A Weekend in Winston-Salem

Heading to Winston-Salem for the weekend? Whether you are a foodie, outdoor fanatic, history buff or you are just looking for something fun to do – check out this itinerary! For specific events happening during the weekend of your visit, click “Get This Weekend’s Events” on our homepage.

Updated June 2022

Friday Evening:

WHERE TO STAY

• Brookstown Inn
• The Kimpton Cardinal
• Shafner Inn
• Hotel Indigo
• Gralyn Estate
• The West Salem Art Hotel
• The Marriott Downtown 
• Courtyard Marriott
• Embassy Suites Downtown 
• Hampton Inn & Suites

 

Your Friday evening plans will obviously depend on your arrival time. We recommend grabbing dinner at a nearby casual restaurant downtown that you can walk to. For a nearby list of downtown restaurants, check out this guide. We recommend Foothills Brewpub, Small Batch, Cugino Forno, and Timmy’s Hot Chicken.

Treat yourself to some ice cream after dinner before heading back to your room. Interested in a drink and ice cream? Check out Chill Nitro Creamery for alcohol-infused ice cream.

 

Saturday Morning:

If you are a coffee or breakfast lover, Winston-Salem is your new favorite place. Check out our list of coffee shops, breakfast restaurants, and bakeries. 

WHAT OUR FOLLOWERS RECOMMEND

• “Camino for pastries and coffee.”
• “Louie and Honey AND Bobby Boy Bakeshop.”
• “Bagel Station is a must.”
• “Young Cardinal for breakfast/brunch.”
• “Krankies for breakfast and walk around Bailey Park.”

 

Saturday Daytime:

FOR THE OUTDOORSY INDIVIDUAL

• Walk around Reynolda Village and Gardens
• Hike around Salem Lake
• Visit the Quarry (or head here at sunset for beautiful views)
• Hike Pilot Mountain (45 minutes from downtown)

FOR THE ARTSY INDIVIDUAL

• Walk the Arts District in downtown and gallery hop
• Check out SECCA (free admission) and Reynolda House

 

 

FOR THE HISTORY BUFF

• Tour Old Salem and learn about the Moravian culture
• Learn about Moravian Cookies by taking a tour of Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookie Factory and visiting Wilkerson’s Bakery
• Take a picture at The Old Shell Station and The Big Coffee Pot (“Mickey Pot”)
• Explore the Kimpton Hotel – the original Empire State Building

 

 

FOR THE BEER AND WINE LOVER

• Head to some of the local breweries – check out this list
• Enjoy a few hours relaxing at a nearby winery – check out this list

 

 

WHAT OUR FOLLOWERS RECOMMEND

• “Walk around Reynolda and get coffee and a doughnut from Dough Joes.”
• “Eat pizza and drink beer at Cugino Forno and Incendiary.”
• “Take a tour of Old Salem.”
• “Spend the afternoon at one of the nearby wineries.”
• “Shop at Fiddle & Fig, Design Archives, and Bookmarks.” For more shopping ideas check out these blog posts
• “Enjoy a glass or two of wine at a local vineyard.”

 

Saturday Evening:

There’s a restaurant in Winston-Salem suitable for everyone’s palate. For a fancy night out, check out these restaurants. After you enjoy a nice dinner, head to ROAR for boutique bowling, live music, and three floors full of fun (opening soon). You may even want to skip dinner and grab food from one of their two restaurants or try out something at their food hall.

Here is a list of helpful blogs:

Bars in Winston-Salem
Cocktails in Winston-Salem
Live Music in Winston-Salem
Fancy Restaurants 
BBQ in Winston-Salem

WHAT OUR FOLLOWERS RECOMMEND

• “Make a reservation at Mission Pizza.”
• “Grab some pizza from Cugino, a beer from Incendiary, and hang out in the Coal Pit.”
• “Camel City BBQ.”
• “Earls for a fun vibe and delicious food.”
• “Grab a cocktail from the bar at The Katharine (located inside the Kimpton Hotel).”
• “Enjoy a drink at Vintage Sofa, Joyner’s, and Eastern Standard.”

 

Sunday Morning:

Many businesses in Winston-Salem close on Sundays. No worries – take this time to walk around Old Salem or Reynolda if you have not done so already. Before you head out, be sure to grab brunch and one of these establishments. Check out our recommendations here.

 

 

We hope you enjoyed your weekend in Winston-Salem. Our city is rapidly growing so next time you come, there will be many new businesses to try. We hope to see you soon!!