Welcome to Winston-Salem, where Southern charm meets innovation and colonial history. From living history museums to breweries set in old power plants, this North Carolina gem has something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re here for the weekend or just passing through, this one-day itinerary will guide you through Winston-Salem’s best bites, sights, and local hangouts.
Morning
Start your day at Krankies Coffee, where the vibe is equal parts industrial grit and warm hospitality. Housed in a converted warehouse, Krankies roasts their own beans and whips up scratch-made breakfast staples. Grab a seat at a communal table and sip creative coffee drinks like the Hot Honey Miel or Pancake Breakfast Latte. Order the fan-favorite Krankies Classic—fried chicken doused in Texas Pete hot sauce and honey on a fluffy biscuit.
Prefer a cozy sidewalk cafe? Grab coffee and pastries at Camino Bakery’s Fourth Street location. Choose between flaky croissants, seasonal scones, and gooey cinnamon buns. Sip the Blueberry Muffin Steamer, or try a latte with their signature “magical” syrup. Vegan or gluten-free? You’re covered with options like the banana chocolate chip muffin and mango scone.
For classic Southern comforts, head to Midtown Café & Dessertery. What began as a dessert shop nearly 40 years ago has grown into a neighborhood gem serving hearty breakfasts alongside its homemade treats. Try the Carolina Shrimp n Grits, or go big with the Farmers Scramble—cheesy eggs, bacon, and potatoes, served with their famous pancakes. Pair your meal with an Instagram-worthy mimosa flight and settle into a booth surrounded by local art.
Immerse yourself in Winston-Salem’s rich heritage at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. This living history museum transports you to an 18th-century Moravian settlement, complete with costumed interpreters. Wander the settlement or spring for a Two-Stop ticket to enter select buildings. Stroll heirloom gardens where Moravian women once grew medicinal plants and produce. On your way out, grab a fresh sugar cake from the C. Winkler Bakery.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Kaleideum Children’s Museum is a must-see stop. Explore four stories of immersive galleries in this sensory playground for all ages. Engineer a roller coaster, design a tattoo, and tell stories with shadow puppets. On the rooftop exhibit, climb unique play structures and spin on cocoon swings with the city skyline as your backdrop. Don’t miss the Digital Dome, where you can travel through space or watch laser light shows.
Craving an escape into nature? Walk or bike the Salem Lake Greenway, a 7-mile paved loop around a sparkling lake. Soak up your surroundings and watch for wildlife at scenic rest stops along the way. Link up with Salem Creek Greenway mid-route to switch things up, or take a break at the marina playground. Bring snacks and a blanket to enjoy a peaceful lakeside picnic. Insider tip: Walk the loop counterclockwise for a gentler, mostly downhill route.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Mozelle’s in the West End Historic District for refined Southern food. Embrace the bright, airy interiors of this modern bistro that’s been serving locals for over 50 years. Order the tomato pie (sharp cheddar, basil, creamy succotash) or homemade meatloaf with apple-brandy beef and local pork. Snag a table near the floor-to-ceiling kitchen windows, or reserve a patio table to dine al fresco.
For a budget-friendly bite, head to the old Bailey Power Plant for lunch at Cugino Forno. Think massive, Neapolitan-style pies made with imported Italian ingredients and cooked at 900 degrees in a wood-fired oven. Dine among exposed brick and vaulted ceilings in this cafeteria-style eatery. Stick with a classic Neapolitan pizza, or try the Queen Bee pizza for a blend of pepperoni, ricotta, and crushed red pepper.
Craving tacos and margs? Make your way to The Porch Kitchen & Cantina for a colorful Tex-Mex feast. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the Texas Pete Chicken Flautas and Coca-Cola Carnita Fajitas are local favorites. Pair it with one of their famous Porch Margaritas in fun flavors like blackberry mint and cucumber jalapeno. Between the funky decor and retro music, you’ll be tempted to order a few extra drinks just to stick around for longer.
After lunch, check out the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Once the home of tobacco heiress Katharine Smith Reynolds, this Gilded Age estate is now a treasure trove of artwork. Wander galleries filled with works by Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, and Georgia O’Keeffe, surrounded by period furniture and historic decor. Explore lush gardens, village buildings, and a dam overlooking Lake Katharine. Plan to stick around for an hour or two to see it all.
Continue your art-hopping tour at NCMA Winston-Salem, formerly known as SECCA. Discover contemporary art inside an English-style mansion brimming with Prohibition-era touches, including hidden doors and a mirrored bar. Browse rotating exhibitions like Brandon Sadler: The Path of Totality, an immersive journey through poetry, painting, and calligraphy. Before you go, walk the gardens to check out rotating outdoor sculptures.
If you’re up for a pre-dinner drink, swing by Incendiary Brewing in the Innovation Quarter. Set in a repurposed R.J. Reynolds coal pit, the funky brewery pairs craft beer with skyline views and a community vibe. Sip a Coalpit Pils, Ritual Pilsner, or SHIfT—the flagship Hazy Double IPA. From May to October, expect live music pop-ups in the courtyard. Furry friends are welcome, and cute bandanas might even mean extra treats.
Evening
Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at Mission Pizza Napoletana, frequently named one of the top pizza spots in America. Expect lightly charred pies fired up in an open kitchen with dim lighting and an intimate yet lively dining room. Start with the fresh burrata or house-made meatballs, then try the chef’s multi-course “pizzakase” tasting menu. Reservations are a must at this hotspot, so book your table in advance.
If you’re craving French cuisine, snag a table at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar. Housed in the iconic R.J. Reynolds Building, the restaurant is oozing with Art Deco elegance. Start with the escargot or French onion soup, then savor the steak frites or North Carolina trout. Book a table on the patio to sip wine under fairy lights, and plan your visit on a Thursday for live music.
Prefer contemporary American food? Dine at Sage & Salt Bistro, a stylish eatery that combines classic flavors with upscale techniques and a warm ambiance. Start with the heirloom tomato bruschetta or beef tartare. For the main course, indulge in pan-seared scallops with English pea risotto or filet mignon with garlic herb mashed potatoes. The popular date-night spot often features jazz performances, so check their Facebook page before you go to plan accordingly.
After dinner, hit up The Ramkat to end your night with live music and dancing. The mid-sized music venue regularly hosts local and national touring acts, from indie rock to folk. Sip cocktails at the upstairs bar and find a table on the balcony for the best views. Expect friendly staff, clean facilities, and reasonably priced drinks. The lineup changes weekly, so please check the calendar in advance.
Prefer arcade games and rooftop views? Head to ROAR, a multi-level entertainment complex inside a restored 1926 motor building. Bowl, mini-golf, and play retro games like Pac-Man and Skee-Ball. Reserve a game simulator to challenge your friends to a round of virtual golf or zombie dodgeball. Grab a drink from the ever-changing tap wall of beer, wine, and seltzer. For craft cocktails, live music, and swanky vibes, stop by The Mayfair Club on the second floor.
For a low-key nightcap under the stars, check out Wise Man Brewing. Launched by Winston-Salem locals, this hip watering hole pours small-batch American brews in a rustic space. Try a hoppy IPA like the Body Electric, or keep it light with the Angelo’s Pils. Sip your beer at a picnic table surrounded by eye-catching murals. Check their events calendar for music bingo, pub trivia, and live bands.
