Urban scenes, natural beauty, and historic landmarks provide picturesque backdrops for life in Winston-Salem, and in this article, we name the most magical locations for photography. Winston-Salem has various visually appealing locations perfect for capturing great Instagram-worthy photos. Whether you’re a professional or amateur photographer or looking for a backdrop to pop the question, this list is for anyone looking for the most picturesque spots in Winston-Salem, NC. Here is part two of the best places for capturing Instagram-worthy photos in and around Winston-Salem:
Tanglewood Park Train
600 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Baldwin Locomotive Works built the Southern #542 locomotive in 1903. The train operated on the Southern Railway around Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Southern Railway owned only 90 of this rare J-class locomotive; the 542 is the only remaining example. In 1954, the Southern Railway donated the locomotive to Tanglewood Park, near Clemmons, NC. In 1991, the N.C. Transportation Museum traded the ex-Illinois Central 0-8-0 1894 for Tanglewood Park’s 542. Today, 0-8-0 Southern #1894 is a unique site for photos (that kids love)!
The original Tanglewood Park locomotive, 542, was cosmetically restored for use in the Leatherheads movie in 2008. You can see it at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC. The engine makes a great photo op during THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in November and December.
Miller Park
400 Leisure Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Miller Park is an old-school urban park in the coveted Ardmore neighborhood of Winston-Salem. Fortunately, Miller Park is old because they staked the land before the land surrounding it became built up. It’s an excellent place for walks, bocce, tennis, community center events, and nature photos!
P.B.’s Takeout
1412 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
P.B.’s is a Winston-Salem hidden gem in many ways. It is an excellent place for hotdogs and makes for a unique backdrop as a retro hotdog stand.
Artivity on the Green
630 N Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Like a mashup of real-life scenes from Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, you’ll find new things to discover around every corner at downtown Winston-Salem’s Artivity on the Green. This public park is eccentric, to say the least, which is why it’s on our list of Winston-Salem’s Top Instagram-Worthy Places. Post your photos from Artivity on the Green; everyone will want to know what rabbit hole you went down.
bar piña
770 Liberty View Ct #200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Winston-Salem’s rooftop bar is photo-worthy because of its neons and murals, not the scenic view of downtown (although that’s a nice bonus).
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
520 Summit St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a historic 1928 building on the edge of the West End neighborhood in downtown Winston-Salem. The building I noted for its architectural significance as a monumental and richly detailed late Gothic Revival-style church reflecting Winston-Salem’s “Era of Success,” according to a news release from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The stunning architecture, which we can’t seem to duplicate today, photographs beautifully.
Wait Chapel
1834 Wake Forest Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
On the Wake Forest University campus in Winston-Salem, Wait Chapel sits majestically at the head of the quad. The building is a Wake Forest University centerpiece. The doors are always open, and guests can walk in, see this beautiful chapel, and capture its beauty through photography.
Long Branch Trail
401 4th St E, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Long Branch Trail is a 1.7-mile greenway that connects downtown Winston-Salem to the larger community via thoroughfares like the Salem Creek Connector, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, and Rams Drive. The trail goes over wooden bridges and along freeways, making it unique and exciting. It’s open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Note: Long Branch is an urban trail, not a nature walk.
Shell-Shaped Shell Station
1111 E Sprague St, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Check out this historic landmark gas station if P.B.’s Takeout isn’t retro enough for your Winston-Salem photography excursion. Although the old Shell-Shaped Shell Station is no longer in operation, you can still park your car in front of it for a photo. It’s the only one left, making it a perfect Winston-Salem landmark to photograph!
