Winston Salem is one of the most culturally rich cities in North Carolina. It has deep roots in Moravian history, a nationally recognized arts scene, a craft beer trail with nine breweries, and architecture that inspired the Empire State Building. Most visitors are surprised by how much there is to do here.
History and Landmarks
Old Salem Museums and Gardens
Old Salem is a living history neighborhood that shows what Moravian life looked like in the 1700s and 1800s. There are 11 open buildings you can walk through, along with gardens, interactive exhibits, and craft demonstrations. Workers in period clothing show how people made pottery, cooked food, and built furniture hundreds of years ago. The neighborhood is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, February through December. Plan at least two hours for your visit.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Reynolda House was built by R.J. Reynolds between 1912 and 1917. The 64 room mansion now holds more than 6,000 works of American art spanning 250 years. You will find pieces by Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Mary Cassatt, among others. Admission is free. The 134 acre grounds include gardens that are open from dawn to dusk year round. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the city, especially on a quiet morning before the museum opens.
Read the full Reynolda House guide for everything you need to know before your visit.
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
The R.J. Reynolds Building at 51 E 4th St was completed in 1929. It was designed by the firm Shreve and Lamb, which later used the same design language for the Empire State Building in New York. The Empire State Building actually sends a Father's Day card to the Reynolds Building every year. Today, the building is a boutique hotel called the Kimpton Cardinal. Inside you will find The Katharine Brasserie, a French restaurant with a Southern accent.
Shell Shaped Gas Station
At 1111 E Sprague St, you will find the last remaining shell shaped gas station in the world. It was built in 1930 and is exactly what it sounds like. It is no longer a working gas station. Today it is a small museum operated by Preservation North Carolina. It is worth a quick stop for photos.
Arts and Culture
SECCA (NCMA Winston Salem)
SECCA is a contemporary art museum located at 750 Marguerite Dr. It was founded in 1956 on a 32 acre estate inside a 1929 hunting lodge. The museum is now part of the NC Museum of Art system. Admission is free. The rotating exhibits focus on modern and contemporary work, and the building itself is beautiful.
Read the full SECCA guide for exhibit details and visit tips.
Sawtooth School of Visual Arts
Sawtooth has been operating since 1945 at 251 N Spruce St. It offers classes in woodworking, ceramics, glass, photography, and more. Workshops and weekly courses are open to all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience, there is something for you here.
Art O Mat
Art O Mat machines are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to dispense original art for $5. The idea was born right here in Winston Salem in 1997. Today, Art O Mat machines can be found in museums and public spaces across the country. Each piece of art is made by a real artist and comes in a small box. It is one of the most unique things to come out of this city.
Read the full Art O Mat guide to learn the history and find locations near you.
UNCSA
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts has a Studio Village backlot modeled after a Hollywood set. The public can walk through during campus visits. It feels like stepping onto a real film set, and it is a fun stop for anyone who loves movies or theater.
Entertainment
ROAR
ROAR is a multi level entertainment complex at 633 N Liberty St. It has something for everyone. Inside you will find boutique bowling, duckpin bowling, golf simulators, mini golf (called Twisted Putter), the Roarcade arcade, and BUNKR esports lounge with 32 gaming PCs and 5 console stations. There is also a 90 tap self serve beer wall and a rooftop bar. On Sundays, bowling, simulators, and mini golf are all 50% off.
Food and Coffee
Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro
878 W 4th St. Mozelle's serves Southern comfort food made with fresh ingredients. They are open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner every day except Monday. The menu changes with the seasons, and everything is made from scratch.
Mission Pizza Napoletana
707 N Trade St. Mission Pizza is North Carolina's first Napoletana pizzeria. It has been named to the 50 Top Pizza USA list and recognized by Food and Wine. They are open for dinner only, Wednesday through Saturday. If you love pizza, this is a must.
The Katharine Brasserie and Bar
401 N Main St (inside the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel). The Katharine is a French brasserie with a Southern accent. Think escargot and steak frites, but with a warm Carolina feel. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Krankies Coffee
211 E 3rd St. Krankies has been around since 2003 and is one of the city's favorite coffee shops. They serve handmade biscuits and specialty coffee. In 2025, Krankies made Yelp's Top 50 Donut Shops list. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM.
Young Cardinal Cafe
424 4th St NW. Young Cardinal is a popular breakfast and lunch spot open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM. They serve Southern breakfast favorites with fresh ingredients and a welcoming vibe.
Forsyth Seafood Market and Cafe
108 N MLK Jr Dr. Forsyth Seafood has been open since 1984. They serve fresh seafood, hush puppies, and homemade coleslaw. It is a Black owned business and a beloved local institution. If you love fried fish, this is the place to go.
Craft Beer
Winston Salem has more than nine breweries within a 1.5 mile walkable radius downtown. That makes it one of the best cities in North Carolina for a brewery crawl. Foothills Brewing is the anchor of the scene (established 2005) and is a great place to start. From there, you can walk to several other taprooms without ever needing a car.
Read the full Winston Salem brewery guide for the complete list, addresses, and what to drink at each one.
Winston Salem is a city that rewards a full day or more. Between Old Salem, Reynolda House, the breweries, and the food scene, it has more depth than most visitors expect from a mid size NC city. If you have not been, plan a trip soon.