Photo Friday: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Despite its proximity to where I live in Atlanta, I’ve spent little time in most parts of North Carolina. The road to Boone, where my sister lives, is well-tread and I spent a few summers in Wilmington and the Outer Banks. But apart from these places, I’ve missed most of the middle.

While both of my sisters visited North Carolina’s Piedmont region, known as “The Triad,” on college tours, I had my heart set on Charleston from the moment I went. I missed out on learning about this area and its fascinating college towns, which include Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point.

On my most recent press trip, I spent a few days in the foothills before heading down to the valley. Winston-Salem is a twin city near the Yadkin Valley wine region. Salem was a Moravian settlement that visitors can see a replica of today.

Also known as the “Camel City,” the area was important for many years to the tobacco industry. When looking at the Winston-Salem skyline, the most notable buildings tell you everything you need to know about the industries here. The former R.J. Reynolds building, which resembles the Empire State Building, was actually built before the New York City building. It will soon be transformed into a Kimpton boutique hotel, with residential floors above it. You’ll also see the modern R.J. Reynolds building and the pillar-like Wachovia building.

The many colleges and universities nearby have brought in much-needed life to downtown with restaurants, bars and shops. Wake Forest University, Salem College, University of North Carolina School for the Arts, and Winston-Salem State University all have campuses in town.

A walk through downtown will take you past breweries, cocktail bars and hip eateries like Local 27101, pictured above. And thanks to the Wake Forest Biotech Place, an “innovation quarter” has been created, which transformed old tobacco warehouses into loft apartments and office buildings.

There are also a few eateries, like Cafe Brioche Dorée and Village Juice Company. Adjacent Bailey Park is a community green space with public restrooms, a covered stage, and food trucks that park there frequently.

I was also surprised to find an arts district a short walk from downtown, complete with yoga studios, galleries, natural living shops, bars, and restaurants. The non-profit Art for Arts Sake created the Artivity on the Green park to combine public art, specifically murals and sculptures, with physical activity. The large metal sculptures can be used for workouts, located right next to the main drag of the arts district.

After four days in Winston-Salem, all I wanted was to see more. I was surprised at everything that was going on in the seemingly small city. If you find yourself in the Camel City anytime soon, here’s some suggestions of how to spend your time there.