Sink into the crisp, yet impossibly soft linens on your bed at the Kimpton Cardinal and just take a minute — or maybe just a few minutes, you think — as you absorb the grandeur of this weekend’s home away from home.
Built in 1929, the R.J. Reynolds Building is the skyscraper that inspired the Empire State Building. The luxurious interiors befit such an icon, as does The Katharine, a Parisian-style brasserie downstairs. With a lemon spritz or the bartender’s signature old fashioned, you can toast your arrival in Winston-Salem, the City of Arts and Innovation. Take your time to soak up your luxe surroundings — dinner’s less than a five-minute walk away.
The Katharine, located in the lobby of the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, combines the vibe of a French cafe with Southern culinary flair. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
There’s no better place to get a feel for the heart and soul of Winston-Salem than a Friday evening in Bailey Park, the community gathering space that hosts everything from yoga to concerts. From your patio seat at 600 Degrees, you and your travel companions can share a collection of small plates or entrees like the grilled Dijon trout, braised lamb shoulder, and grilled cauliflower heart.
After you’ve polished off a “Strawberry Thingy” — layers of fresh strawberries, strawberry custard, rhubarb granita, shortcake crumbs, and mint — continue your night in the Industry Hill neighborhood. During the day, it’s a hub for makers and creatives, but at night, it transforms into a buzzy craft brewery scene. Within an easy stroll, eight breweries boast their own specialties and lively taprooms for meeting and greeting.
From centuries-old landmarks to vibrant arts and award-winning cuisine, Winston-Salem invites you to explore a city shaped by history and alive with modernity. In Winston-Salem, it’s Twice as nice…come on in.
The mother-daughter team behind Louie and Honey’s Kitchen brings mouthwatering Amish cinnamon rolls to the West End neighborhood. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
If you’re a pastry enthusiast, two of North Carolina’s most celebrated bakers release mouthwatering aromas within a half mile of one another. If you’re craving a cinnamon roll, Louie and Honey’s Kitchen serves hand-rolled delicacies iced with a brown-sugar frosting. More of a croissant-and-Danish kind of person? Try the twice-baked almond croissant with chocolate or the almond and raisin pull-apart bread at Bobby Boy Bakeshop, a James Beard Foundation award semifinalist.
From both bakeries, you’re well-positioned to explore the Reynolda Road Shopping District, a shopping district that connects the West End of downtown to Reynolda Village. Whatever you’re shopping for, you’ll find its best version at a boutique along this one-mile stretch.
Tucked into Reynolda Village, Monkee’s of the Village offers upscale, colorful fashions to fit any fete. photograph by Visit Winston-Salem
Among every imaginable wardrobe must-have, Rebecca & Co.’s dresses feature cuts, pleats, and patterns you’ve never seen and have to have. Nearby, Primm’s boutique also offers an on-trend selection of upscale apparel, from kitten heels to Ninakurus.
Elizabeth’s at Hanes Park displays treasures on every surface, like embroidered pillows, vintage ceramic planters, antique furniture. So does Yours Truly, another Reynolda Road consignment store brimming with furniture, art, linens, and books.
Conclude your shopping spree at Reynolda Village, where awning-shaded walkways connect shops housed in the 1917 estate’s former farm buildings. Shop for art created by local college and university students at the START Gallery. Find your new favorite read at The Bookhouse, peruse a carefully curated selection of men’s clothing at Norman Stockton, and find the perfect gift, Turkish rug, or other home accessory at All Through the House.
When it’s time for lunch, stop by the Village Tavern, a local staple with a robust salad menu — try the Thai chicken or the grilled chicken spinach — alongside heartier options like shrimp and grits and filet mignon. If you need a sweet treat after, the neighboring Dough-Joe’s is known for their coffee bar, cozy décor, and doughnuts.
Enjoy a post-lunch stroll around Reynolda Gardens’ scenic walking trails, then meander through the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Here, a remarkable collection of American art includes works by artists like Georgia O’Keefe, John Singer Sargeant, and Andy Warhol.
The modern North Carolina Museum of Art Winston-Salem, adjoined to the historic Hanes House, takes visitors on a journey through time from contemporary to historic. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
For an equally impressive art experience, drive five minutes to reach the North Carolina Museum of Art Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA), a grand, contemporary museum connected to the historic James G. Hanes estate. “The galleries are constantly changing with our exhibitions, so no two visits are going to be the same for people, which is really cool,” says Philip Pledger, director of marketing. “You never know what you’re going to encounter — it could be a solo artist or a big group show around a central theme.”
Walking through the museum’s main entrance is like entering a portal. “It’s two experiences in one,” Pledger says. “As you go deeper into the building, you get to the 1929 Hanes House, which was gifted to the museum in the early ’70s. I love the interplay between the super-modern contemporary gallery space and this historic house, with hand-carved wood paneling, marble fireplaces, and intricate crown molding.”
When you’re ready for dinner, walk about a half mile from the Kimpton Cardinal to Mission Pizza, casual but renowned for the Neapolitan pizzas that slide like artwork out of their wood-fired Stefano Ferrara oven.
Nature seekers explore the scenic, seven-mile path surrounding Salem Lake on two feet and two wheels. Photography courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem
Yesterday, buns and pastries ruled the morning. Sunday is for biscuits, and in Winston-Salem, nobody does this flaky, buttery Southern staple like Krankies Coffee. Choosing to brunch at Krankies is the easy part; things get tricky when you have to decide exactly which type of biscuit you prefer.
The Krankies Classic is a Texas Pete-and-honey-doused biscuit sandwiching a piece of fried chicken. The Bluebird takes that same brined-and-fried chicken but trades the sweet-and-spicy profile with blueberry jam and American cheese on a blueberry biscuit. Add a side of potato wedges with green sauce and make it a celebration with a Krankies signature coffee or cocktail.
Next stop: Salem Lake. In Pledger’s personal experience, a morning out in nature can have the same rejuvenating effect as an afternoon viewing art. “I have two young kids, and sometimes the best reset button is to go outside,” he says. “Museums and nature both offer a way to get a new perspective. It trips something in your brain to think about things in a slightly different way, which is really refreshing.”
The seven-mile Salem Lake Trail rings its 365-acre centerpiece, which is also perfect for paddling. At the marina, you can rent a 16-foot jon boat or kayak. “We take our kids to that playground all the time, and if you’re a biker, it’s a perfect loop.”
Blushed from the sun and a weekend filled with museums, shopping, and good food — not to mention a sweet treat for the road — you’ll leave the City of Arts and Innovation inspired, refreshed, and already anticipating your return. Click here to start planning your visit.
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