Winston-Salem Attractions to Add to Your Group Travel Itinerary
Don’t miss these top things to do for group-friendly fun!
Winston-Salem is a year-round motorcoach destination offering everything from exploring homes-turned-art museums along the Reynolda Mile coupled with retail therapy and excellent restaurants to hands-on living history at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. The experiences for group tours go far beyond that with appealing tour stops for art aficionados, history buffs, wine lovers, and foodies. It’s a must-visit for your group travel bucket list.
Discover the Architectural Splendor of Körner's Folly
A fascinating starting point for any group visit is a motorcoach excursion to Kernersville and the architectural gem of Körner's Folly. Constructed in 1880 by the visionary interior designer Jule Gilmer Körner, this 22-room Victorian mansion served as a living portfolio for his discerning clientele. Your group will traverse its three floors and seven levels, encountering breathtaking mosaics, distinctive fireplaces, meticulously carved woodwork, and the intriguing site of America's first in-home movie theater.
Savor Our Moravian Heritage One Cookie at a Time
Winston-Salem is known as the "Moravian Cookie Capital of the World" for good reason. A group trip to our city isn't complete without nibbling on a whisper-thin, perfectly spiced Moravian cookie from one of our iconic Moravian bakeries: Dewey’s Bakery, Mrs. Hanes Handmade Moravian Cookies, Wilkerson Moravian Bakery, and Winkler Bakery.
Experience an authentic taste of local heritage at Mrs. Hanes in Clemmons, just outside Winston-Salem. Here, watch the "Artists in Aprons" meticulously hand-roll, cut, and package over 110,000 pounds of cookies annually. Public tours offer an inside view of this family operation, where they bake six flavors. Don't miss the chance to sample these local delicacies, a favorite of Oprah Winfrey, and explore their gift shop.
Art and History Converge along the Reynolda Mile
Reynolda House Museum of American Art offers a captivating experience for groups, combining art, history, and nature. This stunning 1917 estate of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds houses a remarkable collection of American art by renowned artists spanning three centuries. Educational tours tailored to different age groups and interests are available to explore the estate's art and history in greater detail.
Next, wander Reynolda Gardens, which has 134 acres of formal gardens, a conservatory, and woodland trails open to the public year-round and free of charge. Cap off your tour of the Reynolds family’s estate with a shop and stroll through Reynolda Village, where the estate's former silo, post office, and schoolhouse now houses shops and restaurants.
A mile beyond Reynolda along the scenic Reynolda Mile, you’ll discover thought-provoking exhibits at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) Winston-Salem. The city’s industrial history and contemporary art converge at NCMA Winston-Salem, where you’ll discover dynamic exhibits before stepping into the preserved world of the James G. Hanes estate, featuring its English Hunt-style mansion and 32 acres of lakefront property.
Experience Moravian Roots at Bethabara
Dive deep into the rich, historic roots of Winston-Salem with a trip through Historic Bethabara Park, the birthplace of what is now known as the city of Winston-Salem. This significant site showcases the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina, dating back to 1753.
Your group can explore a reconstructed fort, a colonial village, and the oldest standing church with an attached residence in the United States. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the reconstructed Hortus Medicus, the nation's first medicinal garden, and the well-documented 1759 Community Garden. Bethabara's sprawling wildlife preserve and nature trails offer additional exploration, with costumed interpreters showcasing everything from historic trades to common Moravian traditions and celebrations.
Step Back in Time at Old Salem
Enrich your motorcoach tour with a stop at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Experience what life was like for the early Moravians who settled in this area in the 18th century and hear their captivating narratives. This living history museum brings the past to life with self-guided tours of meticulously preserved buildings, where costumed interpreters demonstrate historic trades, such as tin smithing and pottery throwing.
If you're looking for something with true audience participation, consider a hands-on workshop for a truly interactive experience. No visit is complete without stopping at Winkler Bakery to savor freshly baked Moravian treats at one of the oldest bakeries in America and a can’t-miss photo opp at The Mickey Coffee Pot. Don't miss the chance to visit the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) within Old Salem to peruse an incredible collection of fine antiques and decorative arts characteristic of the early American South.
Wine Down in Winston-Salem
Ready to wine down with your group in Winston-Salem? Our vino-tastic city is known as the "Gateway to the Yadkin Valley Wine Region” with 45 award-winning wineries easily accessible via motorcoach. Enjoy a relaxing wine-tasting experience and vineyard tours in one of the top wine-producing areas in the United States.
For a unique twist, consider visiting Divine Llama Vineyards, where you can combine wine tasting with a memorable interaction with llamas while touring through their scenic property. Other notable wineries in the Yadkin Valley include Shelton Vineyards – North Carolina’s largest family-owned estate winery – and Raffaldini Vineyards, nicknamed “Chianti in the Carolinas” with its Tuscan charm and Italian varietals. JOLO Winery & Vineyards pairs stunning views of Pilot Mountain with notable dining. Childress Vineyards, founded by NASCAR legend Richard Childress, has earned praise for its on-site restaurant’s scenic views.
The Yadkin Valley is also perfect for hub-and-spoke tours with several nearby local attractions popular for groups, including regional treasures like Lexington, the "Barbecue Capital of the World," and Mt. Airy, the real-life "Mayberry."
A perfect blend of history and modern fun awaits
Winston-Salem rolls out the welcome mat with something uniquely special. With customized motorcoach tours catering to various interests, our inviting city promises your group an inspiring and connected experience.
Do you need more guidance on group-friendly attractions and activities? Let us help you plan an unforgettable group adventure in Winston-Salem.