Fitnessroadie

Updated June 4, 2025

by Beth Foster

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Winston Salem is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of North Carolina and located in Forsyth County. At one point in time the “Twin City” also known as the “Camel City” had a vital role in the booming tobacco industry. R. J. Reynold’s was a big hitter for the production of cigarettes and widely known for Camel cigarettes hence the nickname “Camel City”. The city of Winston Salem is a great area that exemplifies the arts, outdoor activities and history.

When To Visit

It doesn’t matter when you visit Winston Salem because it is beautiful year-round with plenty of things to do and see.

What To Do Downtown

I love the arts and Winston is definitely an artisy place! All over downtown you will witness to the different art and murals the city has to offer. Make sure to visit the Downtown Arts District and participate in the first Friday Gallery Hop, every first Friday all year long for the price of $2.00. You can also take a free art tour which is self-guided, and the tour consists of public art and murals around the city. You can also stop by the Sawtooth School for Visual Art and partake in some classes such as drawing, printmaking and photography to name a few.

Mural By Local Artist

Sawtooth School For Visual Art

Winston Square Park is a nice place to just sit down relax and enjoy the small downtown park. It has a stage, amphitheater, waterfall garden, and some artwork. There is a special section dedicated to women in the arts of Winston Salem and I think it’s worth reading about if you enjoy history as much as I do.

Winston Square Park

Flonnie T. Anderson used theatre to break local racial barriers

Check out the architecture on the First Baptist Church and Centenary United Methodist Church. I have to admit I was impressed!

First Baptist Church

Centenary United Methodist Church

If you are an avid reader like me and you still like the vibe of physical hard copy books, then you must go to Bookmarks bookstore. The selection of books are very expansive and I believe they have something for literally everyone! Furthermore, before you get to Bookmarks you go through this alley of murals which makes the trip extra special. Black Mountain Chocolate Bar has a must do chocolate tour that you have to try out.

Alley of Murals Before You Get To Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Enjoy a Twin City Trolley and Segs ‘N’ City tour through the local company Triad ECO Adventures/Triad Trolleys. Rent a bike through Zagster and cruise through downtown. Don’t forget to check out some pretty cool walking tours like the Salem Historical Ghost Tour.

Bikeshare Rentals

Places To Eat Downtown

One of my favorite places to eat for breakfast and lunch is Courtside Cafe. The breakfast sandwiches are amazing and as far as lunch you have to try the Carolina Chesseburger.

Courtside Cafe

Thai Harmony is a great place to eat for lunch because the food is authenic as well as tasty and they have a very nice bar area with big screen TV’s. Pretty much everything is good on the menu but the popular items are the red curry, sushi, pad Thai chicken, crab fried rice and the Thai tea.

Thai Harmony

The Old Fourth Street Filling Station has a savoring ribeye steak and a most delicious signature Carolina shrimp and grits. 6th & Vine Restaurant has a really nice outside seating area, the vibes are amazing, they usually have specials on wine and the food is good. The Porch Kitchen and Cantina is a great place to go if you want some Tex Mex. The atmosphere is welcoming and they also have a lovely outside eating area. Also, while you are waiting to be seated at The Porch, walk over to Hoot’s Roller Bar and Beer Company and enjoy a beer. This is not your typical craft beer spot in a very good way.

The Spring House is a historic house restaurant that just so happens to serve some of the best lamb in town. The Katharine Brasserie & Bar is a combination of Southern and French cuisine. The food is fantastic but their dessert is superb. The bittersweet chocolate pot de creme and the vanilla bean creme brûlée are my favorite.

The Spring House

Nightlife In Downtown

Fourth Street is where most of the nightlife takes place in downtown Winston Salem. Some of the restaurants that I’ve already mentioned are also some go to spots for some nightlife entertainment. I like to grab something to eat at a nice restaurant, then go find a crafted beer or wine establishment and then maybe perhaps find a place with a lounge so that I may enjoy some music with a nice drink. Foothills Brewing Pub has a wide variety of crafted beer, and you should also check out their tasting room off of 3800 Kimpton Drive. Be sure to check out other brewing companies such as Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company, Small Batch Beer and Joymongers Barrel Hall.

Foothills Brewing Pub

Where To Stay Downtown

This time around I stayed at the Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center. The hotel is themed with a welcoming and accommodating staff. The hotel also serves a free continental breakfast, or you can dine at their Bar & Grill for $10.00. Find a great deal like I did, at this location by using Booking.com through this link: https://booking.tp.st/DhP1Tg7Y

My room at the Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center

The Shaffner Inn is literally across the street. It is a hotel and a restaurant and I highly recommend partaking in their weekend brunch options if possible. Book your stay using this link: https://booking.tp.st/DhP1Tg7Y.

Henry F. Schaffner House

Behind the parking area of Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center is Camino & ByGood Coffee.

Hotel Indigo is also a great option and you can book your stay through this link https://booking.tp.st/DhP1Tg7Y . Dine in at their Sir Winston Restaurant & Wine Loft. This is also a great option for nightlife entertainment. Kimpton The Kardinal Hotel is great for families and some of the greater perks they have to offer is having a basketball court, a bowling alley, an inside slide and a ping pong table to name a few! Book your stay by using this link https://booking.tp.st/DhP1Tg7Y.

Outdoor Activities

I absolutely love Salem Lake! It has a marina for boating and kayaking, a 7 mile loop trail that can be used for walking, running, bicycling and equestrian. Hanes Park is also a gem that can be found in the downtown area. Last but surely not least is Tanglewood Park! They have everything from golf, swimming, dog park, RV campground, BMX racing, tennis and horseback riding. I like to take my dog Charlie to the dog park and then go on a nice jog or walk on one of the paved trails.

Salem Lake

Tanglewood Dog Park

Additional Places To Visit

Visit some of the colleges and universities of Winston Salem such as Wake Forest University, Winston Salem State University, North Carolina School of the Arts and Salem College. Plan your visit to the Reynolda to enjoy the arts, gardens, shopping and restaurants. Hanes Mall is a great place to shop with many surrounding eateries. You must try Dewey’s Bakery. I cannot get enough of their pink lemonade square cake!

Winston Salem is also home of The National Black Theatre Festival which usually takes place the first week of August. It is one of the best theater festivals in the country.

Finding Great Deals To Get Here

If you are looking for some great combination deals on hotels, rental car, flights and vacation packages use of one of my favorites Booking.com click this link https://booking.tp.st/DhP1Tg7Y or CheapOAir by clicking on the following link https://cheapoair.tp.st/vSuQGle9.

WayAway is a great option for finding the cheapest flights for any occasion. Not only do they have the cheapest flights but also gives you cash back in dollars. You get your money on your credit card or in your PayPal account. Book your next flight using WayAway by clicking on this link https://wayaway.tp.st/mGgSOeQC.

RentalCars.com has flexible rental car rentals, no hidden fees and also a price match guarantee. Book your car rental here https://rentalcars.tp.st/pYVc5p0T.

Can’t wait to see you on my next adventure stay fit and God Bless!