Winston-Salem packs a lot into a small, easy-to-drive city. Here is the weekend we plan for friends and family when they come to stay – no rushing, plenty of good food, and one great view.
Friday evening: downtown and the Arts District
Drop your bags and walk (or take a short drive) to the Downtown Arts District around Trade Street. Browse a couple of galleries, then pick a patio for dinner. If it's the first Friday of the month, check for a gallery hop – the street fills with music and open studios.
Saturday morning: Old Salem
Start with coffee and a Moravian sugar cake from Winkler Bakery, then spend the morning in Old Salem. The restored 18th- and 19th-century town is one of the best living-history sites in the South, and it's lovely just to walk the brick streets.
Saturday afternoon: Reynolda
Drive ten minutes to Reynolda House Museum of American Art, the former home of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds. Leave time for the formal gardens and the shops and cafés in Reynolda Village. If you have energy left, SECCA is right next door.
Saturday night: pick your pace
- Low key: pizza, a board game and an early night at the house.
- Sporty: a Winston-Salem Dash game in summer.
- Loud: Saturday night racing at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Sunday: a mountain or the lake
For the view, drive 30 minutes north to Pilot Mountain State Park and walk the short summit trails. For something closer, loop Salem Lake on foot or by bike. On the way home, stop for doughnuts – Krispy Kreme started here in 1937.
Where to stay
Our Winston-Salem homes are all within a short drive of downtown, and several are walkable to restaurants and bars. See all Winston-Salem homes and book direct for the best rate.