Disclosure: Visit Winston Salem sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own. 

If you’re going to visit North Carolina, Winston-Salem should be your first choice for a fun-filled destination. As a first-time traveler to the city, I was beyond impressed with Winston-Salem during an extended weekend getaway.

The city is the ideal blend of urban attractions, a thriving art scene, and outdoor recreation. You can wake up at a luxury hotel, take a guided historic tour, and sip award-winning wine overlooking the stunning Gateway to the Yadkin Valley, all in the same day.

Founded in 1766 by Moravian settlers, the city’s industrial roots include the tobacco empire of R. J. Reynolds and a railway system that fueled Winston-Salem’s growth. Wake Forest University moved to the city in 1956.

Use this comprehensive guide to plan your Winston-Salem getaway, a memorable vacation spent amongst locals who exude “twice as nice” Southern hospitality. Although the metro area is home to about 550,000 residents, it feels like a smaller town with big city amenities.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Best Things to Do During a Weekend Getaway

GETTING TO WINSTON-SALEM & IN-TOWN TRANSPORTATION

If you’re flying to Winston-Salem, you’ll arrive at Piedmont Triad International Airport. You can arrive one hour before your boarding time if you check in via the airline’s mobile app, as the airport is medium-sized and the lines move quickly.

You’ll want to rent a car for pickup at the airport and drive 23 miles to Winston-Salem. Our experience with Enterprise was efficient and stress-free.

LUXURIOUS LODGING

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

The Kimpton Cardinal, and IHG luxury hotel, is Southern sophistication with stunning Art Deco details.

Located inside the historic R.J. Reynolds building, an architectural muse for New York City’s Empire State Building, its lavish guest rooms inspired you to put on a soft robe, pour a glass of wine, and stay a while.

The interior’s metal finishes and Art Deco styling meld seamlessly with a color palette of dark hues with pops of vibrant color. Rentable bikes, an ornamental sailboat on display in the lobby, and nautical oars on the walls embrace a lifestyle of active exploration.

After dropping our luggage in our guest room, we lingered over craft cocktails and an exquisitely prepared dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Katharaine Brasserie & Bar.

Our sixth-floor Essential King Guest Room included a view of the R.J. Reynolds factory and luxurious in-room amenities, including seer sucker robes, high-end body products, and bottled water. The first-floor lobby’s coffee and tea station made up for the room’s lack of a coffee maker.

We appreciated how quiet and secluded our room felt despite the hotel’s full capacity. Our leisurely mornings began with complimentary coffee from soft duvet-covered bedding, before embarking on a full day of activities.

Upon return, our room was refreshed, and the temperature was cool, making it a restful space for a nap.

Our weekend getaway at the hotel felt like a continuous date night, with complimentary Happy Hour drinks and game-on competition in the Rec Room, bowling, and whizzing down the two-story spiral slide.

Between Thursday Night Jazz and a FIFA World Cup Watch Party, it felt like there was always something to experience at the hotel.

For us, Kimpton Cardinal was the ultimate luxury hotel experience and the each employee we met went above and beyond to make sure we experience da comfortable, memorable stay.

BONUS: Kimpton Cardinal welcomes dogs of any size at no additional fee. And if you don’t want to park your car at the nearby parking garage, the hotel offers valet service.

Select the dates of your trip and reserve a guest room here.

DELICIOUS DINING

Young Cardinal Cafe & Co.

A five-minute walk from the hotel, Young Cardinal Cafe & Co. is a sought-after breakfast eatery where locals line up at the door for a table on a Saturday.

We skipped the wait, opting to sit at the bar counter, where the bartender provided us with a menu for full breakfast service.

The restaurant is known for its Huevos Rancheros and Hot Honey Chicken, but we leaned into our cravings for the Eggs Benedict served with Virginia Ham and sweet tater tots, which impressed.

My vanilla-flavored waffle topped with fresh blueberries arrived warm and topped with powdered sugar.

The service was prompt and friendly, and the value for the quality of the meals won us over. Seeking an early-morning meal with a boozy coffee or mimosa? Young Cardinal Cafe & Co. fits the bill.

Krankies Coffee

Locals rave about the in-house-roasted coffee and house-made biscuit sandwiches at Krankies Coffee, and it’s worth the high praise.

Since 2003, its served as a community hub for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate globally-sourced beans from smaller farmers. The biscuits? Well, they’re the star of the breakfast and lunch menu.

We beat the morning rush, ordering two biscuit sandwiches: a Bluebird and a Hangover Helper, each served with brined and fried chicken. Every savory bite left us craving more.

And the coffee? It was downright perfect. But if you crave a boozy beverage, the bar is poised to prepare an Irish Coffee or Espresso Martini to your liking.

Dough-Joe’s

An excellent option for coffee with a lighter breakfast is Dough-Joe’s located in the Reynolda Village.

Serving hot, custom donuts made to order, the quaint shop sees consistent business from Wake Forest University students and village visitors who frequent nearby shops or tour Reynolda Gardens.

You’ll feel like a kid again, selecting your cake doughnut flavor and icing. No doubt, my warm chocolate doughnut (ready within minutes of my order!) was divine, but the savory scone was scrumptious.

When you arrive, ask to see the seasonal drink menu, or trust that any coffee or tea will satisfy.

You can order doughnuts individually, by half, or by a full dozen.

PRO TIP: If seating is minimal inside, opt for an outside patio table.

Bobby Boy Bakeshop

A visit to Winston-Salem is not complete without stopping into the highly rated Bobby Boy Bakeshop for pastries.

I judge a bakeshop by its quality croissants, and let’s just say the artisanal bakeshop is nailing it. Buttery, flaky, and soft in every bite.

You can expect to find French-inspired pastries available to select from well after the morning hours. Ask about their breads and baguette sandwiches.

Muddy Creek Café & Listening Room

Muddy Creek Café & Listening Room combines two of my favorite things: food and music.

Specializing in gourmet panini-style sandwiches, soup, salads, and desserts, the restaurant in Old Salem often hosts live music throughout the day. Customers place their order at the laid-back café counter.

I sipped a Red Oak Bavarian Amber Lager from a can in between bites of a toasted reuben sandwich and potato salad. The patio was filled with senior adults chatting about their day as a musician set up his gear.

PRO TIP: Check out the upcoming music performances calendar here.

J. Pepper’s Southern Grille

Combine Cajun-style cuisine with North Carolina’s distinct ingredients, and you get J. Pepper’s Southern Grill. Located in Kernersville, about 12 miles from Winston-Salem, the restaurant features comfort classics like Crispy Crab Cakes, Bourbon-Glazed Flat Iron Steak, and Fried Catfish.

Our table ordered the Spicy Crawfish Eggrolls, which arrived freshly rolled, hot, and crispy. Although I didn’t taste a seafood flavor, I enjoyed them for the crunchy exterior and shredded vegetables inside. The Pimento Cheese served with flatbread and pepper jelly was a table favorite.

I can attest that the kitchen knows how to prepare an excellent sandwich. The Fried Green Tomato BLT, stacked and slathered with pimento cheese spread, arrived with my choice of side dish, roasted Brussel sprouts.

PRO TIP: Prefer a glass of wine with your meal? Visit on Wine Wednesday and save 50 percent on a glass of vino.

Mozelle’s French Southern Bistro

Everyone wants to eat at Mozelle’s French Southern Bistro, and securing a coveted table by the window requires a reservation. Open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner, the modern bistro offers bar seats and first-come, first-served patio tables.

Most locals recommended Mozelle’s to us and suggested ordering the restaurant’s famous Tomato Pie. The kitchen sources as many of its ingredients as possible from local farms, brewers, wineries, and creameries.

We ordered the Southern Spring Rolls served with sesame ginger dipping sauce as a pre-lunch appetizer, which I was delightfully surprised to see on the menu.

My slice of Tomato Pie, housing vegetables with cheddars and creamy succotash between hand-rolled crust, tasted similar to a creamy tomato bisque. I loved it.

The Seafood Cream Pesto Pasta lunch special was a hearty portion with small chunks of salmon and scallops, both equally delectable.

If you dine at dinnertime, expect protein-forward entrees, and of course, Tomato Pie, to pair with a wine or beer selection.

The Katharine Brasserie & Bar

I can’t recommend The Katharine Brasserie & Bar enough. After checking into our hotel room at Kimpton Cardinal, we lingered over drinks before ordering an exquisitely prepared dinner, where French-inspired cuisine pairs with Southern hospitality.

The bar is known for its creative cocktails, so I chose the Black Hawk made with Toki Suntory Japanese whiskey and three fruit juices.

Patrons interested in wine or craft beer can select from an extensive list featuring regional selections.

We ordered the escargot as a prelude to a smoked pork chop with grits and braised beef short rib served in a red wine sauce. To say the least, the well-plated meal was one of the best-tasting we’ve had during all our travels.

PRO TIP: Weekly Bar Menu Highlights: 5 pm – 10 pm – Tuesday: 50% off Snacks and Munchies; Thursday: Half-Off Oysters; and the Burger and a Pint or Glass of House Wine is $20 Monday through Friday.

East of Texas

Tex-Mex barbecue in North Carolina? Yes, and East of Texas is doing it well in West Salem, serving tacos, classic smoked meat sandwiches, and combination trays with side dishes.

It was raining upon our arrival, so we chose to share a community-size table indoors, where we quickly made friends with other travelers. The aroma of smoked meat conjured up memories of a trip to Houston years ago.

I couldn’t resist ordering the Trinity Tray, a sampling of queso, guac, and salsa with chips for a shareable appetizer over conversation.

The Lil’ Sampler Tray with a quarter-pound of brisket, chicken, and jalapeño sausage was plenty of food for both of us, as it came with buttermilk slaw and warm tortillas.

Overall, the smoked flavor was light, and the sausage was my preferred meat. I could have drunk the savory tomatillo salsa by the gallon.

PRO TIP: Follow the restaurant’s Weekly Events Calendar to plan for live music and trivia nights, as well as all-day drink specials.

Mission Pizza Napoletana

We knew we were in for a special dining experience at Mission Pizza Napoletana, recognized by 50 Top Pizza USA five years running, Food & Wine, Thrillest, and other notable food critics as one of the best in America. The owner and chef, Peyton Smith, was a James Beard Foundation Semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2022.

Inside the osteria (not a pizzeria), the dining room was dimly lit by warm orange light, which reminded me of the pizza oven’s glow.

We sat at the pizza counter quietly awaiting Chef Peyton’s welcome to the Pizzakase tasting experience, which gave us a front-row view of the kitchen where he hand-stretched dough. He asked us, “What are you interested in eating tonight?” Our reply, “Chef, we’re leaving it up to you.”

He smiled.

Chef Peyton served a multi-course meal of shareable plates, starting with an arugula salad tossed with dressing and fresh peaches. Every dish thereafter impressed, including Italian white beans in a garlicky cream sauce, charred broccolini topped with shaved parmesan, and two versions of pizza prepared just as you would enjoy them in Italy.

We chatted with Chef Peyton about his college soccer-playing career and his travels. He told us he travels to Italy more than once a year, as he explained the technique for preparing double-fermented dough.

He is passionate about his craft and, thankfully for us, willing to answer our questions as he made each pizza for the at-capacity dining room.

For me, the best-tasting of the two pizzas served was the Neapolitan-style fried pizza dough that puffs up into a golden crust and is topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Within minutes of leaving the restaurant, we agreed that Chef Peyton’s pizza was the best-tasting pizza we’d ever eaten.

PRO TIP: You must place a reservation, Wednesday through Saturday. Take-out is not recommended, especially for first-time diners.

Bernardin’s Restaurant

For diners seeking an upscale restaurant off the beaten path, Bernardin’s Restaurant offers a fine-dining experience in the historic Zevely House, built by a Moravian cabinetmaker in 1815. It is the Triad’s only five-star restaurant, serving high-end seasonal menus since 1992.

Reservations are par for the course, and upon our arrival, we were ushered upstairs to dine in a quaint room with table-clothed seating and windows overlooking the patio below.

After our server informed us about the evening’s singular dinner special, we chose the Tuna Tuna, an appetizing starter of tuna served two ways over Asian Slaw. Sitting amongst two other couples in the tucked-away room, the setting felt intimate, and we quietly chatted over the backdrop of jazz music.

My Cab Filet Mignon arrived beautifully plated and cooked to my liking, served on a bed of creamy horseradish with mushrooms, spinach, goat cheese, and gnocchi.

His Angus Prime Ribeye dinner, served with a potato cake and portobello mushrooms with a savory peppercorn sauce, was more than enough food, and we also shared a side dish of pan-seared asparagus.

After a rich-tasting meal, I wanted a dessert that included fruit but appealed to my craving for a Southern-inspired dessert. The server recommended the Peach and Blueberry Cobbler, which didn’t resemble the biscuit-style classic dish, but it was served warm with vanilla ice cream, and the cake-like dessert satisfied.

After waiting quite a while for the server to bring the requested check, we paid for the meal and explored the restaurant’s patio, which featured landscaping, a bubbling fountain, and enclosed dining areas.

In retrospect, we wished our dinner reservation had been for an outdoor table where diners engaged in lively conversation over dinner at sunset.

PRO TIP: Love historic tours? The Zevely House is featured on candlelight ghost walks in the West End Historic District.

CREATIVE COCKTAILS & BEER

EasyTalk

The owners of EasyTalk, who honed their hospitality skills in New York City, opened a unique coffee shop/cocktail bar in June 2023.

During the day, patrons sip coffee in sunlit spaces, using laptops or playing board games. After dark, the EasyTalk transforms into a lounge where they “demystify the cocktail scene.”

Imagine a speakeasy setting for only a few guests in a curtained-off, dimly lit room where guests are encouraged to let a roll of the dice determine their cocktail order.

We chose a different experience.

Taking the advice of the owner/bartender, David, we played the Equal Parts Game. After interviewing us about our spirit preferences and allergies, we left the room while he prepared mystery cocktails using three spirits each.

Upon return, it was our task to sip, savor, and guess which spirits were used to create each concoction. Surprisingly, most of my guesses proved correct.

The Equal Parts Game is an entertaining way to learn about spirits you likely haven’t tasted previously. David, who had been an actor for years, was both enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his craft.

PRO TIP: Check their Facebook page for event announcements, like 8-Week Sunday Classes in mixology. Contact them via social media. They don’t have a phone number by design.

Lesser-Known Beer Company

A visit to Lesser-Known Beer Company proved to be worthwhile for us since we were seeking an outdoor patio seating to enjoy a drink before walking next door to East of Texas for dinner.

I’m a fan of German-style craft beer, which they serve on tap, and I especially appreciated that they were airing the FIFA World Cup on television outdoors.

A sprinkling of rain began to fall, but we didn’t acknowledge it while sipping small-batch craft beers in good company.

Some of the beers are poured directly from the tanks, while others are kegged and poured from draft lines. It’s this authenticity of the craft and attention to detail that make their beer top-quality, and yes, they do pour non-boozy drinks as well.

PRO TIP: Hungry? They sell snacks and host food trucks, and they post the schedule on their Instagram page.

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

Rayson Winery & Vineyards

I thought I had experienced an upscale wine-tasting session, but nothing prepared me for the wow-worthy brunch-and-wine-pairing experience at Rayson Winery & Vineyards.

Located in the Gateway to the Yadkin Valley, this region is home to 45 wineries within 45 minutes of Winston-Salem, and Rayson Winery & Vineyards sets the bar high.

The owners, JW and Kristen Ray, began their winemaking journey with JOLO Winery & Vineyards, which is also a highly recommended destination for vino enthusiasts.

At Rayson, one can experience the winery to one’s liking. Whether you’re savoring wine with brunch at Bistro Europa Restaurant amongst friends or participating in a guided wine tasting, you’ll make memories in a beautiful setting.

I can vouch for Bistro Europa’s excellent cuisine, which earned it a prestigious Diner’s Choice Award by OpenTable.

The Gorgonzola Pistachio Puff and Carb Dip easily competed for best dish with lunch portions of Brown Sugar Tarragon Salmon and Braised Lamb.

Paired with the Cabernet Franc and the Vidal Blanc, the dining experience was exceptional, topped only by the personable waitstaff.

Online wine tasting reservations are required. Rayson deserves its accolades and should be at the top of your list of vineyards to visit.

PRO TIP: Plan ahead for the ultimate gathering, the Grand Cru Experience for six guests, or attend one of their events, including Rayson Around the World, a food and wine annual gathering in September.

Childress Vineyards

You’ll think you’ve arrived at a Tuscan winery at Childress Vineyards.

Opened in 2004 by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, it is one of the most prominent wineries in North Carolina with 70 acres of vineyard producing 15 varietals.

The rustic Old-World style is evident in defined by rocks walls and dark wood beams. Inside, visitors discover a massive tasting facility complete with a restaurant, The Bistro, and retail store.

PRO TIP: Reserve Wine & Ride transportation so you can enjoy the tastings without worrying about the drive.

TAKE A TOUR

Reynolda Gardens

Reynolda Gardens is 135 acres of a country estate developed by Richard and Katharine Reynolds from 1912 to 1917. Part Formal Gardens, part nature trails, it’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

Admission to the gardens and grounds is open free of charge.

We walked the grounds with a volunteer guide, pausing to learn about specific species of blooming flowers. Katharine, a progressive and highly educated woman, wanted to create a greenhouse and garden space that the public could enjoy at no cost.

Some of the Greater Gardens are color-themed, as Katharine wished, while other sections are dedicated to growing a variety of plants, herbs, and produce, with yields up to 2,500 pounds donated to the non-profit organization, H.O.P.E., to fight food scarcity.

Following the breathtaking pathways, we discovered original buildings that the Reynolds children used as playhouses. One can explore more than two miles of trails, many of which are paved pathways through thick woodland, which opens up to a meadow.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the property except in the Formal Gardens.

NOTE: Casual photo-taking is approved, but formal photography sessions need to be scheduled.

PRO TIP: Visit during the morning hours during cooler weather. Start the tour in the Brown Family Conservatory before embarking on the Formal Gardens. Seasonal plants are for sale inside the Melon House.

Reynolda Village

Also a part of the 1,067-acre estate, the Reynolda Village includes repurposed historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The grounds began as an experimental farm with a working dairy barn, a cattle shed, a school, a post office, and more. Eventually, the buildings were repurposed into boutique shops, restaurants, a hair salon, a day spa, and an art gallery, and the complex resembles an English village.

We visited Village Fabric Shop, a store selling supplies for quilters and hobbyists. Awarded Piedmont Environmental Alliance’s 2024 Green Business of the Year, the store owner prioritizes sustainable practices.

The Reuse Shop houses packaged fabric scraps and shelves of crafting supplies donated by artists who earn store credit.

Stopping at Half Past Three Clothing + More, we met owner Missy, who told us her business story. Amongst the racks of women’s dresses and blouses, I spotted a photo-worthy sight, a pink payphone.

After posing for a photo with it, I perused the store’s inventory featuring brands like Pistola Denim, Free People, and jewelry by Gorjana.

Missy curates clothing and accessories for women that make you feel pretty when you wear them. Feminine, comfortable, and a bit flirty.

Our last stop at Reynolda Village was Dough-Joe’s, one of several eateries at the Reynolda Villages. Go for the homemade, custom-made donuts, and don’t skimp on the coffee.

Another popular place among Wake Forest University students and locals is Theodore’s Bar & Market, which offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and, of course, cocktails.

NOTE: Other notable places on the estate grounds include the Graylyn Estate and the Reynolda Waterfall.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Built in 1917, the Reynolda House Museum of American Art offers visitors an opportunity to view artwork ranging from the colonial period to the present day. The museum is open seven days a week.

While you can tour it at your own pace, we chose a docent-guided tour that welcomed us to experience the exhibit, “Layered Looking: Making Sense of Art,” freely and without overinterpretation.

Our conversation about each piece was lively and engaging, and we learned about each artist during the one-hour tour.

Downtown Arts District

Winston-Salem celebrates the arts more than most cities.

Downtown Arts District is a walkable urban neighborhood of galleries, artists’ working studios, and shops. Murals and sculptures adorn buildings. Pedestrian sidewalks are painted in vibrant colors.

We met our tour guide, Toni, the owner of Visual Index, a shop selling artisans’ creations from all fifty states.

She led us through the neighborhood’s art galleries and stores, stopping to introduce us to business owners passionate about their craft, from creating artwork to making music.

Stretching along Trade and Liberty Streets between Fifth and Seventh, we encountered what seemed like an endless row of galleries and shops.

From sophisticated galleries selling paintings to Mast General Store and the peculiar, like Major Tomms Oddities & Vintage, each stop of our tour intrigued us.

The artists as well as gallery and shop owners love chatting with visitors about these unique spaces.

PRO TIP: Visit Delurk Gallery, which also houses the Art-O-Mat®‘s office. Buy a $5 token and drop it into a cigarette-turned-art-dispensing machine. The company was founded in Winston-Salem and places machines across the nation.

Körner’s Folly

We drove about 10 miles along Highway 421 to Körner’s Folly, a 1880’s landmark home known for its 22 elaborately decorated rooms, located in Kernersville.

It’s an architectural wonder. Constructed in 1878, it was crafted by interior designer Jule Gilmer Körner as a showcase of his design work, but it doubled as his family’s residence.

Starting in the foyer and meandering our way through the 16,000 square foot home, noting the hand-carved woodwork, furniture, mural ceilings, and 15 fireplaces featuring colorful tile.

Narrow doorways open to reception rooms, and the Cupid’s Park Theatre is awe-inspiring, as it is believed to be the first private little theatre in America.

Other points of interest that stopped us in our tracks were the porches with marble picnic tables and a separate home, Aunt Dealy’s Cottage, where an enslaved woman, Clara, lived with the family.

Plan your visit around one of Körner’s Folly’s events to explore the history of the Victorian Era.

ACCESSIBILITY: Open for tours year-round, the property is not wheelchair accessible, given the stairs and narrow doorways.

BONUS STOP: Drive to downtown Kernersville to explore its locally owned stores, including Musten & Crutchfield Food Market, for some of the best-tasting pimento cheese in the area. I recommend J. Pepper’s Southern Grille for lunch.

Old Salem Museum & Gardens

The history of Winston-Salem is rooted in historic districts like Old Salem Museums & Gardens, which serves as a living history museum highlighting a Moravian community established in 1766.

Our tour guide, Brother Jacob, walked us through some of the preserved 100 buildings and past historic landmarks such as the marker designating the spot where the first Fourth of July celebration took place in the state.

About 40 costumed interpreters demonstrating their craft, from making earthenware to cooking a meal over an open fire, welcomed us to learn about Moravian culture as we entered each building.

Inside the Single Brothers House, we learned how males lived separately in a dormitory-style residence.

We stood on the same wooden floors inside the Salem Tavern Museum, where President George Washington visited, and were particularly interested in the Moravians’ ability to use running water and many of their self-sufficiency daily practices.

At the Miksch House, a woman gave an oral history of the first family home in Salem. An interpreter told us the history of the sole medical doctor’s practice and how the garden’s herbs were used in tonics.

Our two-hour tour was comprehensive, covering the history of the Moravian community and its people.

Afterward, we enjoyed the air conditioning at Lot 63, where we sipped German beer from a leather couch. Patrons came and went, ordering coffee and taproom drinks to go along with baked goods like Moravian cookies and bratwurst on a pretzel bun.

You could spend all day at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. I’d love to return to explore the gardens, included with a standard ticket, and to view The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts.

PRO TIP: Check for upcoming events. If you’re hungry at lunchtime, order a sandwich at Muddy Creek Cafe & Listening Room.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Triad Eco Adventures

One of the best ways to see Winston-Salem and its surrounding landscape is from the seat of an eBike.

Triad Eco Adventures takes visitors on pedal-assisted guided tours of the downtown area and greenways.

Our experience began with selecting a helmet, watching a safety video with bike-use instructions, and then testing our biking skills in the parking lot.

Our guide led us through downtown streets, stopping to tell us about the town’s historic buildings and parks.

Although I wasn’t a fan of riding bikes amongst traffic up and down the urban corridor, and would have preferred the Greenways Tour, my partner loved riding the Downtown Loop.

Triad Eco Adventures offers Trolley Tours for those who prefer to let someone do the driving. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Salem Lake Marina Center & Fishing Station

If appreciating nature at a slower pace is more to your liking, visit the Salem Lake Marina Center & Fishing Station. The peaceful scenery is minutes away from downtown.

Lake lovers can rent Jon boats or kayaks, or drop a line from the marina’s Fishing Station.

A seven-mile trail provides views of the 365-acre lake. Inside the marina building, aquariums filled with fish and amphibians sit at eye level for children’s enjoyment.

The Quarry at Grant Park

Park at The Quarry at Grant Park and walk to the overlook pier for a picture-worthy backdrop, complete with blue water below and the city’s skyline in the distance.

Despite our fear of heights, we made it to the edge of the overlook and were rewarded with a spectacular view.

PRO TIP: Traveling as a couple? Bring a love lock inscribed with your names to attach to the walkway’s railings. Families will appreciate the nearby playground equipment.

Pilot Mountain State Park

Everyone in Winston-Salem told us to visit Pilot Mountain State Park.

Drive 20 miles northwest of the city along Highway 52 to reach the mountain section and visitor center. At the mountain summit, visitors are welcomed with sweeping panoramic views of the Sauratown and Blue Ridge Mountains, resembling something from a movie.

You can drive directly up to the parking and viewing platforms are paved.

PRO TIP: Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m so pleased that Winston-Salem was my first impression of what it feels like to visit North Carolina. The city over-delivered, offering so much to do and see that by the end of our visit, we were already talking about a return visit.

If you want to step into the past, lean into an artistic community, or simply sip and savor your way through award-winning fare, Winston-Salem is a go-to destination.