A Weekend in Winston-Salem

Christy Bellis

December 7, 2021

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 “The Latest Go-To Newsletter” at the top of this page.

Updated October 2024

Friday Evening:

WHERE TO STAY

Your Friday evening plans will depend on your arrival time. We recommend grabbing dinner at a nearby casual restaurant downtown that you can walk to. 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 getting both a drink and ice cream in one? 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 lists 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 (30 minutes from downtown)

FOR THE ARTSY INDIVIDUAL

Walk the Arts District in downtown and gallery hop
Check out NCMA Winston-Salem and Reynolda House Museum of American Art

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 guide
Enjoy a few hours relaxing at a nearby winery – check out this guide

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.”
“Enjoy a glass or two of wine at a local vineyard.”
“Shop at Fiddle & Fig, Design Archives, and Bookmarks.” (For more shopping ideas check out these guides)

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.

Here is a list of helpful guides:

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.”
“Earl’s 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 and Joyner’s.”

Sunday Morning:

Many businesses in Winston-Salem close on Sundays. No worries – take this time to walk around Old Salem or Reynolda if you haven’t 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, you’ll have plenty of new places to check out. We look forward to your next visit!