Take an open-air art tour to see and learn about works downtown. | Photo by Sparky’s Rickshaw Co.
Whether you’re a lifelong Winstonian longing to embrace your inner tourist or you have a limited amount of time in the Twin City, here are 17 tours guaranteed to show you the sights you want to see.
Note: Price estimates are based on individual adult rates available at the time of publishing. Check each company’s website to see current pricing.
Food and drink
Craft Draft Crawl|Cost of purchase Featured in a recent episode of “North Carolina Weekend,” this self-guided tour outlines stops you should make to check out Winston-Salem’s booming craft brewery scene.
Winston-Salem Downtown Tastings Tour | $79+/person Discover how chefs create Southern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients on this guided Saturday brunch tour.
On the move
Segway Tours (various) | $54+/person Explore different parts of the city on two wheels in one of Triad Eco Adventures’ narrated tours.
Tours around the city are best enjoyed with friends.
Photo by WStoday
Curated Rickshaw Tour | $40+/person Tell Sparky’s Rickshaw Co. what you’re interested in seeing and your driver will choose the downtown spots to take you and another person.
Comedy and BrewPub Tour | $37+/person This trolley turns into a comedy show while you enjoy adult beverages on board — the tours are for adults 21+ and are held the last Friday of every month.
All in on history
Downtown Winston Industrial History Tour | $14+/person Learn about Winston-Salem’s history of tobacco manufacturing, banking, and other business ventures that put the city on the map during this one-hour walking tour.
Admire the old and the new with tours through Innovation Quarter.
Photo by City of Winston-Salem
Triad Cultural Arts Tours | Prices vary Learn about African American heritage and culture, see the former Black Business District and other historic sites + learn about the contributions of Black Winstonians through walking, bus, or virtual tours.
Goose: Hurricane Helene Benefit | Friday, Oct. 25 | 8 p.m. | Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum | $42.50+ | The jam band will put on a performance to benefit communities in Western NC recovering from Hurricane Helene.
House Hangs | Friday, Oct. 25 | 5-8 p.m. | NC Museum of Art, Winston-Salem | Free, RSVP | Make new connections over seasonal cocktails, dinner by Urban Street Grill, and live music from DJ Alvin Shavers.
Saturday, Oct. 26
FemFest XI | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5-10:30 p.m. | The Ramkat | $15+ | Enjoy a night of music with five bands featuring female musicians and Halloween fun — all proceeds will support survivors of domestic violence.
Indoor Yard Sale | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sawtooth School for Visual Art, Davis Gallery | Cost of purchase | Find deeply discounted tools, machinery, accessories, art supplies, books, and raw materials available for sale.
Sunday, Oct. 27
“Joan of Arc: The Trial at Rouen” | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 3 p.m. | Centenary United Methodist Church | $30+ | Piedmont Opera will produce its first fully immersive opera exploring the patron saint’s faithfulness and courage.
Reynolda On the House: Organ Spooktacular | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 1:30 p.m. | Reynolda House Museum of American Art | Free | Celebrate Katharine Smith Reynolds’ love of Halloween with organ music, a self-guided tour, and themed art.
Monday, Oct. 28
Book Trivia Spooktacular | Monday, Oct. 28 | 7 p.m. | Bookmarks | Free | Bring your team to get tested on all things books and authors, from bestsellers to the classics.
These canvas portraits last up to 200 years, ensuring they can be passed down + cherished for generations. | Photo provided by Oh, Goodness Fine Portraits
Remember mall portraits? AKA the fast-food version of family photos?
The local studio has spent 18+ years helping families create museum-quality portraits in a relaxed environment. Their friendly staff are experts in style and composition, ensuring everyone — from parents to pups — looks + feels their best during the session and in the final portrait.
Celebrate the grand opening of The Station at Sage and Salt Bistro today, Oct. 25. The new live music venue will have a raw bar and craft cocktails. Check out our guide on what else is new and coming soon to the Twin City.
Announced
The Bailey Park Food and Spirit Festival has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025. Organizers said circumstances beyond their control forced the postponement.
Real Estate
Truist has sold two downtown properties to two groups from Florida. 6600 South Kanner LLC and New Investment Bank Buildings LLC purchased the parking lot at 231 W. 1st St. for $1.5 million, and the 138,000-sqft building at 150 S. Stratford Rd. for $4.5 million. (Winston-Salem Journal)
Eat
Listen to opera music during a gourmet dinner at Boutique Wines tomorrow, Oct. 26. The four-course meal begins at 7 p.m. and will feature wine pairings from Locanda Estate in Sonoma, CA. Tickets are $98+.
Outdoors
Start your weekend with a one-mile accessible nature walk through Gateway Nature Preserve on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. People of all ages, abilities, and levels of experience are invited to attend but registration is required — email Katie or call 336-727-2975.
Shop
Find your next treasure during Culture WS’s next Block Party on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 2 to 8 p.m. in Liberty Plaza Park. The event will also feature food trucks and a dance party. Local artists and vendors can still register for $25 to sell goods.
Plan Ahead
Mark your calendar for Bookmarks’ 13 annual Movable Feast happening Jan. 25-26, 2025. More than 20 authors will meet community members over the weekend. The author lineup will be announced in December.
State
Ticketmaster, StubHub, and other ticket sellers will now have to be clear about the full price of tickets in NC. A new NC law will allow ticket purchasers to see full prices up front and will eliminate hidden fees starting in 2025. Is Taylor Swift to thank?(CBS 17)
Try This
This six-ingredient, protein-packed snack is delicious and nutritious. Plus, no cooking is required. Try meal-prepping these peanut butter-banana protein balls, perfect for athletes or anyone on the go.*
Category
Transit
Help shape the future of transportation around Winston-Salem
The 2050 plan will include priorities that impact motorized vehicles, public transportation, bicycles, walking, and air travel. | Photo by WStoday
The agency is analyzing all modes of transportation needs through the year 2050 to come up with a Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). That strategic plan will eventually guide long-term investments and projects to address evolving transportation needs — think reducing congestion, enhancing public transit, and promoting walking and biking.
But first, the MPO needs to identify what those needs are — that’s where you come in. Drop in to the first public input session on Monday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Forsyth County Central Library. You can also submit feedback in an online survey. Once data is collected, the MPO will begin identifying and prioritizing projects.
The Buy
The Buy
An emergency roadside kit. The 90-piece set comes with a LED headlamp, tire repair kit, jumper cables, window breaker and seat belt cutter, first aid kit, and more.
I explored Historic Bethabara Park this week. While I didn’t have time for a tour of the Gemeinhaus, I found plenty of information on my own around the historic site. I recommend checking it out this fall — it’s a great place to spend an hour.
