Visual Index 

This woman-owned shop carries handcrafted items from makers all around the United States in mediums ranging from prints to pottery, jewelry, and more. Inventory rotates often as they try to highlight a variety of makers. 

Insider tip: If you think art is “unaffordable,” think again. At Visual Index, they are trying to shift the narrative and carry pieces in a wide price range from $4 - $1,500. So even if you don’t have a lot to spend, you can still support independent artists here. 

Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery 

Since 1963, Piedmont Craftsmen has promoted the value of fine crafts, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at their gallery on the corner of Trade and Sixth Streets. This is the place to go for intricate blown-glass pieces, distinctive jewelry, handmade pottery, wooden bowls, and so much more. 

Insider tip: Shop their gallery all year or attend their annual Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair at the Benton Convention Center each November. 

North Trade Street Arts Center 

Made up of 10 distinct spaces that feature rotating exhibits of local performing and visual artists, this is also home to the Downtown Arts District Association headquarters. The artists who are exhibiting here are from Winston-Salem, Lewisville, and the surrounding area. Insider tip: Over the last few years, they have consistently placed in the top spots for the Triad’s Best Art Gallery in Yes! Weekly’s Readers' Choice Awards. 

D.O.S.E Artist Collective 

While D.O.S.E. offers a collaborative space for artists to come together and create, they also have a storefront with rotating exhibit space along with hands-on experiences to attend. Artists from underrepresented communities, including people of color and the LGBTQIA+ are highlighted here. 

Insider tip: Check their calendar for events and hands-on experiences if you are a budding artist or long-time creative. 

Artworks Gallery 

As one of the oldest galleries in the Downtown Arts District, a visit to Artworks is a must for any serious fine art collector. It’s an artist-run cooperative space that features rotating exhibits from local artists in a variety of mediums. 

Insider tip: In their front gallery and shop, they offer smaller items like paper goods, prints, and jewelry that are easily giftable. Don’t miss their historic Art-O-Mat vending machines, where you can get original art the size of a cigarette pack. 

Red Dog Gallery by AFAS 

Art for Art’s Sake, or AFAS for short, is a nonprofit with a mission to “build, educate, and celebrate community through art." At Red Dog Gallery, you’ll find an incredible variety of artistic styles and mediums from paintings to pottery to sculpture. There is another Art-O-Mat machine here. 

Insider tip: The gallery is located right beside Artivity on the Green, so make sure to walk through and admire the public art, especially the mural wall. 

Delurk Gallery 

Another artist-run gallery, Delurk features work by guest artists as well as Delurk Collective members. Delurk features contemporary work by established and emerging artists that can be described as fresh, alternative, bold, and avant garde. There’s always something new to discover as shows rotate through each month. 

Insider tip: Delurk is home to the first Art-o-mat vending machine created by Clark Whittington. These are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art and can be found at various locations around the city. 

Majestic Pour 

Here you’ll find fluid artwork made using acrylic paints and resin pouring techniques by established local artist, Bryan Webster. In addition to beautiful artwork, they have a large selection of crystals and Chakra Khan sprays. 

Insider tip: Majestic Pour offers custom-made pieces to fit your space and the style you have in mind.

Fancy Groceries 

Fancy Groceries is more than just a fine clothing store for men. They also offer clothing alterations and repairs, personal styling, and personal shopping services, plus you can sip on high-quality coffee from their coffee bar while you browse. All their clothing is made from organic and natural fibers and built to last. 

Insider tip: They offer 2-hour complimentary parking at the Sixth-Cherry Trade Parking Deck. Just ask for parking validation when you come in. 

CasaShanti 

For all things metaphysical, spiritual, and magic, head to CasaShanti. There are all kinds of treasures to find here, from crystals and tarot cards to candles and herbs. 

Insider tip: They host a variety of events like tarot readings and astrology talks almost daily, so check their Facebook page for their event schedule. 

Low Five Analog Archive 

Part film lab, part bookstore, and part record shop, this spot celebrates art in analog form. Browse a carefully curated selection of books, records, and vintage cameras. They also offer archival and restoration services. 

Insider tip: Have old records, tapes, books, or film cameras collecting dust? Low Five Analog Archive also purchases these items. 

Major Tomms 

This woman-owned vintage and curiosities shop is one of the most unique stops in the Downtown Arts District. Inside, you’ll find everything from retro clothing and accessories to taxidermy and animal specimens, all obtained cruelty-free. 

Insider tip: Major Tomms is not for the faint of heart. With a large taxidermy lion at the center of the shop, skeleton dolls, and vintage oddities that are from all over it may give you the creeps, but in a good way? 

Mast General Store 

Step into the Mast General Store for a bit of nostalgia, where shopping feels like it did in simpler times. Browse clothing, kitchen staples like cast iron and dishware, outdoor gear, and plenty more, all under one roof. And don’t leave without visiting their candy section, stocked with more than 500 varieties of old-fashioned sweets. 

Insider tip: Each Mast General Store carries a few local goods, so be on the lookout for Old Mill of Guilford products made in nearby Oak Ridge, along with Sunshine Beverages from right here in Winston-Salem. 

Body & Soul 

Body & Soul combines four shopping experiences into one and is a Black & woman-owned business. Browse works by African American and local authors in the Book Room, along with shea butter and aromatherapy products in the Skincare Area. In the Gallery, you can admire art, décor, and gifts that are either imported from or inspired by the African continent. Finally, enhance your wardrobe with clothing, jewelry, accessories, and bags sourced from all over the world. 

Insider tip: In 2018, Body & Soul was named Winston-Salem’s Business of the Year. 

Kin & Cottage 

Created as a celebration of the southern places that owner Megan Thompson Aston has called home, at Kin & Cottage, you’ll find fragrances like Southern Gothic, Spanish Moss, and Appalachia. These fragrances come in the form of candles, incense, wax melts, and car oil diffusers. They also have a body line, and you can find a variety of accessories in their store. 

Insider tip: 10% of profits are donated to progressive southern organizations every month.

Still Grimey 

For a vintage style that leans more toward old college sweatshirts, band t-shirts, NASCAR memorabilia, and old-school denim, Still Grimey is the place. Their racks are arranged by color and the store offers a laid-back vibe. 

Insider tip: Still Grimey also hosts Vntg Shw at Wise Man Brewing every month, where they bring in 25 vintage vendors. Follow their Instagram page for dates and times. 

Happy Hour Vintage 

For bold colors and funky finds, make a beeline for Happy Hour Vintage. Beyond retro fashion, you’ll also find shelves lined with vintage cameras, typewriters, VHS tapes, and used books. 

Insider tip: If you’re lucky, you may be able to meet the shop pup while you’re here. 

Off the Rack 

Another colorful stop for vintage lovers, Off the Rack focuses on fashion from the ’80s, ’90s, and Y2K eras. This is the perfect shop for anyone who loves tie dye, Camel City gear, and bold ‘90’s prints. 

Insider tip: They have one of the best selections of retro shoes around.