Old Salem, North Carolina, USA

Salem was settled in 1766 by Moravians, who believed in hard work and appreciated art, music, and fine craftsmanship. The nearby town of Winston was founded in 1849. The two communities merged in 1913. Restoration of the original Salem settlement began in 1950.

Today, Winston-Salem known as "City of the Arts." It has a strong arts council, an arts district downtown, some good museums, and Wake University. Old Salem, is it's gem. This quaint village is a living history museum with brick sidewalks, restored buildings, live demonstrations by costumed interpreters, authentic food and crafts, and shows and other special events. Tickets or passes are required to enter many historic buildings and demonstrations in Old Salem. But, if you are in a hurry, there is no admission charge to walk the streets, enjoy the ambience, shop, or go to the restaurants. The Brookstown Mill is within walking distance of Old Salem. It has a B&B inn and visitor center.

The arts district is a few blocks away. This and Old Salem are both in the heart of the city. So, consider visiting on Saturday when the traffic is not as heavy.

Location

Northwestern North Carolina
On I-40
Map

Population of the city of Winston-Salem

About 173,500

Features of Old Salem

Candlelight Tours (reservations required)
Fachwerk houses (Medieval half-timber construction)
Firehouse
Gardens (Flower gardens and cook's garden)

(Click photo to enlarge)

Historic buildings (100 total. 12 are open to the public)
Main street
Merchant shop (crafts)
Moravian book and gift shop
Moravian cemetery (God's Acre)
Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts
Old Salem Children's Museum
Old Salem Toy Museum
Salem Square
Salem Tavern (restaurant)

More photos

(Click photos to enlarge)

Self-guided tours
Single Brothers House (tinsmith)
Visitor Center (ticket sales)
Winkler's Bakery

Features in and around Winston-Salem

Arts district 336-722-2345
Campgrounds and RV parks

Check Woodall's guide

City market
Delta Arts Center
Diggs Gallery
Germantown Art Gallery and Winery
Germeinhaus
Hanging Rock State Park (half-hour drive north)

Cabin rentals, hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing,

More photos

swimming, visitor center (shown) (Click photos to enlarge)
www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/haro/home.html

Historic Bethabara Park

Restored 1788 church, reconstructed village, visitor center 336-924-8191

Historic West End
Hotels and vacation rentals in this area

Advantage rate

HotelDiscount

Family Vacation Rentals

Museum of Anthropology
North Carolina Zoological Park
Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery 336-725-1516
Piedmont Triad Farmers Market

(between Winston-Salem and Greensboro)

Renolda House Museum of American Art

336-725-5325

Sawtooth Center for Visual Art
SciWorks 336-767-6730

Planetarium, environmental park, science exhibits

Shell gas station state historic site (1930)

At the corner of Sprague and Peachtree Streets. Photo

SOLO Art Gallery 336-722-1976
Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
Stevens Center of the North Carolina School of

the Arts.

Tanglewood Park
Westbend Vineyards

Hours

Downtown Arts District

Galleries are closed on Sundays most of the year

Old Salem

Museums and demonstrations Mon-Sat 9:30-5:00

Sunday 1:00-5:00

Open daily except Thanksgiving, December 24,

Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday

Visitor Center Mon-Sat 8:30- 5:30, Sun 12:30- 5:30

336-721-7350

Festivals

April: Riverrun International Film Festival

www.RiverrunFilm.com

August: National Black Theatre Festival

www.NBTF.org

September: North Carolina Shakespeare Festival

www.NCshakes.org

Recommended stay

Full day for Old Salem
Longer to include other Winston-Salem sights

and activities

Tourist information

Old Salem Inc. (non-profit)

www.OldSalem.org 1-888-652-7253

Winston-Salem Convention & Visitors Bureau

www.VisitWinstonSalem.com

Winston-Salem city government

www.ci.Winston-Salem.NC.US

North Carolina Travel & Tourism

www.visitNC.com 1-800-VISITNC

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Join Veterans Advantage and get discounts on Amtrak, Greyhound, hotels, car rentals, etc. Save up to 70%. Magazine. Many benefits.

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The information above may not be up-to-date.
Please check local sources for the latest official times, costs, availability, etc.
This page was last updated on 12/06/2008 .

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