Exploring Winston-Salem's Downtown Arts District
Enjoy a weekend filled with food, culture, and creativity in Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District.
Immerse yourself in the creative soul of Winston-Salem, where the Downtown Arts District pulses with energy. Watch artists at work, explore vibrant galleries, and admire murals that bring the city’s history and culture to life. Spend the weekend savoring incredible meals, discovering one-of-a-kind treasures, and experiencing the arts in every form.
Friday
Dinner at 6th and Vine Restaurant & Wine Bar
Dine under the stars at 6th and Vine, where an extensive wine list pairs beautifully with Chef Michael Spencer’s locally inspired dishes.
Start with spicy crab and artichoke dip or baked brie before savoring short ribs, shrimp and grits, or house-made pastas. Whether indulging in a full meal or unwinding with a glass of wine, it’s the perfect start to your weekend. While you’re here, browse the work of local artists throughout the space.
Other great dinner spots are Mojito Latin Soul Food, Spotted Cow Steakhouse, and Mission Pizza Napoletana.
Post-Dinner Fun at ROAR
At ROAR, the fun keeps going with bowling, the ROARcade, a golf simulator, and Twisted Putter, an interactive take on putt-putt. Cap off the night with a drink from the rooftop bar or self-serve beer wall.
Other nightlife options: Euphoria, Reboot Arcade Bar, Bar Pina, Hel’s, and Miller’s on Trade.
Saturday
Breakfast at Famous Toastery
Wake up with a plate of fluffy French toast, eggs benedict, or biscuits and gravy at Famous Toastery. Sip a mimosa or house-made Bloody Mary as you fuel up for a day of exploration.
Other breakfast favorites: Cheesecakes by Alex and Chad’s Chai (breakfast pastries only).
Explore Winston-Salem’s Public Art
Step into an open-air gallery where murals, sculptures, and surprises fill the streets. Start at Artivity on the Green, where towering red smokestacks rise above an ever-changing mural wall.
Nearby, the Looking Back Mural on Liberty Street honors Frederick Douglass, while the Hispanic Heritage Mural at 4th and Trade swirls with vibrant color. Swing by the newest mural on near the corner of Liberty and 6th streets of legendary Hip-Hop producer (and Winston-Salem native), 9th Wonder, by Scott Nurkin.
At the intersection of 6th and Trade, the Art Tower showcases a rotating collection of local works. Watch for interactive sculptures and Winston-Salem’s famous Art for Art’s Sake Rooftop Mannequins, watching over the Arts District with a touch of whimsy.
Lunch at Camel City BBQ Factory
Follow the smoky aroma to Camel City BBQ Factory, where slow-cooked pulled pork, smoky brisket, and saucy ribs celebrate North Carolina barbecue. After your meal, head upstairs to relive childhood memories with arcade games.
Other lunch options: Twisted Pine and Finnigan’s Wake.
Check Out Local Galleries
After lunch, let curiosity guide you through Winston-Salem’s Arts District, where creativity is everywhere. Start at Red Dog Art Gallery, a hub of regional artwork featuring paintings, ceramics, and sculpture. Wander down Trade Street, where murals splash color onto brick facades and sidewalk musicians set the rhythm during summer.
Pop into Artworks Gallery for bold, expressive paintings, then explore Delurk Gallery, an artist-run space with thought-provoking contemporary works. At Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery, admire exquisite handmade glass, textiles, and woodwork before visiting North Trade Street Arts Center, where a curated collection of small, compelling pieces ensures you’ll find a keepsake to take home.
End at Dye Pretty, a hair salon that doubles as a gallery showcasing strong local artists. Each gallery tells a story, inviting you to experience Winston-Salem’s creative heartbeat firsthand.
Grab a Drink
Need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up? Stop at Chad’s Chai Teahouse for loose-leaf teas, chai, and pastries, or unwind with something stronger at Bamboo Lounge, Little Pep, or Single Brothers.
Dinner at Cibo Trattoria
End the evening with indulgent Italian cuisine at Cibo Trattoria, where handmade pasta, gnocchi, and decadent desserts like tiramisu steal the show. Sip a craft cocktail or glass of wine as you soak in the cozy ambiance.
Catch a Live Show
Winston-Salem’s nightlife extends beyond the bar scene. Enjoy a live theatre performance at Camel City Playhouse, catch a live music show at Hel’s, Millers’s on Trade, or ROAR, or dance the night away at Euphoria. Many local breweries and bars also feature live music on weekends.
Sunday
Breakfast at Young Cardinal Café & Co.
Start your final day with Young Cardinal Café & Co., one of the city’s best brunch spots. Specialties include Huevos Rancheros, breakfast burritos, and house-made granola, alongside classic benedicts and sandwiches.
Visit Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Venture beyond downtown to Reynolda House Museum of American Art, where history and creativity converge. This grand 64-room estate houses an impressive collection of American art spanning 250 years.
Wander through rotating exhibitions in the Babcock Gallery, explore historic objects throughout the home, and stroll through the picturesque gardens and grounds.
Plan Your Next Visit
As your arts-filled weekend in Winston-Salem winds down, you may find yourself lingering—one last coffee, one more stroll past murals that whisper stories, or a final stop at a gallery to take home a piece of the city’s creative spirit. But this is just the beginning.
Whether you’re drawn to Winston-Salem’s vibrant arts scene, rich history, or welcoming charm, there’s always more to uncover. Start planning your next visit today—request a visitor guide and book your hotel. Inspiration is waiting.