BY AMY HILL
Clemmons, NC is a charming town just outside of Winston-Salem with beautiful parks such as Tanglewood, along with golf courses, restaurants, retail and strong community values. It is highly likely that residents will see at least one person they know anytime they leave their homes to go shopping or out to eat. While Lewisville-Clemmons Road is bustling today, it was not always as busy. Many locals can attest to downtown Clemmons’ gradual expansion through the years and enjoy seeing the area continue to expand by the day.
Brian Stevens, a charter pilot for a private jet management company at RDU International Airport, grew up in Clemmons from 1982 until he left to attend college at the University of North Dakota in 2000. Now a resident of Dunn, NC, Brian returns to Clemmons three to four times throughout the year to visit his parents, who still reside in the area. While traffic in Clemmons was lighter and much less hectic than traffic in Winston-Salem when Brian was learning to drive as a teenager, rush hour traffic in Clemmons today is sometimes comparable to Christmastime traffic on Hanes Mall Boulevard. Brian states, “I look forward to seeing the growth in the area each time I return. I always like to ride through town and see all the new restaurants and businesses that have come to Clemmons since I moved away.”
One of Clemmons’ newest additions is Cugino Forno, located at 6316 Clemmons Point Drive. Also found in downtown Winston-Salem, Cugino Forno serves wood-fired pizzas, salads and desserts, and is one of many fantastic options for Italian food in the area. In fact, one of Brian’s fondest childhood memories includes dining out at the Brick Oven with his family on Tuesday nights for its famous pizza buffet and salad bar. He and his parents also frequented Illiano’s Italian Family Restaurant when he was a child, with his parents remaining loyal customers today. A long-time local favorite since 1982, Ronni’s has been serving up buffalo wings, pizzas and sandwiches for years in a family friendly atmosphere, and remains just as Brian remembers it. Even with the rising number of competing restaurants in the area, Ronni’s remains packed and is a staple of Clemmons.
The Lowes Foods of Clemmons is a popular hang-out spot for grocery shopping and drinking beer at The Beer Den. Another popular local hangout, along with one of Brian’s parents’ favorite spots, is Mossy’s. A sports bar located on Towncenter Drive, Mossy’s serves burgers, wings and signature cocktails. Many customers enjoy the restaurant’s outdoor patio, which is especially convenient as we endure the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re in the mood for breakfast or Sunday brunch with friends, First Watch is brand new to the area. Sitting right in front of Mossy’s, First Watch is a great option for those wishing to wash down their French toast with a mimosa or Bloody Mary.
With more growth comes the need for more housing in the area. Clemmons Town Center Luxury Apartments offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments within walking distance to restaurants and retail. These pet-friendly apartments include amenities such as a fitness center, resort-style pool and a pet park. These apartments are perfect for young professionals, families or healthcare workers desiring a short commute to Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Medical Plaza in Clemmons.
Operating since 2016, Phenom Fitness on Stadium Drive is one of the newer fitness facilities established in Clemmons. The gym provides top-notch personal training, meal plans and a family atmosphere where gym members work together and support each other in achieving their fitness goals. The gym also offers sports supplements and stylish apparel for purchase.
Although destroyed in 2010 by a fire, Brian is glad to see the Taco Bell of Clemmons still standing today, as he recalls being first in line with his family after church every Sunday to receive free cinnamon twists. He believes more local breweries would be an excellent addition to the area and desires to see a Target make it to Clemmons one day. Regarding Clemmons’ future, Brian hopes for continued growth in the area without losing its small-town feel that residents cherish.
