Downtown Winston-Salem’s walkable core, recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top 10 Best Downtowns, sets the table for unforgettable dining and entertainment experiences. Within a few blocks, you’ll find more than 100 locally owned restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and art galleries, creating a lively mix of flavors and atmospheres perfect for dine-arounds, receptions, or post-meeting exploration. 

All of it is within an easy walk of the Benton Convention Center, allowing planners to trade conference corridors for chef-driven dining, casual late-night bites, and locally loved hangouts without ever needing transportation. 

Don’t miss our James Beard nominated downtown restaurants Iike Mission Pizza, Heff’s Burger Club and Bobby Boy Bakeshop in the recently opened Salem Bottleworks, a multi-use complex of restaurants and bakery. 

Among downtown’s entertainment offerings, Roar stands out as a dynamic, multi-level venue featuring group dining, rooftop views, and private event spaces that make after-hours gatherings effortless. Tuscani, a newly reimagined Italian restaurant in Innovation Quarter, adds refined flair with warm hospitality and private dining options ideal for executive dinners. And at Foothills Brewing, one of North Carolina’s pioneering craft breweries, locally inspired fare pairs beautifully with award-winning beers for a relaxed, convivial group experience. 

Whether your attendees crave chef-driven dining, live music, or an evening spent tasting what’s on tap, downtown Winston-Salem serves it all just steps from the Benton Convention Center and surrounding hotels. There is a Downtown Winston-Salem map that delegates can request that has a thorough list of restaurants, coffee shops, craft breweries and more.

Every bite of Winston-Salem’s food story has roots. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Old Salem Historic District, where centuries-old traditions are still baked daily. Meeting attendees can stroll cobblestone sidewalks between sessions to discover Muddy Creek Café, a cozy spot tucked within this historic district offering locally roasted coffee, scratch-made sandwiches, and a welcoming patio where live acoustic music often drifts through the air. 

For a quick caffeine refuel, head down Historic Main Street for a stop by Lot 63 Coffee & Taproom, an inviting coffee shop with a wall of local beer taps and large seating area. Just around the corner stands a small but iconic reminder of another local legend, the Krispy Kreme historical marker, commemorating the doughnut empire that began right here in Winston-Salem in 1937. 

Take a drive down the road just past the Thruway Shopping Center and experience the magic of Wilkerson Moravian Bakery, inviting guests to step back in time and take something sweet home. Its warm, bustling shop fills the air with the scent of sugar and spice as bakers craft traditional Moravian cookies, sugar cakes, and breads using recipes passed down for generations. It’s a favorite stop for locally made gifts and edible souvenirs. 

And for a true taste of Moravian craftsmanship you will have to drive a little further for cookies and an up-close experience at Mrs. Hanes Handmade Moravian Cookies. Still hand-rolled and hand-cut in the family’s rural bakery, the delicate Moravian cookies are more than a local favorite they’re an edible piece of Winston-Salem history, perfect as welcome gifts or event takeaways.

When the day’s agenda calls for something elegant, Graylyn Estate offers a timeless setting where fine dining and hospitality blend seamlessly into the meeting experience. This historic 55-acre manor, once home to the Reynolds family, invites planners to pair gourmet dinners with fireside conversations or garden receptions that feel far from the ordinary. 

Just a few minutes away, Reynolda Village offers another layer of local flavor. This charming collection of shops and restaurants - set against the backdrop of the famed Reynolda Gardens - is an inviting spot for dine-arounds, off-site lunches, or afternoon breaks. The village’s eateries and boutiques give attendees an authentic glimpse of Winston-Salem’s easygoing elegance.

Extend your event beyond city limits to North Carolina’s first federally recognized American Viticultural Area, the Yadkin Valley Wine Region. Just a short drive from downtown, this lush countryside is home to more than 45 wineries, several of which feature restaurants and group tasting experiences. 

From the refined JOLO Winery & Vineyards to Childress Vineyards, these venues turn after-hours networking into something truly memorable, where rolling hills, chef-crafted menus, and estate-grown wines create the perfect toast to a successful meeting. Planners love the wineries as fun off-site venue options and the option for an upgraded VIP experience for top clients.

From coffee breaks in historic courtyards to closing receptions among the vines, Winston-Salem serves up an experience that goes far beyond the boardroom. Here, flavor and connection are part of the same recipe and every event feels a little more personal, a little more creative, and a lot more memorable. 

Let’s make your next meeting twice as nice in Winston-Salem. Submit your RFP today and an expert sales manager will follow up with you to start planning.