Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a city in North Carolina. It has an approximate population of 251,000 (2022).

Understand

Visitor information

Get in

By plane

By train

There are no rail services to Winston-Salem, but Amtrak offers several daily services to nearby Greensboro.

By car

Winston-Salem is easily accessible by car via Interstate 40, U.S. 421/Salem Parkway, Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 52 (Future Interstate 73/74).

By bus

Greyhound Bus, +1 (800) 231-2222.

PART (Piedmont Authority for Regional Transit) buses serve Winston-Salem from other parts of the Piedmont Triad.

Greyhound and PART buses stop at the 🌍 Campbell Transportation Center at 100 W 5th St (the corner of 5th, Trade, and Liberty streets), which is also the hub for local buses.

Get around

By bus

Winston-Salem Transit Authority provides local bus service for $1 a ride, $0.50 for elderly and disabled, children shorter than the farebox and accompanied by an adult ride free; transfers are free.

By taxi
  • Willard's Cab Co, +1 336-725-2227

See
  • 🌍 West End Historic District (Winston-Salem's Front Porch), W. Fourth St. and Brookstown Ave. (north at Broad St. exit on Business 40 in downtown Winston-Salem, then left onto W. Fourth St. until at Brookstown). Most shopping 10AM - 6PM; most dining 11AM - 9PM. From its beginnings as a regional spa resort and an exclusive community of wealthy tobacco and textile families, Winston-Salem's West End is now a dining and shopping center for the city and a perfect place to explore pedestrian charms. Built around one of the first electric streetcar lines in the country, the West End boasted "Millionaires' Row," where the Reynolds and Hanes families kept homes bought with manufacturing fortunes. Featuring homes built between 1890 and 1930, the neighborhood is known both for its hospitality and the area's largest and most-varied concentration of front porch designs. Free. 
  • 🌍 Historic Bethabara Park, 2147 Bethabara Rd., ☏ +1 336-924-8191. The first NC Moravians settled here in 1753, the founding site of Forsyth County. The Park features costumed guides leading visitors through a 1788 furnished church. Additionally, you can view two period buildings, a restored French/Indian War fort and restored medicinal garden. Greenways and path traverse the 175-acre preserve. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery, 1775 Wake Forest Rd., ☏ +1 336-758-5585, fax: +1 336-758-6014, . M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su open by appointment only. In 1991, the Scales Fine Arts Center of Wake Forest University, dedicated its gallery to Philip Hanes and his wife, Charlotte, in recognition of their contributions to the arts. The gallery has an ongoing schedule of diverse exhibits and has housed showings that included works of Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, among others. Free. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 The Diggs Gallery, 601 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr. (Diggs Gallery is located in the lower level of the O'Kelly Library on the campus of Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem.), ☏ +1 336-750-2458, . Tu–Sa 11AM–5PM, Su M closed. Named for James Thackeray “T” Diggs, Jr., a 1934 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, painter and art professor for 40 years. Exhibiting one of NC’s largest displays dedicated to the arts of Africa and African Diasporas, it also hosts musical performances, dance, drumming, artist workshops, theater productions and film screenings. Free. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Downtown Arts District (DADA), Sixth and Trade Streets in Downtown. An ultra-hip area of downtown, DADA, is an eclectic collection of working studios, galleries, shops and restaurants. Just a block from the Benton Convention Center, this exciting neighborhood is easy to find. Come and explore this inspiring world of jewelers, fiber artists, wood and metal workers, antique dealers and sculptors. 
  • 🌍 Delta Arts Center, 2611 New Walkertown Rd., ☏ +1 336-722-2625, . Tu F 2-5PM, W Th 3-6PM, closed Sa-M. Tours & visits for other days available by appointment. Opened in 1982 by the local alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Society, to enrich the community by stimulating interest in American arts and humanities, the center emphasizes the contributions of African Americans. Delta Arts Center hosts exhibitions, lectures, performances and special programming in visual arts, music, literature, history and folk arts. Free. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 900 Old Salem Rd., ☏ +1 336-721-7350. W-Sa 10AM–4PM, but some shops have different hours. A beautifully restored historic district and living history museum. See blacksmiths, carpenters, cobblers, and other interpreters practicing their trades and explaining Moravian life in 18th- and 19th-century Salem. The Historic Town of Salem and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. The district includes the Salem Tavern (built in 1784), where George Washington spent two nights in 1791, and St. Philips Moravian Church (1861), the oldest surviving African American church building in North Carolina. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Rd., ☏ +1 336-758-5150, toll-free: +1 888-663-1149, . Tu–Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su 1:30-4:30PM. Experience Winston-Salem’s golden era. The historic home of tobacco baron R.J. Reynolds and wife, Katherine will charm you with a collection of American masterpieces ranging from the colonial period to the present, vintage clothing, original furnishings and family memorabilia in the restored home. The new wing offers exhibitions and a visitor center. $18. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Kaleideum North (SciWorks), 400 W Hanes Mill Rd., ☏ +1 336-767-6730, . School year: M closed, Tu-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5 PM; summer: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. With a state-of-the-art planetarium, 15-acre Environmental Park and 45,000 square feet of exhibits, learning about science is fun at SciWorks. See a planetarium show, visit barnyard animals or come face-to-face with a NC river otter! At SciWorks, there are interactive, hands-on special exhibits and programs for all ages to enjoy. Adults $10, youth (ages 1-19) $10, seniors (ages 62+) $9, military personnel (with ID) $1 off admission during school year, ages 11 months and under free, members free, educators (with ID) free. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA), 750 Marguerite Dr., ☏ +1 336-725-1904, . M-Tu closed, W 11AM-4PM, Th 11AM-8PM, F-Su 11AM-4PM. Consistently featuring the best of today’s regional and national contemporary artists, SECCA fosters creative excellence through changing exhibitions. Past exhibits have featured artists such as William Wegman and Yoko Ono. The modern galleries are housed within the elegant stateliness of a Tudor-style house that was once the estate of industrialist James G. Hanes. Free. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Lam Museum of Anthropology, Wake Forest University, Palmer Residence Hall, Carroll Weathers Dr. (Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology, formerly The Wake Forest Museum of Anthropology, is located in Palmer Hall off Carroll Weathers Drive), ☏ +1 336-758-5282, . Tu-Sa 10AM-4:30PM. The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at Wake Forest University is North Carolina’s only museum dedicated to the study of global cultures. The museum’s permanent exhibits display objects from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Free. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Winston Salem Dash, 951 Ballpark Wy., ☏ +1 336-714-2287. Enjoy Advanced Single-A minor league baseball at the beautiful new BB&T ballpark that opened in the Spring of 2010. Season: April-September. An affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. It is a great source of family entertainment in fun in the downtown area. $7-13. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), 1533 S Main St., ☏ +1 336-770-3399, . There is almost always a production or performance happening at this prestigious Fine Arts university. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station, 1111 E Sprague St.. A former service station in the shape of a giant scallop. Of the 8 built in the 1930s, this is the only one that remains. Free. (updated Aug 2023)

Do

Learn

Buy

Other major shopping areas are found along Peters Creek Parkway (home of Marketplace Mall), University Parkway, Jonestown Road, North Point Boulevard, Reynolda Road, and Robinhood Road.

  • 🌍 Hanes Mall, 3320 Silas Creek Pkwy. (I-40 southeast of city, bus #6 connects with city centre), ☏ +1 336-765-8321. M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM. The largest shopping mall in North Carolina, and one of the largest in the southeastern United States. The area surrounding the mall along Stratford Road, Silas Creek Parkway, and Hanes Mall Boulevard has become the city's largest shopping district. (updated Aug 2023)

Eat

For a sweet snack with a historical connection to this town, look for thin, crisp Moravian spice cookies. The "ginger cakes" are the original version, but they are also available in other flavors now at multiple bakeries and tourist-oriented gift shops in the area.

Budget

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Mellow Mushroom Winston-Salem, 314 W 4th St., ☏ +1 336-245-2820. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. "Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas." (updated Aug 2023)
  • Village Tavern. There are two Village Taverns in Winston-Salem. The bigger one is located on Hanes Mall Blvd. near the mall and smaller, original is located on Reynolda near Wake Forest. Both have great food, but you may want to choose depending on the atmosphere you are looking for. They both are very busy on weekends, so make sure you plan for a little bit of a wait. 
  • 🌍 The Loop Restaurant, 320 S Stratford Rd., ☏ +1 336-703-9882, . Daily 11AM-9PM. "The Loop has been serving neighborhoods in Winston-Salem since 2002. Located in Thruway Center, The Loop is the “must eat place” in Winston-Salem. Recently renovated and re-opened, Loop fans can enjoy hand-dipped milkshakes, hand-crafted burgers or the popular Loop Pizza. Check out their new look, have lunch or dinner on an open patio and enjoy the awesome food! They offer Dine-in, Curbside, and Carryout." (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 The Carving Board, 318 S Stratford Rd. (Floor G in the Thruway Shopping Center), ☏ +1 336-748-9118. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-3PM. "Family-operated American cafe & deli preparing sandwiches, salads & desserts in an easygoing space." (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Sakura Japanese & Sushi on Stratford Road, 548 S Stratford Rd., ☏ +1 336-777-8744. M-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-9PM. "This casual place with a patio offers a familiar selection of hibachi, tempura & sushi choices." (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Sweet Potatoes, 607 Trade St NW., ☏ +1 336-727-4844. Lunch: Th-Sa 11:30AM-3PM; dinner: W-Sa 5-9PM. "Fried chicken & other soul-food staples plus beer, wine & cocktails in a storefront space." (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 West End Cafe, 926 W 4th St., ☏ +1 336-723-4774, . M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa noon-9PM, Su closed. "Warm, convivial bistro featuring updated American fare & views of a lily pond from the front tables." (updated Aug 2023)

Splurge

Drink

Sleep

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Best Western Plus University Inn, 3050 University Pkwy., ☏ +1 336-723-2911, toll-free: +1-800-780-7234. "Next to a shopping center, this informal hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and 2 miles from both Highway 52 and Wake Forest University. Warmly decorated rooms come with Wi-Fi access and TVs, plus microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers; upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs and/or sofas. A breakfast buffet is complimentary. Other amenities include a spa, a 24-hour gym and an outdoor pool." $79. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Comfort Suites Hanes Mall, 200 Capitol Lodging Ct., ☏ +1 336-774-0805, fax: +1 (336-774-0806. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Complimentary continental breakfast, wireless internet, on-site laundry, seasonal outdoor pool and fitness and business center. $118. (updated Aug 2023)

Splurge
  • 🌍 Embassy Suites by Hilton Winston Salem, 460 N Cherry St., ☏ +1 336-724-2300. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. "Opposite Benton Convention Center, this casual all-suite hotel is 1 mile from historic Old Salem and 3 miles from the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Unfussy suites offer custom-designed beds, Wi-Fi (fee), flat-screen TVs, minifridges and microwaves. All have living rooms with pull-out sofas. Upgraded suites add Keurig coffeemakers. Cooked-to-order breakfast is complimentary, as are evening socials with drinks and snacks. There’s an informal restaurant and bar. Other amenities include a fitness center, an indoor pool, a spa, a garden terrace atrium, plus event spaces. Parking is available for a fee." $135. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 🌍 Winston-Salem Marriott, 425 N Cherry St., ☏ +1 336-725-3500. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. "A mile from the Old Salem Museum and Gardens, this polished downtown hotel is a 10-minute walk from Bailey Park and 3 miles from The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art. The relaxed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and desks with ergonomic chairs, plus coffeemakers and minifridges. Some include sitting areas and/or city views. Suites add separate living and dining areas. Amenities include a bar/restaurant, a lounge and a 24/7 fitness center, plus a business center. There's also meeting and event space for up to 2,700 people. Breakfast and parking are available for a fee." $182. (updated Aug 2023)

Stay safe

Winston-Salem is generally safe. Like most cities in the world, there are certain areas that may not be the safest at night, particularly in the eastern half of the city. Though its downtown was once a seedy, shady region, it has been thoroughly cleaned up, especially Fourth Street. Most populated areas in the city, such as shopping and dining, are very safe. Normal precautions should be taken.

Go next
Routes through Winston-Salem
Asheville ← Statesville ←  W  E  → Greensboro → Durham
END ←  W  E  → High Point → Asheboro
Bluefield ← King ←  N  S  → Lexington → Florence
Bristol ← Boone ←  W  E  → Greensboro → Wilmington


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