We’re cutting out the fluff and giving you key words for each location instead. Click the name to read more details about each. In alphabetical order….
Mission Pizza: great date night option; love the Prix Fixe for unique and delicious dining experience; NYC-vibe; a 2022 James Beard Nominee
Mizu: best lunch deal for sushi; good sushi, udon noodles
Mozelle’s: THE place for a date night; favorites include fried pickles, tomato pie, edamame hummus, and any seafood option
Riverbirch Lodge: a favorite for the after-work crowd, we love their drinks, salads, and “teacher chips”
Salem Kitchen: super convenient take-away meals; buy one to take to your neighbor
Sweet Potatoes: Southern food with a soul, they make the best fried chicken; don’t miss the fried okra and green tomato basket or their brunch offerings; a 2022 and 2023 James Beard nominee
The Porch: a Tex-Mex staple, we do a lot of happy hours over their margaritas and Tres Amigos (chips served with guac, queso, and salsa); filling salads are always a highlight
We get it – when you have friends or family come visit you here in Winston-Salem, you want to make sure they get a great taste of the Camel City. The good news is there’s plenty to choose from, so no matter what your guests are into you’ll be able to create a sure-to-please agenda. Plus, one of the benefits of living in a smaller city is you won’t be stuck in your car forever as you take your guests around town. (All of us residents already understand that, of course, but if your guests come from a bigger city they’ll probably be thrilled by the lack of traffic and drive times needed to get around Winston.)
Here are some of our favorite places to take your out-of-town guests to really make Winston-Salem shine, grouped by category:
Food
First thing’s first, right? (If you’re like us, your plans will probably circulate around meals, so it made sense to start the list with some of Winston’s best places to eat.)
A visit is always made sweeter with a delicious dessert added to the mix! Whether baked goods, ice cream, or hand-crafted chocolate is your guest’s thing, Winston’s got you covered.
Whether it’s coffee, kombucha, or an adult beverage, finding a coffee shop, winery, or brewery to sit, sip, and enjoy one another’s company can be the perfect thing to weave into a guest’s visit to Winston.
Want to get out in nature with your out-of-town guest? Choose one of these below locations – some of which are more remote than others – to enjoy being outside together and taking in the natural beauty of the Piedmont.
Little & Kids Yoga (11 am) at High Point Library. Register by calling (336)883-3666.
Tuesday
Book Babies Storytime (10 am) at Central Library. For ages birth to 18 months. Join us on the patio. (starting September 6)
Tots & Tunes (10-11am) at Georgia Taylor Neighborhood Center. Ages 2-6. Enjoy a morning full of movement and music activities! $10/class. For more information, email: Kelseyw@cityofws.org
Innovation Station (10:30am) at Kaleideum North. Explore new technology and engineering through hands-on activities. Included in admission.
Preschool Storytime (10-10:30 am) at Lewisville Branch Library. Join for stories, fingerplays, songs, and activities for ages 3-5 and caregivers.
Innovation Station (10:30am) at Kaleideum North. Explore new technology and engineering through hands-on activities. Included in admission.
Preschool Craft Time (11 am) at Southside Library at 11 am.
Music and Movement (11 am) at Central Library for ages 2-6. Join for songs, dancing, and stories!
Creative Corner (5:30 pm) at Sedge Garden. Children ages 5 and up can learn and create simple make and take crafts each week. For more information contact: SybilJackson@cityofws.org. Nov. 7-Dec. 12.
Salem Lake Nature Kids (10 am) at 815 Salem Lake Rd. For ages 5 and under. Get outside, enjoy crafts and games, and learn about wildlife. To register: 336-650-7677. ($15/child)
WonderLab (10:30-11 am) at Kaleideum. Unlock the mysteries of fascinating science concepts form color creation to electricity essence.
Music & Movement (11:30 am) at Clemmons Library. Join for songs and dancing!
STEAM for Teens (5-6 pm) at Central Library. Learn how to build creations out of various materials to take home in the Maker-space.
Kids in the Kitchen (5:30-6:30 pm) at Miller Park Community Center. Ages 7-12. Contact 336-727-2831 for more info. ($30)
Thursday
Preschool Storytime (10 am) at Malloy/Jordan East Winston Library. Join for stories and songs.
Preschool Crafts (10 am) at Clemmons Library. Sign up by emailing Jennifer Eash at eashjl@forsyth.cc or via phone at 336-703-2923.
Toddler Storytime (10 am) at Paddison Library. (through Nov. 16)
Curiosity Cart (10:30 am) at Kaleideum North. Spark your curiosity through arts and crafts, museum collections, science, and more. Included in admission.
Preschool Storytime (10:30-11 am) at Clemmons Library.
Pre-K Storytime (11-11:30 am) at Central Library for ages 3-5, come for stories and songs.
Friday
Preschool Discovery (10:30 am) at Kaleideum. Participate in an action-packed program with stories, music, movement, and more! Included with admission.
Animal Encounter (11:30 am) at Kaleideum North. Included with museum admission.
Saturday
Family Storytime (11am) at Central Library. Songs, rhymes, and stories, all ages welcome.
Animal Encounter (11:30 am) at Kaleideum North. Included with museum admission
Curiosity Cart (12:30-1 pm) at Kaleideum North. Spark your curiosity through arts and crafts, museum collections, science, and more. Included in admission.
Cognition DavieKaleideum STEAM
Ongoing Events & Activities
Laser Specials at Kaleideum North. Check calendar for days and times.
Salem Lake Scavenger Hunt: for more info contact office at 336-650-7677.
NOVEMBER Special Events
November 7
International Games Month at Central Library. Ages 5-11 at 2-4 pm. Ages 12-18 at 5-7 pm. Drop in to play board, card, and video games together.
Cardboard Engineering: Marble Maze (4 pm) at Cognition Davie. Grades 3-6. Design and build a marble maze to take home! Register here. ($6)
Tinker Tuesday (4-5:30pm) at Clemmons Library. Play legos, robots, and other construction toys. Ages 4+, younger siblings welcome with supervision.
Childrens’ Board Game Club (3-4 pm) at Carver Library. Ages 6-12. Come choose a board game to play with friends or bring your own!
November 8
Celebration Wednesdays at Clemmons Library. Take an interactive quiz about the Macy’s Day Parade and create balloon floats.
Chess Club for Tweens & Teens (4-5 pm) at Lewisville Library. Learn to play or engage in a friendly competition. Ages 12-18.
STEAM for Tweens & Teens (4:30-5:30) at Lewisville Library. Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Registration required. Call 336-703-2940.
November 9
Paper Maché Crafts (4-5:30pm) at Old Town Neighborhood Center. Ages 6-12. Make a Turkey! To register call (336) 922-3561 or email michaelke@cityofws.org
Talking Sticks: Native American Heritage Program (5-6 pm) at Central Library for ages 9-18. Learn about talking sticks and make your own.
November 11
2nd Saturday at SECCA (10am-1pm drop in): Free, family-oriented art even for all ages and skills. Donations welcome.
National STEAM Day(10 am-2 pm) at Kaleideum. Explore activities throughout the museum with students from Wake Forest. Included with admission.
Parents & Toddlers: Rock ‘n Roll (10-11am) at Piedmont Environmental Center. Explore trails and search for rocks and learn concepts about their composition. Make a pet rock to take home! Register here.
November 13
Turkey Search and Findat Lewisville Library. Can you find all the turkeys hidden in the children’s room at the library? Find them all and win a prize!
November 14
Storytime in the Garden (10-11 am) at Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden. Stories, songs, and activities for ages 6 and under.
Teen Craft Club (3-4 pm) at Carver Library. Make shrinkydink keychains and meet other crafters!
November 15
Builders Club (3-4:30 pm) at Lewisville Library. Come build using K-nex, legos, and more! Ages 6-12. Registration required, call: 336-703-2940.
Pokemon Wednesday (4-5pm) at Clemmons Library. Learn how to play pokemon card game, as well as, color, trade cards, craft, and make new friends. Anyone who wants to play is welcome!
November 16
Mrs. Cottontail and Friends(11 am) at Kaleideum North. Read a story, do yoga, and bring a fluffy friend. Included with admission.
Krafty Kids(3 pm) at South Fork Community Center. Join for crafts. For ages 3-8. Call 336-659-4305 for more info.
November 17
Reynolda Read Aloud (10am) at Reynolda House-Jordan Courtyard. Free. For emerging readers, join for stories, songs, and fingerplays. Register here.
Parents’ Night Out (5:30-8:30pm) at Miller Park Community Center. $10
November 18
Lowes Kids Workshop(10am-1pm drop in). Make a turkey photo holder. Sign up here.
Reynolda Read Aloud (10am) at Reynolda House-Jordan Courtyard. Free. For emerging readers, join for stories, songs, and fingerplays. Register here.
Reynolda Village Holiday Stroll(3-6 pm). Enjoy carolers, free carriage rides, an appearance by Santa and beautiful decorations throughout the Village.
Parents’ Night Out: Slime Time (5:30-8:30 pm) at Kaleideum North. Kids will make and explore different types of slime. Pizza and snacks included. $25.
November 20
Kindermusik Playdate with Carol Penney (10:30-11:30 am) at Paul J Ciener Botanical Gardens. Join for singing, dancing, instruments, and more. Ages 5 and under. Register here. (FREE)
November 21
Lego Lab (3-4 pm) at Carver Library. Ages 6-12. Join for an hour of Lego engineering.
Family Lego Night (6 pm) at North Davidson Library. All ages. All attendees must participate.
November 28
Village of Clemmons Tree Lighting (5:30 pm) at Village of Clemmons. Join for DJ, train rides, hot chocolate, performances, snow and more! Lighting is at 6:30 pm.
Chess Club (4-5:30pm) at Clemmons Library. All levels of chess players welcome. Ages 5-teen.
STEAM Club (3-4 pm) at Carver Library. Ages 8-12. Create and explore using science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
November 29
Chess Club for Tweens & Teens (4-5 pm) at Lewisville Library. Learn to play or engage in a friendly competition. Ages 12-18.
November 30
Spectacular Blooms with Santa (5:30-8:00 pm) at Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden. Look at spectacular blooms, drink hot chocolate, and visit with Santa and receive digital pictures. ( $30/family)
Distractions Art StudioYoung NaturalistsSECCA: 2nd Saturdays
Featuring a sophisticated vibe, Eastern Standard is a great option for a smaller book club (think 4-6 people). There are several seating areas available, and you won’t have to fight for space if you’re meeting on a weekday evening. Grab a glass of wine or cocktail and a small charcuterie plate for the perfect accompaniment to good discussion.
Claim one of the long tables inside the cozy West Salem Public House or – when the weather is nice – a picnic table and adirondack chairs outside. They have a well-curated list of beer and wine for the evening or coffee for your daytime book club (plus plenty of nonalcoholic beverage options at all times). Hosting book club at West Salem Public House is just easy for any size group any time of the week.
There’s a perfect little seating area with cozy couches tucked inside Theodore’s, and if you’re lucky enough to snag it, it’s ideal for book clubs. The whimsical, vintage decor is reminiscent of southern Europe and feels snug. Because Theodore’s offers a full bar along with a lunch-y menu, it is a great choice for the midday or afternoon get-togethers.
While it can get loud later in the evenings, Vintage Sofa Bar is a fun option for a smaller book club post-work, pre-dinner. There are several seating nooks, and the drinks are top-notch. When the weather is cool, Vintage Sofa Bar has fire pits with plenty of chairs to pull around.
If you’re looking for a coffee-shop vibe but with a private area, Bitty & Beau’s offers a free community room you can reserve within their space. Make sure to book in advance so you get the times you want!
This coffee and cocktail combo spot has two major things working to its advantage: 1.) Footnote literally shares a wall with a bookstore, and 2.) Footnote has so much space. Since they do put on lots of events here, be sure to check their calendar, but otherwise you are guaranteed plenty of space to spread out.
1.) West End Cafe: One of the best meals you can have in Winston in general, we love their burgers, salads, grinders, and black bean burritos. They get bonus points from us for giving kids coloring pages and crackers while they wait, and the koi pond in front is always entertaining if you have to wait for a table.
2.) The Loop: Order pizza, burgers, salads, and shakes at the counter, then find your spot and wait for a speedy delivery. The staff is incredibly kind, and the food is appealing for both kids and adults.
3.) The Porch: Super kid-friendly with space for kids to run around outside and books to read inside. The Porch is always a hit with their great Tex-Mex, kid menu, and margaritas.
4.) Mellow Mushroom: This chain pizza restaurant never disappoints, and the location downtown adds to its broader appeal.
5.) Camel City BBQ: This downtown BBQ joint has lots of arcade games for playing and a nice outdoor area for the more squirmy ones.
6.) Mojito’s: Serving up delicious Cuban food, Mojito’s also has a big covered outdoor space where kids can run around while waiting on their meal.
7.) Cugino Forno: The ultimate kid spot, scooters and bikes have the run of the Coal Pit on nice days. You can make a whole night out of it, with pizza from Cugino, beer from neighboring Incendiary, and gelato from Cugino or Black Mountain Chocolate at the other end of the Coal Pit.
8.) TheOlive Tree: This no-frills establishment serves such a wide variety, from burritos to burgers and classic Greek dishes, it’s sure to appease even the pickiest eater.
9.) Midtown Cafe: For a fun breakfast out, try Midtown Cafe. They provide coloring sheets and sweet options for the littles, like “bears in the snow” pancakes with powdered sugar.
10.) Acadia Foods: Serving up biscuits, brunch, and sandwiches with several vegetarian & vegan options, Acadia is casual enough to invite kids yet the food is outstanding.
(1) Accent Prone: Absolutely anything from Accent Prone! From home decor to jewelry and clothing, they�ve got something for everyone on your list. Pictured: Accent Prone�s signature candle and diffuser collection offers three refreshing fragrances and each candle is crafted with vegan soy wax and essential oils.�
(2) The Board Room / Ski & Tennis Station: Locally owned since 1977, The Board Room provides all your needs for ski, snowboarding, tennis, wakeboarding and more! Looking for a gift for someone adventurous in your life? A Onewheel is the perfect option! Designed and assembled in the USA, it�s more than a board.�
(3) Wilkerson Bakery: With 100 Years of Family Baking under their Santa belt, the Wilkerson’s offer unforgettable gifts that are rich in NC tradition. From the “Thinnest of All” Moravian Cookies and the original “Famous” Sugar Cake – every flavor tells a story. Shop local at their holiday shop located at 50 Miller Street (next to Mayberry’s).
(4) Young Cardinal Cafe & Co: Brunch anyone? Give the gift of brunch with a gift card to Young Cardinal Cafe & Co! Located in downtown Winston-Salem, this is my go-to brunch spot and is a gift they are sure to appreciate.�� � ��
(5) Lewisville Laser & Aesthetics: From botox and fillers to facials and skincare products, a Lewisville Laser gift card is something anyone would be thrilled to receive! They have an experienced team that I�ve entrusted with my skin for years! Consultations are always complimentary.�
(1) J.Lowery Bag from Hive. This is the bag every woman needs. When I first got mine, I wasn�t sure how often I�d use it, but now I carry it daily. The gold chain can be removed or tucked into the bag for a handbag look, or worn cross body for a night out. It�s stunning and unique. They carry a few different colorways and sizes, but my favorite is the Max Mini Bucket bag.
(2) A gift card or sweet treat from Bobby Boy Bakeshop. Bobby Boy is my favorite place to buy fresh bread, and my son and I go through 2-3 loaves of their bread per week! They also make the best cappuccino in town. Grab a box of treats or a loaf of bread for holiday parties as a thank you to any hosts!
(3) Professional trash can cleaning by Simply Clean Cans. I�ve been hoping a service like this would come to Winston Salem for YEARS. Dean, the owner, comes to your house quarterly and pressure washes your nasty trash bins. (You won�t meet a nicer guy.) This is an ideal gift for parents, dog owners or anyone who hates filthy bins!�
(4) Mignonne Gavigan Earrings from Rebecca & Co. �I have a pair and they�re my favorite earrings for dressy occasions. They�re STUNNING in person. This is a perfect gift for someone who loves dressing up for dinner and seems to always have a cocktail party on her calendar.�
(5) A candle from Fiddle & Fig Market. These soy wax, clean burning candles smell delightful � I�m partial to the Fresh Brew scent. This is a great gift for neighbors or teachers. All of their holiday decor is beautiful and affordable if you want to pair it with a little ornament.�
(6)Miri’s Sweets & Bakery – she is known for her tres leches cakes for special events (her decorating skills are unmatched) and she also will make cookies for you to gift to neighbors. She has worked SO hard to start her own business and I so admire her commitment to her craft.
(7) Plan a trip or give the gift of a future trip with @thelexlist. You�ll love Alexis as much as you love your trip! This makes a great last minute gift as a gift card so you and your loved ones can go through the planning process together (but with all the stress and research taken care of by Alexis!). Use this form to reach out to her or email her at alexis@tripsandships.com.
(8) Facial from Glo Skincare Studio. Perfect for a stressed mom or a grandmother who deserves pampering. Warning: once they have a facial from Glo Skincare Studio, all other facials will be ruined. Their facials are simply the best! (Tip: Treat yourself DURING the holiday season � before 12/24 � and you�ll get 10% off a signature facial when you tell your esthetician that TeriLyn sent you!)�
(9) A gift card from BodyMind Studio – the Pilates classes require 4 private sessions before you can do group classes, but anyone can take a megaformer class so a gift card is a great way to help someone get started with either class type.
(10) For new or expecting moms, give the gift of a doula. Margo Shelton, who owns Born with Margo, is incredibly kind and so knowledgeable. She can help during the pregnancy stage, postpartum for an extra set of hands, and for overnight help so mom and dad can get a little rest.
TeriLyn Adams, a native of Salt Lake City, UT moved to Winston-Salem in 2008. She runs her own media company full-time, where she blogs at A Foodie Stays Fit�and runs two Instagram accounts�@terilynadams�and�@therookierunner. She is also a co-founder of�How She Grew, an organization designed to help female entrepreneurs increase their revenue online. She is the founder of Best of Winston and ran it before transitioning it to the current team a few years ago. She started Best of Winston after a brief stint living in Charlotte and discovered a new appreciation for Winston-Salem after moving back and wanted to highlight why it�s truly the best city in NC.�
Prior to running her own business, she worked in financial services for 15 years, first as an analyst at Goldman Sachs, then at BB&T and Wells Fargo, managing national social media campaigns and video production. She lives in Buena Vista with her husband, Tommy, and two year old son, Thomas.
(1) Brasstown Chocolate: I fell in love with Brasstown Chocolate years before becoming a chocolatier. They are a bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate company here in Winston. They source cocoa beans from different regions and roast them to coax out the best flavors. My favorite is the Ecuadorian Esmeraldas which has complex flavors, including fruit and vanilla but still has the classic chocolate flavor that everyone will enjoy.
(2) Wood & Thread Boutique: Wood & Thread is known for women�s clothing but also has mugs, candles, and home decor. It�s easy to find something within your budget. These gold-tone necklaces with initials are simple and fun. They even have a selection of cards for last-minute gift-givers like me. Fun fact, I took a photo of the shop for Google maps that has over 70k views.
(3) La Luz & Co: La Luz & Co. is a treat-yourself kind of place! The caf� side features a plant-based menu where I�ll buy a tea and pick out a tasty pastry (gluten-free for me). Then I�ll browse their selection of �mindful� gifts. They stock ethically sourced items from all over the world. These crystals are not only good to look at, but they all also have different spiritual qualities.
(4) Sawtooth Shop and Gallery: Located inside the Sawtooth School for Visual Art, this shop is stocked with handmade items from the artisans who teach there. They have everything from pottery, jewelry, furniture, and woodworking at every price point. Richard Vanstrum makes these hand-turned wine stoppers from exotic hardwoods like African blackwood, camel thorn, and mopani.
(5) Imagine Flowers & Gifts: You can give flowers for any occasion, so it�s a gifting no-brainer. Cut flowers are always the prettiest to receive, but gifting a plant means the recipient will remember you for a long time. Imagine Flowers has a variety of smaller gift items as well. Stopping in the shop is always a treat.
Joey Burdette, a native of Charleston, WV, has lived all over North Carolina but immediately felt at home after relocating to Winston-Salem in 2012. Joey has established himself as a serial entrepreneur in the downtown scene over the years. You may recognize him from Twin City Hive, a coffee shop he founded. Or you may have seen him in Our State Magazine, where he won the �Made In NC Award� for his bourbon honey chocolate truffle 2019. Joey is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Winston-Salem Symphony. Joey earned his Bachelor of Science Communications degree from West Virginia State University. He is pursuing his Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Joey is slowly renovating a 93-year-old home in Ardmore in his spare time, which he shares with his poodle Helen.
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