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Step back in time to the 1700s at Old Salem, North Carolina

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Nestled close to downtown Winston-Salem is a colonial treasure: The village of Old Salem. Established in 1766 by the Moravians — a Protestant religious group from eastern Europe best known for their cookies and distinctive star motif — the historic town is now a walk-through living history museum. It offers an immersion experience where you can explore the streets and gardens, enter homes and shops, and interact with volunteers in period costume who relay the history of the buildings and the people who lived there.

Old Salem reminds me very much of a mini Williamsburg, Va., and had been on my North Carolina bucket list for a while. It is much larger than I was expecting, and covers 100 acres.

The guide explains that Fridays were baking day in the Moravian society.

A ticket is not needed to walk the streets, go into shops, or eat in the tavern, but is required for admission to tour the homes and buildings where the historic interpreters are. I highly recommend buying the day ticket so that you can do this. It was fascinating, and my son and I learned a lot.

George Washington slept here — they have a framed handwritten thank you letter to prove it. You’ll get to tour that building and several more.

After giving us a brief introduction about the community room that also functioned as a church at the Single Brothers’ House, the guide played a restored pipe organ.
The tailor demonstrates how he makes a man's shirt.
The tailor is making a man’s shirt.
We were there on Good Friday. In one of the homes, the re-enactor was dying and etching Easter eggs using dyes made from natural products. She explained that decorating hardboiled eggs was also a tradition in those days, and that the eggs could set out year after year without rotting, in most cases.
We were there on Good Friday. In one of the homes, the re-enactor was dyeing and etching Easter eggs using dyes made from natural products. She explained that decorating hardboiled eggs was also a tradition in those days, and that the eggs could set out year after year without rotting, in most cases.
Using a needle to etch a dyed egg.
Using a needle to etch a dyed egg.
Tumeric, red cabbage and other natural materials were used in egg dyeing.
Tumeric, red cabbage and other natural materials were used in egg dyeing.
At the bakery, the original wood-fired brick oven is still used to bake bread, buns, pastries, cookies and other treats, which are made and sold there daily. We took home some hot cross buns for Easter.

An expansive outdoor experience like this also provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a full day of walking. It’s great exercise, and by the end of our time there my son and I were both worn out.

Definitely put Old Salem on your itinerary when you visit this part of North Carolina. The whole family will enjoy it!

Travel tip: Student and AAA discounts are available. Parking at the Visitor’s Center is free.

Click on gallery photos to enlarge:

Church Street
The wood-fired oven at the bakery is 9 feet deep.
In the small kitchen of one of the homes.
Interpreters demonstrate baking day.
The backyard leads to a garden.
Tool shed and garden
Yarn storage
Pottery studio
Large kitchen at the boarding house
The tailor holds up a measuring tape.
The tailor is sewing a man’s shirt.
Woodworking shop
Artwork in the shops picture local scenes
Lunch at the tavern was delicious. I enjoyed the pot roast with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Dining room at the tavern where we ate lunch.
Dining table at the tavern where we ate lunch.
The tavern’s menu features local specialties freshly prepared.
The interpreter explains some common spices used in the kitchen of the day.
Liquor storage area in the basement of the tavern museum.
From the Visitor’s Center, you’ll walk across a covered bridge to the village.
From the Visitor’s Center, you’ll walk across a covered bridge to the village.

©Michelle Rogers, Inc.

 

 

 

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Comments

  4. Live the look and feel if this place I’m in GA and have always loved NC especially that covered bridge !

  5. This looks like so much fun! I love places that are historically accurate and let me see what things were like way back when.