Introduction

In Winston-Salem, the past and the future dance together in harmony. It is a city where historic charm and modern innovation coalesce, creating a unique destination rich in culture and vibrant in spirit. Its duality is its strength; from the cobblestone streets of Old Salem to the cutting-edge research at Innovation Quarter, the community embraces the old and the new with equal fervor. Winston-Salem is not just a place to visit; it is a journey of discovery where unexpected experiences blend seamlessly, creating unforgettable moments.

Known as North Carolina’s City of Arts and Innovation, you’ll find an expansive collection of galleries, museums, festivals, and performing arts. Some popular places to see historical art and a nod to the past are Old Salem, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, and the North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (SECCA).

The Downtown Arts District, located between Trade and Liberty Street, is a great place to see contemporary artists’ works. From the colorful streets and murals, outdoor art installations and something surprising around every corner, there are plenty of interactive ways for visitors to enjoy the art and culture of Winston-Salem. Pop into one of the working studios or pop into an art gallery to find a unique piece of art to take home or catch an Art Crush street fair event, held on the third Friday of every month April-December.

Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair brings this all together for visitors every fall. It is the gathering of the Southeast’s best craftsmen showcasing their artistic creations. Held every November right before the holidays, it’s the perfect time to shop for specially crafted home goods, one-of-a-kind jewelry, glassware, ceramics, décor and so much more.

Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a unique community of original museum buildings, authentic craftsmen practicing their trade, fascinating collections of rare antiques, and one-of-a-kind retail shopping opportunities.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art boasts one of the nation’s premier collections of American art viewed in the restored 1917 home of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds.

Tanglewood Park, is a 1,100-acre public park offering facility rentals, two championship golf courses, a bed and breakfast, an RV campground, horse stables, fishing on two stocked lakes, pedal boats, tennis courts, an Aquatic Center, a BMX track, and various trail systems. Tanglewood also hosts many special events throughout the year, most notably the Tanglewood Festival of Lights holiday light show. Tanglewood Park’s Arboretum is home to 26 stunning gardens showcasing seasonal flowers and ornamental shrubs.

Located a short drive from the action of downtown Winston-Salem, the Yadkin Valley Wine Region is a sought-after destination on the East Coast for wine enthusiasts and casual vinos alike. The topography, climate and soil create the perfect conditions for award-winning wines, with picturesque mountains and rolling hills that create the backdrop for the perfect getaway. As the gateway to the Yadkin Valley, Winston-Salem is the ideal destination for a weekend of wining and dining. You can find everything from boutique vintners focused on small-batch production to some of the largest operations on the East Coast. Grab a glass and learn more about North Carolina’s deep roots in winemaking without sacrificing proximity to the city.

Outdoor adventure is an art in Winston-Salem. Gain some altitude at Pilot Mountain State Park or Hanging Rock State Park, take a drive and get lost in Yadkin Valley Wine Country, or head over to Salem Lake where you can enjoy kayaking, trails, fishing.

Nearby Tanglewood Park is a 1,100-acre public park offering two championship golf courses, a bed and breakfast, RV campground, horse stables, fishing on two stocked lakes, pedal boats, tennis courts, a public pool during the summer months, and so much more.

If you like meandering through beautiful gardens, then Winston-Salem has you covered. Check out the Reynolda Gardens, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden and Old Salem Museums and Gardens.