N Downtown Winston-Salem - Winston-Salem, NC Area Guide

The two neighboring towns, Winston and Salem, joined together in 1913, but both towns were established earlier. Salem originated in 1766 when Bishop Spangenberg searched for a settlement on behalf of the Moravian Church. Winston started with land bought from Salem and later thrived through connections to the North Carolina Railroad and a prosperous tobacco industry. Old Salem Museum and Gardens separate exhibits into different houses. Tickets must be purchased to enter these exhibits but not for the shops and gardens. The Downtown Art District Association features Gallery Hops on the first Friday of every month. Shops, studios and galleries hold extended hours, hosting live music and entertainment, artists demonstrations and dancing. Other annual events include the Dixie Classic fair, a 10-day event consisting of carnival rides, entertainment, games and livestock exhibitions, and the American Ballet Theatre's yearly holiday performance of The Nutcracker.

Only a 15-minute drive from North Downtown Winston-Salem stand several favorite restaurants. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar features a number of different meats, types of bacon and toppings, but the most popular of these remains the Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids. The familiar name draws customers' attention on the menu, but the “on steroids” part makes the difference, served with three pieces of jalapeno bacon, three pieces of applewood smoked bacon and house made bacon mayo. While this place specializes in burger combinations, vegetarians can opt for the black bean patty. Gluten-free buns and wraps replace any regular bun upon request. Using a mix of local and artisanal ingredients makes this place a highly rated stop for locals and tourists. Only 2 miles away from Bad Daddy's Burger Bar sits another Winston-Salem favorite, Thai Sawatdee. The large menu offers Thai curries, noodle and rice dishes, tailored to your spice tolerance. Though favorite entree items include Pad Thai and Thai Basil, a beef and vegetable stir-fry, patrons recommend the Thai tea and the Mango Sweet Sticky Rice dessert. Thai Sawatdee takes pride in all of its menu options, including beverages and desserts. Granted one of the “Best Places to Drink in the South” awards, Tate's Craft Cocktails strives to bring heritage and authenticity to every drink. The cocktail menu features over 39 handcrafted cocktails, and if time permits, the bartender will mix your special request. Modeled after classic lounges from New Orleans and New York City, the old fashioned remains a time-tested favorite. Other popular options include the blackberry julep, a drink consisting of Chambord, Absolute Citron and a signature blackberry compote, and the Whiskey Smash, a mint and citrus whiskey cocktail. Tate's Craft Cocktails also serves beer and wine, and parking can be found with ease. Not all of the restaurants and bars in this area perpetuate high-profile and gourmet gentrification. Young locals frequent Ziggy's, a hip venue and dive bar where the social scene welcomes those who want to drink and enjoy live music. Ziggy's has a separate bar area if you would rather not pay the cover but still want to enjoy the bar. Unlike most bars in the area, it does not serve food. Free parking and low drink prices make this bar a regular stop for residents.

Public transportation, bike lanes and rides readily take you to and from the North Downtown Winston-Salem area. The Winston-Salem Downtown West End Trolley can be reached via the transit authority and provides rides throughout the downtown area. Although only a dollar a day, the Winston-Salem Transit Authority also offers 10-day and 30-day passes. Bike trails, lanes and racks encourage cyclists to travel through the city. With bike racks located at each bus stop, you can bike to your stop, saving time and money. Taxi cabs service the entire city. With a few taps on the Uber app, have a car meet you at your location, and a driver will pick you up. Expressways and freeways route through this area. Due to the high crime rate, pedestrians cautiously walk through this neighborhood.

Winston-Salem offers plenty of park options. Pilot Mountain State Park and Tanglewood Park remain two of the most popular. The first of these features hiking and fishing trails and also stands as a National Natural Landmark designed to showcase the natural beauty of the area. Tanglewood Park contains golf ranges, tennis courts, an aquatic center, stables, BMX racing, playgrounds and multi-use trails. This park welcomes off-leashed dogs to Tanglewoof Dog Park, a 2.3-acre fenced area that separates larger dogs from smaller. Water fountains and a fountain bowl supply water for thirsty owners and pets. Tanglewood Park hosts the annual Festival of Lights during the winter, which transforms it into a whimsical winter wonderland. Rates are determined by your vehicle, but you can also treat yourself to a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or a tractor-pulled hayride for the whole family.

The cost of living in North Downtown Winston-Salem equals the city average. Getting to this downtown area via public transportation only costs a dollar, and you can transfer buses at no charge. A one-bedroom residence rents for $750. The price of beer sits about $5, and gas can be purchased for $2.25.

Specialty shops, boutiques and art galleries line the streets of Winston-Salem's Downtown Arts District. Fiber Company labels itself as an art gallery, but the name expresses its inventory better. This shop contains handmade scarves, clothing for children and adults, accessories, pottery and handcrafted jewelry. Each item transforms into a wearable work of art handwoven by four craftswomen. A fifth member of Fiber Company paints silks and dyes fabrics by hand. Fiber Company also carries unique graphite sculptures by A. S. Batle that function as long-lasting pencils for writing and drawing. The sculptures have been cast in a polymer resin — they are meant to be handheld. Earthbound Arts showcases the mixed media art created by owner-operators Gordon Jones and Lucy Duncan. This local business houses pottery, stained glass, copper and sterling jewelry, hand-printed cards on handmade paper and an assortment of bath and body products. Themes and creations vary by seasons, making every purchase a cherished find. Only open Monday through Thursday, start your week with a visit to Earthbound Arts to pick up a bar of handmade soap or herbal tea blend. Not quite a grocery store, the Washington Perk contains a coffee shop, deli and mini market. It also carries organic dairy, meats and a vast inventory of beer and wine. Whole Foods and Harris Teeter lie 6 miles away, only a 15-minute drive from the north downtown Winston-Salem neighborhood for your grocery needs. For your fresh local farm produce, meat, breads, wool, wine and soap, head to the Old Salem Cobblestone Farmers Market on Saturday from 9 until noon. The CFM guarantees all products meet sustainable, naturally grown and humane practices, and all meats satisfy Animal Welfare Approval. This farmers market accepts cash, SNAP/EBT, WIC and checks.