If you’re exploring North Carolina, Winston-Salem may not be the first city to pop into your mind. But you’d be mistaken to overlook this visually stunning and undeniably welcoming city in the Tar Heel State.
All it takes is one visit to understand why so many people are hoping to find a home in Winston-Salem. From its deep roots in tobacco and textiles to its shift towards biotech and higher education, this city fuses traditional Southern charm with innovative progress.
Whether it’s savoring the original glazed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme or strolling through the amazing Reynolda Gardens, there’s a lot that would make people want to start looking for an apartment in Winston-Salem.
Let’s take a few minutes to explore ten of the top things Winston-Salem is known for and learn a bit more about this stunning Southern city.
1. Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a top-tier university in Winston-Salem. Established in 1834, and relocating to Winston-Salem in 1956, this private university is renowned for its rigorous academics and strong student life. The picturesque campus is a mixture of historical architecture and modern facilities, giving it a classic feel without sacrificing convenience.
2. The birthplace of Krispy Kreme
Winston-Salem proudly holds the title as the birthplace of Krispy Kreme, one of America’s most beloved companies. Founded in 1937 by Vernon Rudolph, the original location was a quaint building where the scent of freshly made doughnuts enticed passersby through the streets. Today, visitors can still feel the magic in the air by visiting local Krispy Kreme stores, where the doughnuts are as fluffy and sweet as they were in the ‘30s.
3. Growing craft beer scene
In recent years, Winston-Salem has emerged as a destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s growing craft beer scene is marked by the many breweries in and around Winston-Salem proper. Breweries like Foothills Brewing have even gained a loyal following outside of the state.
4. Home of Texas Pete Hot Sauce
A fiery part of Winston-Salem’s culinary legacy is the production of Texas Pete Hot Sauce. Created by the Garner family in the 1920s, this beloved condiment is known for its unique blend to be “put on everything.” The headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem allow visitors and locals to appreciate this longtime staple of Southern cooking.
5. Camel City
The nickname “Camel City” is derived from Winston-Salem’s historic ties to the tobacco industry, particularly through the famous Camel cigarettes produced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. This moniker captures the city’s industrious spirit and its pivotal role in the tobacco industry’s history, which significantly shaped the economic landscape of the South.
6. Truist Stadium
Truist Stadium is a cornerstone of Winston-Salem, hosting the Winston-Salem Dash, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Chicago White Sox. Opened in 2010, the stadium is a family-friendly environment that encapsulates the communal spirit of the city.
7. Moravian culture
The Moravian community in Winston-Salem dates back to the 18th century, with settlers who brought their customs, architectural styles, and culinary traditions. Historic sites like Old Salem Museums & Gardens offer a living history experience where visitors can learn about Moravian heritage through preserved buildings and traditional crafts.
8. Innovation Quarter
The Innovation Quarter is one of the fastest-growing innovation districts in the United States. Spanning 145 acres in downtown Winston-Salem, this area brings together education, business, biomedical science, digital media, and more. It’s a place where entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses converge to advance the type of technology and science that affects us all.
9. Reynolda Gardens
Reynolda Gardens is a splendid 134-acre estate. It was originally part of the early-20th-century Reynolda estate of R.J. Reynolds. These meticulously maintained gardens and the adjacent Reynolda Village offer a peaceful retreat with walking trails, too many plant species to count, and specialized programs.
10. Arts District
Winston-Salem’s Arts District is an area teeming with galleries, studios, and boutiques. It’s where local artists display their talents. The district thrives with creativity, offering a ton of events like gallery hops, live performances, and expert workshops that celebrate the artistic support of the community.