the workweek. Those looking to use taxi service or Uber will be happy to know that both do operate in British Woods, but they must be called in advance in order to schedule service.

Unfortunately, those looking to bike or walk to stores in British Woods are unable to do so. This community, considered car dependent, lies relatively far from most restaurants, bars and shopping centers. Bike lanes do lie along Hanes Mall Boulevard, Burke Mill Road, Ebert Road Southwest and Ardmore Road.

The privately-owned Heather Hills Golf Course lies right within the British Woods neighborhood. To the north sits Bolton Park, operated by the city of Winston-Salem. This large public park houses a seasonally operated swimming pool, as well as a gigantic playground and tennis courts. Residents love spending sunny summer days lying the grass with their families at Bolton Park. Parkland Park lies directly east of British Woods, and provides locals with lighted tennis courts, athletic fields and a playground for young children. Winston-Salem's neighborhood parks do not charge a fee, and all welcome dogs, though they must be leashed.

Many parks within the city host annual events, festivals and family-friendly fun days. Many families enjoy heading to the Greenspot on Sunday evenings throughout the summer for free outdoor movie screenings. Apple Fest, at the Historic Bethabara Park, occurs every September and celebrates Winston-Salem's history with re-enactments, live music, food and apples, of course

The cost of living in British Woods mirrors the rest of Winston-Salem and lies 9 percent below the national average. Housing costs run notoriously low in and around Winston-Salem, and British Woods residents experience this as well. A one-bedroom apartment in British Woods will set renters back around $659 per month.

Transportation costs also remain stable throughout the region. Bus riders using Winston-Salem Transit Authority's bus service pay $1 each way, with free transfers. Gas prices, although always fluctuating, average 3 percent above the national average. Though very few restaurants and bars lie within British Woods, those nearby generally charge around $5 for a pint of beer.

No retail shops lie directly in British Woods, and locals must drive either east along Peters Creek Parkway, north past Interstate 40, or west to Hanes Mall Boulevard to access simple retailers. Most of the shops found on Peters Creek Parkway include car dealerships, auto parts stores and basic service providers. Those seeking upscale stores love to shop at Hanes Mall, as name brands such as Gap, Birkenstock and Pottery Barn lie next to smaller speciality and boutique stores.

Salem Creek, situated close to Hanes Mall along Hanes Mall Boulevard, calls itself the Southeast's finest speciality department store. Shelves here are lined with candles, home décor, women's fashion accessories, gifts and other collectibles. Shoppers enjoy perusing the selection of freshly-roasted coffees. Those searching for the perfect housewarming or hostess gift should find many options here at Salem Creek.

Just north of Interstate 40 from British Woods lies the Lost in Time Antique Mall. Don't be deterred by the simple exterior, this antique mall truly shines with rows upon rows of collectibles, jewelry and antique furniture. Though some complain that the store contains a faint cigarette odor, that doesn't stop serious antique shoppers from frequenting Lost in Time. It has become one of Winston-Salem's most popular antique shops because of the large selection and unbeatable prices.

British Woods lies surrounded by quality grocery stores, including Food Lion and Aldi on Peters Creek Parkway, as well as Pavilions and Costco on Hanes Mall Boulevard. Most locals looking for a year-round farmers market head to the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market located in between Winston-Salem and Greensboro along Sandy Ridge Road. Those wanting to stay closer to home can visit the Cobblestone Farmers Market in Old Salem, which opens from April through November.