When the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, even the busiest among us starts to slow down and truly appreciate the many rituals of the holiday season. After all, what good is celebrating if you’re too busy zipping past each moment at lightning speed?

This year, infuse your ordinary holiday hustle with something unexpected, courtesy of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Rather than battle the traffic or trudge through the same-old shops at the mall, why not stroll our cheerful downtown for an interesting mix of shops, galleries, cafés and coffee shops. You’ll find locally crafted ornaments, seasonal gifts, unusual object d’art and even an inspiring conversation piece or two. Best of all, when you’ve had your fill of holiday cheer, you’re only steps away from a warm, Moravian-style meal, a hand-crafted cocktail, or charming spot to call it a night.

For a fresh take on seasonal shopping, give these Winston-Salem favorites a try:

Mast General Store
Penny candy and old fashioned fare modeled after a vintage five-and-dime

Museum Store at Reynolda House
A seasonal selection of high quality items, perfect for history lovers and home decorators alike

The Olio
Hand-blown glass ornaments and objects, perfect for giving (and receiving)

Delurk Gallery
Fine art in an even finer space. For the contemporary art lover.

Gazebo
High end luxury designer collections and accessories in the heart of Reynolda Village

Unity Umoja African Crafts
Traditional African American arts and crafts

Goat Feathers Antiques
Local vintage shop chock full of quirky finds

Downtown Arts District
Five blocks worth of walkable galleries, shops and boutiques along Winston-Salem’s Trade Street

Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery
Hand-crafted original art from North Carolina’s finest artisans

The Shops at Reynolda Village
One-stop boutique shopping for clothes, gifts, glassware, wine and more

Richard Childress Racing Museum Shop
Everything you need for the race fan in your life

Foothills Brewing Company
Pint glasses, tees, and craft beer direct from the source

Bookmarks
Our favorite independent bookseller (with is own rich story to tell)

Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies
Handmade Moravian cookies available in person or online (ships worldwide)