No matter if you’ve lived in Winston-Salem your entire life, recently moved here, or are passing through, a day trip at Old Salem is always a fun idea. Old Salem offers history, food, culture, shopping, and so much more! Below are some suggestions on how to spend your day in Old Salem.
Learn
One of the best parts of Old Salem is the multitude of learning opportunities. Even merely walking around the preserved Moravian settlement lets you immerse yourself in the rich history of one side of Winston-Salem.
The galleries in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center and The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts are perfect for learning about art and culture. If you visit this page, you can see the current exhibits on display.
Another way to learn at Old Salem is by scheduling a tour. If you have a large or extended family with you on your day trip or maybe a group of friends, you can schedule an Adult Group Tour for over 12 people. Otherwise, you can request a tour (subject upon availability) when you arrive and purchase your tickets.
The Visitor Center is a great place to find out about all the learning opportunities at Old Salem. It’s also the perfect place to park and being your day here.
Shop
What would a day at Old Salem be without checking out some of the shopping experiences available? The Moravian Book & Gift Shop is one of popular shopping destinations at Old Salem. You can buy local artwork and crafts, decorations for your home or garden, and Moravian items.
Inside the Visitor Center is a shop called Stockberger Supply. You can find souvenirs, toys, Moravian stars, and a lot more in this quaint shop. If you love sewing, then be sure to head over to Salem Stitches. Not only is it a gathering place for those who love all things sewing, but they sell some sewing supplies, such as, fabrics as well.
Eats
There are two food destinations in Old Salem: Muddy Creek Café and Music Hall and Winkler Bakery. Muddy Creek is a rustic café that has a menu filled with an assortment of delicious sandwiches. Plus, they have tons of great live music to enjoy while you dine. Please note they are only open in evenings on Thursdays and the rest of their hours are 10 a.m. into the afternoon on the other open days. They are closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Winkler Bakery is technically a shop, but as they have food, we thought they were completely worthy of being listed under the eat category! You can find the amazing Moravian cookies here, as well as other Moravian staples such as lovefeast bun mix.
Sleep
If you are coming in from out of town or maybe want to extend your day into the evening, Zeverly Inn is the only bed & breakfast located within the historic district of Old Salem. This Inn provides charming rooms with genuine southern hospitality. As they only have 12 guest rooms, advanced reservations are highly recommended and typically required.
Christmas at Old Salem
Visiting Old Salem at Christmastime is one of the most magical opportunities Winston-Salem offers. The historic town comes to life and provides a look into the unique Moravian Christmas rituals. From the Candle Tea to simply strolling the cobblestone streets and admiring the holiday decorations, Old Salem is a must-see Christmas destination. Don’t forget to take your photo on the covered bridge with all the Moravian stars lit up!
There is something for all ages and every interest at Old Salem making it the perfect place to spend the day!
