Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is an exciting historic district that serves both educational purposes and as an exhibit of early American history. Established by Moravians during the late 18th century, this charming village gives visitors a special chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in Moravian culture and traditions. Our guide will help you plan a visit to Old Salem in Winston Salem and some nearby attractions and accommodations in the great city of Winston Salem!
Visit Old Salem in Winston Salem With These Tips.
Before delving into Old Salem’s rich history and attractions, here’s some essential travel tips:
Tickets Information: While exploring Old Salem is free, you must purchase a ticket to fully experience its interactive exhibits. Tickets may be bought on-site at any of three venues – Visitors Center, Horton Center, or Moravian Book & Gift – which gives access to all open buildings – such as the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts. Prices start at $18 for adults and $10 per student with children aged 3 years old entering free; during holiday seasons (November 10-December 31st), rates increase slightly. (Please note: Ticket information/prices may change without notice. Check the Old Salem in Winston Salem website for updated information)
Opportunities with Tickets: The possibilities become limitless when you acquire your ticket! Explore historic buildings and workshops like Shultz Shoemaker Shop or African Moravian Log Church; this ticket allows entry for two consecutive days so that you have ample time to experience Old Salem history fully.
Appreciating Architecture: As you explore Old Salem, stop and appreciate its diverse architectural styles that merge harmoniously in this historic district. Central European influences merge with Greek Revival and early American styles in Old Salem, forming an eye-catching panorama for architecture enthusiasts.
Old Salem provides an opportunity to learn African-American history as part of Moravian history and contemporary community life. Visit St. Philips Heritage Center and Moravian African Church to understand more about African-Americans’ contributions – potters, carpenters, and translators among them who played key roles within Moravianism; initiatives like Slave Dwelling Project and Hidden Town Project seek to increase this understanding as part of Old Salem history.
Explore Old Salem Gardens: Old Salem’s gardens are more than mere aesthetic displays; they have played an essential part in community life since 1766 and should not be neglected as part of your explorations of this historic town. Visit Miksch Garden where a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and grains grown using traditional Moravian gardening practices can be seen growing abundantly!
Shop and Dine: Old Salem offers an unforgettable shopping experience, from visiting the Moravian Book & Gift Shop and T. Bagge Merchant & Garden Shop to A. Butner Hat Shop where one will discover unique souvenirs. Don’t miss Dewey’s Bakery to enjoy traditional Moravian cookies or the Tavern in Old Salem serving authentic Moravian fare for lunch and dinner.
Interactive Tours: For an enhanced visit, join an interactive tour! The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) provides guided tours that offer insight into Southern art and craftsmanship through guided visits behind the scenes and give more understanding.
Digital Interactive Tour: For an exciting modern spin, use Salem Pathways on your mobile phone as an interactive guide for exploring Old Salem while learning its history. By following QR codes around Old Salem and making choices along the way, this tour allows for endless discovery!
Nearby Accommodations: If you would like to extend your visit near Old Salem, book a room at one of these accommodations: Augustus T. Zeverly Inn, Historic Brookstown Inn, Graylyn Estate, or Kimpton Cardinal Hotel – each offers different choices that suit other preferences, and budgets.
Old Salem’s history can be found dating back to 1766 when Moravians, a persecuted Protestant sect originally from Bohemia and Moravia (now Czech Republic) immigrated to America and settled first in Pennsylvania before finally making it North Carolina in 1766 – their meticulous record-keeping has left behind one of America’s most authentic and well-documented Colonial sites: Old Salem.
Old Salem Village serves as a living history museum where costumed interpreters bring history alive through various demonstrations of trades, crafts, cooking, gardening, and everyday Moravian life of 18th and early 19th century Moravia. As you wander its streets, you’ll experience first-hand the daily activities and traditions practiced within its community of Moravians.
Old Salem in Winston Salem Attractions to Visit
Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA).
Old Salem’s Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) is an attraction not to be missed! It boasts an incredible array of furniture, paintings, metalwork, and ceramics spanning the late 1600s up to the early 19th century. Meticulously recreated rooms take visitors back in time. You won’t want to miss this museum and join a guided tour for deeper insight into each exhibit’s historical significance.
St. Philips Heritage Center and Moravian African Church
The St. Philips Heritage Center is committed to preserving and sharing the history of African-Americans in Old Salem. Visit to explore their role in Moravian life as skilled artisans and translators; also don’t miss visiting St. Philips Moravian African Church which boasts North Carolina’s longest standing African American congregation and offers photographs that chronicle this community experience in Old Salem.
Single Brothers House Offers A Pottery Workshop
Step inside the Single Brothers’ House for an amazing exhibition of pottery-making! Watch as skilled potters use wheel pottery making as one of the many interactive demonstrations showcasing Moravian crafts and trades that visitors can engage with while visiting this interactive workshop.
Miksch Garden
Discover Moravian Gardening Practices Take a stroll through Miksch Garden to witness the beauty and functionality of Moravian gardening techniques. This sustainable garden features fruits, vegetables, and grains grown using traditional methods; discover Moravia’s commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency while you find this oasis!
C. Winkler Bakery
Delight in Moravian cuisine at C. Winkler Bakery! This historic bakery provides freshly baked Moravian cookies – beloved local delicacies. Offering thin and crispy ginger cookies alongside mouthwatering sugar cakes, their treats will satisfy even your sweet tooth – be sure to grab a box as an irresistibly adorable souvenir or present!
Old Salem Activities in and Around
Old Salem should certainly be at the top of any visit to Winston Salem; however, there are other attractions and activities worth experiencing throughout Winston Salem that should also make up part of your itinerary:
Reynolda House Museum of American Art: Just minutes away from Old Salem in Winston Salem lies Reynolda House’s breathtaking museum that showcases American art from the colonial period through the present day. Explore this beautifully preserved historic house while immersing yourself in art and culture!
Tanglewood Park: Just outside Winston-Salem lies Tanglewood Park – offering outdoor activities including hiking trails, golf courses, picnic areas, and much more! Perfect for enjoying North Carolina’s natural splendor while getting exercise!
Pilot Mountain State Park: If you’re up for an adventurous stroll, Pilot Mountain State Park should be on your list. Offering breathtaking scenery and hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, Pilot Mountain’s iconic landmark boasts breathtaking sights – don’t forget your camera so as not to miss any stunning scenic vistas!
Historic Bethabara Park: Gain insight into early Moravian history at Historic Bethabara Park. This open-air museum displays the original site of North Carolina’s first Moravian settlement with reconstructed buildings, gardens, and archaeological sites that will give an in-depth experience into the early Moravian community’s founding years.
Old Salem in Winston Salem offers the chance to re-connect to history
Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina offers visitors the chance to journey back in time, experiencing Moravia’s rich heritage and traditions first-hand. From interactive exhibits and demonstrations, beautiful gardens, delectable cuisine offerings, and fascinating interactive demonstrations, Old Salem provides an immersive learning experience suited for history enthusiasts or simply curious minds looking for cultural fun – make plans now to discover Old Salem! Explore cobblestone streets while uncovering their captivating charm as part of the captivating charm of a historic village!