Skip to main content

Lofts, larders and local cuisine. It’s all happening in Winston Salem, North Carolina

If you find yourself in North Carolina and looking for an easy town to explore, Winston Salem is your spot. An hour northeast of Charlotte, Winston is surprisingly progressive and thanks to R.J. Reynolds’ empire (ever smoked a Winston or a Salem?), there is some magnificent architecture. We found amazing eats, some great bars (and a brewery) and could move into Old Salem tomorrow with its charming 18th century homes and buildings. It’s hardly fussy as its nickname is the ‘City of the Arts’. Here are our top picks.

Stay:

Brookstown Inn

Recommended Videos

Built in 1837, this former cotton mill is in walking distance to Old Salem and much of what downtown has to offer. Plus, Uber is in Winston Salem so even if you are going a bit further out, you are just a phone tap away.

Graylyn Estate

If you are doing it up, book at this 55-acre estate. You can sleep in the manor house or for more privacy, a cottage or bungalow. Built for the Chairman of the Board of RJ Reynolds tobacco in 1927, the estate is now known globally as a respected conference center. The 86 guest rooms are well appointed and the breakfast buffet is worth waking up for.

See:

Old Salem

We can’t rave about this place enough. While many historic places with costumed guides are a bit hokey, these locals don’t talk to you like you are at Renn Fest and they are a wealth of knowledge. What we enjoyed about Old Salem is that it is still a working village.

We wandered into an 18th century kitchen with the fire blazing and cast iron pots bubbling. The lead gardener is out in the fields daily, growing what they would have when the village was founded. This place is magic, we promise. Although go off-season so a sea of fanny packs doesn’t ruin the ye olde vibe.

Reynolda

RJ Reynolds’ mansion is a great afternoon trip. Built in 1917, the house and grounds was a massive business in itself, with a village for the staff that had its own school and church. Today the village is now a bustling shopping destination and the house is half American art exhibit and half a looking glass into how the Reynolds family lived. Our favorite part was the basement where his girls, who came of age in the 20s, built a pool, bowling alley and a martini bar. Apparently there was roller-skating between all three at parties. Yes please.

MESDA

While this sounds stuffy, we know you are all about locally made furniture. Well this just happens to be locally made furniture circa 1770. You will be well impressed at the chests, desks, chairs, silver and clocks that were made regionally at the time, rivaling those coming from England and France. It was here that we learned Grandfather clocks were originally called Longcase clocks but because of this song from 1876, its current name was applied.

Eat:

Honey Pot

A night at Chef Matt Pleasant’s restaurant is a must. While the menu is certainly Southern, there is an Asian angle that gives it a nice twist such as Catfish with green curry and pork belly with kimchi. Since the chef serves what is in season, the menu changes constantly, but we hope the grit puppies and the pimento cheese on toast are there to stay. Oh, and go wild and try one of their winning cocktails by beverage director Beau Tate.

Old Salem Tavern

Built in 1816, this family-run restaurant is another highlight on the local culinary scene. They are big on ‘Farm to Fork’ (and local craft beer!) so again, the menu changes but the wild boar and spaetzle with local vegetables was coma inducing. Lunch is great but dinner by candlelight in the small little dining rooms is a real treat.

Meridian

For a little more metropolitan evening and some serious steak, try out Meridian located near the Brookstown Inn. Focusing on Northern Mediterranean dishes, everything from the pasta to the sausage and mozzarella is made in house.

Drink:

Foothills Brewing

Starting with 800 barrels in 2005, Foothills is now approaching 40,000 a year. Clearly, they are doing something right. Check out their 28 tap tasting room at the brewery located outside of town or try out their brewpub located on West Fourth Street downtown.

Quiet Pint

If you are looking to drink more than eat, Quiet Pint is the place for you. While they do have superb small plates (and hello waffle fries and chicken tacos), they are equally known for their craft beers and wines.

6th and Vine

This place brought us back to the 90s in the best way. Thrift store décor (lots of old couches and coffee tables) and graffiti on the back wall, an episode of Friends could easily take place here. We came here for a nightcap or four and sat at the bar and listened to all the local gossip. Our favorite part – the wine menu is on an actual bottle of wine. Brilliant.

Shop:

Winkler Bakery

Built in 1800, there has been bread baking in its oven since and is heated and cooled just as it was 200 years ago. Learn about how they baked back in the day and then load up on freshly baked goods such as pound cake, sugar cake, blueberry muffins, apple scones and of course, Moravian cookies.

Cobblestone Farmers Market

Located in Old Salem every Saturday rain or shine, it is one of the only sustainable, producer-only farmers markets in the state. Even all of the pork, beef and lamb is Animal Welfare Approved. Bring the family and enjoy the morning exploring all the booths and maybe even some local tunes.

Washington Park Barber shop

While this falls more into a ‘do’ than a ‘shop’ we encourage you to stop by here regardless. Located in historic Washington Park, which is on the up and up, the gents here are friendly as can be and we had an excellent hair cut and chin wag. You can definitely sense that the shop is a hangout for locals too, with guys sharing motorcycle video clips on the couch and friends stopping by to say hello. Tim and Doug also stock some great grooming products so even if you don’t need a beard trim or flattop, swing by for some products and a hello. And if you do want a cut, call way ahead, these boys get booked!Lofts,

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Should you go hiking in sandals? It depends
Hiking in sandals: When to do it and how to find the best fit
Man hiking in sandals

Have you ever trudged through a trail, feet sweaty from unbreathable shoes? I certainly have. Believe it or not, sandals aren't just for the beach. They're actually a legit hiking option if you have the right pair and use them in the right scenarios. Honestly, I'm more of a trail running shoe or hiking shoe kind of gal, but there are specific scenarios when I might be tempted to trade them for a pair of sandals. And there are times when wearing sandals while hiking makes sense and times when they don't. Here's everything you need to know about hiking in sandals and how to find the best pair for your hiking needs.
Here's when hiking in sandals makes sense
Warm and dry conditions

When I lived in Arizona, hiking with my hiking boots or even my precious trail running shoes was a bit uncomfortable. For one, warm and dry conditions left my feet feeling confined and, ultimately, gross. One of the best parts of the day was heading home and washing my feet. That's when I was first introduced to the idea of hiking in sandals. Sandals will keep your feet ventilated, letting sweat evaporate fast. You may even find that you get fewer blisters throughout the season. Just make sure that you apply sunscreen so you don't get an unintentional tattoo of your sandal straps.
Wet conditions
While there's nothing wrong with wearing good water-repellant shoes while hiking in wet conditions, they can get soggy and take forever to dry if you end up accidentally stepping in too deep a puddle. Sandals tend to dry much faster than hiking boots or sneakers, so bring them on trails where you can expect stream crossings or coastal paths.
Low-impact trails
If you're planning on going on a low-impact hiking trail, particularly a paved one, you won't need heavy-duty hiking shoes. Sandals will be lighter on your feet, and the trail is easier, so there's less of a need for support or protection.
Here's when wearing sandals for hiking doesn't make sense

Read more
Tacoma’s food scene is quietly thriving — here’s where to start
Here's where to eat in Washington's third-largest city
Chez Lafayette, Tacoma, Washington

The Evergreen State has so much to offer, from high desert expanses and exciting American Viticultural Areas to ocean beaches and the new Seattle waterfront. In between, there are some Washington gems that can get overlooked, Like Tacoma, a good-sized city with an above-average culinary presence.

Set just outside of Seattle, Tacoma boasts about 230,000 people, a charming downtown, and beautiful views of the Puget Sound. It's a convenient day trip from the Emerald City or Portland and is also a great respite from traffic, should you just be passing through. Either way, a stop in Tacoma is in order, if only for an outstanding meal.

Read more
This Italian town will fine you $2,800 if you wear flip flops
Leave the sandals at home when visiting this Italian region
Cinque Terre

Are you thinking about visiting Italy's Cinque Terre this summer? This string of centuries-old seaside villages on the Italian Riviera coastline is beloved for its colorful houses, fresh seafood, and cliff-hugging hiking trail.

But before you lace up your plans, make sure you're not slipping into the wrong shoes, literally. Hikers who show up in flip flops or flimsy sandals could end up paying more than they bargained for. As part of a safety initiative first introduced in 2019, Cinque Terre National Park has started cracking down harder on ill-prepared walkers. The fine? Up to €2,500 (about $2,800 USD) for inappropriate footwear.

Read more