Winston-Salem moves between past and present: the peaceful charm of Old Salem, the creative energy spilling from downtown art spaces and startups, the timeless beauty of Reynolda Gardens. Where two towns merged in 1913, present-day arts, innovation, and Southern hospitality converge to shape one of North Carolina’s most dynamic cities.
Winston-Salem’s character reveals itself gradually, throughout the day and around every corner. In Old Salem, morning light settles over cobblestone streets, where centuries-old stories linger between Moravian landmarks. Across the downtown Strollway — a picturesque path linking the historic district to the city center — brick smokestacks rise beside galleries and a world-class children’s museum. By day’s end, Reynolda Gardens offers a slower pace: lush, blooming, meandering. An elegant dinner will follow, and then who knows where the evening will go — a buzzy cocktail lounge or ghost walk? In Winston-Salem, you’ll be inspired to explore.
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Kaleideum: Build a race car, examine bird feathers or reptilian scales in microscopic detail, and channel water through tabletop waterfalls at this interactive museum of arts, sciences, and exploration. Kaleideum holds a stellar reputation for merging education and fun through hands-on exhibits. Don’t miss the 40-foot digital dome, where films and laser lightshows play on the theater’s curved ceiling. Afterwards, ascend to the museum’s fourth level, where North Carolina’s only rooftop playground pairs slides, a jungle gym, and climbing wall with sky-high views of downtown.
Take the family to Kaleideum, an interactive learning museum made for all ages. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Craft Draft Crawl: Toast Winston-Salem’s craft beer tradition with a choose-your-own-adventure crawl around 11 downtown breweries. Start with the trailblazer, Foothills Brewing; grab a pint inside a former power plant at Incendiary; or uncover the storied, blue-collar spirit of Hoots Roller Bar & Beer Co. However you order, you may want to split your tour into two days with a night at a downtown hotel.
Create your own “Craft Draft Crawl” and explore the pours at Winston-Salem’s craft breweries. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
A/Perture Cinema: The Triad’s only full-time art house cinema, this nonprofit theater beautifully balances Hollywood favorites with independent, documentary, foreign, and revival films. Beyond the screen, it serves as a community hub, hosting dynamic film series, festivals, and engaging Q&As with filmmakers. Come for the carefully curated cinematic experience and stay to enjoy the local food and drink offerings.
Sign up for a ceramic or woodworking class at Sawtooth School for Visual Art. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Sawtooth School for Visual Art: Past and present meet in Winston-Salem’s art and craft school. Founded in 1945, Sawtooth offers more than 1,000 classes in 11 visual art mediums each year, from enameling and woodturning to drawing and screen-printing. And the name? From the street, connected pentagonal buildings resemble the sharp barbs of a saw — a nod to the historic school’s former life as Shamrock Mills.
Old Salem: Immerse yourself in a living history museum just south of downtown, where the streets of Old Salem Museums & Gardens preserve life exactly as it was when the town was settled in 1766. Across nearly 100 acres, visitors can experience the craft traditions and diverse stories of the Moravians, African Americans, and Indigenous people who built, lived, and worked in this early American community. Spend the day here, starting with traditional Moravian sugar cake from Winkler Bakery, see a demonstration at Single Brothers’ House, and wile away the hours admiring the handcrafted pieces in MESDA, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts.
Discover the craftsmanship of early Salem with hands-on history workshops at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Historic Bethabara Park: Founded in 1753 as a temporary Moravian settlement, Bethabara persists today. Stroll through an 18th-century medicinal herb garden — one of the first in the nation — or stand behind the spiky palisade that protected the village during the French and Indian War. Don’t miss a historical demonstration at one of the park’s regular programs.
Experience what life was like in the 1700s with guided tours, scenic trails, and special events at Historic Bethabara. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Reynolda House & Gardens: Originally designed as the private estate for tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds, Reynolda is a Winston-Salem destination home to a museum of American art, gorgeous gardens and conservatory, and shopping village at the edge of Wake Forest University’s campus. Locals and visitors alike come to stroll and picnic on the 134-acre grounds, buy books and gifts at the Village Shops, break for a bite at one of the eateries, and marvel at the exhibits inside the home’s opulent galleries. Note that the art museum inside the estate’s mansion is undergoing renovations until the fall of 2026.
Brown Family Conservatory is a year-round botanical getaway that is free and open to the public. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Carolina History & Haunts: The historic West End neighborhood’s oddest endings are highlighted in these 90-minute walking tours led by historians of the eerie. Their family-friendly candlelit experiences run year-round and begin within walking distance of several excellent restaurants for dinner before or after.
Juneteenth Festival: This vibrant celebration of African American traditions and freedom invites the community to experience arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, panel discussions, and song and dance performances in the Innovation Quarter. Annually held on the Saturday closest to June 19, the 2026 Juneteenth Festival occurs on June 20.
The International Black Theatre Festival brings more than 100 theater performances to the stage at this six-day celebration. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
International Black Theatre Festival: This six-day extravaganza is a world-renowned celebration of Black performance art. Held over the last week in July every other year, the festival transforms the city into a global stage with 20-plus venues hosting more than 120 performances ranging from traditional plays and musicals to poetry jams and film screenings.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors is the largest literary festival in the Carolinas, featuring book signings, talks, and vendors. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors: The largest literary festival in the Carolinas welcomes dozens of nationally recognized authors every September for panel discussions, book signings, and family-friendly activities. Created by its namesake local bookstore, the festival also draws local vendors, food trucks, and community organizations to spark a shared love for storytelling.
One of the fastest-growing film festivals on the East Coast, the RiverRun International Film Festival showcases a variety of films across genres. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
OUT at the Movies International Film Festival: For more than a decade, this event has been an annual fixture of the Winston-Salem arts scene. Held in September, the festival pairs a selection of more than 40 films with filmmaker Q&As, receptions, and an awards ceremony.
JOLO Winery and Vineyards: From your home base in Winston-Salem, you’re uniquely positioned to explore the vineyards and wineries that make up the Yadkin Valley AVA. From its home in Pilot Mountain, this family-owned operation offers sweeping views of the state’s easternmost peak alongside an interior reminiscent of a European castle. Make a reservation for a curated, seasonally rotating tasting experience or dine-in with a glass of their much-lauded Carolus XII red blend.
Enjoy a private gazebo tasting experience for unparalleled views and an unforgettable day at JOLO Winery and Vineyards. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Childress Vineyards: Take a quick, 20-minute cruise south of Winston-Salem to discover wines that range from Riesling to Merlot. Founded in 2004 by famed NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, this Lexington winery grows 15 grape varieties on 70 acres of vineyards. Try the Taste of Childress: Tasting & Tapas Experience, which pairs five wines with five bites in the winery’s barrel room.
Sip award-winning wines at Childress Vineyards and reserve a table with a view at Bistro. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Shelton Vineyards: One of the first vineyards established in the Yadkin Valley, this family-owned winery blends tastings, music, and farm-to-table dining in an idyllic setting. The collection of Wolfpack wines not only spark North Carolina spirit, but bottle sales also contribute to scholarships at North Carolina State University.
Known as the “Chianti of the Carolinas,” Raffaldini Vineyards offers Italian-style wines in a beautiful Tuscan setting. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery: Drive west of Winston-Salem, and a slice of Tuscany awaits in tiny Ronda. Here, seven Italian grape varieties grow in the rocky soil. Inside a former farm turned tasting room, the winery welcomes more than 30,000 guests annually who come to sample the Wine Enthusiast-approved wines.
Explore more: Click here for a complete guide to wineries just a short drive from Winston-Salem.
The Quarry at Grant Park: The centerpiece of this stunning 200-acre park is a deep-water quarry, with dramatic overlooks from a cantilevered pier. Its extensive walking and biking trails connect to the city’s greenway system. Each June, the park hosts Rock Out the Quarry, a popular community event featuring live music, food trucks, and a 5K race.
Innovation Quarter and Bailey Park: In the heart of downtown, this mixed-use district blends industrial history with modern recreation. Bailey Park is the quarter’s front porch, offering a lush lawn, a covered stage, and a regular rotation of food trucks and outdoor movie nights. It’s a favorite spot for mid-day picnics, yoga classes, and regular festivals.
Rent a kayak, canoe, or jon boat and get out on the water at Salem Lake Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Salem Lake: This 365-acre lake is surrounded by a scenic seven-mile multiuse trail for walking, running, and cycling. It’s ideal for fishing, either on the spacious pier or a boat launched from the marina. Nature lovers looking to escape the urban bustle can find a sanctuary here without leaving the city limits.
Take a hike at Pilot Mountain State Park for breathtaking views of the Sauratown Mountains. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Pilot Mountain State Park: Famous for its iconic quartzite pinnacle, Pilot Mountain has some of the best views in the region. Hikers love it for the miles of trails (ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs) and panoramic vistas of the surrounding Piedmont. The park is also a destination for rock-climbing and rappelling.
Sweet Starts: All good days should start with something sweet. In Winston-Salem, the options abound. After stints in some of the Triad’s most acclaimed restaurants, John and Lucia Bobby opened their bakery, Bobby Boy, in the Buena Vista neighborhood. A James Beard Foundation award nomination followed in 2024. The chocolate croissant is one of the best-known treats, but pick up a ginger-molasses cookie sandwich for a snack later. Another mainstay, Louie and Honey’s stays true to the Mennonite baking traditions of mother-daughter owners Naomi Gingerich and Frances Natalie. Taste generations of history in one of the signature Amish cinnamon rolls.
Savor the handmade pastries and artisanal breads from Bobby Boy Bakeshop. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Betty on Burke: Launched to offer respite in the bustling West End neighborhood, this beautifully designed café is a feast for the eyes and stomach. The globally inspired menu changes, from latkes with apple purée to Korean barbecue beef, Thai green curry, and pork schnitzel.
Tucked away in downtown Winston-Salem, Betty on Burke offers a rotating menu of small plates that make it a culinary hot spot. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Camel City BBQ: If you’re looking for Carolina barbecue in casual digs, Camel City BBQ serves smoked pork, brisket, sausage, and chicken in a renovated 1927 warehouse. Shoot some pool and attempt the Big Bad Wolf — a wrap filled brisket and macaroni and cheese — if you dare (and have time for a nap afterward).
Celebrate any special occasion with dining experiences at local restaurants like The Downtown Grille. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
The Downtown Grille: From its home in the Innovation Quarter, this elegant destination draws couples on date night and revelers for celebratory dinners. The menu specializes in regional American fare with a Southern twist. They’re known for prime steaks and fresh seafood, and we like the Southern Downtown Burger, loaded with pimento cheese, a fried green tomato, and an egg.
End your night out with a nightcap at The Dutch Light, a premium cocktail lounge featuring a rotating menu of seasonal drinks. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Nightcap: The chic, greenhouse-inspired Dutch Light cocktail lounge emphasizes botanical-forward libations and a lush, urban-garden aesthetic. Creative baristas show their stuff in craft cocktails made with herbs from the lounge’s hydroponic farm. For a more casual, kick-up-your-feet vibe, the living room-esque Vintage Sofa Bar is a local favorite. The menu showcases wines by the glass, local beers, and craft cocktails — the cinnamon white Russian comes highly recommended.
Winston-Salem Dash: Founded in 1945, the Dash is a high-A Chicago White Sox affiliate, and they play at the family-favorite Truist Stadium. Dash legends include Cy Young-winning pitcher Chris Sale, who made his professional debut here in 2010.
Catch a Dash game from April to September at Truist Stadium. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem Open: Part of the ATP Tour 250, the Winston-Salem Open is one of only three 250-level tournaments in North America. Each August, tennis stars from around the world descend on the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex to battle it out ahead of the U.S. Open. After 2025’s event, Luciano Darderi of Italy named the Winston-Salem Open one of his favorite tournament spots, attributing it to the community, fans, and atmosphere.
Watch the world-class tennis tournament at the Winston-Salem Open, the final stop before the U.S. Open. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
College Football: Visit on a fall Saturday, and you’ll learn why college game day is a treasured tradition in Winston-Salem. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Winston-Salem State Rams draw Division I football competition and spirited crowds for weekly tailgates and touchdowns.
Join the game-day fun with a football weekend in Winston-Salem. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Bowman Gray Stadium: Home to those gridiron Rams, the venerable Bowman Gray also hosts the Cook Out Clash, an annual NASCAR pre-season race. Built as part of the New Deal in 1938, the city-owned facility has also been the site of high school and professional football games, pro boxing matches, and theater performances.
Summit Street Inns: This collection preserves the domestic grandeur of the historic West End. It features The Shaffner Inn, a 1907 Tudor mansion boasting exquisite Tiger Oak paneling; the Ludlow House, an 1887 Queen Anne Victorian known for its ornate woodwork; and the six-bedroom Sheppard House, which showcases refined early 20th-century residential craftsmanship.
Amid lush surroundings in Old Salem Gardens, Mansion on Main offers a timeless, elegant stay. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
The Zevely Inn: The only lodging in Old Salem, this 1844 restored Moravian home is a masterclass in early American simplicity. Every room reflects the preserved architecture of the settlement, giving guests a rare opportunity to sleep among authentic period furnishings and hearths in a verified historic home.
Book a charming stay at historic inns like The Zevely Inn, a restored 18th-century Moravian bed and breakfast. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
The Historic Brookstown Inn: Housed within a converted 1837 textile mill, this inn is a monument to Winston-Salem’s industrial heritage. Architectural features like exposed brick walls, original pine floors, and soaring timber-beamed ceilings reflect its past and provide a rugged, yet romantic, atmosphere just blocks from the city’s colonial core.
Choose the Historic Brookstown Inn for the Southern hospitality and sophisticated details. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
The Graylyn Estate: A 1932 Norman Revival masterpiece, Graylyn was originally the sprawling estate of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s chairman. This 85-room manor houses international architectural treasures, including hand-carved wood from Constantinople and rare circular stone towers. It remains one of the finest examples of the “Country House” era in America.
Settle into refined luxury at Graylyn Estate’s manor house. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel: From its home inside the circa-1929 R.J. Reynolds Building, this Art Deco hotel offers a luxe landing in the heart of downtown. As the name (“Cardinal”) suggests, the property is imbued with North Carolina motifs, from Carolina Tartan in the guest rooms to Moravian cookies offered in the lobby.
From the arts to seasonal festivities to sporting tournaments, you can find a little festive flair any time of the year.
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