Bop around Downtown Wendell with Us
I’ve spent a little time in Wendell over the years, but with all the recent buzz about new spots opening downtown, I was excited to see what’s new. It turned out to be the perfect day to explore, revisit some local favorites, and soak up all that small-town charm. And the best part? Downtown Wendell is just a quick 7-minute drive fromWendell Falls—how cool is that?
Of course, we had to start the day caffeinated! We stopped into the cutest coffee shop, Parallax Coffee Lab, and let me tell you, it had the best vibe. Hands down, one of my favorite coffee spots I’ve visited so far. The vanilla flat white was perfection, and even their merch was effortlessly cool. Definitely the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer!
After fueling up, we wanted to explore the Wendell Mural Trail. I thought this was such a fun and creative concept. The trail features 14 beautiful murals sprinkled along downtown, and it’s the perfect excuse for a date night, a solo stroll, or just a fun way to get your steps in. Most of the murals were easy to find—except for the elusive Lewa Mural. (Pro tip: you’ll need to pop into Sip & Shop to find it tucked inside on the rooftop).
While exploring the mural trail, we couldn’t resist popping into the cutest little chocolate shop called Chocolates by Whitney. It just so happens to be part of the trail. This place has everything from handcrafted truffles and Dubai bars to chocolate-dipped strawberries and peanut butter cups. It would be a great stop for a gift or just to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Next up, we popped into the Wendell General Store. Y'all, it’s exactly what you hope a small-town general store will be. Part old-school charm, part modern-day gift shop, the shelves are stocked with everything from nostalgic candies and local goods to home décor and unique gifts. The candy-by-the-pound section totally took me back to childhood. Honestly, this place has a little bit of everything. You name it they’ve got it.
By this point, my stomach was growling, so we stopped into Everest Kitchen for a quick lunch. The service was friendly, fast, and totally on point. I opted for the Tandoori Salmon, and it was packed with flavor. I highly recommend it if you're into bold, delicious dishes. The menu has a wide variety of Thai, Indian, and Chinese options, so there’s something for everyone.
The Sip and Shop Café had already piqued our interest while we were inside hunting for a mural lol. Inside, you’ll find a great mix of home décor, unique gifts, and fun accessories. I love the idea of picking out a locally sourced gift that feels personal and thoughtful. And the best part? You can sip a glass of wine while you shop. Next time I’m in town, I’ll definitely want to try something from the café menu too!
The last stop of the day was Bearded Bee Brewing, and it did not disappoint. The space is beautifully designed with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. It was the perfect spot to wind down the day. I especially loved how they incorporated bees into the design; it’s a thoughtful nod to their early beginnings and adds so much character. I was a little bummed to miss the live music this time...but that just gives me the perfect excuse to come back!
One day in downtown Wendell, and I’m officially a fan. It’s walkable, welcoming, and full of surprises—my kind of town!
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