Winston-Salem’s downtown boasts a rich industrial history, and the Historic Guided Tour provides an ideal way to explore it. Over 70 captivating minutes, visitors can discover the city’s moonshine legacy and architectural marvels that inspired iconic buildings like the Empire State. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers an engaging and affordable experience for all. With flexible booking options and free cancellations, it’s a must-do for anyone intrigued by Winston-Salem’s fascinating past.
Good To Know
- A 70-minute walking tour exploring downtown Winston-Salem’s architectural influences, moonshine legacy, and industrial history.
- Guided by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, providing insights into the city’s unique character.
- Highlights the connection between downtown Winston-Salem and the iconic Empire State Building’s art deco design.
- Offers a hassle-free experience with no upfront payment and flexible booking with free cancellation.
- Immersive journey showcasing Winston-Salem’s transformation from a tobacco and wagon manufacturing hub to a Prohibition-era moonshine center.
Tour Overview
The Downtown Winston-Salem Historic Guided Tour is a 70-minute walking exploration that takes visitors through the industrial heart of North Carolina.
A 70-minute walking tour exploring the industrial history of downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Priced from $19 per person, the tour starts and ends at Fair Witness Fancy Drinks in downtown Winston-Salem.
Along the way, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide leads participants on a journey to discover the city’s rich history, including its architectural influences, moonshine legacy, and role as a center for tobacco factories and wagon manufactories.
The tour is offered in English and can be booked with no upfront payment, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Looking for more options in Winston Salem North Carolina? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Booking Information
Visitors can reserve their spot on the Downtown Winston-Salem Historic Guided Tour without any upfront payment.
Booking is flexible, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour’s availability can be checked online, with various starting times offered.
This tour is a popular option, so it’s advisable to book early to secure a spot. The guided exploration takes guests through the city’s historic downtown, showcasing its industrial past and architectural wonders.
With free cancellation and no prepayment required, booking this tour is a hassle-free experience.
Tour Highlights
Explore the history of downtown Winston-Salem, the industrial heart of North Carolina, on this guided tour.
Discover the architectural inspiration behind the Empire State Building. Learn about Winston’s role as a moonshine hub during Prohibition.
Discover the architectural inspiration behind the Empire State Building. Learn about Winston’s role as a moonshine hub during Prohibition.
Experience a guided exploration written by a professional historian. Stroll through a city known for its tobacco factories, wagon manufactories, and towering bank headquarters.
Enjoy an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and helpful guide who brings the city’s past to life.
This tour highlights the rich history and unique character that make downtown Winston-Salem a must-visit destination.
Tour Experience
Enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides lead visitors on a walking tour through downtown Winston-Salem, bringing the city’s rich history to life.
The experience offers:
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Immersion in the industrial heart of North Carolina, once known for its tobacco factories, wagon manufactories, and towering bank headquarters
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Insights into the architectural inspiration behind the Empire State Building
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Exploration of Winston’s role as a moonshine hub during Prohibition
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A guided journey written by a professional historian, providing a multifaceted understanding of the city’s past.
The tour allows guests to discover the stories and significance of downtown Winston-Salem through an engaging, informative experience.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring the Industrial Heart of North Carolina
Downtown Winston-Salem, once the industrial heart of North Carolina, beckons visitors to discover its rich history.
This guided tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the city’s legacy as a hub for tobacco factories, wagon manufactories, and towering bank headquarters. Guests will learn about the architectural inspiration behind the Empire State Building and the city’s role as a moonshine center during Prohibition.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Winston-Salem’s industrial past, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity that shaped this dynamic city.
A guided tour that offers a fascinating glimpse into Winston-Salem’s industrial past and the resilience that shaped this dynamic city.
Prepare to be captivated by the stories that echo through the streets.
Architectural Inspiration From the Empire State Building
Among the many architectural marvels uncovered on this tour, the connection between downtown Winston-Salem and the iconic Empire State Building stands out.
Designed by the same architect, the Wachovia Building in Winston-Salem provided inspiration for key elements of the Empire State Building’s distinctive art deco style, including:
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The use of setbacks to create a sleek, tapered silhouette
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Intricate brickwork and terra cotta ornamentation
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Striking vertical lines that draw the eye upward
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A prominent spire that acts as an exclamation point on the skyline
This unexpected link highlights Winston-Salem’s role as an innovative center of design and industry in the early 20th century.
Winston’s Role as a Moonshine Hub During Prohibition
While the early 20th century saw Winston-Salem emerge as a center of legitimate industry, the city also played a lesser-known role as a hub for illicit moonshine production during Prohibition. Bootleggers exploited the region’s mountainous terrain and rural communities to distill and distribute untaxed liquor. The table below highlights key facts about Winston-Salem’s moonshine past:
| Statistic | Value |
| — | — |
| Moonshine Distilleries | 215 |
| Moonshine Arrests | 1,782 |
| Gallons of Moonshine Seized | 46,880 |
| Jail Sentences Handed Out | 2,110 years |
| Total Fines Levied | $204,275 |
This shadowy history reveals Winston-Salem’s complex identity during a turbulent era.
Guided Exploration by a Professional Historian
The guided walking tour of downtown Winston-Salem is led by a professional historian who brings the city’s rich past to life.
Guests are captivated by the guide’s storytelling as they:
Guests are captivated by the guide’s storytelling as they uncover the city’s rich past and gain a deeper appreciation for its vibrant history.
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Uncover the architectural inspiration behind the Empire State Building
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Explore Winston’s role as a moonshine hub during Prohibition
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Explore the city’s legacy as the industrial heart of North Carolina
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Gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s vibrant history
The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights that transform the tour into an engaging, immersive experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Transportation Are Available for the Tour?
This tour is a walking tour, so the main mode of transportation is on foot. Participants will explore downtown Winston-Salem’s historic sites and attractions by walking with the knowledgeable guide.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Offered?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts, but there’s a group rate available for parties of 10 or more. Book with a group to get a better deal on the tour price.
Can the Tour Accommodate Guests With Disabilities?
The tour company can accommodate guests with disabilities. They recommend contacting them in advance to discuss any special needs so they can make appropriate arrangements to ensure an enjoyable and accessible experience.
Are There Any Food or Drink Options During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include any food or drink options. However, it starts and ends at Fair Witness Fancy Drinks, where guests can purchase beverages before or after the tour.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
The tour is a walking tour, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is advised, as the tour takes place outdoors. There’s no formal dress code, just be prepared for an enjoyable walking experience.
The Sum Up
The Downtown Winston-Salem Historic Guided Tour offers a captivating 70-minute exploration of the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural marvels. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour delves into the city’s moonshine legacy and its influence on iconic structures, providing an informative and enjoyable experience for all participants. With flexible booking options and free cancellations, this tour promises an engaging journey through the industrial heart of North Carolina.
You can check availability for your dates here: