Winston-Salem has a way of blending the past and present without losing its warmth. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first arrived, but as I wandered its streets, I could feel the rhythm of a city that’s rooted in craft and community. Art, history, science, and Southern flavor all seemed to hum together in harmony. I kept thinking, “This place has layers—and it’s generous enough to share them with you.”
Best Things to Do in Winston-Salem
Step Into the Past at Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Walking through Old Salem felt like stepping into another century. Cobblestone streets, costumed interpreters, and historic buildings brought the Moravian settlement to life in the most tangible way. I wandered through bakeries, homes, and craft shops, watching demonstrations of everything from woodworking to hearth cooking. It wasn’t just a museum—it was a living town with a heartbeat from another time.
At one moment, I stood inside a quiet church, sunlight filtering through the windows, and thought, “This isn’t just about what they built—it’s about how they lived.” The whole place felt reverent, thoughtful, and full of stories if you stayed long enough to listen.
Before leaving, I stopped by Moravian Bake Shop and treated myself to a slice of sugar cake and a warm apple cider. It was sweet, spiced, and just the right way to linger in the mood of the past.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens At a Glance
- Location: 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Vibe: Immersive, historic, serene
- Highlights: Living history exhibits, gardens, traditional crafts, bakery
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for mild weather and lush gardens
- Cost: ~$20 for adult tickets; discounts available
- Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admire American Masterpieces at Reynolda House Museum of Art
Visiting the Reynolda House Museum of Art felt like walking through someone’s lived-in legacy. The home itself—once the estate of R.J. Reynolds—is grand but inviting, with wide hallways, sunlit rooms, and a quiet grace. As I moved from one gallery to the next, I admired works by American masters like Mary Cassatt and Romare Bearden, all displayed within the comfort of a home. It gave the art a sense of intimacy.
I found myself standing by a large window overlooking the lawn, thinking, “It’s rare to see a place where art and life still feel so intertwined.” The experience wasn’t just about the paintings—it was about imagining the lives that once unfolded beneath these ceilings.
I wandered over to Reynolda Village afterward and grabbed a coffee and lemon scone at Dewey’s Bakery. Sitting outside with garden views and fresh air, I felt the kind of peace that only comes when time seems to slow down.
Reynolda House Museum of Art At a Glance
- Location: 2250 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
- Vibe: Graceful, artistic, quietly opulent
- Highlights: American art collection, historic home, grounds
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for fewer crowds and better light
- Cost: ~$18 for adults; student and senior discounts available
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Spark Young Minds with Hands-On Fun at Kaleideum Downtown
Kaleideum Downtown was filled with movement, laughter, and color—designed for children but disarming enough for adults to be swept into the wonder. From interactive science exhibits to storytelling corners, the space was alive with curiosity. Watching families explore reminded me how joyfully loud learning can be.
One corner was set up like a mini-town, where kids played shopkeeper and chef. I paused there and thought, “Imagination lives loudest in places that leave room for play.” It reminded me of how much we lose—and how much we gain—when we remember how to be curious.
Afterward, I stopped at Camino Bakery just a few blocks away. Their seasonal lavender latte and a slice of banana bread made the perfect sweet moment before heading to my next stop.
Kaleideum Downtown At a Glance
- Location: 390 S Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Vibe: Energetic, interactive, family-friendly
- Highlights: Hands-on exhibits, pretend play zones, STEM learning
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for space to explore
- Cost: ~$10 for children and adults
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
Walk in the Footsteps of Early Settlers at Historic Bethabara Park
At Historic Bethabara Park , I walked through meadows, past reconstructed buildings, and down quiet wooded trails. It was once the site of a 1753 Moravian settlement, and now it felt like a place caught in a whisper between past and present. Birds flitted overhead, and interpretive signs told stories of settlers and their early experiments in community and faith.
I lingered in the medicinal garden, reading each plant’s name and use, and thought, “This is history in its most grounded form—alive in roots and leaves.” It wasn’t flashy, but it was honest. Peaceful. Deep.
I ended my visit with a light lunch at May Way Dumplings nearby—a hidden gem serving handmade dumplings and spicy cucumber salad. Fresh, warm, and completely satisfying after a morning in the open air.
Historic Bethabara Park At a Glance
- Location: 2147 Bethabara Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
- Vibe: Reflective, natural, historically rich
- Highlights: 18th-century buildings, gardens, hiking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring when the gardens are in bloom
- Cost: Free to explore; donations appreciated
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Stroll Through Blooms and Beauty at Reynolda Garden
After touring the art museum, I wandered down to Reynolda Garden, tucked just behind the estate. It was lush, quiet, and beautifully tended—like a secret the city had decided to keep green. Gravel paths led me through roses, fountains, and shaded corners where bees worked and butterflies flitted in and out of view.
I sat on a bench beneath a vine-covered arch and thought, "There’s something healing about a place that asks nothing from you but to slow down." It was a simple pleasure, but one I carried with me long after.
I picked up a refreshing berry smoothie from Village Juice Co. before leaving the area. Their smoothie bowls are bright and fresh—like the garden in food form.
Reynolda Garden At a Glance
- Location: 100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
- Vibe: Peaceful, botanical, meditative
- Highlights: Greenhouses, flower beds, shaded paths
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or golden hour
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
Learn Craftsmanship History at the Frank L. Horton Museum Center
In the heart of Old Salem, the Frank L. Horton Museum Center offered a quiet but impressive collection of decorative arts. I wasn’t expecting to be so drawn in by furniture and silverware, but the stories behind them—the craftsmanship, the purpose—brought each piece to life.
The exhibit on Southern folk art felt especially powerful. There was something about the way everyday objects were elevated to something permanent, even sacred. "History lives in the details,” I thought, gazing at an intricately carved sideboard that once stood in someone’s kitchen a century ago.
Afterward, I took a short walk to The Flour Box Tea Room and ordered a warm pot of Earl Grey and a slice of pecan pie. It felt like a perfect little ritual after an afternoon spent in appreciation of the past.
Frank L. Horton Museum Center At a Glance
- Location: 924 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Vibe: Elegant, curated, thoughtful
- Highlights: Decorative arts, folk collections, period rooms
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons
- Cost: Included with Old Salem admission
- Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wander the Charming Streets of West End Historic District
Later that evening, I strolled through the West End Historic District, where Victorian homes lined the streets and old trees arched overhead like a canopy of memory. The neighborhood felt lived-in and loved—porches strung with lights, garden flags swaying in the breeze, the faint sound of jazz from an open window.
I passed local boutiques, cafés, and art shops tucked into repurposed homes, and thought, "This is what happens when history gets to breathe." It was relaxed, welcoming, and full of personality. I could’ve wandered those streets for hours.
Eventually I landed at West End Café and ordered a roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry aioli and a side of sweet potato fries. The vibe was cozy and familiar, the food hit every note of comfort.
West End Historic District At a Glance
- Location: West End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Vibe: Charming, neighborhood feel, historic but vibrant
- Highlights: Historic homes, local shops, walkable streets
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early evening for a golden stroll
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Always open to explore
Foothills Brewing
By the time I made it to Foothills Brewing, the city had already surprised me in so many ways. The brewery added one more. Inside the brick building, the vibe was relaxed and unpretentious, with long communal tables and the soft hum of conversation. I sat at the bar, ordered a flight, and sampled their best—Torch Pilsner, Hoppyum IPA, and Jade. Each sip had its own personality.
The bartender told me about their commitment to sustainability and local partnerships, and I thought, “Even the beer here feels like it’s part of something bigger.” I paired my drinks with a bison burger piled high with caramelized onions and sharp cheddar. It was the kind of meal that made me linger, just a little longer than planned.
Foothills Brewing At a Glance
- Location: 638 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Vibe: Friendly, craft-driven, social
- Highlights: Local brews, sustainable focus, hearty pub fare
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for relaxed energy
- Cost: Moderate (~$10–$18 entrees; beer flights $8–$12)
- Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Fridays & Saturdays until midnight)
Add Adventure to Your Day with Triad ECO Adventures
For something completely different, I booked a Segway tour with Triad ECO Adventures. I’d never ridden one before, but within minutes of the training session, I was gliding through downtown like I’d done it a hundred times. The tour took me along greenways, past murals, and into corners of the city I wouldn’t have found on my own.
The guide was passionate, funny, and full of local trivia that made the whole experience feel less like a tour and more like being shown around by a friend. “This is how cities reveal their personality,” I thought, zipping along under leafy trees with the skyline rising in the distance.
Afterward, I stopped at Sixth & Vine for a quick bite—grilled peach salad with goat cheese and toasted pecans. Light, bright, and perfect for cooling off after an afternoon adventure.
Triad ECO Adventures At a Glance
- Location: 176 YWCA Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27127
- Vibe: Fun, active, educational
- Highlights: Segway tours, e-bike rentals, guided city routes
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or sunset for best weather
- Cost: ~$40–$65 depending on length and type of tour
- Hours: Booking required; tours typically between 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Travel Tips: How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I’ve driven in along I-40—it’s a breeze. You’ll be about 1.5 hours from Charlotte or 2 from Raleigh, depending on your starting point.
- By Plane: I usually fly into Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). It’s just 30 minutes from downtown, and I’ve found flights easy from most major hubs.
- By Train: I’ve taken Amtrak into High Point before and caught a shuttle over. It’s about a 25-minute ride into Winston-Salem and a smooth way to go if you prefer rail travel.
Where to Stay
- The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel – I stayed here and was blown away. The design blends retro and modern so well, and the building itself is an architectural icon. You’ll love the stylish vibe and the cocktail bar downstairs.
- Graylyn Estate – If you want romance, this is it. I felt like I stepped into a European manor. The rooms are luxurious, and the gardens are perfect for a quiet morning walk—I think you’d fall for it just like I did.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown – I’ve stayed here when I needed something easy and central. You’ll be near restaurants, galleries, and breweries, with comfy rooms and free breakfast to start your day right.
Final Thoughts on Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem wasn’t flashy. It didn’t try to overwhelm me. Instead, it invited me in—with stories in its museums, shade in its gardens, and flavor in every corner. It felt like a place shaped by makers, dreamers, and those who care about keeping history alive in a fresh, open-handed way. “Cities like this don’t just ask you to visit,” I remember thinking. “They ask you to pay attention.”