1. Step Into the Past at Old Salem Museums & Gardens
A group of volunteers founded Old Salem, Inc. in 1950 as a way to preserve Salem's historic charm for future residents and visitors. Employees and volunteers have since dedicated hours to restoring the buildings and garden areas within the historic district. Visitors have a wide selection of places to eat, shop, and tour while inside the Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
Entrance ticket prices vary depending on the buildings and tours you plan to visit. The Old Salem Museums & Gardens are also a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and other large gatherings.
900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-721-7300
2. Admire American Masterpieces at Reynolda House Museum of Art
Reynolda House, Inc., established in 1964, oversees the Reynolda House Museum's extensive collection of American art. Hundreds of artifacts are displayed in the museum, and Reynolda House also displays unique exhibits throughout the year.
The home itself is a mansion set on a beautifully landscaped 20-acre lot. Reynolda Village is located a short distance from the house and has several spots for eating and shopping. The Reynolda House Museum is a great Winston-Salem attraction for couples. Additionally, the museum sells overnight packages in conjunction with local hotels and inns.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 888-663-1149
3. Spark Young Minds with Hands-On Fun at Kaleideum Downtown
Kaleideum Downtown is filled with a variety of fun, educational activities, and its displays are aimed at developing literacy, motor skills, and social skills in children. Activities like painting, reading, drawing, and building are integrated into many of the museum's attractions, and kids will also find plenty of room to run, climb, and play. If you are wondering what to do in Winston-Salem on a rainy day with kids, this is a great idea.
A special membership offered by the museum includes benefits like free admission, invitations to members-only events, and discounts at certain retailers. The museum also has space for hosting parties and special events.
390 South Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-723-9111
4. Explore Science and Nature at Kaleideum North
Kaleideum North , a nature and science facility, exists to support literacy, science, and life-long learning. Kaleideum North is one of the top Winston-Salem attractions for families and has an abundance of exhibits that teach visitors about subjects like biology, sound, physics, health, and the environment. The facility also has its own planetarium where visitors can learn about stars, planets, and space.
Nearby gardens and walking trails offer plenty of room for exploring and picnicking.
400 West Hanes Mill Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-767-6730
If you are traveling with kids:
5. Walk in the Footsteps of Early Settlers at Historic Bethabara Park
Visiting Historic Bethabara Park is like stepping back in time. The park was once a small religious village for Moravians who settled in the area more than 250 years ago. It's a popular spot for birdwatchers since the park sits on a wildlife preserve that is home to more than 120 species of birds. The park's grounds, gardens, and trails are open year-round at no cost.
The visitor's center and exhibit buildings are only open on certain days.
2147 Bethabara Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-0924-8191
6. Stroll Through Blooms and Beauty at Reynolda Garden
Unwind at the Reynolda Garden as you immerse yourself in its scenic and peaceful landscapes. Originally owned by Katherine and RJ Reynolds of the tobacco industry, the historical garden has been around for over a century with several original pieces still standing. The massive 130-acre garden, originally designed by Buckenham and Miller, welcomes visitors year-round where they may admire the garden’s lush greenery, colorful plants, waterfall, and picturesque walking trails. Visitors may also enjoy a picnic in the Greater Gardens. While there, be sure to view the rest of the Reynolda Estate which includes the 64-room historic house, golf course, greenhouses, and 16-acre lake. The Reynolda Garden is open to the public and admission is free.
100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, Phone: 336-758-5593
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
7. Learn Craftsmanship History at the Frank L. Horton Museum Center
This center contains the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, known locally as MESDA, a relatively new addition to Winston-Salem's historic area. Once a grocery store, the building underwent renovations in the mid 1990s to serve its new main purpose as a museum. The museum itself is named after Frank Horton, a prolific decorative arts researcher.
MESDA has a series of exhibits and collections and also includes auditorium space for meetings and special events. Along with MESDA, the center contains a research area and several shops. If you are wondering what to see in Winston-Salem on a rainy day, visit this unique attraction.
Frank L. Horton Museum Center, 924 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-721-7360
8. Wander the Charming Streets of West End Historic District
The West End Historic District is known for its rich history and well-preserved buildings. More than 500 structures dating back to 1897 through 1930 still stand in this portion of the town, and a few notable buildings in the district include the H.D. Poindexter houses and the Zevely House.
Architecture styles represented in the West End Historic District include Classic Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and American Craftsman. The district covers about 230 acres of land.
West End Historic District, Winston-Salem, NC, 27120
9. Foothills Brewing
With more than 20 local breweries, there is a nice little competition going on in Winston-Salem to the delight of all beer lovers. One of the most popular is Foothills Brewing, which has been fermenting, brewing, and bottling since 2005. With two production facilities, the main one being a 48,000 square foot converted envelope factory, they produce today almost 32,500 barrels and distribute their beers all over North Carolina and several other states. They have a lovely pub in downtown Winston Salem with great food and frequent live music.
If you want to learn more about the process of making beer, visit their main facility and tasting room where they offer Beer School and a brewery tour and let you sample all the beers they currently offer.
638 West 4th Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-777-3348
10. Add Adventure to Your Day with Triad ECO Adventures
Triad ECO Adventures is best-known for its Segway tours. Prior to exploring the city of Winston-Salem for 2 hours on a Segway, the staff will provide you with comprehensive safety training, which includes a special obstacle course. If Segways aren't your cup of tea, you can try one of Triad ECO's stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours instead as SUP lessons are also available through Triad ECO.
Additionally, the company sells Segways along with Segway parts and accessories. Other environmentally friendly recreational products are sold through Triad ECO, including eBikes and eSkateboards.
176 YWCA Way, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Phone: 336-722-7777
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