Old Salem

Old Salem is the original section of the town of Salem, NC, which later merged with the town of Winston, NC, to become Winston-Salem.

The buildings in Old Salem were built in the early to mid-1800’s, primarily by Moravian immigrants who settled in the area. The buildings; homes and shops mostly, still stand to this day. Many of the homes are still used as private residences. Some of the buildings are used as museums. The museums have hosts, people dressed in period costume who will tell you a little bit about the building you are visiting, the types of activities that went on there, and about life in Old Salem.

Most of these buildings require paid admission. There are however a few buildings which do not require admission, the bakery, restaurant, and gift shops to name a few.

The buildings are very well preserved. The only thing that I did not like about Old Salem was that the streets are open to traffic. I felt that seeing cars parked on the street in front of these old buildings in the middle of a living history museum kind of took away from the point of having a living history museum in the first place.

My brother lived near Winston-Salem. A few years ago I had to go to North Carolina for work. I managed to stay a few extra days and visit him and his family.

One day he and his wife took me to see Old Salem. I liked it quite a bit.

It was interesting. And very well done too, I thought!

Visited a few years ago. A lovely old town, like Williamsburg with actual residents.