The Best Things To Do In Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Simply called “Winston” by locals, Winston-Salem is a twin city town with deep roots. Old Salem, a Williamsburg-esque town, was founded in 1766 as a settlement for the Moravian Church. Modern-day Moravians can still trace their ancestors to the authentically restored living history community. Winston, Old Salem’s younger sister, was founded just under 100 years later and became a booming town thanks to its location on the North Carolina Railroad and its ties to major tobacco corporations such as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. By 1889 the post office had combined the two towns solidifying their relationship. Today, Winston-Salem embraces its history while turning toward its future. 

Take a Step Back in Time

St. Augustine has the honor of being the oldest American settlement, but Old Salem might be one of the coolest. Where else can you become immersed in early Southern American arts, visit living history, and enjoy traditional desserts within a few blocks? Largely under the radar, Old Salem in Winston-Salem has a rich history. It is the home of the first recorded Fourth of July Celebration and the center of the Moravian community. It has two inns, a few restaurants, a women's-college, and an incredible collection of antiques at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MEDSA). To this day, people can become permanent residents of Old Salem by owning one of the historic homes in the town. The best way to see Old Salem is with Triad Eco Adventures on a segway. The tour begins in the old village to orient visitors before whipping through the more contemporary parts of town. 

Get a Sugar Rush

Winston locals might have differing views about who makes the best sugar cake, but they will agree that biting into this delicacy is a must-do when in town. The centuries-old recipe can be traced back to the Moravians, and specifically to Christian Winkler and his eponymous bakery. The formula is a sweet combination of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and potatoes. Today, guests can still purchase sugar cake, along with loads of other Moravian treats like spice cookies, from Winkler Bakery in Old Salem. On your way there, pause at the historic marker just a few steps away from the bakery. It was here in 1937 that the world’s first Krispy Kreme opened. For heartier meals, check-out restaurants such as Mozelle’s for al fresco dining, James Beard-nominated Sweet Potatoes Restaurant for soul food, or The Powder Room for a whimsical start to the day. 

Meet a Leading Lady

Reynolda is one of Winston-Salem’s glorious gems. It is comprised of a sprawling estate, gardens, museum, and retail district, and it all began in 1917 thanks to visionary Katharine Smith Reynolds, wife of tobacco king R. J. Reynolds. Katharine’s vision was to create a self-sustaining farm complete with lush community gardens. Today, visitors can explore the house and corresponding art museum as well as the gardens and outbuildings, many of which have been repurposed into retail spaces. Theodore’s is a quaint restaurant, bar, and market. Walking into the space is like stepping from North Carolina right into a Parisienne delicatessen. Find Dough-Joe’s coffee and doughnuts downstairs where pastries and coffee are both served fresh and warm.

Enjoy Arts and Culture

Winston-Salem is home to six colleges and universities, most notably Wake Forest University, where Maya Angelou once taught poetry and the ACC’s Demon Deacons play. Take a spin through the college which moved from the Raleigh area to Winston-Salem in 1956. Later, belly-up to a taproom table at Incendiary Brewing Company located in the original coal pit of the historic power plant for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. If wine is more your style, there are over 45 local wineries in the greater Winston-Salem area. Dubbed the city of arts and innovation, there are also more than 30 art galleries as well as 24 performing art complexes and 15 museums. After a day of tooling around town, rest your head at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, a renovated office building turned contemporary hotel. Art Deco details such as gold leaf, rich marble, and burnished brass give the hotel a dash of luxurious charm. Look closely, and you’ll see it resembles another famous architectural wonder, New York City’s Empire State Building.