As summer comes to an end, Winston-Salem paints itself with the colors of autumn. This invites both locals and visitors to embrace the crisp air, seasonal festivities, and vibrant landscapes.

Nature’s Canvas 

There’s something truly magical about watching the leaves change colors in the fall. In Winston-Salem, nature’s artistry is on full display as the trees transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. One of the best places to witness this stunning transformation is in the historic district of Old Salem.

Old Salem, with its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved buildings, becomes even more enchanting in the fall. Take a leisurely stroll through the district, and you’ll be surrounded by a canopy of richly colored leaves. It’s the perfect backdrop for snapping photos and immersing yourself in the charm of this historic area.

Apple-Picking 

Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the orchard to pick crisp, juicy apples. Luckily, the area surrounding Winston-Salem offers several options for apple-picking adventures. The popular orchards in the area are Levering Orchard and Millstone Creek Orchards. Located just a short drive from Winston-Salem, Windy Hill Orchard offers a delightful apple-picking experience.

When you visit Levering Orchard, you’ll have the chance to explore rows upon rows of apple trees, each laden with a variety of apple types. Whether you’re a fan of sweet Fuji apples or prefer the tartness of Granny Smith, you’ll find your perfect apple here. Make sure to check their website or call ahead to confirm their seasonal hours and availability.

Once you’ve gathered your apples, the orchard often offers a range of delicious apple products to take home, from fresh-pressed apple cider to homemade apple pies. It’s the quintessential fall experience that the whole family can enjoy.

Explore a Corn Maze

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure and fun, Winston-Salem’s corn mazes are a must-visit during fall. These winding mazes provide an entertaining challenge for families, couples, and groups of friends. 

One of the top choices for corn maze enthusiasts is Kersey Valley Maize Adventure. This expansive attraction features multiple corn mazes, each with its own unique theme and level of difficulty. From the intricate designs of the larger mazes to the shorter and less complex options for younger visitors, there’s something for everyone at Kersey Valley.

For those seeking a spine-tingling experience, Kersey Valley also hosts a ‘Spookywoods‘ event during the evenings. It transforms the corn maze into a haunted trail, complete with ghouls, zombies, and eerie surprises. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an exhilarating way to get into the Halloween spirit.

Haunted Houses, Trails, and More!

Winston-Salem knows how to deliver thrills during the season. If you’re a fan of haunted houses and spooky trails, you’re in for a treat!

One of the most well-known haunted attractions in the area is ‘Woods of Terror.’ Located just outside Winston-Salem, this expansive haunted attraction features a variety of haunted houses and trails that are sure to get your heart pounding. From creepy clowns to chainsaw-wielding maniacs, ‘Woods of Terror’ offers a frighteningly good time.

For those looking for a more aquatic haunted experience, consider visiting ‘Lake Hickory Haunts.’ This family-owned and operated attraction offers a haunted trail experience like no other with numerous attractions and themes. The dimly lit path winds through a dark forest at the waterfront, where you’ll encounter unsettling sights and sounds that will keep you on edge.

Football Game Days

Fall also means football season, and Winston-Salem has two local universities that have football teams, Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University, that take the sport seriously. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking to soak up the game-day atmosphere, attending a college football game is a must.

Wake Forest University’s Demon Deacons play their home games at the Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The lively atmosphere, tailgating parties, and the excitement of college football makes attending a game a memorable experience. Check the schedule and don black and gold to cheer on the home team.

Winston-Salem State University’s Rams, on the other hand, play at Bowman Gray Stadium. This historic stadium has hosted college football games for decades and offers a unique game day experience. Be sure to grab some stadium food, enjoy the spirited crowd, and root for the Rams.

Explore Fall Flavors

Fall is not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. Winston-Salem’s culinary scene embraces the season with a variety of dishes and drinks inspired by autumn flavors. Here are some must-try items:

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything: Embrace the pumpkin spice craze with lattes, pancakes, and even beer flavored with this classic fall spice blend
2. Apple Pies and Crisps: Local bakeries and restaurants serve up warm, freshly baked apple pies and crisps that are the epitome of comfort food.
3. Butternut Squash Soup: Savor the creamy goodness of butternut squash soup, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cooler evenings.
4. Cider Donuts: Pair a fresh cider donut with a hot cup of apple cider for the ultimate autumn treat.
5. Fall-Inspired Cocktails: Many bars and restaurants craft seasonal cocktails using flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cranberry. 

Unique Fall Festivals and Events

Fall in Winston-Salem is not just about nature and food; it’s also a season for vibrant festivals and events. Here are some of the unique happenings you can look forward to.

1. Carolina Classic Fair

The Carolina Classic Fair features thrilling rides, live entertainment, and an array of delicious local food and guilty-pleasure fair food. It’s a family favorite and a highlight of the season.

2. Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair

Celebrating its craftspeople and artists, the Piedmont Craftmen’s Fair showcases a diverse range of handmade art, jewelry, ceramics, and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover unique gifts and support local artisans.

3. Bookmarks Festival

If you’re a bookworm, you’ll love the annual Bookmarks Festival celebrating literature. It features author readings, book signings, and activities for all ages.

4. Pumpkin Patches

Throughout the season, you’ll find various pumpkin patches and harvest festivals offering hayrides, petting zoos, and, of course, pumpkin picking.

5. Halloween Events

In addition to haunted attractions, Winston-Salem hosts various Halloween parties, parades, and costume contests. Get creative with your costume and join in the fun.

Cozy Accommodations

Winston-Salem Historic Inns offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Whether you’re drawn to the Ludlow and Sheppard Houses at Summit Street Inns or the grandeur of The Shaffner Inn, you’ll find well-appointed guest rooms and luxurious amenities.

Imagine unwinding by the fireplace, sipping a glass of wine in beautifully landscaped gardens, or taking in the crisp fall air on a wraparound porch. Winston-Salem Historic Inns provides the perfect retreat for a relaxing fall getaway!

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Winston-Salem emerges as a true autumn gem. From the kaleidoscope of fall foliage to thrilling corn mazes, haunted houses, and lively football games, there’s no shortage of activities to embrace the season. Pair that with delicious fall flavors and unique festivals, and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable fall adventure.

Winston-Salem welcomes you with open arms. Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the beauty of fall, and make lasting memories in this charming Southern city. From nature’s canvas to cozy accommodations, Winston-Salem has everything you need to fall in love with autumn!