Guided Media Excursions

Go beyond the training grounds, June 16–18. Join us for three curated afternoons designed to show you the best of Winston-Salem’s history, culture, and landscape.

We know your primary focus is on covering the German team practices, but we invite you to be our guest for a few hours to experience the "Twin City" firsthand. These tours are designed to be relaxed, insightful, and—most importantly—built around your schedule.

The Essentials (What to Know)

Cost: Free for accredited media. We provide all admission and food.
Schedule: Tours run June 16-18 (Mon–Wed), approximately 2–7:15 p.m.
Transportation: A shuttle is provided, departing from the WFU Media Center
Limited Space: Each trip is capped at 20 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
No Strings Attached: These tours are for your enjoyment and background. While we're sure you'll find plenty of inspiration, there's no requirement to provide coverage.

Excursion 1 – Tuesday, June 16

Local Culture & Creativity

Highlights – Hands-on art creation, tour of Downtown Arts District, Contemporary Southern dining, optional pro baseball game.

Explore the intersection of Winston-Salem’s storied industrial past and its vibrant creative present. We begin at the Sawtooth School, a vibrant hub of art studios and classrooms, located in the original factory of iconic American brand Hanes. After a hands-on-arts activity at Sawtooth, we’ll stroll through the Downtown Arts District, the city’s creative heartbeat, defined by a mix of independent shops, working artist studios, and colorful murals.

We’ll then make the short walk to Earl’s Restaurant for a “New-School South” dinner. Afterwards you’ll have the option of taking in a classic American pastime as we take in a Winston-Salem Dash baseball game—an affiliate of MLB’s Chicago White Sox.

Tentative Itinerary

2:00 p.m. – Shuttle will depart from WFU Media Center
2:15 p.m. – Hands-on workshop at Sawtooth School for Visual Art
3:30 p.m. – Guided walking tour of the Downtown Arts District
5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Earl’s Restaurant & Whiskey Bar
*7:00 p.m. – Winston-Salem Dash baseball game at Truist Stadium (*optional)

Excursion 2 – Wednesday, June 17

Deep Roots & German Connection

Highlights – Private tours of Bethabara and Old Salem, hearth-cooking demonstration, Innovation Quarter tour, wood-fired pizza and brewery visit.

Discover how a city built on Central European craftsmanship has evolved into a global hub for innovation. We’ll start at the very beginning by visiting sites settled by the German-speaking Moravians, including Old Salem Museums & Gardens. This 1766 living history enclave features dozens of original buildings, landmark history, and costumed interpreters reflecting a culture of precision and artistry—including the nation’s oldest-operating bakery.

The story then shifts to the present as we visit downtown’s Innovation Quarter (IQ), where former tobacco factories have been transformed into one of the nation’s fastest-growing research parks. We’ll conclude with a relaxed evening of local craft beer and wood-fired pizza in the “Coal Pit,” the social heart of the district where the city’s industrial past and high-tech future blend seamlessly.

Tentative Itinerary

2:00 p.m. – Shuttle will depart from WFU Media Center
2:15 p.m. – Guided tour of Historic Bethabara Park
3:30 p.m. – Guided tour of Old Salem Museums & Gardens
5:30 p.m. – Walk-through tour of downtown’s Innovation Quarter
6:00 p.m. – Dinner at Cugino Forno Pizzeria, with local craft beer
7:15 p.m. – Shuttle will return to WFU Media Center. (End)

Excursion 3 – Thursday, June 18

Scenic Views & Vineyards

Highlights – eBike Tour, Pilot Mountain hike, dinner and tasting at JOLO Winery.

Trade the city skyline for the stunning vistas of the North Carolina Foothills. We begin with a breezy e-Bike tour along the city’s scenic greenway system, leading to the Quarry Park overlook, where massive granite cliffs and hypnotic-blue water create a spectacular view. The adventure continues just north of the city at Pilot Mountain, one of the South’s most recognizable natural landmarks. We’ll take a short, memorable hike around its iconic peak and enjoy 360-degree views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

The afternoon then shifts pace, trading the trails for the rolling vineyards of the Yadkin Valley—the Carolina’s most famous wine region. We’ll settle in at JOLO Winery for a tasting and sunset dinner overlooking the vineyards. It is a setting that feels surprisingly reminiscent of the European countryside yet remains distinctly Southern in charm.

Tentative Itinerary

2:00 p.m. – Shuttle will depart from WFU Media Center
2:30 p.m. – Guided eBike tour of local greenways and Quarry Park
4:00 p.m. – Visit and short hike at Pilot Mountain State Park
5:30 p.m. – Vineyard tour and wine dinner at JOLO Winery & Vineyards
7:30 p.m. – Shuttle will return to Media Center. (End)