If you’re like me then you probably are thinking what is there to do in Winston-Salem, NC?! I’m not going to lie, when I was first contacted about taking a girl’s getaway there, I immediately went to Google and Pinterest to see what there is to even do there. I was surprised at what I found. I saw pictures of the cutest town, with museums, restaurants and shops. Sounded right up my alley, so I said yes to this fun adventure and brought one of my bestie’s along with me!
This girls getaway was sponsored by Visit Winston-Salem for Garden & Gun Magazine. If you’re not familiar with the magazine, do yourself a favor and check them out! It is one of the most beautiful magazines I have seen and their online publication is filled with amazing southern escapes, recipes and more. You can also check out their Instagram here – it’s so good! Anyway, the purpose of this trip is to really take in the city and showcase all the amazing things that Winston-Salem has to offer. I have no doubt that after reading this, you’re going to want to grab your girlfriends and book your next trip there!
One of the things I love most about Winston-Salem is it’s mix of old and new. It’s a very historical place, but there are so many modern and updated aspects too. If you love food, history, exploring-this is the perfect place for your next getaway!
Things to do in Winston-Salem:
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel – A beautiful quaint boutique style hotel in the heart of the city. The Cardinal features stunning Art Deco details and maintains the luxury and charm of its historic architecture. The hotel has some really great amenities including an extensive fitness center, a family fun recreation room that holds a basketball court, bowling alley and a twisty slide. They also have a complimentary wine hour in the lobby everyday from 5pm-6pm.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art – The museum is set on a beautiful 180 acre property and presents a renowned art collection with the original 1917 interiors of the country manor of R.J. Reynolds. I highly recommend setting up a private tour of the property. It’s exquisite.
Reynolda Village – This collection of shops and restaurants are housed in buildings which once supported the 1,067 acre estate of the R.J. Reynolds Family and is now also part of the Wake Forest Campus.
The Village Tavern – An adorable little restaurant nestled in the heart of Reynolda Village. You can eat inside or outside on the patio! I highly recommend the homemade potato chips served with a side of homemade ranch-DELICIOUS.
Half Past Three Clothing Store – This is one of the cutest boutiques I’ve been in! If you go to Reynolda Village, this is a must stop for any fashion lover. You have to see the shop just for it’s aesthetics alone! Check them out on Instagram too!
The Katharine Brasserie & Bar – This restaurant is so cozy and cute with a French brasserie menu. Also convenient because it’s attached to The Cardinal, so you can relax and unwind on property. They have the most beautiful bar, so if you don’t go here for lunch or dinner, be sure to stop here for a drink! (They make a delicious espresso martini, have a very nice wine list, extensive list of cocktails and local craft beers.) My favorite bites are their charcuterie boards and their Caesar salad!
Old Salem Museums & Gardens – The visitor center is filled with information about Old Salem and its history. If you are a lover of art, you must stop by (I recommend a private tour) the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA). You can tour the art museum and walk through the village to see historical live trades that the Moravians would have done during the 18th Century. Something worth noting, is a new initiative at Old Salem called the Hidden Town Project. This initiative researches and highlights the history of a community of enslaved and freed Africans and African Americans who once lived in 18th and 19th Century Salem. It tracks the effects and legacy of enslaved people from the inception of Salem in 1766 through the Jim Crow Era and into the 21st Century. You can find out more about this initiative here.
Muddy Creek Cafe – If you decide to stroll around Old Salem and check out all the trade shops, make a pit stop at the Muddy Creek Cafe for a good casual lunch! They have a delicious selection of sandwiches and more! The venue is also known for hosting folk and traditional musicians.
Triad Eco Adventure – There’s no better way to see Winston-Salem then via Segway! I didn’t know how much I would love doing this, but this tour was the highlight of our trip! You get to do a fun activity, explore the downtown architecture, creekside paths and trails and learn more about Winston-Salem. Do not skip out on this!
Six Hundred Degrees – I highly recommend stopping here for dinner! The menu is incredible and it’s located in the downtown Innovation Quarter. The restaurant space is so unique with its modern decor in a historical building, which has kept many original aspects.
The Powder Room Cafe – This could quite possibly be the cutest coffee shop I have ever seen! Delicious coffees, prepared light bites and also a selection of wine and spirits. I had the best iced chai latte!
The Snob Shop – If you love a good vintage find, you have to stop by The Snob Shop. This is the first locally owned consignment shop and it’s filled with all kinds of unique finds!
Primm’s – This boutique is beautiful. I definitely could have done more damage in here! They have a beautiful collection of clothing and accessories that boast an elevated and chic style. You can shop online too!
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro– I want to eat here everyday! This is at the top of my list of places that you must stop by for lunch or dinner. They use the finest and freshest ingredients and the menu is top notch! Highly recommend the fried pickles and the goat cheese salad.
There are so many amazing museums and exhibits to see, wine tasting, breweries and more to do in this area. We were able to see so much in just three days, but I would go back in a heartbeat to explore the rest of what Winston-Salem has to offer. Who would have thought that our quick getaway to Winston-Salem would move to the top of the list of our favorite place to explore?!
If you do make it there for a little getaway, leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know what activities you ended up doing and what was your favorite.
* This post is sponsored by Visit Winston-Salem and Garden & Gun Magazine
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