Winston Salem Day

Hi friends! Today, I’m writing about a day trip I took to Winston-Salem. I went to Salem College in Winston, and I itch to go back to Winston if I haven’t been in a few months! This time around, I was extra motivated by my deep desire to take my annual photo with the Moravian stars…

First things first, I had to get caffeinated! One of the things I miss the most about Winston is the local coffee shops. My favorite activity in college was going to coffee shops and pretending to study while chatting with friends. Camino is probably my most frequented coffee shop (great selection of pastries, baked goods, and drinks), but this time, we went to Twin City Hive. I found out about Twin City Hive the first week of my senior year, and I love how friendly the staff is and they’re not as crowded as Camino’s. (Also, they have pop tarts!)

Getting down to business—next thing on our agenda was the Heritage Bridge in Old Salem. Every year around the holidays, the Bridge is decorated with these gorgeous Moravian stars. My senior year of college, my suite mates and I took a #mchugh202 photo. Every year since then, I’ve taken a photo with the Stars so I had to again this year!

If you haven’t been to Old Salem, it’s a historic district where the Moravian settlement has been preserved. You can purchase a ticket at the Visitor’s Center and tour the historical buildings; every ticketed building has reenactor(s). Winkler Bakery is the oldest continually operating bakery in America–you can enter for free, learn about their baking process, and buy their baked goods! (My favorite is the Moravian sugar cake.) Last but not least, my alma mater, Salem College is right off the Square. Salem is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for women in the country.

We spent most of the afternoon on Trade Street, which is the arts district of downtown Winston-Salem. A late lunch at Sweet Potatoes (the Mambo Chicken!) was followed by some shopping at local businesses. Earthbound Arts from homemade soaps to pottery to local peppermint candy! My sister Jiyoung got a grown-up cutting board at Sunnyside Mercantile. I had to take a picture of her holding her prized, adult-y possession.

I knew about Black Mountain Chocolate back in college, but it was my first time actually visiting. They not only sell their chocolates, but also baked goods, truffles, and beverages using their chocolate as well as other local goods. Not pictured here but Ginger-Chili Big Winston Bar is AMAZING. I got a bundle of their signature chocolate bars, and I’m excited to break into those!

Last but not least! Adult beverages were consumed. Broad branch distillery offers free tastings, and they have award-winning spirits! I’m not a liquor drinker, but I took some very small sips of others’, and their Smashing Violet was almost like wine! And of course, the day ended at a brewery. Jiyoung and I split a flight at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company. My favorite was Snow Shower Blackberry Sour.

I loved spending a random Saturday in Winston, and I plan to do so again soon! Maybe next time, I’ll actually make it to 4th street!