The tagline for Visual Index is “Truly handmade, from all 50 states.” Founded by Toni Tronu, the goal of this shoppable gallery is to support makers from all disciplines with living wages. You never know what you’ll encounter here, as their inventory is always changing. As you browse their available works, take your time to admire the details and quality of each piece that artists have carefully crafted. From hand-crafted pottery and sculptures to handmade textiles, you can expect to be surprised and delighted each time you visit.

In this bright and airy shop, you’ll find anything from jewelry and handbags to clothing and home decor. Just Be is a specialty boutique that focuses on items made in the United States, fair trade, and handcrafted products. Take your time as you browse through this boutique and find a piece that speaks to you, whether it’s for yourself or someone special.

If you love fine art and supporting local artisans, then be sure to stop by the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery. Here you can pick up impressive pieces for your home that are sure to spark conversations with your guests. Each unique piece is made by members of the Piedmont Craftsmen Guild, which was founded in 1963. If you plan a visit in the fall, be sure to look up the dates for the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair! This annual event, held the weekend before Thanksgiving, is a prime spot for early holiday shopping, where you can peruse a showcase of over 100 skilled craftspeople and artisans under one roof.

This cultural gift store offers four shops in one and has been a staple of the Winston-Salem shopping scene for over 20 years. Check out the book room, where there are titles by primarily African American and local authors. The skincare area contains shea butter and aromatherapy products, while the gallery carries items that were imported from or inspired by Africa. Finally, the boutique features clothing, jewelry, accessories, and handbags imported from all over the world.

Grab a coffee from Footnote Coffee & Cocktails, which shares a space with Bookmarks, before you wander the shelves of this independent bookstore to find your next great read. As you browse, be on the lookout for the Staff Picks that are labeled by small note cards with a synopsis and why they love the book. No matter what genre you’re interested in, there is a book here for you. If you're coming with your children in tow, be sure to head to the back where the cozy children's corner offers little readers the chance to let their imagination soar. They also host a variety of community events; one of which is the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors held every September in downtown Winston-Salem. The largest annual book festival in the Carolina's, the Bookmarks Festival aims to cultivate community and a love of reading for all ages.

Support multiple small businesses at once when you shop at this eclectic store. Meander through the diverse booths inside, where you’ll find a wide selection of items. Each booth is stocked by local small businesses, offering everything from vintage products and apparel to handmade goods, artwork, and quirky home decor. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore this one. There are treasures waiting around every corner.

Stop and smell the delightful aromas wafting in the breeze as you walk in the door of the colorful Kin & Cottage. Known for their Southern-inspired scents like Appalachia, Mountain River, and Spanish Moss, they offer more than just candles. Wax melts, room sprays, and body products like soap and bath bombs are a few other ways you can enjoy their signature scents. You can feel good about your purchase here—everything is made in-house, and they donate 10 percent of all profits to Southern-based nonprofits.

Arguably the most popular consignment store in town, The Snob Shop is where you can browse high-quality furniture, art, and clothing. It’s been locally owned since 1974, and they strive to provide the best gently used items at a fair price. Whether you’re looking for new items for your home or unique pieces to add to your wardrobe, shopping consignment is environmentally friendly and better for your budget. Located in the vibrant Burke Street area of downtown, you can shop 'til you drop then find somewhere delicious for lunch (might we suggest Betty on Burke or Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro?).

Founded in Valle Crucis, North Carolina in 1883, Mast General Store carries a mix of new products and items that will make you nostalgic for the past. They have a large selection of outdoor clothing and gear from brands like L.L. Bean, Kuhl, Smartwool, Patagonia, and more. Home goods, games, pet gear, and food items, including old-timey candy, are all things you’ll find here. The building itself evokes nostalgia, transporting you back to the charm of an old-fashioned general store. You'll literally feel like a kid in a candy store when you round the corner and see their iconic candy barrels; with most candies sold by the pound, unleash your inner child and grab a basket of your favorite nostalgic treats. You can even find a selection of local items around the store, so keep your eye out for items unique to the Winston-Salem location!

This is a small selection of shops and boutiques available in Winston-Salem. For a full list, head to our Shopping page, read our Winston-Salem shopping guide, and when you're ready to keep the inspiration going and plan your trip, request a free Visitor Guide!

To stay up to date on all things happening in Winston-Salem, sign up for our e-newsletter!