Discover Winston Salem: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Introduction

Located in the heart of North Carolina, Winston Salem is a charming city that has something to offer for everyone. From vibrant nightlife and cultural immersion to historical landmarks and outdoor adventures, this city has it all. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Winston Salem is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Top Attractions

Old Salem Museums and Gardens

One of the top attractions in Winston Salem is the Old Salem Museums and Gardens. This living history museum offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Moravians who settled in the area in the 18th century. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, gardens, and workshops, and learn about the Moravian culture and traditions.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

If you are an art lover, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art is a must-visit attraction. This museum features a stunning collection of American art from the colonial period to the present day. Visitors can admire works by artists such as Frederic Church, Mary Cassatt, and Georgia O’Keeffe, and explore the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the museum.

SciWorks

If you are traveling with kids, SciWorks is a great place to visit. This science museum offers interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities that will entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Kids can learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun and engaging way.

Hidden Gems

Tanglewood Park

Tanglewood Park is a hidden gem located just outside of Winston Salem. This beautiful park features miles of hiking and biking trails, a golf course, a swimming pool, and a lake where visitors can go fishing, boating, or kayaking. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

Winston Salem Dash

For sports fans, the Winston Salem Dash is a hidden gem worth checking out. This minor league baseball team plays at BB&T Ballpark, a beautiful stadium located in downtown Winston Salem. Visitors can enjoy a game while taking in the stunning views of the city skyline.

Cobblestone Farmers Market

The Cobblestone Farmers Market is a hidden gem for foodies. This farmers market offers a wide variety of fresh, local produce, as well as artisanal breads, cheeses, and other culinary delights. Visitors can sample the goods and chat with the farmers and producers who make them.

Food Scene

Slappy’s Chicken

If you are a fan of fried chicken, Slappy’s Chicken is a must-visit restaurant in Winston Salem. This local favorite serves up crispy, juicy chicken that is seasoned to perfection. The sides, such as mac and cheese and collard greens, are also delicious.

Foothills Brewing

Foothills Brewing is a popular brewery and restaurant in Winston Salem. Visitors can sample a variety of craft beers while enjoying a meal of pub fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with plenty of outdoor seating.

Camino Bakery

For a sweet treat, Camino Bakery is a must-visit spot. This charming bakery offers a wide variety of pastries, breads, and cakes, as well as coffee and tea. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating for customers to relax and enjoy their treats.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Museums

Many of the museums in Winston Salem offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. For example, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art is free on the first Sunday of every month. Check the websites of your favorite museums to see if they offer any free admission days.

City Parks

Winston Salem has many beautiful parks that are free to visit. Tanglewood Park, mentioned above, is one of the best. However, there are many other parks throughout the city that offer hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Happy Hour Specials

Many restaurants and bars in Winston Salem offer happy hour specials, where you can enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers. Check out your favorite spots to see when their happy hours are and take advantage of the deals.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking and Biking Trails

Winston Salem is surrounded by beautiful natural areas that offer miles of hiking and biking trails. Pilot Mountain State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are all within a short drive of the city and offer stunning views and challenging trails.

Whitewater Rafting

If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, whitewater rafting is a great option. The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers guided rafting trips on the nearby Nantahala River, where you can experience Class III and IV rapids.

Ziplining

Ziplining is a fun way to see the beautiful scenery around Winston Salem. Carolina Ziplines Canopy Tour offers a thrilling zipline experience through the treetops, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Historical Landmarks

Winston Salem Historic District

The Winston Salem Historic District is a must-visit for history buffs. This district includes more than 150 historic buildings, including homes, churches, and commercial buildings, that date back to the early 19th century. Visitors can take a walking tour to learn about the history and architecture of the area.

Moravian Graveyard

The Moravian Graveyard is a fascinating historical landmark in Winston Salem. This cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s early settlers, including members of the Moravian community. Visitors can explore the gravesites and learn about the lives and traditions of the people buried there.

Reynolda Village

Reynolda Village is a charming shopping and dining destination that also has historical significance. This village was originally built in the early 20th century as a model farm for the Reynolda estate. Today, visitors can explore the shops and restaurants housed in the beautiful historic buildings, and learn about the history of the area.

Family-Friendly Activities

Children’s Museum of Winston Salem

The Children’s Museum of Winston Salem is a great place for families with young children. This museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that encourage learning and exploration. Kids can climb a giant treehouse, build structures with blocks, and play in a mini grocery store.

Kaleideum North

Kaleideum North is another great museum for families. This museum offers exhibits on science, art, and the environment, as well as a planetarium and a farm exhibit where kids can learn about agriculture and farm life.

Winston Salem Dash Games

The Winston Salem Dash, mentioned above, is not only a great attraction for sports fans, but also for families. The stadium offers a fun and lively atmosphere, with plenty of activities and games for kids between innings.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Krankies Coffee

Krankies Coffee is a unique and quirky coffee shop located in downtown Winston Salem. This shop not only serves delicious coffee and pastries, but also hosts live music, art shows, and other events. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to local musicians or browsing the art on display.

Black Mountain Chocolate

Black Mountain Chocolate is a hidden gem in Winston Salem that offers delicious artisanal chocolates. Visitors can watch as the chocolate is made on-site and sample a variety of flavors and styles.

Winston Salem Symphony

The Winston Salem Symphony is a world-class orchestra that performs a variety of classical and contemporary music. Attending a symphony concert is a unique and memorable experience that is off-the-beaten-path for many travelers.

Natural Wonders

Pilot Mountain

Pilot Mountain is a stunning natural wonder located just outside of Winston Salem. This mountain features a distinctive peak that can be seen for miles around. Visitors can hike to the top for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock State Park is another beautiful natural wonder near Winston Salem. This park features a series of waterfalls, rock formations, and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that winds through the mountains of western North Carolina. This drive offers stunning views of the changing foliage in the fall, as well as beautiful vistas and overlooks year-round.