For a day of group exploration along the Reynolda Mile, look no further than the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. The historic 1917 former estate of tobacco baron R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Reynolds family and houses masterpieces of American art spanning three centuries, including works by renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol. 

Continue your journey outdoors by exploring Reynolda Gardens, where 134 acres of natural beauty await. Envisioned by Katharine, this horticultural haven features formal gardens, a conservatory, and picturesque woodland trails, all of which are open to the public free of charge throughout the year from dawn to dusk. The beautifully restored 1913 Brown Family Conservatory is an iconic landmark and breathtaking public entrance to the formal gardens. Awe at the stunning four-acre formal gardens, a masterpiece designed by Thomas Sears, a protégé of Frederick Law Olmsted, showcasing vibrant seasonal displays. 

Pick from your choice of more than two miles of scenic trails for a stroll leading to the tranquil Lake Katharine Wetlands, complete with a waterfall and opportunities for birdwatching along the NC Birding Trail. Cap off your day of exploration by perusing Reynolda Village, a charming collection of group-friendly restaurants and high-end boutiques housed in the estate's former outbuildings. 

Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour or engage in an educational guided tour to delve deeper into Reynolda’s art and history. Guided group tours are Reynolda’s specialty – led by trained docents or staff, your group can explore the museum, gardens, and grounds through engaging, inquiry-based thematic tours. These are available for groups of all sizes, but be sure to inquire ahead of time, especially for larger groups and motorcoach tours. 

From the fascinating story of Reynolda and its art collection to special exhibitions and seasonal offerings, choose which tour sparks your curiosity and you'll be smelling the roses in no time.

For a unique step into American architectural history, be sure to add a stop at Körner's Folly to your itinerary. Known as “the strangest home in America,” Körner's Folly was built in 1880 by acclaimed interior designer Jule Gilmer Körner as a life-size portfolio for his clients. This 22-room Victorian mansion encompasses three floors and seven levels. You’ll discover elaborate mosaics, unique fireplaces, intricately carved woodwork, and even the country’s first in-home movie theater. 

Newly added to the grounds of this historic marvel is the John & Bobbie Wolfe Visitor Center, which serves as a beautiful and accessible entry point to discovering one of North Carolina’s most unique historic homes. Featuring an admissions counter, gift shop, orientation theater, offices, meeting and program space, expanded restrooms, and rotating exhibit space, the handicap-accessible Visitors Center is located next door to the historic house. Parking for cars, buses, and motor coaches is available in the newly expanded and paved parking area.

Körner's Folly is open to the public for self-guided tours and hosts various popular annual events. For groups of 10 or more and motorcoach tour groups, experience the wonder of Körner's Folly with a private guided tour.

Your horticultural history lesson begins at Historic Bethabara Park. Dating back to 1753, Bethabara is the site of the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina and the birthplace of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Visitors to this 183-acre National Historic Landmark can see a reconstructed French and Indian War palisade fort, a colonial village, and the 1788 Gemeinhaus, the oldest standing church with an attached residence in the United States. 

Journey through more than two centuries of gardening traditions in the Hortus Medicus, the nation's first medicinal garden, and the 1759 Community Garden, the only well-documented colonial community garden in the U.S. Both 18th-century gardens have been meticulously reconstructed and are free and open for exploration year-round from dawn to dusk. Visitors are encouraged to explore Bethabara’s expansive wildlife preserve, nature trails, and archaeological ruins. Guided tours of the grounds are available during Visitor Center hours for a small fee. 

Groups of 10 or more are required to make reservations, so be sure to reach out to our amazing group tour and services staff for more information on booking and tickets. 

Just a few miles away, get rooted in more Moravian heritage at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Founded by Moravian settlers in 1766, Salem was a vital hub for trade, sustenance, and medicinal purposes. The present-day living history museum of Old Salem encompasses 87 acres, housing over 100 meticulously preserved historic buildings and abundant historic gardens. 

Two popular stops in Old Salem include Winkler Bakery, where you can savor freshly baked Moravian treats at one of the oldest bakeries in America, and tour the largest half-timber building in North Carolina, The Single Brothers House, built in 1769. Immerse yourself in 18th- and 19th-century Moravian life and witness costumed interpreters practicing traditional crafts, such as pottery throwing and tin smithing. If your goal it to see everything, be sure to purchase an “All-in-One” ticket to enter the interpretive spaces, including access to the rich collections of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) within Old Salem, open Wednesday through Saturday. 

Discover plants' practical and cultural significance in the Moravian community as you explore the terraced squares brimming with heirloom vegetables, grains, and herbs in the Single Brothers' Garden. Be sure to stop to observe Moravian gardening traditions at the Miksch Garden, where costumed interpreters demonstrate the traditional cooking and preservation techniques of the original settlers. Often overlooked but ecologically important, the Salt Street Gardens showcase thriving native shrubs planted to support pollinators. 

For those interested in the science behind preservation, a visit to the Horticulture Center and its Seed Saving Lab, which safeguards over 250 heirloom varieties, is a must. Some of their seeds are even available to take home!

Groups of 12 or more are required to make reservations for self-guided tours, but if you're a motorcoach operator looking to book a tour for a large group, contact Visit Winston-Salem's group tour expert, Kay Calzolari.

Be sure to save time to wander the Arboretum and Gardens at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. Home to 26 stunning gardens showcasing seasonal flowers and ornamental shrubs, including a native Wildflower Garden, the Arboretum is a hidden gem waiting for your group to explore. Discover the "newest" garden in the area, the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in Kernersville. Featuring 15 distinct gardens, including a Kitchen Garden planted using traditional Moravian methods and a striking Pattern Garden. The Botanical Gardens also boasts the largest spring bulb display in the region, and every year during the holiday season, the entire grounds are reimagined for the annual "Spectacular Holiday Blooms" event, lit up with fantastical glow-in-the-dark handmade "tulips".

Are you eager to explore our history in full bloom? 

These are just a few must-visit gardens and historic sites that make Winston-Salem a mecca for history lovers and garden enthusiasts. Every corner of our city has a story, and we invite your group to delve into our rich historical roots. 

Contact us today to plant the seeds for the ultimate group getaway and be part of our growing history.