Thinking of getting away for the holidays this year? Our family did just that recently – a road trip to the unique Moravian settlement of Old Salem. The city’s attractions are brightly decorated and extend a warm welcome to all. Visitors can celebrate the season with a beautiful light festival, candlelight tours of historic homes and much more. I must say I didn’t know what to expect upon arrival and I am thrilled that we got the chance to visit this charming Early American town, especially at the holidays.
Our first stop was at the Old Salem Visitor Center. Here you can purchase admission tickets and receive visitor and event information. You may also visit the Souvenir Shop and Candy Shop along with the James A. Gray Auditorium which displays the 1800 David Tannenburg Organ.
The Heritage Bridge
As we strolled through the cobblestone village we noticed several interesting buildings. The Salem Tavern Museum was constructed in 1784 and restored in 1965. The Tavern was owned and operated by the Moravian Church and this is the site where President George Washington stayed for two nights while visiting in 1791. Our daughter enjoyed visiting with one of the Tavern’s guides.
Our next stop was the Frank L. Horton Museum Center. Here you may view history through objects and material culture. We took the guided tour and experienced a wide range of early southern artistry and craftsmanship and viewed decorative arts from the early American South, 1660-1860. No photography is allowed in the museum.
The Winkler Bakery was a popular spot during our trek through the village. The building was constructed in 1800 and restored in 1968. The Bakery’s oven is still heated with wood as it was nearly 200 years ago. Many delicious treats here for children and adults.
In the evening we enjoyed Tanglewood Park’s Festival of Lights. This light display runs from November 23 through January 1, 2014; 6-11pm. Every year visitors come from near and far to experience the Southeast’s largest holiday light display. More than 1 million twinkling lights are seen over four miles of rolling countryside. We rode along in our car while listening to our favorite holiday tunes, however visitors may enjoy the lights by horse-drawn carriage or a classic hayride, and midway through your route you may stop at the gift shop in the red barn to browse handmade items, roast marshmallows and enjoy a barbecue dinner.
When it was time to call it a night, our choice of lodging for the evening was The Historic Brookstown Inn located at 200 Brookstown Avenue, (336)725-1120. We were hoping for a bit of southern hospitality during our stay and we got just that. The Inn’s staff were friendly and welcoming and eager to make our stay a truly wonderful experience. The Inn houses a fitness center, a business center, a grand ballroom and market. In the morning a continental breakfast is offered for guests. A complimentary wine and cheese reception is available afternoons in the parlor and freshly baked cookies and milk are offered at bedtime.
There is much more to see and do in the town of Old Salem. Here is a short list of more holiday events during the month of December:
Saturdays with St. Nicholas at Old Salem – November 30-December 21; 10am-3pm Tickets are $7 for ages 2 and up. Visit site for more details – www.oldsalem.org
Old Salem Museums & Gardens Candlelight Walking Tours – November 15 – December 21; Every half hour from 6:30-8pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children. Visit site for more details – www.oldsalem.org
Kwanzaa in Winston-Salem – December 26 – January 1; All Kwanzaa events are free and open to the public. Visit site for more details – www.triadculturalarts.org