We host guests in two very different parts of North Carolina: the city of Winston-Salem and the mountain town of Banner Elk, about two hours apart. Both are wonderful – they're just wonderful in different ways.
Choose Winston-Salem if you want…
- A walkable city break. Restaurants, breweries and galleries downtown, plus history at Old Salem and art at Reynolda.
- Something close to everything. Wake Forest University, the Fairgrounds, the hospitals and the airport in Greensboro are all an easy drive.
- Mild weather most of the year. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant.
- Easy day trips. Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock and the Yadkin Valley wineries are all under an hour away.
Choose Banner Elk if you want…
- Real mountains. Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls and the Blue Ridge Parkway are on your doorstep.
- Snow. Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts are minutes away in winter.
- Cooler summers. At around 3,700 feet, Banner Elk is a classic escape from Piedmont heat.
- A slower pace. Creekside wineries, small-town festivals and starry nights.
Season by season
Spring: both are great – Winston-Salem blooms first. Summer: Banner Elk for cool air, Winston-Salem for baseball and evening patios. Autumn: leaf season peaks in the mountains in October; the city follows a few weeks later. Winter: Banner Elk for skiing, Winston-Salem for holiday lights at Tanglewood.
Can't decide?
Do both. Spend three nights in the city and three in the mountains – the drive between them is easy and scenic. Browse all our homes or call us and we'll help you plan.