If you think shopping only comes in the form of strip malls and huge holiday sales, guess again (well actually, a sale never hurt anyone!). Here in Winston-Salem, shopping is as genuinely a form of art as molded pottery or fiber works. This holiday season, mark off your list at some of Winston-Salem’s top holiday shopping destinations that showcase local and exemplify the spirit of ingenuity.
Downtown Arts District (dadaws.org)
Lined with local artist galleries, cafes, and funky boutiques and retail shops, Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts Gallery is especially popular during the holiday season. Walk through the district in the early evenings this wintry season as see it lit with holiday decorations on every lamp post and window display. Stop in at Black Mountain Chocolate and pick up locally roasted chocolates or their signature cookies — or even purchase a gift certificate for a factory tour. Browse the shelves of Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery where the works of more than 200 of the Southeast’s finest craftsmen are on display. For the free-spirited individual, Body & Soul is home to vibrantly patterned scarves and hand carved scultpures originating from Africa.
Reynolda Village (reynoldavillage.org)
Just minutes from the bustle of downtown Winston Salem, you find the hidden gem of Reynolda Village. Not your typical shopping experience, these shops are housed in buildings which once supported the 1,067 acre estate of the R.J. Reynolds family. The original 1917 village was composed of dairy barns, a cattle shed, school, post office, smokehouse, as well as cottages to house the family’s chauffeur and stenographer.
A stroll down the sidewalks of Reynolda Village introduces you to upscale clothiers such as J. McLaughlin and Monkees. A step further and you find yourself browsing the antiques or pampering yourself at the local spa. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, a number of eateries are prepared to serve you the best in Southern cuisine or craft a cocktail to help you wind down from a day full of exploring.
Yadkin Valley Wine Region
Ah…the gift that needs no explanation. As the gateway to the Yadkin Valley wine region, North Carolina’s first and largest AVA, encourage you to consider the more than 40 Yadkin Valley wineries when gift shopping this season. Aside from award-winning wines of French and Italian varietals, our wineries are home to a number of outdoor adventures including llama trekking and ziplining. Check out our wine page for information on winery holiday open houses (discounts on cases during these events) and outdoor adventure options. VisitWinstonSalem.com/wine