Winston-Salem: Fall Colors, Historic Gems & Things to Do for an Charming Adventure
Discover Winston-Salem’s best boutique hotels, Southern dining, and vibrant fall attractions. From Old Salem’s history to Pilot Mountain leaf-peeping, plan your perfect autumn getaway with our complete guide.
TRAVELNORTH AMERICASOUTHERN U.S.
8/26/202512 min read
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Winston-Salem, nestled in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, is where historic Moravian streets meet autumn’s golden glow. Known as the “City of Arts and Innovation,” this destination blends 18th-century history, a thriving arts scene, and nearby mountains that turn brilliant each fall. With cozy inns, elegant estates, and easy day trips for hiking or wine tasting, Winston-Salem offers the perfect balance of culture and seasonal color.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a leaf-peeping road trip, or a cultural city escape, Winston-Salem has the hotels, restaurants, and attractions to make your fall getaway unforgettable.
At A Glance:
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Cash + Cards: Cards widely accepted; cash helpful at markets
Transportation: Walkable downtown; car needed for mountain day trips
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June–August): Warm days, arts festivals, lively downtown.
Fall (September–October): Peak foliage, crisp air, colorful drives.
Spring (March–May): Blooming dogwoods and garden strolls.
Winter (November–February): Christmas-themed olde shoppes with occasional snow flurries.
How to Get There and Around:
Closest Airport: Piedmont Triad International (GSO), 25 minutes from downtown.
Car: Recommended for Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock, and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Walking: Ideal in Old Salem and the Downtown Arts District.
Public Transit: Local buses connect main districts, but limited for visitors.
Transfers: Pre-book private airport transfers with WelcomePickups for convenience.
Car Rentals: Compare rental options at GSO through DiscoverCars.
Fun Facts:
The locals dress in 18th-century costume which transports you back in time!
This town is the closest thing you can find that compares to a real-life movie set in the 1700s.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN WINSTON SALEM
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Winston Salem is a rare destination that blends history, elegance, and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a family retreat, or a full week of relaxation, this destination has something special for every traveler.
To make your trip effortless, we’ve created detailed digital itineraries designed to guide you through every moment. These premium guides include:
Day-by-day plans of at least a week-long stay, giving you many choices for just a weekend getaway!
Hotel, dining, and attraction recommendations with direct booking links.
Maps and insider tips to help you wander, eat, and immerse yourself like a local
✨ Download your Itinerary and take the guesswork out of planning. They’re the perfect travel companion to make your trip seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
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From landmark towers to elegant estates, Winston-Salem offers a range of stays that feel especially inviting in fall. Whether you prefer history-rich inns or modern boutique hotels, these six properties combine comfort with character.
WHERE TO STAY
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Set inside the iconic R.J. Reynolds Art Deco building, The Cardinal blends historic grandeur with playful, design-forward rooms and polished service. Expect plush beds, luxe linens, and spacious bathrooms with signature Kimpton perks. A lively lobby lounge sets the tone for evenings, while the onsite rec room (with bowling and other games) keeps things fun. Step outside to find galleries, cafés, and autumn events just a few blocks away—perfect for a car-light weekend in the city.
Stay in the building that inspired the Empire State.
Credit: TripAdvisor
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A storybook manor wrapped in glowing foliage each autumn, Graylyn delivers fireplaces, refined common rooms, and gracious hospitality across stately rooms and cottages. Wander landscaped paths before dinner, then settle into intimate parlors for nightcaps and conversation. Rooms pair antique accents with modern comforts, and the estate’s calm, residential setting feels worlds away—yet minutes from town. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with quiet garden light and warm, attentive service.
A romantic, old-world retreat wrapped in fall color.
Credit: TripAdvisor
Once a 19th-century cotton mill, Brookstown reimagines industrial bones—exposed brick, beams, tall windows—into a warm boutique stay. Expect friendly staff, generous breakfasts, and thoughtful touches that make multi-night stays easy. Rooms lean cozy and characterful, with quilts and period details that echo the building’s history. Old Salem and downtown sights are close, so you can stroll to leaf-framed streets by day and return to a welcoming, homey base at night.
Industrial heritage with homespun charm.
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Housed in the historic Pepper Building, Indigo mixes retro architecture with clean, contemporary rooms and a modern lobby bar. You’re steps from Trade Street’s galleries, cafés, and murals—ideal for browsing before dinner and lingering over dessert. Rooms feel bright and uncluttered, with comfortable workspaces if you’re blending business and leisure. It’s a stylish, walk-everywhere address that keeps you plugged into the city’s creative pulse.
Boutique style in a walk-everywhere location.
Credit: TripAdvisor
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A reliable downtown base with sleek rooms, city views, and the convenience travelers love. The location makes dining and entertainment effortless, while amenities like a fitness center and efficient service keep things smooth for couples, families, and quick weekenders. Rooms are quiet and comfortable after full days of museums, markets, and scenic drives—exactly what you want for a no-fuss fall getaway.
Comfort and convenience in the city center.
Credit: TripAdvisor
This elegant historic B&B trades on porches, parlors, and personalized hospitality in a calm neighborhood near Old Salem. Each room is individually styled, with vintage details and thoughtful comforts that invite you to slow down. Mornings start with a satisfying breakfast; afternoons call for a book on the porch or a gentle walk among leaf-strewn streets. Intimate and unhurried, it’s perfect for travelers who savor atmosphere as much as location.
A refined inn experience with Southern grace.
Credit: TripAdvisor
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Old Salem is the soul of the city—an 18th-century Moravian village where costumed interpreters bake sugar cake, ring church bells, and demonstrate early trades. Cobblestone lanes, clapboard facades, and candlelit windows make even a simple stroll feel like stepping into another century.
Just up the road, Reynolda House & Gardens pairs museum-caliber art with leafy walking paths and a charming village of boutiques and cafés. It’s an easy place to while away a golden afternoon before dinner downtown amid murals, galleries, and a lively arts scene.
When you’re ready to chase color, day trips are effortless: hike to sweeping views at Pilot Mountain, find waterfalls and rocky overlooks at Hanging Rock, or linger over tastings in Yadkin Valley wine country. All are close enough to pair with a slow morning in Old Salem and a cozy, candlelit evening back in town.
Food & Dining, Unique Experiences, and Top Attractions
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Winston-Salem’s dining scene leans cozy and seasonal—think heirloom veggies, warm biscuits, and candlelit corners—set against a backdrop of galleries, breweries, and Moravian bakeries. From polished brasseries to neighborhood favorites pouring small-batch ales, you’ll find plates that feel both Southern and refreshingly modern.
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro:
Food & Dining
Credit: TripAdvisor
Winston-Salem is filled with history and natural beauty, making it easy to pair cultural sights with fall adventures. Centered around Old Salem Museums & Gardens, this walkable 18th-century Moravian town brings history to life with costumed interpreters, working trades, and candlelit streets. Stroll from bakery to blacksmith, step into period homes and workshops, and watch daily life unfold just as it did centuries ago. Its unique educational experience comes from the amazing town locals who portray what life was like at the beginning of settler's coming to this country. The vibe of the village is one of the most charming, peaceful, and friendly while set in the most beautiful fall colors!
Credit: TripAdvisor
We've collected our choices of FUN tours below to match your experience and help you make the most of your trip!
If you're looking for the local route, here's your list below
Click Below to See the Most Up-To-Date Activities:
Old Salem Museums & Gardens
The heart of the village experience—ticketed entry grants access to multiple historic buildings, gardens, and hands-on demonstrations by costumed interpreters.Winkler Bakery
Follow the aroma of fresh bread and Moravian sugar cake baked in a beehive oven; sample traditional treats and watch time-honored techniques in action.Salem Tavern Museum
Explore the 18th-century tavern that hosted notable travelers (including George Washington), and learn how food, lodging, and news shaped village life.Single Brothers’ House
Discover the trades and communal routines of unmarried craftsmen—from joinery and woodwork to the social rhythms of a Moravian brotherhood.
Credit: Unsplash
The Boys’ School
Step into an 18th-century classroom to see how faith, discipline, and practical skills framed education for Salem’s youth.Doctor’s House (Apothecary)
Period medical tools, remedies, and an herb garden reveal how physicians and apothecaries cared for the community with botanicals and early science.St. Philips Moravian Church & African American Heritage
A powerful site honoring Salem’s African American history—the state’s oldest standing African American church—featuring stories of faith, freedom, and community.Frank L. Horton Museum Center (MESDA)
Home to the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, showcasing furniture, textiles, and craftsmanship that illuminate everyday artistry across the early South.
To make the most of your trip, it’s helpful to know a few insider tips. Below you’ll find practical advice, a wrap-up of what makes this location special, and our custom itineraries to help you structure your getaway.
Safety, Conclusion, & Travel Itineraries
Safety & Travel Tips
Book hotels and park visits early for peak fall weekends.
Layer clothing—summit trails are cooler than in town.
Drive cautiously on curvy leaf-season roads; allow extra time.
Credit: Unsplash
Save it for later!
Winston-Salem in autumn blends cultural depth with natural beauty. One morning you’re browsing galleries and sipping coffee downtown; by afternoon, you’re hiking Pilot Mountain or sipping wine in Yadkin Valley.
It’s an especially rewarding destination for couples and friends—plenty of boutique hotels, cozy restaurants, and day-trip adventures without long drives.
If we were planning, we’d stay downtown for two nights, then spend a night at Graylyn or The Shaffner House for a manor-style experience before a Blue Ridge Parkway drive.
For travelers wanting a balance of history, foliage, and Southern hospitality, Winston-Salem delivers a getaway that feels both refreshing and timeless.
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