Winston Salem is a thriving community with many things to do. It is home to many notable businesses including Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Blue Rhino, and ISP Sports. As a result, Winston-Salem has also become an important center of technology and medicine. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, business conference, or weekend getaway, Winston-Salem has plenty to offer.
One popular attraction is Bailey Park, a 1.6-acre public park that includes a stage, a patio, and grassy areas. Free community events such as yoga, film screenings, and festivals are held in the park. Other fun activities for the whole family include visiting the Kaleideum North, a science museum that teaches young minds about nature. Visitors can explore animal habitats and take part in a planetarium show.
One of the most popular hotels in Winston-Salem is the historic Cardinal Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel converted from an old tobacco factory. The elegant hotel has a roaring indoor pool, bowling alley, and outdoor basketball court. The property is pet-friendly and features subtle details of the tobacco-production industry. The Cardinal is also located near Tanglewood Park, a 1,100-acre park with hiking trails, a golf course, and an aquatic center.
The city was founded by German immigrants, the Moravians. Over 250 years ago, they moved to the region and established a religious community in the area. The area still has many old buildings from the time. You can also take a tour of the Old Salem Museums and Gardens and visit the Kaleidum North, which features live animals and nature exhibits. It is worth the time to spend a day exploring Winston Salem’s past.
The West End is another noteworthy neighborhood in Winston-Salem. Home to the West End Historic District, this area features numerous Victorian buildings. It was named for a Revolutionary War hero. After the Civil War, Winston grew slowly. With the arrival of the railroad, tobacco, and wagons, it became a growing town. In 1913, Winston merged with Salem. The town’s history continues to be interwoven.
Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Saura people. The Moravian Church emphasized education, and founded a girls school. This school later became Salem Academy. The city is also home to Salem College, the oldest educational institution in the state. Before the Industrial Revolution, the craftsmen in Winston-Salem had to compete with the inexpensive imports. However, in the 1840s, Francis L. Fries built the city’s first textile mill.
The Historic District of Winston-Salem is full of museums, shopping, and restaurants. There are guided tours and self-guided walking tours available. The Reynolda House Museum is a powerhouse of American art, with more than 100 pieces on display. It also has rotating exhibits to keep the art lover interested. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try visiting Winston-Salem.