Head Off the Beaten Path in Winston-Salem and Discover Hidden-Gems
You’ve done the obvious; explore these lesser-known local favorites.
You’ve strolled through Old Salem Museums & Gardens, spent an afternoon at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, maybe caught a performing arts show downtown, and made your dinner rounds at your favorite spots. But if you’ve found yourself coming back to Winston-Salem again and again, you know this city has layers.
It’s time to venture beyond your usual stops and try something unexpected. Think a ghost story after dark, a wine tasting in the countryside, or rolling through town on something more exciting than your own two feet. If you’re a frequent visitor ready to see a different side of the area, these hidden gems will show you there’s still plenty left to uncover.
Carolina History & Haunts Tour
On the Carolina History & Haunts Tour, you’ll walk through the historic West End neighborhood as guides share stories of past residents and their unfortunate endings. Learn about local superstitions and customs that shaped the area’s early days while meandering through the dark streets by candlelight. Even locals are surprised by what they discover on these tours.
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
Foodies will love the Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tour, named a “Must-Try Food Tour in North America” by USA Today. Over three hours, you’ll sample a variety of dishes while learning about Winston-Salem’s history and culinary scene. Stops include award-winning favorites and tucked-away gems, all locally owned—places like Mozelle’s, Heff’s, and Betty on Burke.
Medaloni Cellars
You may know big-name Yadkin Valley wineries like JOLO Winery & Vineyards, Shelton Vineyards, and Childress Vineyards, but Medaloni Cellars is an underrated spot just 15 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem. The Lewisville winery offers quality reds and whites, a spacious patio, and an additional outdoor area that opens in warmer months.
Tip: It’s just two minutes from Incendiary Brewing’s satellite location, making it easy to pair wine and beer in one afternoon.
Horseback Riding & Softgolf at Tanglewood Park
Tanglewood Park is the largest park in Forsyth County, but beyond the walking trails and golf courses, there are a few activities that frequent visitors often overlook. One is horseback riding. You can take a 45-minute guided trail ride through the park, whether you’re experienced or trying it for the first time. Another unexpected activity is softgolf, similar to traditional golf but with oversized clubs, larger balls, and a shorter course. The equipment even glows, so you can play after dark. It’s a great option for families or groups looking for something different, and the course will reopen in April for the season. For more information, check out our Best of Tanglewood Guide.
Segway Tour with Triad ECO Adventures
Zoom around town on a Segway with Triad ECO Adventures, no experience required. Each tour starts with one-on-one training indoors before you head to the Greenway to get comfortable. Their popular Segs’N’City Tour rolls past former tobacco and textile plants, the old Bailey Power Plant, and the Millennium Center, with guides sharing the key events and industries that shaped Winston-Salem. Tours last up to two hours.
Historic Bethabara Park
Often overlooked for its larger neighbor, Old Salem, Historic Bethabara Park was the first Moravian settlement in the Piedmont and one of the earliest European settlements in the region. Along with centuries-old buildings, you’ll find 10 miles of trails, a reconstructed French and Indian War palisade, and 183 acres of wildlife preserve. Don’t miss the 1788 Gemeinhaus, the oldest standing church with an attached residence in the United States.
Hook & Ladder Party Pumper
Admire some of the most recognizable views in the city from the back of an open-air fire truck. Hook & Ladder’s Party Pumper tour lasts two hours and transports your group to local bars, breweries, or other downtown stops. You can stream your own Spotify playlist through the speakers, enjoy built-in lighting, and take advantage of coolers and cups provided for BYOB.
Trolley Pub
Another BYOB option, Trolley Pub offers a party bike experience through downtown. Enjoy your own drinks as you pedal around town with motor assist to help on the hills. The trolley is outfitted with lights and a Bluetooth sound system and typically makes two to three stops at popular bars and breweries. Book a private ride or grab individual tickets on a Mixer Tour that follows a popular downtown route.
Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station
Tucked along Sprague Street sits one of the most unusual roadside landmarks in the state. The Shell Oil Clamshell Station is the last remaining example of its kind in North Carolina, built in the 1930s to resemble a giant shell. It’s worth a quick stop for history buffs, anyone who appreciates offbeat architecture, or if you’re looking for that Insta-worthy photo.
Körners Folly
Just 15 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, Körners Folly is one of the most unique homes you can tour in the country. Built by Julius Körner as a living catalog for his interior and furniture design company, every room features different architectural details. The self-guided tour takes about an hour and shares the family’s story and community ties. Afterward, walk next door to the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden and explore more of downtown Kernersville.
Kernersville Auto Museum
Featuring more than 100 years of automotive history, the Kernersville Auto Museum is a hidden find for car enthusiasts. The collection includes vintage, classic, and exotic vehicles, many on loan from private collectors or donated to the museum. They are always adding to their collection, so you may see something different each visit.