Winston Salem: Immerse in North Carolina’s Moravian Heritage

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you immerse yourself in Winston-Salem, North Carolina’s Moravian heritage, ensuring seamless communication while exploring the city’s rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.

With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and Moravian heritage, Winston Salem feels like stepping into another era. This mid-sized North Carolina town offers an appealing blend of history, culture, and Southern charm that few places can match.

 

Top Things To Do In Winston Salem

 

While the city has plenty to offer, these are some of the things to do in Winston Salem that you really shouldn’t miss:

 

1. Explore Old Salem

 

Old Salem, a living history museum, is the top attraction in Winston Salem. This meticulously restored 18th-century Moravian settlement takes you back to the 1700s, with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and trades like baking, blacksmithing, and pottery.

 

Some highlights in Old Salem include:

 

• Salem Tavern, a recreation of the 1784 tavern

• Winkler Bakery, known for its Moravian cookies and sugar cake

• The Single Brothers’ House, now a museum showcasing Moravian culture

 

Be sure to spend a few hours just strolling the picturesque streets lined with original buildings. You can easily imagine horse-drawn carriages clattering over the cobblestones.

 

2. Visit Reynolda House Museum of American Art

 

Set on the sprawling Reynolda Estate, this museum is housed in the historic 1917 home of the Reynolds tobacco family. The house itself is a work of art, with original furnishings and luxurious early-20th-century interiors.

 

But the real draw is the impressive collection of American art, with works by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Don’t miss the special exhibit gallery, which hosts rotating shows.

 

After touring the museum, take time to explore the estate’s extensive gardens and walking trails. In the spring, over 125,000 tulips burst into bloom.

 

3. Tour the Moravian Culinary Trail

 

Moravian food is one of Winston Salem’s most delicious legacies. The Moravian Culinary Trail takes you to some of the city’s top spots to sample traditional fare. A few must-tries:

 

• Moravian chicken pie at The Tavern in Old Salem

• Moravian sugar cake at Winkler Bakery

• Moravian cookies at Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies

 

Wash it all down with Moravian sugar cookie-flavored coffee at Krankies, a hip coffee shop in the Downtown Arts District.

 

4. Browse Downtown’s Boutiques & Galleries

 

Shopping in Winston Salem revolves around the Downtown Arts District, a walkable area filled with locally owned shops, galleries, and cafes. Some top spots to browse:

 

Shop	What to Buy
Mast General Store	old-fashioned candy, outdoor gear, homewares
Design Archives	vintage and antique furniture
Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery	fine art and contemporary craft from local artisans
Sunnyside Mercantile	locally made gifts, jewelry, and home decor

 

Many downtown shops stay open late on the first Friday of each month for Gallery Hop, a festive evening of art, shopping, and live music.

 

5. Get Outside at Tanglewood Park

 

When you need a nature break, head to Tanglewood Park, a 1,100-acre green space just west of the city. This former estate offers a full roster of outdoor activities, including:

 

• Horseback riding

• Golfing on two 18-hole courses

• Paddling and fishing on the Yadkin River

• Hiking and biking trails

 

Kids will love the Tanglewood Railway, a miniature train that chugs through the woods. In winter, the park hosts Festival of Lights, a drive-through holiday light display.

 

Where to Stay in Winston Salem

 

Winston Salem offers a good range of hotels to fit various budgets and preferences. Here are some top picks:

 

Historic Brookstown Inn

 

Set in a refurbished 1837 cotton mill, this charming boutique hotel is walking distance from Old Salem. Rooms feature exposed brick walls and original wood beams. Rates start at Rs. 10,150/night.

 

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

 

Located in the historic R.J. Reynolds building downtown, the Kimpton Cardinal offers stylish rooms and suites with Art Deco touches. Amenities include a fitness center, bowling alley, and basketball court. Rates start at Rs. 11,650/night.

 

Graylyn Estate

 

For a truly luxurious stay, book a room at Graylyn Estate, a 1920s stone manor set on 55 acres. Once the home of a tobacco tycoon, the estate offers 85 uniquely appointed rooms, plus an on-site spa and fine dining restaurant. Rates start at Rs. 23,400/night.

 

Budget-Friendly Hotels

 

If you’re looking to spend less on lodging, consider these wallet-friendly hotels in Winston Salem, NC:

 

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott (from Rs. 6,650/night)

• Hampton Inn & Suites (from Rs. 7,350/night)

• La Quinta Inn & Suites (from Rs. 5,150/night)

 

When to Visit Winston Salem

 

Winston Salem shines in spring and fall. April and May bring mild weather and colorful blooms, especially at the Reynolda Estate gardens. September and October usher in crisp days and brilliant autumn foliage.

 

Summer can be hot and humid, with average highs around 31°C in July. Hotel rates tend to be lower, making it a good time for budget-conscious travelers. December draws crowds for the festive decorations in Old Salem and Tanglewood Park’s light display.

 

Seamless Connectivity in Winston-Salem with Airtel

 

Winston Salem is located in central North Carolina, about 160 km north of Charlotte. The closest airport is Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, a 30-minute drive from the city.

 

If you’re flying in from Mumbai, you’ll need to connect through a larger hub like New York (JFK) or Chicago (ORD). Flight time is around 21 hours, including layovers.

 

To stay connected during your travels, consider an international roaming plan from Airtel. With affordable options for data and calling plans, you can make on-the-go reservations, navigate with digital maps, and share photos with family and friends back home. It’s a smart way to simplify your trip.

 

A Timeless Escape

 

Winston Salem’s allure lies in its effortless blend of history and modernity. You can spend the morning in the 18th century at Old Salem, the afternoon browsing cutting-edge art downtown, and the evening savoring Moravian dishes with new twists.

 

Whether you come for a weekend or a week, this North Carolina town will charm you with its gracious hospitality and surprises at every cobblestoned turn. Start planning your escape to Winston Salem today.