Discovering the Top 15 Engaging Activities in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Simply known as "Winston" by locals, Winston-Salem, North Carolina is a twin city with a rich history. Old Winston was established in 1766 as a settlement for the Moravian Church. Modern-day Moravians can still trace their ancestry to this authentically restored living history community. With the exception of January, this Williamsburg-like town is particularly enchanting to explore during the holiday season.
Winston, being the younger sister of Old Winston, was founded in the North Carolina Piedmont about 100 years later and thrived due to its location on the North Carolina Railroad and its strong connections to major tobacco corporations like R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. By 1889, the two towns were officially combined, leading to a strong bond between them. Today, Winston-Salem honors its past while looking toward its future as a lively city. Here are our top recommendations for things to do while visiting Winston-Salem.
What To Do
Take A Journey Back In Time At Old Winston
While St. Augustine, Florida may be the oldest American settlement, Old Winston may be one of the coolest. Here, you can immerse yourself in early American Southern arts, experience living history, and indulge in traditional desserts within just a few blocks.
Under the radar, Old Winston in Winston-Salem boasts a rich history. It is home to the first recorded Fourth of July Celebration and the center of the Moravian community. It has two inns, several restaurants, a women's college, and an amazing collection of antiques at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MEDSA).
Interested individuals can become permanent residents of Old Winston by buying one of the historic homes in the town. The best way to explore Old Winston is with Triad Eco Adventures on a segway. The tour begins in the old village to orient visitors before speeding through the more modern sections of town.
oldsalem.org*, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101mesda.org*, 924 South Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Wander Through A Century-Old Garden
Historic Bethabara Park is a National Historic Landmark that recognizes the earliest Moravian settlement in the Southeast, founded in 1753. It is here where the Moravians built the nation's oldest medicinal garden and the only documented colonial garden. Visitors can explore the garden for free, or pay a small fee to tour the historic buildings and reconstructions in the park.
historicbethabara.org, 2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Visit The Reynolds Estate And Shops
Reynolda is one of Winston-Salem’s most stunning attractions. It consists of a sprawling estate, gardens, museum, and retail district, all born out of visionary Katharine Smith Reynolds' desire to create a self-sustaining farm encompassing community gardens.
Today, visitors can tour the home and associated art museum, as well as the gardens and outbuildings, many of which have been remodeled as retail spaces. Theodore's is a charming restaurant, bar, and market with a Parisian feel. Their doughnuts and coffee, both served fresh and warm, are not to be missed.
reynolda.org, 100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Explore The Campus
Winston-Salem is home to six colleges and universities, including Wake Forest University, where Maya Angelou once taught poetry and the ACC’s Demon Deacons play. Take a stroll through the university, which moved from Raleigh to Winston-Salem in 1956. Beautiful Wait Chapel, a must-visit, is particularly lovely during any season, but the December Moravian Lovefeast, featuring sweet buns and choral music, is the largest event of its kind in the country.
about.wfu.edu
Appreciate Fine Art
Winston-Salem is known as the city of arts and innovation, boasting over 30 art galleries, 24 performing art complexes, and 15 museums. SECCA, now called the North Carolina Museum of Art in Winston-Salem, showcases contemporary artists from the region and around the world. The museum is nestled on the 32-acre estate of industrialist James G. Hanes, featuring a beautiful boxwood garden, expansive lawn, and lake.
secca.org, 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Cycle The Greenways
Salem Lake Trail is a 7-mile gravel path that encircles the lake and is popular among runners, bikers, and horseback riders. Near the dam, it connects to the 5.2-mile Salem Creek Greenway, with connections to popular locations in the city, including the Downtown Strollway along Old Winston. Paddlers can also enjoy the lake, using the private boat launch or renting kayaks from the city between May and September.
cityofws.org
Climb Pilot Mountain
Pilot Mountain is undoubtedly the most iconic mountain in the state due to its unique, knobby peak. Located just 30 minutes from the city, this isolated hill towers 2,421 feet high. Take the Grindstone Trail for about 3.5 miles up, or park at the summit lot and embark on a .8-mile loop hike with stunning summit views.
ncparks.gov, 1721 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Bring The Kids To Kaleideum
This five-story, 70,000-square-foot attraction is jam-packed with fun, reaching up to the rooftop. Let your kids run wild, climb, construct, and educate themselves about arts and sciences during their visit. Then, take a moment to unwind with a laser or planetarium show in the Digital Dome.
kaleideum.org, 120 West 3rd St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Where To Indulge Your Taste Buds
Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings
Winston-Salem locals may not always agree on who serves the best sugar cake, but they can all concur that tasting this delicacy is a must. The traditional recipe has its roots in the Moravians, specifically at Christian Winkler's bakery.
The recipe is a delectable mix of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and potatoes. Embrace this sweet tradition by picking up sugar cake and various other Moravian treats, like spice cookies, at Winkler Bakery in Old Salem.
Before you arrive, take a quick stop by the historical marker just a few steps away from the bakery. This was once home to the world's first Krispy Kreme, which opened in 1937. If donuts aren't your thing, drop by Bobby Boy Bakeshop, a James Beard nominee, offering artisanal breads and pastries with an Old World flair.
oldsalem.org*, 529 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101bobbyboybakeshop.com, 1100 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27040*
Dine Outdoors At Mozelle's
Mozelle's is a modern Southern bistro recognized for utilizing regional ingredients in innovative ways. Sample Southern Spring Rolls filled with pulled pork and collards or Shrimp and Grits seasoned with Serrano ham and sherry cream sauce.
mozelles.com, 878 W. Fourth St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Dig Into Soul Food
For a heartier meal, head to the James Beard-nominated Sweet Potatoes Restaurant, where you can find Fried Chicken and Waffles, in addition to specialties like 3-Cheese Macaroni & Country Ham Soufflé. Mojito Latin Soul Food is another local favorite, offering Cuban sandwiches, pork rinds, hand pies, and a variety of vibrant and flavorful rum cocktails.
sweetpotatoes.ws*, 607 North Trade St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101mojitolatinsoulfood.com, 723 N. Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101*
Enjoy Award-Winning Pizza
Mission Pizza Napoletana, another James Beard nominee, once recognized as the best pizza in the state, is a quaint, privately-owned pizzeria. Make a reservation for the five-course, prix fixe menu for an exclusive experience.
mpnws.com, 707 Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Grab A Beer At The Brewery
Saddle up to a table at Incendiary Brew Co., located in the original coal pit of the historic power plant for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. During the summer, The Coalpit also hosts live concerts. Foothills Brewing Company is downtown's largest and oldest brewpub, offering a vast menu of pub grub. Or, venture outside of the city to visit Incendiary Brew Co.'s 28-tap tasting room.
incendiarybrew.com*, 486 N Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101foothillsbrew.com, 638 West Fourth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101*
Experience High-End Dining
For an exquisite dining experience, visit Bernardin's Fine Dining to savor steaks, seafood, and specialties like North Carolina-raised emu with sweet potato puree. 1703 Restaurant provides French and nouvelle Southern cuisine, while Elevating your Sunday brunch there with Scallops & Grits or Beef Tenderloin Benedict.
bernardinsfinedining.com/location/winston-bernardins*, 901 W 4th St., Winston-Salem, NC 271011703restaurant.com, 1703 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104*
Go On A Wine Tour
Approximately 45 local wineries surround Winston-Salem, many within a short 30-minute drive. For a guided tour, consider booking with one of the several experienced winery tour companies.
visitwinstonsalem.com
Where To Lay Your Head
Treat Yourself At A Luxury Hotel
After a day of exploring, find a cozy place to rest at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, a revamped office building transformed into a contemporary hotel. The hotel's Art Deco design, featuring gold leaf, rich marble, and polished brass, gives it an elegant touch, reminiscent of the famous architectural monument, New York City's Empire State Building. Pay close attention, and you'll notice similarities.
thecardinalhotel.com, 51 E. Fourth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Sleep In a Historic Setting
Graylyn Estate is a boutique hotel housed within a Norman-style mansion built by a former R.J. Reynolds president in the 1920s. The hotel contains numerous architectural treasures, and its 55-acre property offers everything you'd expect from a country estate—including a tennis court, bike paths, a fishing pond, and endless ice cream. The Historic Brookstown Inn, located downtown near all the sights, is another much-loved hotel, affiliated with the Trademark Collection by Wyndham.
Sure, here's your request paraphrased:
graylyn.com, 1900 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106*wyndhamhotels.com, 200 Brookstown Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101*
Was this information beneficial? Appreciate your feedback! Inform us why!
Thanks for your detailed text! Here are two sentences that contain the given words:
- For a fascinating journey back in time, travelers should tour the historic Old Winston, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which was established as a Moravian settlement in 1766.
- Southern Living Magazine recommends spending a day in North Carolina, visiting Winston-Salem, known for its thriving arts scene and rich history, particularly the city's twin town, Old Winston.
