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Winston-Salem neighborhoods are the heart and soul of the city. And while each boasts its own set of charms, a common thread runs through them all: They’re walkable, friendly, and vibrant. We asked neighborhood influencers to describe why they love their pocket of the city.

By: Lisa Shu & Robin Sutton Anders

Downtown

A vivacious renaissance of textile buildings turned boutique hotels, more than 100 bars and restaurants of varying price points and plenty of live entertainment, Central Downtown remains the heartbeat of the city.

“Being able to work, play, and live in a specific area of downtown is every city-dweller’s dream. The Innovation Quarter provides space for all three to take place in an aesthetically pleasing and clean environment. The food, drink, entertainment, and career options available in the IQ are second to none.”

DJ Hargrave, Event and Branding Manager for the City of Winston-Salem

A FEW FAVES: Concerts at Bailey Park and Coal Pit Live, beer at Incendiary, dining at Six Hundred Degrees!

ARTS DISTRICT/INDUSTRY HILL

The mural-lined streets of the Downtown Arts District cater to the creative souls who visit and work in its galleries, studios, museums, and shops. Formerly home to factories and warehouses, Industry Hill on the northern end of downtown is bursting with the creativity of craftsmen, entrepreneurs, brewers, and entertainers.

“My husband, Will, and I love how approachable it is here. We think of Industry Hill as an ode to the area's history as a working-class neighborhood. We feel a real connection to that as part of a group of regular people taking a leap of faith to start their own businesses. There are no big companies filled with people you don’t know. We’re all neighbors.”

FEW FAVES:

HISTORIC BROOKSTOWN/ WEST SALEM

Just a skip away from historic Old Salem Museums & Gardens, the National Historic Landmark community that Moravians settled in 1766, Historic Brookstown has several restaurants, coffee shops, and the ever-popular weekly Cobblestone Farmers Market.

“We love West Salem for its walkability! It is conveniently close to Old Salem, The Dash Stadium, great restaurants, and it provides a quick walk to the heart of downtown thanks to the new walking bridges. The community is kind and neighborly — we wouldn't trade it for anything!”

Kylan and Rebekah Reasoner, owners of Sayso Coffee

A FEW FAVES: East of Texas, LesserKnown Beer Co., Camino Bakery.

Washington Park

When Tampa transplants Linda Arns and Mariruth Kennedy were looking to relocate, the couple chose this charming, century-old locale just south of downtown.

“Washington Park is truly frontporch living, where we meet and socialize with our neighbors. Just sitting on the front porch can turn into an impromptu happy hour or dinner together. It is a place where neighbors just stop by or even step up to lend a hand when needed. And at the holidays, every time you open your door there seems to be another batch of goodies dropped off by a neighborhood 'elf'. We are so pleased that we landed in this magical place ... it is a special little enclave a few miles from downtown.”

Linda Arns & Mariruth Kennedy

A FEW FAVES: Washington Park, Acadia Market & Grill, Winkler Bakery

West End

Weave your way around the city’s historic West End, a hidden pocket of antique, consignment, and retail stores, furniture showrooms, and curious places to unwind.

“When I opened Actors Group and moved it to West End four years ago, I completely fell in love with the community and the amazing vibe of the area. Everyone you meet is friendly and interesting and unique — just like the neighborhood itself! I’ve spent hours cruising up and down the streets, just admiring West End’s architecture.”

Burgess Jenkins, owner of Carolina Actors Group and The Remedy Coffee House and Draft Room

A FEW FAVES: Grace Court, Carolina History & Haunts’ West Endings ghost tour

Ardmore

Get back to nature in this pocket of Winston-Salem shaded by established oaks, serenaded by chirping birds and beautified by lawns brimming with native pollinators. The neighborhood’s vibe is on full display at the Sunday Social farmers market in the Fancy Groceries’ parking lot, where artists, chefs, and small business owners gather twice a month to share live music, good food, and friendship with neighbors.

“There’s nothing pretentious about it. I feel like anything goes here, which is fun in a neighborhood filled with 100-year-old homes. Nothing brings me quite as much joy as when I’m sitting in my sunroom, and folks out for a walk literally stop to smell the flowers in our front yard.”

Max Dubinsky, owner of Fancy Groceries, a men's and women's U.S.-made clothing and goods store located inside the Ardmore Barbershop

A FEW FAVES: Stella Brew, Ardmore Artwalk

KÖRNER’S FOLLY

Körner’s Folly is an architectural wonder that preserves the timeless connection between passion and art. Built in Kernersville in 1880, the 22-room museum was once home to Jule Körner and still displays his interior design portfolio. Wandering through the house museum intrigues visitors at every turn, with unique original furnishings and artwork, cast-plaster details, carved woodwork, and elaborate hand-laid tile. And it’s just 15 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem. kornersfolly.org

336.996.7922 kornersfolly

Events Central

Since 1989, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum has been Winston-Salem’s destination for concerts, sports, comedy, family shows, and more. Such legends as Elton John, Billy Joel, and Garth Brooks have played at Lawrence Joel. And it's here where you can find the excitement of Wake Forest men’s and women’s basketball playing in the great Atlantic Coast Conference. Built by the City of Winston Salem and today owned by Wake Forest University, the Coliseum is now under the management of ASM Global, the world’s largest producer of live events. The schedule changes frequently, so be sure to check back often. For tickets and show details, visit ljvm.com