In the white stucco bungalow on the grounds of Reynolda Estate, more than 34,000 square feet of American art unfold across generations. Still lifes and landscapes; elegantly preserved suits and dresses, embellished with silk and lace; and gilded-framed portraits of tobacco tycoon R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine, offer a glimpse into a legacy that has shaped the museum and its evolving narrative well into the 20th century.

“The bungalow style was Katharine’s design wish,” says Philip Archer, deputy director of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. “What’s so interesting, though, is it just got bigger and bigger — with their growing family, social obligations, and, in time, becoming a symbol of the company’s success.”

As R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company marks its 150th anniversary, the enduring legacy of its founders continues to shape the estate. The beauty of this 170-acre site continues effortlessly into Reynolda Village — once home to the dairy barns, cattle shed, and other vital buildings that supported the family estate. Now, with boutique shopping, al fresco dining, and lush landscapes, it’s the perfect escape for a July day spent soaking in the timeless charm of Twin City. Curious what makes this place so special? See for yourself.

Luxurious 20th-century furnishings inside Reynolda House give a glimpse into the Reynoldses’ lives. photograph by Jay Sinclair

Seek Seasonal Exhibits

Reynolda House Museum of American Art invites visitors into the 64-room mansion that once belonged to R.J. and Katharine Reynolds. The historic home, completed in 1917, now serves as a museum showcasing more than 6,000 objects, from antique furniture and costumes to decorative arts, all highlighting the opulent lifestyle of the Reynolds family. Alongside the historical collection, the museum features more than 200 works of American art, spanning from the colonial period to modern day.

Visiting in July? A dynamic lineup of exhibitions awaits your discovery. Start with Leigh Ann Hallberg: Phenoms, where abstract works inspired by local landscapes, including Reynolda, take center stage. Or, dive into Good Impressions: Portraits Across Three Centuries, which traces the evolution of portraiture. A fan of unsolved mysteries? Smith & Libby: Two Rings, Seven Months, One Bullet revisits the 1932 death of Zachary Smith Reynolds, unraveling the mystery of his untimely passing. For those drawn to stories of impact and legacy, Still I Rise: The Black Experience at Reynolda is a can’t miss, highlighting the contributions of Black Americans to the estate’s history and the evolution of the museum.

Within the former home, the museum holds an ever-changing collection of exhibits. photograph by Jay Sinclair

Before leaving, take a moment to peruse the Museum Store, where you’ll find a curated selection of souvenirs — from Reynolda-inspired gifts and home decor to books and handmade jewelry — to remember your visit. If you’re left wanting more, circle August on your calendar for Camel City: Tobacco and Transformation, 1875-1964, presented to mark the 150th anniversary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Camel City invites visitors to explore Winston-Salem’s transformation from a small Southern town to a manufacturing powerhouse. See the artistry of tobacco advertising come to life through original oil paintings, branding materials, and works by artists like Frederic Mizen and McClelland Barclay.

Stroll By Vibrant Blooms

A leisurely walk through Reynolda Gardens reveals nature’s beauty at its finest. Designed by landscape architect Thomas Sears, the Formal Gardens of this 134-acre outdoor horticultural oasis are rooted along a central path that branches out to connect the ornamental gardens with the vegetable garden. A cross path divides the Formal Gardens into four distinct garden “rooms”: the Pink & White Garden, West Rose Garden, East Rose Garden, and Blue & Yellow Garden.

In the summer, the gardens come alive with a riot of vibrant colors and textures, from the bold golden faces of black-eyed Susans to the dramatic beauty of unusual plants like Bed of Nails. “The gardens are constantly changing,” says Jon Roethling, director of Reynolda Gardens. “I want people to see things they haven’t seen before, so with each season, there’s something new to see.”

Stop by Brown Family Conservatory to see the seasonal blooms illuminated by fractals of light filtering through the domed glass ceiling. photograph by Joey Seawell

Within the conservatory, you can escape into a world of color. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

The beauty extends to the newly restored Lord & Burnham Greenhouse, now known as the Brown Family Conservatory. Originally completed in 1913 and restored in 2024, the conservatory offers a year-round showcase of colorful plant varieties and seasonal blooms. Explore themed areas such as the Orangery and orchid room, and if you’re looking to take a piece of the beauty home, plants are available for purchase in the newly opened Reynolda Welcome Center, adjacent to the Conservatory. “Usually, when you think about estate gardens, they’re tucked behind the house,” Roethling says. “What’s unique here is that Katharine actually had them by the road because she wanted the public to enjoy the gardens, which reflects how welcoming she truly was.”

Beyond its gardens, Reynolda offers serene woodland trails. The Reynolda Walking Trail, a charming quarter-mile path, connects Reynolda Village to the Wake Forest University campus. For a more immersive experience, take a walk along the Perimeter Trail, just over a mile and a half long, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

Our recommendation: Pick up a new read at The Bookhouse and find a quiet spot in Reynolda Gardens to get lost between the pages. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

Stop in the Shops

If shopping’s on the agenda, Reynolda Village is the place to be — packed with locally-owned shops that’ll have you browsing for hours.

Find your summer read at The Bookhouse, a charming gem born from a dream shared by sisters Tara Grotzke and Meghan Brown. “We always joked about owning a bookstore,” Grotzke says, “and when we saw the ‘for lease’ sign in Reynolda Village, we went for it.” Since opening in 2023, the bookstore has become a community favorite, offering a curated selection of books, literary gifts like candles and mugs, a beverage bar, cozy spots perfect for working or unwinding, and more. Stop by in July to catch live music twice a month, or bring the little ones for story hour every Monday at 10:30 a.m.

At the edge where Reynolda Village gives way to the gardens, All Through the House offers lovely pieces for the home. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

Kim Macon, who owns All Through the House, took the reins of her beloved gift shop in 2022 after working there for more than a decade. The shop’s eclectic mix of home accessories and gifts spans elegant glassware, fine china, furniture, candles, diffusers, and special items for bridal registries. “A lot of people come in to get a hostess or housewarming gift,” she says. “The inventory is ever-changing, so there’s always something new to discover.” And with complimentary gift wrapping, every purchase feels extra special.

Browse the bolts of colorful fabrics and textiles at Village Fabric Shop and check their calendar of events to register for a sewing workshop. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

Just a short walk away is Village Fabric Shop, where Kelsey Brown and Nicole Asselin turned their passion for textiles into a thriving community space. After years of teaching at Sawtooth School for Visual Art, they purchased the shop in 2021, carrying on the tradition of inspiring local sewists, quilters, and crafters in Reynolda Village. The shop offers a curated selection of quality fabrics, eco-friendly textiles, notions, and crafting supplies. Be on the lookout for their “Sewing Machine 101” and “Sewing Machine 102” classes, where you can sign up to learn the basics of using a sewing machine and confidently tackle projects at home, or build your skills with advanced and expert-level classes.

When the sun is shining, grab a seat and enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio at Village Tavern. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

Savor Summer Bites

By now, you’re probably craving something tasty, and the Village has plenty of spots to hit.

First, swing by the Village Tavern. Established in 1984, this upscale-casual gem has a scratch kitchen that turns out mouthwatering dishes, from juicy burgers and tacos to fresh fish and still-steaming steaks, made to order. General Manager Mike Mohr recommends kicking off your meal with the hot crab dip — made with backfin crab meat and served with toasted garlic. Grab a seat on the patio, strung with lights and shaded by yellow umbrellas, and enjoy your meal al fresco.

Inside the cottage-like façade, Dough-Joe’s serves up creative doughnuts with seasonal glazes in flavors ranging from peach to earl grey tea. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

Make your summer a little sweeter with a visit to Dough-Joe’s, where made-to-order doughnuts are the star. Known for their fresh, warm doughnuts, this Reynolda Village favorite also serves up coffee and a selection of freshly baked goods. Founded by the same husband-and-wife owners, Eric Disch and Anna Margaret Roth, their latest venture, Theodore’s Bar & Market, brings a European-style market and bar to Winston-Salem, with a menu that includes fresh sandwiches, salads, and wraps.

At The Penny Path Café & Crêpe Shop, delight all ages with sweet crêpes topped with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and cream. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger

The Penny Path Café & Crêpe Shop is where crêpe lovers go to satisfy their cravings. Owner Miro Buzov’s love for making crêpes — a tradition from his childhood in Germany, when he made crêpes every morning with his grandmother — led him to open this café, where every crêpe is served in a captivating steampunk-inspired setting. Indulge in the savory Herb De Provence with mozzarella, tomatoes, and spinach, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the decadent Bananas Foster — caramelized bananas, whipped cream, and candied almonds. Pair it with an iced vanilla chai and savor the summer sunshine on the outdoor patio before you head home.

Pro tip: Beat the weekend crowds by arriving before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m.

This is just a glimpse of what Reynolda has to offer, so take our advice: plan to linger longer than you might expect. Whether you’re meandering through the gardens, getting lost in the galleries, or enjoying a summer meal, you’ll find it hard to leave without planning your next adventure.