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(So Many) Great Things to Do in Winston Salem, NC

(So Many) Great Things to Do in Winston Salem, NC

(UPDATED FEB 2023) Are you planning a road trip with your family and looking for the perfect spot to explore? Winston Salem in North Carolina is an ideal destination, packed full of amazing attractions just waiting for you to discover. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind points of interest, impeccable gardens, or luxury accommodations, this vibrant city has something for everyone! Here’s a look at some of the great things to do in Winston Salem, one of the most incredible southern spots to visit.

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Eat and Drink at Village Tavern

Winston Salem is a vibrant town full of attractions and delicious food. Village Tavern offers up Southern classics like shrimp & grits, while Bobby Boy Bakeshop provides Instagram-worthy desserts that could rival those served in European cafes! Their pastries are to die for, as well as their selection of coffee and tea – a must visit destination if you’re ever in the area.

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Located in the historic West End neighborhood of Winston Salem is Village Tavern. Here, you can try classic American fare with modern twists, like bacon jam burgers or fried chicken sandwiches served with house made pickles from their garden!

My recommendations for Village Tavern are the pimento deviled eggs and pimento cheese dip, which comes with assorted veggies.

Make sure you save room for their delicious desserts too!

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Eat the Best Sweet Treats at Bobby Boy Bakeshop

Bobby Boy Bakeshop is known for their signature biscuit sandwiches filled with ingredients like fried chicken thighs, smoked ham hock, or scrambled eggs paired with sweet potato hash browns or grits.

They also serve up freshly-baked picture-perfect pastries like pear danish, cinnamon rolls, and savory bread pudding along with coffee drinks made with locally roasted beans from Camino Coffee Roasting Co..

Who would have thought that Winston Salem had a bakery that would transport you to France or Germany?

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Sip a Good Cup of Coffee from Dough-Joe’s

If you are more a fan of coffee and donuts, Dough-Joe’s is sensational at Reynolda Village. They have a cute patio and coffee shop with socially distanced tables. Ooey gooey vanilla cake doughnuts are dipped and decorated from various flavors and toppings to order.

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Dine in Sophistication at Katharine Brasserie

Enjoy an evening of sophistication and superb cuisine at the Katharine Brasserie & Bar in the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. Experience luxurious indoor seating or cozy outdoor dining, with a menu featuring classic French fare paired perfectly with local craft beers and fine wines from around the world.

Katharine’s Steak Frites are impressive!

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Afterward, for something sweet, swing by Reynolda Village for some delectable crepes made fresh in Penny Path Café’s Crepe Shop – try one of their iconic Kitchen Sink options!

Read More: Discover tantalizing food and drinks in nearby Asheville in this post.

Sample Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies

And don’t forget to wrap up your Winston Salem visit with the legendary Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies; Oprah herself is said to approve these delightful flavors including ginger crisps and butterscotch!

Pro Tip: Mrs. Hanes’ is a short drive away in the town of Clemmons, a Winston-Salem suburb.

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Explore Old Salem Via Salem Pathways

Step back in time and explore Old Salem, the preserved 250-year Moravian history nestled among tree-lined streets. Discover around 90 restored buildings featuring signage, costumed interpreters, and a smartphone app to take you on an immersive journey of Southern living at its finest.

Use the Salem Pathways smartphone app to enjoy this 18th-century living history museum at your own pace.

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Wander God’s Acre Cemetery

God’s Acre is where deceased members of the Salem Congregation are buried in chronological order adjacent to the Old Salem grounds. It is around 40 acres in size, beautiful and peaceful, and used by 12 of the Moravian Churches in the Winston Salem area.

The oldest gravesite belongs to John Birkhead, dated June 7th, 1771.

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Fun Fact: All markers are the same size and of the same stone. Moravians believe that even in death, all people are equal.

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Get Outdoors at Reynolda Gardens

Reynolda Gardens offers 17 acres of lush gardens dotted with sculptures featuring plants from all over the world including a rose garden designed by Thomas Jefferson himself! You can even join them for yoga classes among these tranquil surroundings every Saturday morning starting at 9 AM.

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Delight in 129 acres of colorful gardens bursting with blooms year round plus free picnic areas – perfect for sojourning families or groups who want to socialize while enjoying nature’s gifts! Be sure to admire the 1913 greenhouse.

Check out the black cotton plants—they are amazing!

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Take a Segway Tour Around Winston Salem

Experience the sights of Winston Salem from a whole new perspective with Triad Eco Adventures! Get your heart rate up and explore for miles on one of their guided Segway or E-Bike tours.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone who hasn’t been on two wheels in years, it’s easy to hop aboard – just relax and enjoy the ride!

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Triad Eco Adventures also offers kayak tours on the Yadkin River and guided hikes around Hanging Rock State Park. They also offer rock climbing lessons at Pilot Mountain State Park where you can learn how to safely ascend these majestic cliffs while enjoying some breathtaking views at the same time.

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Cool off with a Cold Beer

Winston Salem has some great craft breweries that offer locally brewed beers such as Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company, Wise Man Brewing, Small Batch Beer Co., Hoots Beer Co., Indendiary Brewing Co.,and more! Each brewery has its own unique atmosphere; so make sure you check out each one during your visit!

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Treat Yourself to a Luxury Stay at Graylyn Estate

Take a step back in time and enjoy the tunningly beautiful estate of Graylyn Estate. Built by Bowman Grey, former president and chairman of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, this historical 85-room mansion offers an enchanting experience like no other.

Graylyn offers a variety of experiences from guided tours, outdoor activities (such as horseback riding and golfing), to luxurious accommodations. On your visit you can take a tour of the estate’s lavish grounds or take part in one of their many events such as wine tastings or cooking classes.

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Graylyn offers all modern conveniences amongst beautiful antiques that have been carefully preserved throughout its long history. Indulge your taste buds during breakfast or dinner as they proudly serve up delightful dishes such as Eggs Benedict, French Toast, and Salmon accompanied by creamy risotto to tantalize your senses!

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Rooms are beautiful and offer high-end bedding, comfortable furniture, gorgeous textured and lovely wallpapers and linens, and unlimited ice cream bars from the shared ice cream room.

You can stay in the main (manor) house, the Mews, nearby cottages, or the Bungalows.

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Even the tree-lined drive to the impressive 85-room boutique hotel and conference center will take your breath away.

Graylyn Estate is a proud member of the elite Historic Hotels of America group.

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Get Cultured in Art and Murals

Artistic murals are abundant in Winston Salem, and I found some great ones. The most considerable number of them seems to be around Trade and Liberty Streets. You’ll also find some cultural shops there selling goods from around the world.

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Have a Perfect Stay or Meal at Shaffner House B&B

Step inside Flour Box Tea Room to sip a spot of tea, enjoy finger sandwiches and sweets, or have a traditional lunch; it’s your call. This beautiful restaurant is inside the Henry F. Shaffner House bed and breakfast, offering seven tastefully-decorated guest rooms. You’ll get an overload of delicious eats, tasty tea, and a cultural experience when you come for afternoon tea.

Note: Flour Box Tea Room has since moved to Kernersville, NC, and now Founders Restaurant is in its place. They feature dishes like Honey Chicken & Waffles, Pecan & Strawberry Spinach Salad, and gourmet burgers.

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Winston Salem Shopping and Reynolda Village

Reynolda Village is a fun place to go for a coffee, lunch (wood-fired pizza or sushi burritos), snacks, or shop for all your needs in the 30+ shops offering everything from clothing boutiques to art galleries. You’ll find exciting items at Monkee’s, The Barn, All Through the House—all in century-old buildings.

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The Mast General Store has been a staple in downtown Winston Salem since 1883. This southern chain department store specializes in providing unique items for men’s and women’s apparel, camping gear, toys, souvenirs, and much more! Whether you’re looking for something special or just browsing, this store has something for everyone.

My favorite parts of the nostalgic store are the old-fashioned candies, such as Zotz, Goo Goo Clusters, and old-fashioned sugar stick candy. 

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Other fun offerings in Winston Salem, North Carolina, include the following: Silvermoon Saloon, Bailey Park, Trade Street, Winston Cup Museum, and the Old Tobacco Warehouses. Unfortunately, time didn’t permit me to experience them all.

There are plenty of great things to do in Winston Salem no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether it be taking part in outdoor adventures, indulging in delicious food, shopping, or exploring historical sites – they’ve got it all.

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