In conjunction with my goal to get back in the air every month, I’m also making the time to explore my home region more deeply this year (there are four weekends in a month, after all!).
A late spring opportunity to explore Winston-Salem simply couldn’t be missed – and because it’s so close to Charlotte, I recently spent a very full weekend learning about the dual-named city and taking in its art, cuisine, and history.
Portions of this visit were generously hosted by Visit Winston-Salem, but as always - all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
So – what did I learn? And more importantly, why should visitors visit this North Carolina city? Read on to find out – and to start planning your very own trip to Winston-Salem.
ABOUT WINSTON-SALEM
Winston-Salem is one-third of North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad (note: this is not the same as the Research Triangle – that’s two hours east!); the city combines with Greensboro and High Point to form this metropolitan area. The now-hyphenated city was once two distinct cities: secular Winston, founded in 1849 and named in 1851, and Moravian Salem, founded in 1766. The cities were officially combined as one in 1913, although locals frequently shorten it back to Winston in conversation.
Getting to modern-day Winston-Salem is a breeze, provided you have access to a car. From my central Charlotte home, I clocked our travel time at an hour and fifteen minutes – and if you’re coming from Durham, your travel time would be the very same. From further afield, you could fly into GSO, just thirty minutes away, or into CLT or RDU before making the drive.
Once in Winston-Salem, you’ll find a charming and walkable downtown, plenty of Southern Hospitality, a great food scene, world-class art, and a few things that may just surprise you:
Five Fun Facts about Winston-Salem
- The building that served as inspiration for the Empire State Building is located in Winston-Salem. Though the Reynolds Building has twenty-two floors to its New York cousin’s 102, I bet you can pick it out easily in the skyline!
- The South’s favorite doughnut got its start right here in Winston-Salem. The site of the original Krispy Kreme is honored by a marker in the center of Old Salem.
- There are a number of nicknames attributed to Winston-Salem, but one that may not have immediately obvious origins is Camel City. At one point in time, the city was synonymous with tobacco – and thanks to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s Camel Cigarettes, I guess it still is.
- Texas Pete isn’t from Texas – the hot sauce actually hails from Winston-Salem! Legend has it the sauce’s inventors thought it needed a name that hinted at its heat (totally fair – “North Carolina Pete” doesn’t really have the same ring to it, don’t you agree?).
- One would think that Wake Forest University would be located in, well, Wake Forest – but nope, it’s here in Winston-Salem. It made the move after a donation from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and opened the campus in its new home in 1956.
Ready to experience all of this for yourself? A weekend is the perfect amount of time for a visit to Winston-Salem – there’s plenty of time to see and do everything on your list, but it will leave you with enough to do to ensure you want to return.
Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in the Camel City:
TOP THINGS TO DO IN WINSTON-SALEM
Old Salem Museum & Gardens
Old Salem is unlike anywhere else in the Southern United States – and a must-visit when spending any amount of time in Winston-Salem.
The living museum showcases Moravian life in the historic town of Salem, with staff demonstrating what life was like for the religious community in the museum’s many exhibit buildings. From woodworking to pottery to gunsmithing, the experts in local history and their craft are on-site producing works that are used across the village and available to the public to purchase (head here to confirm which venues are open during your visit).
Each offers a glimpse at Moravian life, but perhaps the most well-known exhibit building is Winkler Bakery, established in 1807. Here you’ll find Moravian cookies, cheese stars, sweet breads, and more – and the original wood-burning oven used by Brother Winkler in this, his home and bakery.
After visiting the exhibits, head over to the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts to check out artifacts from the Moravian community and the early American South, and for additional interpretation. And of course, don’t skip the prime photo opportunities at the Old Salem Pedestrian Bridge and The Mickey Coffee Pot Marker!
Admission is required for most of the experiences at Old Salem, and there are currently two ticket options: An All-in-One Ticket provides admission into every exhibit at Old Salem, and the Two-Stop Tickets, which lets visitors choose two experiences (perfect for those with limited time!).
→Old Salem Museum & Gardens // 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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Triad ECO Adventures Segway Tour
I know what you’re thinking – a Segway tour? Really?
Hear me out: this mode of transportation is eco-friendly, great for groups, and allows riders to take in the city from a unique point of view.
Triad ECO Adventures is passionate both about this quirky mode of transportation and about sharing Winston-Salem’s history with visitors. Before you ride, you’ll get to choose a fun helmet and vehicle from their lineup and receive a comprehensive overview and practice session with your Segway.
Riding takes a little getting used to, but before you know it, it feels just as natural as walking (pinky promise!). A headset is provided, and your tour guide will take you through the city streets, sharing lots of little tidbits along the way. There are several tour options, but the Segs’N’city Tour mixes in a little bit of Old Salem, a ride on the Greenway, and a glide downtown – the perfect way to start your trip and get an overview of the area.
What I found most fascinating during the tour was learning about all of the brands and products that originated in Winston-Salem, and how they’ve shaped the city today. From tobacco to hosiery, these industries helped make this city the vibrant hub for biotech and banking it is today. At the end of your tour, you’ll get a little playtime on your Segway – soak up every moment!
→Triad ECO Adventures // 176 Ywca Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
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Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Part art museum, part historic house – and wholly a place that should be on your list to visit while in Winston-Salem is Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
A name you’ll see all over Winston-Salem, this stately country home was built for Katharine Smith and R.J. Reynolds (he of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company fame) in 1917. As these things often went in those days, neither of the property’s namesakes survived to see more than seven years of its existence.
Yet the property remained in the family until the 1960s, eventually becoming established as we know it today (the fascinating journey is covered in this comprehensive timeline – reading like a novel with ample twists and turns). Reynolda House Museum of American Art was established in 1967 to preserve the home and to share its collection of centuries of American art with the public.
Visiting Reynolda House today takes hours to fully appreciate the size and immense value of its collection, but thankfully there is a little something for everyone within. From the exquisite period furnishings to the works by Frederic Church, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, and many other domestic artists, to the home’s amenities that simply make you say, “wow” (the home bar, the swimming pool, and the shooting range all come to mind) – it’s clear that a visit to Reynolda is unlike any typical museum visit. Don’t miss the dedicated exhibitions in the Babcock Wing Gallery and the Main House Bedroom Galleries – you’ll find what’s on display here.
Rainy weather confined us to the house during this visit, but I’m looking forward to returning to visit Reynolda Gardens, what I understand to be a 134-acre plant wonderland now run in partnership with Wake Forest. In addition to Reynolda Gardens, weekday visitors can also explore The Greenhouse, completed in 1913. Check out the calendar before your visit to see if any events coincide.
→Reynolda House Museum of American Art // 2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
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The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
Another historic home-turned-museum, The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art is housed in the former Hanes residence (if your mind jumped to the hosiery brand, yes, that Hanes). A visit to SECCA is a bit like traveling back in time – as you progress through its galleries, you are also walking through the building’s many additions over the years.
Eventually, you land in the historic Hanes House, currently preparing to reopen to the public. Michael and I managed a sneak peek at the space and found beautifully preserved original features like handprinted wallpaper which, if it could talk, could probably tell some interesting stories. This portion of the museum will reopen as an event space for the community and eventually will house a coffee shop (edit: the Hanes House is now open!).
Moving back toward the front of the museum, visitors are greeted with a series of permanent and rotating exhibits with artists from across the region and beyond. With the blessing of so much space, works in the exhibitions are mounted with plenty of room between each, giving viewers the privilege to consume and examine each piece with the time it deserves.
The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art is committed to making art accessible, and visiting the galleries is free (though donations are of course encouraged). And like many places in Winston-Salem, SECCA is home to two Art-o-mat machines, which dispense petite pieces of art for just $5. It’s a great opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your experience here.
→The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art // 750 Marguerite Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
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Downtown Arts District
There’s something that catches your eye in almost every corner of Downtown Winston-Salem, but you’ll find the highest concentration of public art in the Downtown Arts District.
Mural hunters will appreciate following this string of murals on the city’s art tour – the perfect activity for a sunny day. Travelers with limited time can check out Artivity on the Green, Winston-Salem’s first art park. If you’d prefer to take some art home instead, the North Trade Street Arts Center is located just a few blocks away, with a gallery of works by local artists at prices to suit everyone’s budget.
→North Trade Street Arts Center // 604 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →Artivity on the Green // 630 N Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →Public Art // Multiple Locations
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Shell-Shaped Shell Station
One fun photo opportunity in Winston-Salem is the last shell-shaped Shell station. It hasn’t been in use as originally intended since the 1950s, and today sits abandoned (yet clearly still maintained) in an unassuming neighborhood.
There’s not much to do at the site except snap photos and peer at the memorabilia inside, but it makes for a quick, fun detour.
→Shell-Shaped Shell Station // 1111 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN WINSTON-SALEM
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro is located in Winston-Salem’s West End, which is a pleasant fifteen-minute stroll from downtown. Since 2008, the restaurant’s mission has been to serve locally-inspired food made with local ingredients, and their elevated take on Southern food makes a reservation at Mozelle’s a must. The dining room is cozy, snuggled up to the active kitchen sending out classic fare like shrimp and grits, fried pickles (essential!), meatloaf, and pimento cheese.
Portions are incredibly generous, service is warm but not overbearing, and the quality is phenomenal for the price. If the day warrants it, the patio looks perfect for outdoor dining (although heaters and blankets were available, we still opted for indoor dining for comfort). I look forward to returning for brunch someday!
→Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro // 878 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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Six Hundredº
A wood-fired hearth is at the heart of Six Hundredº’s cuisine – and heat is in its name. Most wood turns to coal at 600ºC, and that is precisely how this Bailey Park restaurant prepares its chef-driven menu.
Dinner can feel like a bit of a splurge, but with a dedication to serving local ingredients, this spot makes for a very Winston-Salem experience.
Because of the cooking style, the menu leans heavily on animal protein, from lamb to fish to venison – but vegetarians will find a cauliflower steak on the menu as well. On a chilly, damp day, everything on the menu sounded tempting, but our server helpfully guided us toward two large plates: the cast-iron duck breast and braised beef shoulder.
Each was cooked to perfection, yet the accompanying vegetables threatened to outshine them. The “large plates” category lived up to its name, yet dessert was difficult to pass up. We ordered a pistachio cheesecake to share, although found ourselves eyeing our neighbors’ cast iron chocolate chip cookie (next time!).
→Six Hundredº // 450 N Patterson Ave Ste 120, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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May Way Dumplings
Located in chic Reynolda Village is a tiny, can’t-miss, takeout-only dumpling spot.
May Way Dumplings is an absolute gem, with a small menu of handmade dumpling, noodle, and soup dishes. On the advice of a local who was waiting for her pickup order, we ordered a small feast of fried dumplings and steamed buns and took them to a nearby brewery to enjoy (more on that in a moment!).
Each was filled to perfection, striking the perfect balance of filling to wrapper. I know if I lived closer, this would be a frequent stop – even with dessert, our order clocked in around the $20 mark.
→May Way Dumplings // 113 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
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Young Cardinal Cafe and Co.
One exceptional restaurant for a hearty breakfast in downtown Winston-Salem is Young Cardinal Cafe and Co. – as long as you can get a table! This spot, by Andrews Restaurants, is popular with locals and visitors alike for their breakfast and lunchtime fare. Arrive early, or expect an equally hearty wait.
The menu is filled with sweet and savory morning favorites, and the team certainly likes to get creative with their daily specials, too (on the day of this visit, everything was birria-themed, which you know I love!). The attentive staff keeps your coffee mug full at all times, so you’re awake and ready for the day.
→Young Cardinal Cafe and Co. // 424 4th St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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Winston-Salem Bakeries
If you’re the kind of person who will go out of their way for a great pastry, then go ahead and add Bobby Boy Bakeshop to your itinerary (also, I’m glad you’re here – I think this is the start of a beautiful bread-filled friendship). This charming neighborhood bakery might require a little extra drive time, but it’s worth it for the fresh flaky pastries and rustic loaves. Still full from breakfast one day, we enjoyed some of their light lunch fare on this visit – followed by a heavenly dessert, naturally.
If you’re looking for a classic Winston-Salem bakery experience, Camino Bakery is it. They’ve been serving sweet treats to locals for more than a decade, and with Counter Culture coffee on drip, it’s a great stop for a breakfast on the go.
But perhaps the most classic WS bakery of all is Wilkerson Moravian Bakery, serving their ultra-thin Moravian cookies for nearly a century. Sample their cookies and choose a bag to bring home (my recommendation? Butter rum)!
→Bobby Boy Bakeshop // 1100 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 →Camino Bakery // Multiple Locations →Wilkerson Moravian Bakery // 3443 Robinhood Rd Suite P, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
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Winston-Salem Coffee Shops
Just like in any city with a strong university presence, there are coffee shops all over Winston-Salem. Two excellent options for your visit are Anchor Coffee Co., located downtown in the Bailey Power Plant, and The Remedy Cafe and Bar, a brand new all-day spot in the West End. Both offer convenient to-go service for visitors on the go and comfortable seating for those with more time to linger.
→Anchor Coffee Co. // 486 Patterson Ave STE 135, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →The Remedy Cafe and Bar // 492 W End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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Winston-Salem Bars + Breweries
There are nine breweries in the downtown Winston area, so you’d really have to be on a mission to see them all in a weekend – but even if you’re not trying to check them all off your list, you can still make it to a few!
Foothills Brewpub leans into the brewpub aspect of its name, but it’s possible to sit at the bar if you prefer a more traditional beer-drinking experience. Incendiary Brewing Company is nearby in the Bailey Power Plant, making it the perfect stop before or after your meal at Six Hundredº – or you can order pizza from the restaurant next door.
Small Batch lives up to its name, offering solid local beers brewed in small batches. And Joymongers Barrel Hall serves up many of the Greensboro brewery’s beers, plus a number of beers aged in bourbon and wine barrels in Winston-Salem. Like Incendiary Brewing Company, Joymongers allows outside food (and is where I’d recommend taking your May Way Dumplings!).
Not into beer? Fair Witness Fancy Drinks is your local destination for handcrafted cocktails. This cute and cozy bar feels like a neighborhood gathering spot, especially with the tempting fire pits out front. Cheers!
→Fair Witness Fancy Drinks // 290 4th St E, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →Foothills Brewpub // 638 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →Incendiary Brewing Company // 486 N Patterson Ave #105, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →Joymongers Barrel Hall // 480 W End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 →Small Batch // 241 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
WHERE TO STAY IN WINSTON-SALEM
Hotel Indigo
Stepping through the doors of the historic Pepper Building in Winston-Salem’s downtown, you’ll find yourself simultaneously crossing into multiple time periods. Built squarely in the Art Deco era, the lobby retains many of its ornate original features, including ones reclaimed and refurbished during the renovations that occurred between 2014-2016, as well as the building’s original flooring.
You’ll spot mid-century furnishings, like dark woods and bold textural fabrics – a nod to the Pepper Building’s (first) golden age. But you’ll also notice contemporary styling – with soaring ceilings studded with industrial lighting and a lobby bar that can’t be missed.
Today the Pepper Building is better known to visitors as Hotel Indigo. This 75-room boutique hotel is located in the heart of Winston-Salem’s downtown and is the perfect place for travelers seeking a little bit of local culture while they sleep. The hotel is firmly embedded with its community, with locals often stopping in to dine at its onsite restaurant, Sir Winston’s.
Local art is never out of sight at Hotel Indigo; the hotel places a huge emphasis on sourcing work from local artists that reflects its community. Each room features different pieces (meaning, you’d have to stay 75 nights to see them all!), and a rotating gallery is located downstairs. On the way to the elevator, guests pass by an Art-o-mat machine, a fun art initiative that’s as tempting as the cigarettes it once contained.
Upstairs in my room, a Double Queen, I found quirky and colorful quarters with ornate wallpaper, a graphic rug set atop gorgeous hardwood floors, a tidy desk (where I sat and wrote this very sentence during some downtime), and ample storage in the wardrobe for my two night’s worth of belongings. The bathroom offered plenty of counter space for spreading out while getting ready in the mornings, and I know I’ll miss the comfortable bed with multiple pillow options.
A few good-to-knows about a stay at the Hotel Indigo: The hotel only offers valet parking at a cost of $25 per day. Self-parking is available at off-site garages and lots in the surrounding blocks, and the city-owned lots have a daily maximum of $9 per day.
The hotel offers several rentable private spaces for events, including fully-equipped conference and meeting spaces downstairs and a wine loft upstairs (side note: when not in use, this is a nice place to sit with a cup of coffee or glass of wine!).
Sir Winston Wine Loft & Restaurant occupies a large portion of the lobby and was perpetually busy during my visit; I regret not having the time to indulge in their farm-to-table fare. A fitness center is available with a great selection of machines, free weights, and other equipment – it’s also where you’ll find a water dispenser to refill your bottle (look at you, you eco-traveler!).
If I had to change anything about my stay it would be these minor inconveniences: the desk chairs in the room are quite plush and heavy, scraping against the floor when pulled away from the desk, yet there is not enough clearance to pull them out by instead lifting. The sound is not a pleasant one, and it’s one I heard echoing down the hall as others discovered the same phenomenon. I would also be happy if every hotel included a full-length mirror, although the one at Hotel Indigo was close enough that I could make it work.
But even with these small quibbles, the hotel’s unique status as a Local Historic Landmark, warm and friendly staff, incredible location, and clean and comfortable rooms make it my first choice for a return trip to Winston-Salem.
→Hotel Indigo // 104 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
WITH MORE TIME IN WINSTON-SALEM
More time in Winston-Salem would truly be a blessing!
Beyond this guide, there are plenty more attractions to fill your time, such as: a/perture cinema, Historic Bethabara Park, Truist Stadium (to catch a minor league baseball game!), Kaleideum North, and the South’s favorite Mast General Store.
But if you’d prefer to fill your stomach instead (hey there again, kindred spirit!), some spots to consider include: Mission Pizza Napoletana, Sweet Potatoes, Mojito Latin Soul Food, Heff’s Burger Club, Founders Restaurant, The Powder Room, and Winston-Salem Public House.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
It turns out that if you combine tobacco, religion, textiles, art, finance, and medicine you wind up with a thriving city with a strong modern-day cultural presence.
Despite its longstanding history, Winston-Salem feels young and vibrant – and ready to welcome travelers with its incredible art scene, innovative dining options, and refreshingly walkable downtown core. If it wasn’t on your list already, I hope this guide has changed that fact. See you there soon?
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Did any of these Winston-Salem fun facts surprise you? What’s at the top of your list when you visit?
Oh, I loved this travel post!! I’ve always wanted to visit North Carolina and this just makes me want to visit there even more. What a beautiful area, love all of these pretty photos and the food looks amazing!!
Hope you have an amazing weekend! 🙂
Make Life Marvelous