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, DeBeen Espresso, Camel City Coffee, 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 Foothills Brewing for a taste of the award-winning, seasonal Bourbon Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout or a can of Gingerbread Cider from Dogwood Hops and Crops. As for holiday spirits? Try a snowstorm mojito at Theodore’s or swing by Broad Branch Distillery and pick up a bottle of whiskey made in Winston-Salem.
Warm up with a spicy hot chocolate, hot buttered rum, or a Pho the love of the game.
Photo courtesy of Fair Witness Fancy Drinks
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 Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar. Plus, satisfy your holiday sweet tooth at Acadia Foods, 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 and head across the street to the Stuart and Emma Thomas Memorial Trail at Crossnore Communities for Children for a winter outing — or, 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 “Nativity According to the Gospels” through Dec. 17 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 Carolina 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:
Colorful Airbnb in the West End neighborhood | ~$69/night
This renovated property with private property is within walking distance to many shops and restaurants downtown.
The Blue Door Cabin | ~$149/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.
Winston Funhouse | ~$120/night
Complete with a hot tub, arcade, and ample outdoor space, up to 12 guests will have plenty of ways to unwind after a day around town.
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.