Everything You Want to Know About North Carolina’s Carolina Core, and What to do While You’re There – Itinerary

Carolina Core Quick Facts: ● The Carolina Core is a 120+ mile stretch of central North Carolina from west of Winston-Salem to Fayetteville encompassing Greensboro and High Point and has close proximity to Charlotte and the Research Triangle, all along future Interstate 685. The region has a talent pool of more than 2 million people, access to 30+ colleges and universities with 250,000 students, multiple airports, and more. ● Communities throughout the Carolina Core are investing in parks and public spaces, roads, and cultural centers that bring people together. The City of High Point’s Catalyst Project is bringing 20 new restaurants and shops, a centralized gathering space, and 250 new residential housing units in the area surrounding the newly opened baseball stadium of the High Point Rockers. Greensboro’s Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts is a 3,000-seat facility hosting everything from Broadway productions to family comedy shows. ● Known as the Home Furnishings Capital of the World, visit more than 100 home furnishings stores and outlets in High Point. With over 1,000 brands to choose from, High Point is home to the High Point Market, the World’s largest Wholesale Home Furnishings Show opened to retailers and design professionals. ● New, state-of-the-art spaces centered around creativity, connectivity, and entertainment keep residents active and inspired. Examples include Congdon Yards in High Point, The Forge in Greensboro, Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem, and more. ● Notable Livability Rankings: ○ Greensboro ranks as one of Livability’s Best Places to Live in 2022 ○ Greensboro ranks among Finance Buzz’s Top 25 Cities for Newly Remote Workers ○ Greensboro-High Point is the #1 Best City to Start a Small Business (ZenBusiness) ○ Winston-Salem listed as one GoBankingRates’ Surprising Cities Set To Become Boomtowns in 2022 Day 1 – Winston-Salem Breakfast at leisure in Winston-Salem Suggested places include Young Cardinal Cafe & Co. or Krankies Coffee (located in Innovation Quarter). Explore the Downtown Arts District (DADA) Location: Downtown Winston-Salem located between 5th, 7th, and Trade Streets About: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of visual and performing artists, businesses, and residents. The DADA “footprint” includes a variety of artists’ studios, galleries, shops, retail businesses, restaurants, bars, and residences located in this eclectic area of Downtown Winston-Salem located between 5th, 7th, and Trade Streets. Depart for a 6-minute drive to the Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Old Salem Museum & Gardens / Facebook
Enjoy a stroll in the Old Salem Museums & Gardens Location: 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 You can either stroll the neighborhood grounds for free or purchase tickets to access historic homes and buildings. ● All-In-One Tickets are available on-site at the Visitor Center. Tickets give visitors access to all open venues, including the Self-Guided Galleries in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center. All-In-One Tickets are $20 per adult. About: As one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions, three museums— the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem—engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about the Moravians, enslaved and free people of African descent, and Indigenous peoples of the Southern Woodland. MESDA contains the finest collection of its kind in the nation, featuring architecture, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, needlework, paintings, prints and other decorative arts made & used by the early settlers of the American South. MESDA also offers interactive experiences such as a Potter’s Workshop, stitching classes and live folk and traditional music at Muddy Creek Café & Music Hall. Hidden Town Project: Old Salem Museums & Gardens leads a groundbreaking initiative called the Hidden Town Project to research and reveal the history of a community of enslaved and free people of African descent who once lived in Salem, North Carolina. The Hidden Town Project tracks the effects and legacy of enslaved people from the founding of Salem in 1766 through the Jim Crow Era and into the 21st Century. Depart for a 5-minute drive to the Innovation Quarter
The Porch Kitchen and Cantina / Facebook
Lunch at The Porch Kitchen and Cantina Location: 840 Mill Works St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 About: The Porch Kitchen and Cantina is a family-friendly Tex-Mex restaurant located in the West End Mill Works. Depart for a 10-minute drive to the Reynolda House Museum Visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art Location: 2201 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Tickets: $18.00 for General Admission to the Museum; Free access to Gardens About: Reynolda House preserves and interprets an American country home and a the premier collection of American art. The Reynolda Village was part of the country estate developed from 1912-1917 by R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine Smith Reynolds. Reynolda House also includes lush garden space, where visitors can simply view the botanica or join in on immersive experiences like plant markets, nature walks, and even butterfly rearing. While at the Reynolda House grounds, enjoy a short drive to the nearby historic Graylyn Estate (4-minute drive) and the beautiful campus of Wake Forest University (5-minute drive). About: Former residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman Gray, the Graylyn is considered to be one of the finest hotels and conference centers in America. The vast 55-acre property features 85 luxurious guest rooms and is a member of Historic Hotels of America®. About: Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a nationally ranked private university located in Winston-Salem, N.C., with more than 8,000 students. Visit the Manchester Quad on the Reynolda campus and admire the architecture of Z. Smith Reynolds Library and other campus buildings. Take a stroll through the Bowman Gray campus and admire the fall foliage surrounding Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Depart for a 10-minute drive to the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel Check into Kimpton Cardinal Hotel Location: 51 4th St E, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 About: Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is located in downtown Winston-Salem’s historic R.J. Reynolds building, the architectural muse for the Empire State Building. This historic landmark welcomes you with a modern flair. Our lushly designed living room beckons with social seating areas. Savor locally sourced dishes at The Katharine, our own American brasserie. Swanky ballrooms and gathering spaces host memorable meetings, events, and weddings. All in a glamorous ambiance of Art Deco flourishes, metallic finishes, and cardinal-red details in unexpected places.
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel / Facebook
Depart for an 8-minute walk to Mission Pizza Napoletana Dinner at neighborhood staple, Mission Pizza Napoletana Location: 707 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 About: Born a wood-fired oven on wheels, Mission Pizza Napoletana occupies a cozy space in the Arts District of Downtown Winston-Salem, an emerging area full of creative innovators in food, beverage, and the arts. Pizza Napoletana honors the centuries-old tradition of pizza makers in the birthplace of pizza; Naples, Italy. Baked in their handmade Stefano Ferrara oven at 900+ degrees, the result is a beautiful pizza; soft and light, yet crisp, and topped with fresh, balanced ingredients.
Mission Pizza Napoletana / Facebook
Day 2 – Winston-Salem / Greensboro / High Point Enjoy breakfast at Katharine Brasserie + Bar (located in the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel) Location: 401 North Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 About: Katherine Brasserie & Bar provides guests with expertly prepared meals served in the same casually refined style that’s embraced by the rest of Kimpton Cardinal. The Katharine’s uniquely crafted menu from Executive Chef Eric Brownlee blends traditional brasserie fare with the culinary style of the surrounding region. The menu sets the scene, breaking regional boundaries while keeping soulful flavors close to home. The bustling bar features local beer selections, an extensive wine list, and craft cocktails as charismatic companions to flavorful dishes and lively conversation. Depart for a 35-minute drive to the Downtown Greenway Downtown Greenway About: The Downtown Greenway, a collaborative project of the City of Greensboro and Action Greensboro, is a planned four-mile walking and biking trail. This urban loop around the center city of downtown Greensboro will enhance the urban landscape with a green space that will promote fitness, connectedness, and well-being for both residents and visitors in an aesthetically pleasing environment. The loop provides a unique opportunity for Greensboro to have the only one of its kind in the state and one of the few in the country. With its emphasis on public art, the Greenway will tell stories and engage users of the trail in a unique and authentic way. After the Greenway, take a stroll through downtown Greensboro at leisure. No need to move your car, shops are just steps away… Explore boutique shops and galleries in downtown Greensboro ● Just Be ● Hudson’s Hill pending local business owner meeting ● Artmongerz ● Design Archives™ Vintage & Handmade Emporium Enjoy lunch at Chez Genèse in downtown Greensboro Location: 616 S Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27406 About: Chez Genèse is a small, French-inspired café located in downtown Greensboro, NC. They offer an integrated hiring model, seeking to provide equal employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer French staples like croissants, charcuterie boards, and contemporary house specialties like lemon-ricotta pancakes and avocado toast.
Chez Genèse / Facebook
Depart for a 25-minute drive to Congdon Yards Tour the new Congdon Yards ● Park in the Congdon Yards parking lot across from Congdon Yards About: Congdon Yards is a new $40 million dollar campus for furniture designers and makers and home to Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce. Congdon Yards is considered to be the city of High Point’s “Living Room” for locals and visitors to gather. Congdon Yards will also be home to Theatre Art Galleries (TAG) in 2023. TAG provides visual art exhibits and educational experiences to enrich the entire community, yearly featuring solo and group shows, and art classes. After Congdon Yards, take a stroll through downtown High Point at leisure. Explore new developments, boutique shops, home furnishings stores, and galleries in downtown High Point ● Stock + Grain Assembly (grab an afternoon snack at the new food hall) ● H.P Trousers (new!) ● The Blooming Board (new!) ● Gallery on Main (Black-owned; new location: (114 S. Main Street) ● High Point X Design – a new gathering and retail collective for furniture designers such as Cohab.Space, SPLASHWORKS, Jonathan Charles, & South + English. Additional points of interest nearby include High Point University (ranked one of the Most Beautiful Campuses by US News & World Report) and the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum (opened in April 2022 and is considered one of the largest children museums in the nation). At Leisure Return to hotel for a break Depart for a 4-minute walk to Six Hundred° Dinner at Six Hundred° at Innovation Quarter Location: 450 N Patterson Ave, Ste 120, Winston-Salem About: Their goal is to preserve southern culinary traditions with local foodsheds and showcase the people who raise, grow, and produce them. They celebrate quality products made by hard-working local hands. At Six Hundred° Social Room & Bar, local and hand-crafted spirits are front and center. About: Innovation Quarter is a member of the Global Institute on Innovation Districts’ Global Network. Innovation Quarter is one of the fastest-growing urban-based innovation districts in the U.S. with more than $300 million in capital investments housing 170 companies. The Coal Pit is home to food and drink hotspots Cugino Forno Pizzeria, Incendiary Brewing Company, and Black Mountain Chocolate. Designed for the community to enjoy, Bailey Park is a place to soak up the sunshine, enjoy the fresh air and relax with friends, family, classmates, or colleagues. Additional Recommendations and Things to Do in Greensboro: Experiences ● Historic Magnolia House – One of only four Green Book sites in North Carolina still in operation and housed some of our nation’s most well-known African Americans during the segregated Jim Crow Era. The house then moved on to operate as a living museum following a restoration in 1996, and in January 2022, the Magnolia House reopened to serve as a hotel after more than 50 years. Owner, Natalie Miller took on the family legacy to restore the house to a modernized replica of its heyday. Additionally, the Magnolia House hosts live music events throughout the year. The Historic Magnolia House (known by its formal name, the Daniel D. Debutts House) is on the National Register of Historic Places and is in the South Greensboro National Register Historic District. As of 2023, it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. ● Revolution Mill – a $100 million destination campus complete with 100 businesses, apartments, outdoor spaces, three art galleries, and four restaurants such as Black Magnolia Patisserie, a Black-owned bakery specializing in Southern classics like buttermilk biscuits and innovative flavors like their award winning Bourbon Banofee Rolls. Food & Beverage ● Joymongers Brewing Company – Owned and operated by Greensboro natives, this local brewery is all about small batch brewing, enabling them to always provide you with up to 17 of their finely crafted brews. ● Dram and Draught – Local bar specializing in handcrafted cocktails. They carry over 300 whiskey brands from around the world, locally sourced draught beers, and wines. The bar prioritizes hospitality and a friendly environment. ● One Thirteen Brewhouse – Rooftop Bar – One Thirteen Brewhouse + Rooftop Bar is a 4 story bar and event space located in the heart of downtown Greensboro. There are four bars featuring the best of Craft Beers, Select Bourbons and Spirits, and Popular Wines. The first floor features a large stage for live music performances, tables for seating and a custom built bar with a glass garage door that opens to the street for a cool vibe. The second floor is a first rate Bourbon and Whiskey Bar with a private room that can be reserved for parties or functions overlooking the first floor and main stage. The third and fourth floors have 2 bars, are open air rooftop spaces featuring live music and magnificent views of Greensboro. ● MACHETE – This eatery uses locally sourced and farmed resources to create diverse cuisines from all over the world. While they offer luxurious delicacies like duck and wagyu beef, they prioritize accessibility and affordable prices. They offer unique cocktails, local and foreign wines, spirits, and beers. ● Gia – Greensboro’s most visible speakeasy, the restaurant prioritizes an eclectic, culinary experience. The chefs and bartenders at Gia work together to create a perfectly matched drink and eating experience. The restaurant also offers a cocktail class, chef’s table, and small concerts for local artists. Additional Recommendations and Things to Do in High Point: Experiences ● Selfie at the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers ● The High Point Museum – The High Point Museum is dedicated to sharing Greater High Point’s history, providing perspective for current issues, and strengthening the sense of community. Their work is guided by our core values of connection, diversity, fun, and innovation. Past exhibitions included A Love Supreme, an exhibit dedicated to John Coltrane. ● Q’s Corner – Q’s Corner is a recreation center for children with disabilities. The center provides a judge-free zone for children and their parents or caretakers. The center is Black and women-owned. ● Truist Point – Truist Point is a new baseball stadium located in High Point, North Carolina, and is home to the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Food & Beverage ● Blue Water Grill (Great place for drinks as well as dinner) – Blue Water Grille is an upscale restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere and a great bar! Serving a mix of global specialties including seafood, salad & steaks, this is a great place for date night or to celebrate special occasions. The seafood here is fresh, never frozen so you know you are getting the best quality available. From salmon and scallops to filet mignon, every meal is a treat. ● Odeh’s Mediterranean Kitchen – A locally owned family restaurant in High Point, NC serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, offering an array of flavorful, healthy entrees such as Kabobs, Shawarma, Kafta, Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Tabouleh, Lamb, Spanakopita, etc. ● Dog House (staple in High Point and great hot dogs – open for lunch) – The Dog House is a local restaurant nestled in the heart of High Point, North Carolina serving the Triad’s best hot dogs since 1942. While they prioritize fast service and quick turnover, the taste of these fine dogs has never been compromised. ● Plank Street Tavern (pop in post-game) – This locally owned, full-service bar features live music, food trucks, an outdoor deck, and friendly staff. A fantastic place to unwind, “Where Good Times and Good Friends Meet.” ● Uncle Cheesecake – Featured on Food Network’s Chopped, this Black veteran-owned bakery has been satisfying every sweet tooth that walks in since 2015. Made from scratch and utterly delicious, Uncle Cheesecake is known for its delicious pastries, custom cakes, and unique desserts. Recommendations and Things to Do in Winston-Salem: Experiences ● Industry Hill – A neighborhood with more than 25 individual businesses ranging from breweries to collaborative workspaces – The Ramkat (live music), Winston Cup Museum (NASCAR museum), Broad Brand Distillery (whiskey), A Stone’s Throw (artisan work) and more. ● Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts – The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, anchors the community’s complex of arts and culture facilities. Known as the “Arts Campus”, the Milton Rhodes Center has hosted and staged numerous major cultural festivals and series. The Arts Campus also contains several dynamic, multi-functional, venues for performances, exhibitions, and other community events, as well as administrative facilities that are the “home” to several local arts organizations in Winston-Salem. ● ROAR (New!) – Bringing back the joy of the roaring ’20s into the 633 N Liberty building in Winston-Salem with fine dining, casual cuisine, and an abundance of entertainment with DuckPin Bowling, Full Swing Virtual Simulators, and a full-service Golf Club. Food & Beverage ● Dom’s – Winston Salem’s first plant-based restaurant prides itself in having a warm and beautiful space where vegans, omnivores, those who eat gluten-free, and anyone else can share a table and a bottle of wine to make warm and lasting memories. ● Mozelle’s – Since their first day in 2008, their goal has been the same: to faithfully represent the flavors of Winston-Salem, NC, while showcasing the wonderful ingredients produced by their neighbors, including Harmony Ridge farms, Fair Share farm, White Acres farm, Saura creek farm, Homeland creamery, Gnomestead hollow, Camino bakery, Battistini, and Massey Creek farm. ● Alma Mexicana – Alma Mexicana is a small, locally-owned restaurant with lots of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, ceviches & more! ● Moravian Cookie Trail – This simple, but ever so sophisticated cookie, is fast becoming a worldwide wonder for its incredibly rich (some may even say intense) flavors and yet is so incredibly thin. Some bakers have even called it the “world’s thinnest cookie!”

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s