old salem museums & gardens

Belin421

If you can go to the gift shop before you start to visit the museums I was so fascinated by the history and the various museums that I completely forgot it closes early. There's so much to see and hear about. Enjoy.

561vanessaw

Went here in August 2014. Absolutley loved this place. It is worth coming here. The Atmosphere will take you back especially if you eat at The Tavern and stay at the Inn both on the main road across from each other in the Old Salem area.

julienp569

small shops, a farmers market on saturdays in the spring and summer, you don't need to buy a pass to wonder around but could learn a few things and pass an hour if time if you did

65suzannes

Walk though the Morovian settlement of Salem, NC. Experience the trades from the past: blacksmith, baker, gunsmith, merchantile, cobbler...Certain "houses" require a paid "ticket" but others can be seen without a ticket. Personnel are in period dress and are so willing to converse with you & explain what they are doing. Just walking the cobble streets & observing the architecture of the area is reason enough to go.The original settlers said this is "not a farming community" rather "a trading community". Be sure to eat in one of the two eateries. One is the old hotel/boarding house, the other is part of the merchantile. There is the town square where livestock is pastured plus an woman's university that is still teaching. Some of the young women work in the shoppes. Some of the houses are private residences that have to maintain the historic features of the era. The gardens were in "hibernation" in February but we plan to return this summer. Good walking shoes are a must.

Massnurse

First off, wonderful preservation of a historically valuable colonial community. Secondly, it is so well fleshed out through the use of costumed interpreters and the stories of actual residents of the times. Very enjoyable place to visit!

denisel634

Great place I love The Gardens especially in April and May when all the flowers are blooming absolutely beautiful definite must-see on any visit to Winston Salem or any of the surrounding area while you're in North Carolina

NCDad2k

Only a few blocks away from downtown Winston Salem, Old Salem's vintage homes and shops are a must-see. Be sure to wear good walking shoes as getting around on foot is best and places to visit are spread out if you intend to visit everything. Also, most buildings require a fee for entrance, so do investigate which ticket package works best. Be sure to save an appetite for a meal at the tavern or a sweet snack from the bakery.

8lucyp

It happened that we were in Winston-Salem on a Monday and found that to be the day that the museum and most of the places open to the public to be closed. We were there in September and found the weather to be extraordinarily beautiful. We strolled around Old Salem and saw the gardens and went into a bakery and bought some delicious cookies and apple strudel. The strudel was one of the best we've ever eaten. There was one store with books and other gifts to purchase that was open and we strolled around inside it, which was quite extensive. There is a college in Old Salem, so students were walking about, going to their classes and such. Old Salem is a must see.

DDD5357

In addition to the historic buildings and interesting shops, I have always enjoyed strolling the neighborhood on my own, admiring the private (restored) homes and gardens.

stubai1ey

Quite historic, but also quite small. Be sure to visit Salem College, adjacent to Old Salem itself. The Tavern is attractive, but the food is overrated. A nice area to walk around for about half an hour.

amazedin2014

Take a step back in time. Originally founded by Moravians. Includes bakery, blacksmith, candle and candy making. Working college and restaurants. A very enjoyable outing indeed. For very little money.

johnnykfive

I found it quaint, nostalgic and worthy of repeat visits. We always take our out-of-towners there when their schedules allow.

Jim40W72

Much to learn about Moravian history. Very authentic. And easy to get to from our B&B (Augustus T. Zevely).

211Nancie

Loved the living history walk, lunch at The Tavern, and we never leave without a visit to the Winkler Bakery.

sheltolb

For the historically curious traveler, old Salem is an excellent choice. Not overwhelming or exhausting to visit-- one is treated to the fascinating facts of the industrious, pious, and faithful Moravians who settled in the NC colony in 1753.