College Focus: Best Places to Take Your Parents

by Corey Tanner
Need ideas for what to do when your parents come to visit? Here's our list, approved by local college students, for the best places to take your parents when they're in town!

One of the best things about living in the best city in NC is sharing it with others. As college students, we know you want fun, family-friendly places to take your families and show off your city, so we’ve compiled this list of the best places to take your parents when they visit! Whether it’s Parents Weekend or your folks are just here for a quick stop-over, we guarantee these spots will help you have fun together.

For Outdoorsy Folks

Just a 30-minute drive from our city’s center takes you to quaint mountain towns! For a fresh-air getaway, take your family for a hike at Pilot Mountain or Hanging Rock, or (if you’re up for a bit of a further drive) to Stone Mountain State Park for a hike and waterfall views. Nothing beats fall in the Carolinas! For a full-day of activities, hit Jolo Vineyards or peruse downtown Pilot Mountain after your hike. 

For the Foodie Parents

Winston is home to so many great restaurants, and no matter what you’re craving, it’s got the perfect cuisine for anyone in your family. 

For a nicer, more formal vibe, try Mission Pizza, 1703, Rooster’s, the Katharine Brasserie, or Bernardin’s

For a more casual night out, visit Forsyth Seafood, the Porch Kitchen and Cantina, or Sweet Potatoes.

For vegan and vegetarian options, check out Dom’s, and for great ethnic options, try Nawab Indian Cuisine, Thai Sawatdee (Healy Drive if you’re eating there!), New Sichuan, or Mizu

More of an activity group? Try a fun lunch outing (or dinner to catch the sunset!) and pick up a to-go meal from Li’l Richards BBQ, the Carving Board, or Kermit’s Hot Dogs, and head to Quarry Park. Did we mention fall in the Carolinas is the best?

And for brunch, try Krankies, Young Cardinal Cafe, or Mama Zoe’s.

For the Wine Connoisseurs

Try Caviste, located on Reynolda Road adjacent to Bobby Boy bake shop – this quaint place is reminiscent of a quiet wine bar in Italy…

6th and Vine (we recommended splitting a bottle and enjoying their patio!), or even try a wine tour and visit surrounding areas’ vineyards: Divine Llama Vineyards, Jolo Vineyards, or Medaloni Cellars

For the Microbrew Lovers

You can’t beat a day in the coal pit with Cugino Forno and Incendiary Brewing! Grab some food and a brew and hang there for the day, or bounce to Winston-Salem’s other fabulous breweries like Wise Man, Fiddlin’ Fish, Hoots, or Radar Brewing

For the Sweet Tooth

Winston-Salem has no shortage of yummy bakeries, hit any or all for a sweet treat and coffee – great for travel before your folks leave town: Bobby Boy Bake Shop, Louie & Honey’s Kitchen, Camino Bakery, Dough Joe’s.

For a Fun-Filled Happy Hour

Enjoy a rooftop drink at Bar Piña, sit on the patio at Single Brothers, or head to Fair Witness and enjoy a nighttime skyline view of Bailey Park.

Other Get-to-Know-Winston-Salem Activities

We love the Winston-Salem segway tours which are both informative and fun (and are a unique way to see your city via an activity the whole family can enjoy!), walking through Old Salem or Reynolda Gardens, or strolling through downtown – there’s always something new to see! 

And… don’t forget to swing by your school’s bookstore for a school-themed souvenir, or visit Dewey’s Bakery Gift Shop or Camel City Goods for a Winston-Salem-themed memento. We know they will look forward to coming back if you take them to the best places to visit!

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