CITY CHEAT SHEET: Welcome to Kernersville, NC
Kernersville is one of our area’s hidden gems. This little town has grown dramatically in the past few years due to the relatively affordable housing options and the resulting influx of families and young professionals to the area. As a result, downtown Kernersville is buzzing with activity! There are a number of great shops, restaurants, breweries, and probably one of the Top 5 bakeries in the Triad. This is definitely a destination you will need to experience for yourself. Come for a few hours and check it out!
WHERE TO SHOP
Accent Prone // 1022 S Main St
One of our favorite local home décor stores. They also have a small clothing boutique with jewelry. The owners are wonderful and they are interior designers who will work with their customers to find just the right piece for their home. Accent Prone also frequently has fun market sample furniture available.
Eclection // 219 N Main St
A great spot with booth-style shopping and a small wine bar. Their key emphasis is upon showcasing local artists and vintage collectors. It’s rare to find a spot where you can shop, drink coffee, eat snacks from local vendors, drink wine, and take a crafting class – all in one building!
Jane Made and Found // 141 S Main St
This is a fabulously quirky shop that showcases local artists and collectibles. They have everything from handmade jewelry and artwork to clothing and home décor. You are going to find something fun here.
The Magnolia Bride // 117 N Main St
If you are in wedding planning mode, you should check out this boutique bridal store. They carry interesting lines and it is a lovely bridal salon. However, she is only open “by appointment only” so make sure to call ahead!
Pawlee’s // 116 N Main St
This is the local doggy bakery and they have a great selection of dog accessories and toys. If you have a fuzzy friend, definitely stop by and pick up some new things.
WHERE TO DINE
Cakes and All Things Yummy // 103 E Mountain St
This is the bakery we think should easily make a Top 5 list for the Triad. We’ve never had a bad item here – their cupcakes are delicious, their cookies to die for, and obviously it goes without saying that the cakes are pretty darn good. Definitely should be top of your list whenever you drive through town. Or even kind of close to town on Salem Parkway, because it’s only about 5 minutes off the highway…
Fitz on Main // 109 N Main St
One of those classic southern staples – the old-school diner. Fitz has been here for years and they serve breakfast and lunch only. They offer counter seating with extremely limited table seating – it is very small and cash-only. Their flat-top grill serves up all the greasy goodness you could expect at this type of diner!
Giadas Trattoria // 210 N Main St, Suite 292
If you are in the mood for Italian food, this is a great spot! It is located inside an old, original building in downtown and is near the Kernersville Brewery. You will find wood-fired pizzas, delicious fresh pasta dishes, seafood, and steaks.
J. Peppers // 841 Old Winston Rd
A very popular place for the locals to hang out. J. Peppers has an American Southern menu, a full bar, large outdoor patio, and it is a great place to watch the game on the weekends.
Mae’s Vintage Kitchen // 149 S Main St
This restaurant is located inside one of Kernersville’s oldest Victorian-style homes. They offer southern cooking for lunch and Afternoon Tea. Classically charming and their front porch is very welcoming and has rocking chairs for your use.
Out West // 1185 NC-66
This is a steakhouse with an ambiance best described as “frontier chic.” They have traditional steakhouse fare and a great wine selection. There is also a huge patio with fireplace and fans for the summer. Another big local hangout spot.
Patriot Pretzel // 120C Main St
One of our favorite places in Kernersville because we may have a soft pretzel obsession and this family-owned store makes a delicious soft pretzel with a multitude of seasonings and sauces. Keep in mind so no one is surprised when they walk in the door – this business is unapologetically political in its leaning, so if you are actively offended by people and places that lean red, this might not be the place for you. However, the owners are very congenial and we hope the Triad community will continue supporting their small business, regardless of personal political affiliations. The pretzels are amazing!!!
Prissy Polly’s BBQ // 729 NC Hwy 66 South
One of our favorite BBQ spots in the Triad. They have both Eastern and Lexington-style BBQ, hand-pulled or chopped, and a huge assortment of sides. You really can’t go wrong here if you’re in the mood for BBQ.
Smitty’s // 838-E S. Main St
This is the locals’ favorite spot for seafood. They carry all the things but specialize in crab legs and oysters. There is a great outdoor dining area as well.
The Prescott // 126 S Main St
Quality farm-to-table fine dining. The owners have partnered with local farms and other producers to source their ingredients and they have very eclectic seasonal menus. Definitely worth the drive to Kernersville for lunch or dinner.
THINGS TO DO
Ageless in the Triad // 900 Old Winston Rd, Suite #204B
If you need a spa day, call the ladies at Ageless. They offer facials, massages, and far too many other treatment options to list here. The Med Spa is lovely and clean and the staff very friendly. You will definitely enjoy your time here.
The Brewer’s Kettle // 308 E Mountain St
This business has locations in High Point, Kernersville, Clemmons, Wilmington, and Lexington. However, each location is unique and has its own style, so we recommend checking out all of them. They carry a great selection of beer, wine, and cigars and they host many events with food trucks, so you’re typically going to find something going on there on a weekend.
Gypsy Road Brewery // 1105 E Mountain St
A great little microbrewery with a really fun outdoor space. They have a lot of really interesting beer options, including seasonal selections, and they have a great lineup of events happening throughout the week.
Kernersville Brewing Company // 221 N Main St
Located in historic downtown Kernersville, this brewery has a focus on American and German-style brews and has a fairly extensive lineup that should appeal to every taste. They tend to have events and food trucks there almost every day, so you always have entertainment when you are there.
Kernersville Museum // 127 W Mountain St
You can learn about the history of the town and they have some wonderfully preserved structures that are interesting to explore.
Körner’s Folly // 413 S Main St
This home was built by Jule Gilmer Körner (the grandson of Joseph Körner, who founded Kernersville). The home was built in 1800 as a way of displaying his talents in interior design, painting, and furniture design. The story behind the house is fascinating and you can learn all about it on the house tour and see all the quirks for yourself (ex. Room with five foot ceilings). They offer candlelight tours during the holiday season and host a fun fundraiser there every October.
Marble Granite World // 321 E Bodenhamer St
If you are considering a kitchen or bath renovation or planning new construction, pop through Marble Granite and pick up some fresh ideas. They have a fabulous showroom and they will be more than happy to show you around and discuss options.
Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden // 215 S Main St
This is a truly lovely themed garden in the heart of Kernersville. It’s a great place to stroll on a nice day and they have a nice welcome center and gift shop as well. A special time to visit is the first two weeks of April when the tulips bloom!
Smith Hollow Farm // 5920 Smith Hollow Rd
This farm holds a number of seasonal events; check their website for specifics at any given time of year. It’s a great location for family outings with your kids (corn maze, pumpkin patch, christmas trees, easter egg hunt, pony rides, etcetera).
The Workshop // 108 N Main St
Created by the masterminds behind Cakes and All Things Yummy, this space is designed to host workshops that will enable you to bake, craft, create, and in general have a good time. Check their website for classes and online sign up.
NOTE: These businesses are our personal recommendations. If you feel that we have missed a great business in Kernersville, please let us know! We do intend to update this list as amazing new businesses come to Kernersville so if you are about to open your business there, please let us know that as well.
Email [email protected] and we will definitely consider your business nomination for inclusion in this list.
