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

German-speaking Moravians fleeing religious persecution in Europe founded Salem in the mid 1700s. It has always been a very independent community with openness to all types, from artists to craftsmen. The area has maintained a strong association with the furniture, textile and tobacco industries, but has also made a successful transition as a hub for biotechnology, nanotechnology and other high-tech fields. The area's culture continues to be enhanced by the descendants of the original founders, as small Moravian bands continue to move throughout the communities playing their music. Since 1998, the Riverrun International Film Festival has featured screenings of more than 120 yet-to-be released films. It also includes an array of celebrations, panel discussions, family programs and other film-related events.

In South Downtown Winston-Salem you can find a broad range of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Asian, French, traditional American and Southern food. Milner's American Southern has reasonably-priced food that never disappoints. This family owned and operated full-service restaurant also has an extensive wine list excellent signature cocktails and craft beers. For a quick and healthy meal head over to Greek Guy's Grill. This locally owned fast food restaurant. This local favorite serves both Greek and American specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast try one of their delectable country plates, such as the pork tenderloin with 2 eggs and biscuits and gravy. For lunch chow down on one of their cheeseburgers served on pita bread or their famous Gyro sandwich with a side of fries or cole slaw. For dinner try the chicken souvlaki dinner which includes salad, pita bread, Tzatiki sauce and your choice of one side. Call ahead and your order will be ready at their drive through window. The best Mexican food in town can be found at locally owned La Botana Mexican Restaurant. Start off with the chips, salsa and their chunky guacamole, then try some of their chicken fajitas or the A.C.P., a dish made from grilled onions and chicken strips on a bed of rice covered in tasty jalapeño cheese salsa. Wash your meal down with a cold beer or one of their many flavored margaritas. While it is more expensive than other restaurants in the area La Botana Mexican Restaurant's authentic and flavorful cuisine make it worth the price. For a drink after work Cities Grill & Bar has you covered. Not only does Cities provide a great dining experience, but it's full service bar has a great cocktail selection. Other chain bars such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili's and TGI Fridays populate the area. If you feel like grabbing a drink and bowling head down to AMF Winston-Salem Lanes.

Although residents have access to public transportation to reach nearby amenities, personal vehicles continue to be the most prevalent form of transportation for getting around the neighborhood and to surrounding communities. The area houses several parking garages for those who drive around town. The Winston-Salem Transit Authority operates a number of bus routes that residents use to run errands or get to school and work. Locals can also arrange transportation with local cab services and Uber. From March through December, Camel City Carriage provides rides to downtown every weekend, and stops at some of the best places to eat, drink and enjoy live music. Downtown is easily walkable, but cyclists don't have bike lanes to utilize on the heavily trafficked streets.

Miller Park caters to the area's active residents, with multiple playgrounds for the kids, baseball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and paved walking trails. The park contains multiple pavilions and plenty of picnic tables for group events. Bring your dog, but he must stay on a leash at all times. The community center hosts a variety of events and programs for all ages, such as American Mah Jongg, basketball for player 40 and older and clay sculpture classes, and also houses a computer lab and meeting rooms.

South Downtown Winston-Salem has an excellent quality of living at a cost above the overall rate for Winston-Salem, but nearly 6 percent below the national average. A one-bedroom apartment on average rents for $701 per month. A gallon of gasoline cost about 3 percent more than the national average, and a beer costs $2 to $5 depending on whether you order a domestic or imported brew. A single trip on the bus costs $1, and includes free transfers.

Hanes Mall, the largest mall in the Winston-Salem area, provides residents with a good variety of stores, including upscale brands and food options. The mall houses everything from clothing stores like Abercrombie & Fitch and H&M to shoe stores like Foot Locker and The Walking Company and jewelers like Absolute Body Jewelry and New York Jewelry. For other jewelry and accesory options be sure to visit Claire's at the Hanes Mall. The area also houses shops along Jonestown Road and Peters Creek Parkway, including those in the Marketplace Mall. The women’s boutique Bevello carries an assortment of trendy clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. For groceries head to either Food Lion or Walmart in the neighborhood.