Out and About

11 things to do in Winston-Salem

You don't have to drive to the beach or mountains for an incredible weekend trip in North Carolina.

Posted 2023-05-22T13:07:28+00:00 - Updated 2023-05-22T14:20:26+00:00

Explore Winston-Salem: Favorite picks

Jessica Patrick

, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

You don't have to drive all the way to the beach or mountains for an incredible weekend trip in North Carolina.

I recently took my husband to Winston-Salem and discovered some places that are well worth the drive from Raleigh, which is less than two hours. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Winston-Salem.

The Quarry at Grant Park

The Quarry at Grant Park was first on my list because this was my favorite part of the trip. Be advised, it's not for people who are afraid of heights. You will be surprised how such a breathtaking view can be found so close to Raleigh. I recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset!

According to the city of Winston-Salem, the deep quarry operated from the mid 1920s until the early 1970s and was used to extract stones and other building materials. When the work stopped, the quarry slowly filled with groundwater and rainwater, creating the view available today.

The Quarry at Grant Park in Winston-Salem

You can view the quarry from multiple angles -- but the highest offers spectators the chance to stand on a metal grated platform more than 100 feet in the air.

The park, called Quarry Park when I visited in 2022, was just renamed and features new playground equipment, walking trails and restrooms, but the standout feature is the view itself -- if you can handle heights.

Address: 1790 Quarry Road
Hours: Open daily 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

a/perture cinema

My husband loves film, so we had to visit this independent theater in downtown Winston-Salem. The venue looks small outside but actually has four big screens and multiple theaters. Although the theater shows big screen features, there is a focus on independent and international. According to a/perture cinema, more than 35% of films shown there are directed by women. 50% are international films, and 40% are documentaries. More than 30% of the films are made by people of color.

We had a cocktail a few doors down at Tate's Craft Cocktails before we walked to the theater, but you can buy beer, wine and concessions. Similar to Alamo Drafthouse in Raleigh, one of the best parts of this theater is the bizarre pre-film clips you won't see at the big theaters.

Address: 311 W. 4th St.
Visit their website for showtimes

Old Salem

Locals say Winston-Salem isn't complete without a visit to Old Salem -- a historic Moravian settlement which tells the stories of people who lived long ago. Old Salem isn't open Mondays, Tuesdays or Sundays, and it closes at 4 p.m., so plan accordingly!

In my opinion, the best part of Old Salem is a visit to the Winkler Bakery -- you also don't need a ticket for this. According to WRAL's Hidden Historian, the bakery, built in 1799, is likely the oldest bakery in the state and uses a gingerbread recipe from 1807. If you get there at the right time, you might smell something baking in the oven or get to watch as cookies and bread are being made. My husband and I shared a piece of mocha bread -- a moist, coffee-flavored cake with chocolate chips.

From the main visitor's center, you'll walk across a beautiful bridge and enter Old Salem -- then you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and walk along the street, admiring the old homes on either side. You need a ticket to get inside and tour many of the homes, where there are live pottery demonstrations, a museum, a gunsmith shop and more. One ticket gives you access to most of Old Salem. We didn't buy a ticket since we arrived late, so we mainly enjoyed walking around taking in the old-fashioned beauty. There is a striking burial ground called Salem God's Acre Cemetery, a vast grassy lawn offset by symmetrical white gravestones. It was beautiful and peaceful.

Address: 900 Old Salem Rd
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mozelle's

There are many great restaurants in Winston-Salem, but one taste of the tomato pie I ordered at this modern southern bistro topped the list. My husband ordered shrimp and grits and I ordered tomato pie -- full of tomatoes and cheese with a side of succotash (seasoned lima beans and sweet corn). We went at lunchtime on a weekday, so there was no wait, but the chef told us it gets packed and reservations are a good idea. The food was so fresh and delicious -- it will definitely be a place I visit right away next time I'm in town.

Address: 878 W. 4th St.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Tomato pie at Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro in Winston-Salem

The Shaffner Inn

We really enjoyed our stay at this bed and breakfast -- a striking green and white Tudor Revival style home built in 1907. Our bedroom was ornate and cozy, and my favorite part was eating breakfast downstairs while looking out at the gardens. The Shaffner Inn offers guests complimentary wine and Charcuterie every evening, so my husband and I enjoyed a huge platter of cheeses, fruits and meats before we went out for the night.

I found the Shaffner Inn very comfy and relaxing, and it was a very short walk to the heart of downtown, where you can find gift shops, bookstores, the theater, coffee shops, restaurants and more.

Address: 150 Marshall St. SW