In North Carolina’s hilly Piedmont region, Winston-Salem delivers 250 years of Southern style. Founded in the mid-1700s, you can still stroll the streets of Old Salem, marveling at the houses and businesses that pop out of the history books—like the country’s longest-running bakery, which is, coincidentally, a block from the country’s first Krispy Kreme. But things to do in Winston-Salem aren’t just historical or sugar-loaded—travelers will find a vibrant community with plenty of nightlife, an award-winning food scene, easy-access outdoor adventure, and signature Southern hospitality in spades.
With mild winters, there’s no bad time to visit Winston-Salem, but most visitors come during summer and fall. From June to August, long days mean plenty of time to stroll the streets of downtown and Old Salem, and warm weather beckons visitors to scenic spots like Pilot Mountain State Park. In fall, though, the region shines with spectacular color, from the Wake Forest campus to Salem Lake Trail and beyond.
Winston-Salem is largely a car town, so it’s best to bring your own wheels. The area’s attractions are fairly spread out—that goes double if you’re interested in exploring fabulous outdoor attractions such as Salem Lake and Hanging Rock State Park. But if you’re planning to keep to the city’s core, rideshare services are easy to nab, and downtown and Old Salem are pedestrian-friendly.
Winston-Salem is the birthplace of a surprising number of things, including Krispy Kreme doughnuts. You’ll find the original flagship store on South Stratford Road. Then make sure to journey over to Winkler Bakery, the oldest continually operating bakery in America, to grab some Moravian cookies. The bakery is located inside Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
