LENGTH: 5 minutes
Hanging Rock Trail.
A little over 2 years ago, Jeremy was offered a job in North Carolina. When he accepted the position in Winston-Salem, we were excited to go start our new life together. Winston is conveniently located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
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We have explored far and wide and decided to put together a list of our "favorite finds" to help you out when you visit the area. There are festivals, bike races, running trails, concerts, farmers markets and much more!
Nature
Salem Lake Regional Park- A beautiful lake for fishing and canoeing surrounded by a 7-mile path for walking and cycling. Also, there are many trails in the woods for hiking and mountain biking. Lastly, there are picnic tables and a playground. Free
Salem Lake in Autumn.
Pilot Mountain State Park- Pilot Mountain, a “monadnock”, (meaning an isolated mountain), is one of the most unique natural features in the state. It’s just 25 minutes north of Winston, there’s a road straight to the top, and the views are great – making Pilot Mountain one of our favorite sunset spots. This state park offers a handful of great hiking trails, picnic tables, bathrooms, and is a great place for rock climbing. Free
Top of Pilot Mountain.
Hanging Rock State Park- If you venture a bit further northeast, just 43 minutes from Winston, you’ll find this wonderful state park with a “beach”, lake, canoes, waterfalls, hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, and a nice visitor center. On a clear day, you can still see downtown Winston-Salem from the top of some of the peaks. Free
Top of Hanging Rock Trail.
Tanglewood Park- A stunning, large property with so much to do: walking trails, bike trails, a BMX track, two golf courses, public pool, dog park, horse stables, tennis, fishing, paddle boarding, and an arboretum and rose garden. To celebrate the holidays, they put on an INCREDIBLE display of lights, the “Tanglewood Festival of Lights”, which brings a TON of people from all over! Prices vary.
Badin Lake- A beautiful lake on the edge of Uwharrie National Forest where you can go boating, tubing, jet skiing, kayaking, picnicking, etc. Free/Public Access
Summertime at Badin Lake.
Ski Resorts
Sugar Mountain Resort – Fun ski resort that also offers snow-tubing, ice-skating, food and drinks, and downhill mountain biking in summer. Stunning views! Largest vertical drop ski mountain in NC.
Flying down Sugar Mountain following Daryl!
Beech Mountain Ski Resort – Fun ski resort that also offers snow-tubing, ice-skating, food and drinks, mile-high bar, and downhill mountain biking in summer along. Beautiful place and great vibes. Beech Mountain is also an actual town that's definitely worth your time!
Top of Beech Mountain looking out over the backside behind the 5506' Skybar.
Banner Elk Winery - Beautiful winery located in the quaint mountain town of Banner Elk, conveniently located between Beech and Sugar Mountain. The Winery is beautiful year-round and they offer a wide variety of wine, some snack, and excellent sangria!
The Banner Elk Winery property is very pretty with water running through it, picnic tables, fire pit, and unique sculptures.
Appalachian Ski Mountain – Smaller ski mountain that also offers ice-skating, food and drinks, and known for an excellent ski school for kids. App also has a great terrain park for those who want to catch some air or trick some cool features!
Taking it all in at App Ski Mountain.
Restaurants
Camel City BBQ Factory- The BEST fried pickle chips. good food and fun games!
Small Batch- The BEST milkshakes. Cool atmosphere, yummy burgers, and family-friendly.
This is the "It's a Surprise Milkshake" that contains Cake Batter Shake, a Big Slice of Cake, Lots of Fun Stuff, Vanilla Icing & Sprinkles
Waffles and Whiskers Café- Enjoy a nice custom waffle and then play with over 15 adoptable cats and kittens.
Di Lisio's Italian Restaurant- The BEST dinner dish called “Seafood Di Lisio” which is pasta with tons of seafood like shrimp and scallops.
Crafted: The Art of the Taco- The BEST taco called “Big Truck” (Pulled Pork & Mac N Cheese taco).
Village Tavern Scratch Kitchen and Craft Bar- The BEST Hot Crab Dip with Toasted Garlic Bread.
Ryan’s Steaks, Chops & Seafood- The BEST Bacon Wrapped Scallops.
Drinks
Fiddlin’ Fish Brewery- Live music, board games, and dog friendly.
Wiseman Brewery- Giant Jenga, live music, board games, corn hole, and dog-friendly.
4th Street Bars:
Recreation Billiards- Sports bar and billiards with wine, cocktails, and beer.
Bulls Tavern- A casual downtown bar with music wine, cocktails, and beer.
Fun
Dogwood Farms- A big, beautiful property filled with sunflower and wildflower fields. Dogwood Farms has very friendly staff, delicious honey to buy, and plenty of opportunities for photos. $5 entry
Countryside Cinema 4- Enjoy discounted movies for only $4.25!
Divine Llama Winery and Vineyards- A big beautiful property filled with hundreds of llamas and a nice collection of wine. Free entry, buy your wine
Making new friends at Divine Llama!
Boxcar Bar and Arcade- Craft Beer, Retro Arcade Games, and Free Popcorn! Free entry, buy your tokens, beer, and food
Boxcar Bar + Arcade! Our favorite game is Pac-Man.
Old Salem Museums and Gardens – One of America’s most comprehensive history attractions with food, videos, workshops, tours, demonstrations, and gardens. Also, founded in 1772, Salem College is the oldest women’s college in the nation. Free to enter, pay for extras
Winston-Salem has a wide variety of attractions from historic landmarks and gardens to contemporary art galleries and vineyards along with nature and outdoor recreation. It is a great place to live and to visit. We are happy to call Winston Salem our home for now! Thank you for reading and we hope you have learned a little more about what this area has to offer.
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