Fall in Winston-Salem is a captivating season marked by vibrant foliage and a sense of community spirit. With local festivals, football games, and picturesque trails, the city offers a perfect backdrop for enjoying the crisp air and seasonal flavors. In this article, we’re sharing our top nine favorite fall things in Winston-Salem, NC.
- Foliage: Most people’s favorite times of year in Winston are fall and Spring because the temperatures are moderate and comfortable. You can’t beat the fall foliage in Winston-Salem. The changing leaves create stunning landscapes, especially in parks like Reynolda Gardens and Salem Lake.
- The Fair: The Carolina Classic Fair is in town for 10 days every October. It’s the second-largest agricultural fair in North Carolina and features a world-class carnival with numerous rides and games, musical entertainment, traditional fair food, animals, and art exhibits.
- Pumpkin Patches: Nearby farms offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes, perfect for family outings. Favorites include Jones Strawberry Farm & Corn Maze, Alpha & Omega, and Fryes Creek Family Farm.
- Hiking Weather: The mild temperatures make outdoor activities enjoyable, from hiking to exploring local trails. Winston-Salem boasts 11 trail systems for light hiking, nature walks, paved paths, and greenways. You can walk, run, or bike through lovely wooded areas.
- Seasonal Brews: Winston-Salem has a vibrant brewery scene, especially during the fall when many craft breweries release seasonal beers that capture the season’s essence.
- Football Season: Football season in Winston-Salem is an exciting time filled with community spirit, local pride, and plenty of action. High school games featuring local teams like Reynolds, West Forsyth, and Mount Tabor come alive on Friday nights. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), draw significant attention during the season. Home games at BB&T Field offer an exhilarating atmosphere with passionate fans and tailgating events. Many local bars and restaurants host viewing parties for Wake Forest games, where fans can gather to watch the action, enjoy drink specials, and celebrate touchdowns together. Local organizations and leagues offer youth football programs for young kids, allowing younger players to learn the game and build teamwork skills.
- Race Events: Fall is a fantastic time to lace up your running shoes in Winston-Salem. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, race events offer a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with the community, and support a good cause. Ardmore RAH! is one of the most well-known annual fall races in Winston-Salem.
- Spooky Attractions: Winston-Salem has some excellent haunted attractions and ghost tours. Kersey Valley Spookywoods has been a tradition since 1985 and is one of the area’s well-known haunted attractions. Carolina History & Haunts offers ghost tours through the Historic West End District. Tours operate all year, but it’s best to experience this activity during the spooky season.
- Grape Harvest: With around 200 wineries and 400 vineyards across the state, North Carolina ranks 10th in the U.S. for wine production. Surry and Yadkin counties are west of Winston-Salem and are part of the Yadkin Valley wine region, which has the state’s highest concentration of vineyards and wineries. The valley’s rolling hills are beautiful in the fall, and many vineyards host special events during the harvest season.
