Fall in Winston-Salem is simply amazing. The vibrant leaf colors, crisp air, autumn scents and flavors, and numerous events and festivals make it one of the best times of year. It is so much fun around here this time of year. Below is a roundup of all the don’t miss fall activities and destinations.
Colorful Leaves Galore
If you ask anyone what their favorite part about fall in Winston-Salem is, there is a good chance it will revolve around the leaves changing color. The spectacular views the trees provide is simply stunning. The crimsons, burnt oranges, and brilliant yellows offer quite the view in our city.
There are so many places to enjoy seeing the leaves change colors in Winston-Salem, from your backyard to one of the numerous parks. A popular fall activity here is simply driving around the city and checking out the leaves changing colors. After all, pretty much any place you drive in Winston-Salem, you’ll be greeted with them!
If you are looking to hangout in one location though, some popular spots to see the leaves change colors in Winston-Salem include:
- Bethabara Park
- Old Salem
- Graylyn
- Reynolda
- Salem Lake
- Miller Park
- Little Creek Park and Greenway
- Winston Lake & Park
- The Quarry
- Washington Park
A few places just outside of Winston-Salem worth visiting for the colorful views are:
- Belews Lake
- Tanglewood Park
- Oak Hollow Lake
- High Point Lake
- Pilot Mountain
- Hanging Rock State Park
When to see the leaves change color varies a little bit based on elevation and temperatures. Peak leaf viewing in Winston-Salem typically runs late-October to early-November but can vary depending on the temperatures of the year. If its abnormally hot weather the peak season is later versus if it gets and stays cold earlier then it tends to happen sooner.
Autumn-Inspired Food & Drinks
If you visit pretty much any locally owned Winston-Salem restaurant, bar, coffee shop, or bakery in fall, then you will find some sort of fall-inspired menu options. Don’t forget, be sure to support your local businesses by purchasing from them this fall! For example, that could mean choosing a pumpkin spice drink from Camino Bakery over Starbucks.
Some don’t miss food and drink destinations during fall include:
- Camino Bakery
- Ava’s Cupcakes
- Midtown Café & Dessertery
- Ardmore Coffee
- Camel City Coffee
- Jeffrey Adams
- Foothills
- Krankie’s
- West End Café
- River Birch Lodge
- To Your Health Bakery
- Muddy Creek Café
- Clutch Coffee Bar
- 6th & Vine
All those spots tend to have autumn-inspired menu items.
Fall Events & Festivals
The amazing temperatures in Winston-Salem bring about an abundance of events and festivals in the fall. While fall equinox might officially mark fall on the calendar, the Carolina Classic Fair (previously known as the Dixie Classic Fair) is the unofficial start of the fall season to most of us that live in Winston-Salem.
After the Fair, Winston-Salem has so many fall events and festivals throughout October and November. Many of the events or festivals in late October tend to be Halloween focused, such as, trunk or treat events. Most of these events have vendors offering tons of freebies, such as pens, candy, and much more. There are often tons of fun games at each event too!
Hawks Pumpkin Patch not only has pumpkins available all October but tends to have some fun photo opportunities and offerings.
Beyond Winston-Salem for Fall Fun
If you are looking to take advantage of the nice weather and take some day trips this fall, then below are some great choices. Each destination has tons of fun things to do while providing great autumn views.
- Asheville
- Sparta
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Carolina Renaissance Festival
- Mt. Airy
- Lake Norman
- Boone
- Mt. Mitchell
- Any of the many Yadkin Valley Vineyards and Wineries
Check out this great Fall Color Peak map and Fall Color Report to see when to visit any of the mountain areas in North Carolina for optimal leaf-changing views.
Be sure to enjoy all the food, views, and events Winston-Salem and the surrounding NC areas have to offer this fall!
