Winston-Salem Wanderlust: 5 Days on a Budget

Experience Southern charm without breaking the bank in Winston-Salem.

21 June 2023

Winston-Salem is a charming destination in North Carolina that offers a variety of affordable activities for budget-conscious travelers. From exploring historic sites like Old Salem and Reynolda House Museum of American Art to hiking in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, there's no shortage of things to do. For budget-friendly accommodations, consider booking a stay at a local hostel or budget hotel, and don't forget to indulge in some classic Southern cuisine at local restaurants like Sweet Potatoes and Mozelle's.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Winston-Salem Welcome

  • Check into the Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center, a cozy hotel that won't break the bank
  • Head to Old Salem Museums & Gardens for a glimpse into colonial life
  • Visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, housed in a historic mansion
  • Grab a bite at Krankies Coffee, a local favorite coffee shop with great food too
  • Take a stroll through the Arts District and stop by the quirky galleries and shops
Day 2

Nature Day

  • Wake up early and go for a hike at Pilot Mountain State Park, just a short drive away
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch with scenic views at the park
  • Drive back to Winston-Salem and visit the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Dewey's Bakery for their famous Moravian Cookies
  • End the night with a brewery tour at Foothills Brewing
Day 3

History and Culture

  • Start the day with breakfast at Mary's Gourmet Diner, a funky diner with delicious food
  • Visit the African American Archive and Museum to learn more about the local history
  • Check out the Winston Cup Museum for a look at NASCAR history
  • Head back to Old Salem to explore the gardens and historic buildings
  • Dine at Sweet Potatoes, a Southern-style restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine
Day 4

Artistic Explorations

  • Start the day with a cup of coffee from Camino Bakery and explore the galleries and shops in the downtown Arts District
  • Visit the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
  • Take a pottery class at The Olio, a cute studio in the West End neighborhood
  • Grab lunch at Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro, known for their elevated Southern cuisine
  • Head to the Winston-Salem Symphony concert in the evening
Day 5

Relax and Refresh

  • Have brunch at the West End Cafe, a cozy spot with delicious breakfast options
  • Take a yoga class at Village Yoga, a beloved local studio
  • Visit the Reynolda Gardens for a peaceful stroll through the gardens
  • Treat yourself to a spa treatment at the historic Graylyn Estate
  • End your Winston-Salem trip with dinner at Willow's Bistro, known for their creative farm-to-table cuisine.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Winston-Salem by air is to fly into Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) located approximately 30 minutes outside of the city. Major airlines such as American, Delta, and United fly into GSO from various destinations across the United States.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Winston-Salem. If you're coming from the north or south, simply take Interstate 77 to Interstate 40 West. If you're coming from the east or west, take Interstate 40 to Winston-Salem. Parking can be found in various locations throughout the city, including parking garages and street parking.

Train

While there is no direct train service to Winston-Salem, you can take Amtrak to the nearby city of Greensboro, located approximately 30 minutes away. From Greensboro, you can then take a Greyhound bus or rent a car to complete your journey to Winston-Salem.

Boat

There is no direct water transportation to Winston-Salem as it is not located on a major body of water. However, if you have a boat, you can potentially access the city via the Yadkin River or nearby lakes such as High Rock Lake or Belews Lake, which are all within driving distance of Winston-Salem.

Bus

Greyhound offers bus service to Winston-Salem from various locations across the United States, including nearby cities such as Greensboro and Charlotte. The Greyhound bus station is located in downtown Winston-Salem, making it a convenient option for those staying in the city center.

Destination

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, the city that sounds like the lovechild of a British prime minister and a tobacco plant. But don't let the name fool you, there's more to this place than just smoke and politics.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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