If you’re hosting out-of-town guests for the holidays, it’s time to step into the role of “official Winston-Salem tour guide.” We’ve got plenty of recommendations for you to build the perfect itinerary for your visitors.
🏙️ Sightseeing
Is it even a trip to the Twin City without seeing the Reynolds Building? You can also take your visitors to Heritage Bridge in Old Salem for the perfect seasonal family photo, and if there are any history buffs in the group, head to Historic Bethabara Park (~15 minutes from downtown).
🥘 Eat and drink
If your guests need a caffeine pick-me-up, The Bookhouse, Lot 63, and Louie and Honey’s Kitchen are all offering a range of seasonal drinks. If you’re looking for a different kind of brew, Winston-Salem is home to various breweries — we recommend stopping by WStoday reader favorite brewery, Foothills Brewing for a taste of the award-winning, seasonal Bourbon Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate or grab a non-alcoholic can of beer from Dogwood Hops and Crops. As for holiday spirits? Try a seasonal cocktail at Theodore’s or swing by Broad Branch Distillery and pick up a bottle of whiskey made in Winston-Salem.
Prepare to get your grub on, because we’ve got articles to help you navigate the local food scene. You can’t miss these classic Winston-Salem restaurants that are favorites among locals. Some of our personal picks include brunch at Young Cardinal Cafe & Co. and dinner at Quanto Basta Italian Eatery and Wine Bar. Plus, satisfy your holiday sweet tooth at Natabelle’s Dessert, Cheesecakes by Alex, or To Your Health Bakery.
🎳 Activities
Let the kids — or grandkids — run around and explore Kaleideum, or load up the car, print out a mural map, and spend the afternoon exploring public art.
If your visitors are ready for some outdoor fun, grab hot cocoa from Bobby Boy Bakeshop on Reynolda Road and head across the street to the Stuart and Emma Thomas Memorial Trail at Crossnore Communities for Children for a winter outing. You can also choose from several other walking trails that offer great views.
Temps this time of year can get a bit cooler, so spend a day inside exploring one of these local museums to stay warm. The Twin City also boasts an excellent community theater scene. Catch “A Motown Christmas” through Sunday. Dec. 21 or check out the upcoming productions of “A Christmas Carol.” You can also check out what’s showing on the big screen at a/perture cinema. If you’ve got any sports fans in the group, check the Twin City Thunderbirds’ home game schedule — and consider treating your guests to a fan experience.
🛏️ Stay
You can make your visitors comfortable, even if they aren’t planning to crash with you. Here are a few places to check out:
Downtown Charm | ~$128/night
Located just a short walk from downtown bars, restaurants, and breweries, this charming home caters to all your basic needs and can host up to six guests. Relax by playing foosball, cozy up around the fire in the backyard, or cook up some holiday magic in the spacious kitchen.
Deacon Stays: Wake Forest Cottage | ~$159/night
This modern property is within walking distance of Wake Forest University campus, so you can either catch a basketball game at LJVM Coliseum or walk along the quiet neighborhood.
The Blue Door Cabin | ~$196/night
Your guests might feel like they’re in the mountains in this tiny cabin in the woods, but they’ll only be ~10 minutes from the downtown scene.
Rosewood Loft | Upper Suite | ~$190/night
House up to four guests at this wooden loft with plenty of natural lighting and earthy design with a minimalistic style. Guests can enjoy a short drive to downtown, Wake Forest University, and Baptist Hospital.
The Kathleen Room in The Huntley House is also listed on Airbnb.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Martinez Olinger/Red Cardinal Studio via The Huntley House
The fun doesn’t stop there… Be sure to send your visitors the link to our events page in advance to get a feel for what they’ll want to see and do while in town.
