When George Washington visited in 1791, he wrote in his diary that "Salem is a small but neat village..." and commented on the industriousness of its inhabitants. Founded in 1766 by Moravian missionaries, Old Salem is a living microcosm of colonial life in central North Carolina. Original structures and costumed interpreters allow the visitor to glimpse early American history and partake in the traditions, foods, and music of that period.
Walking Through Old Salem in Winston Salem, North Carolina
The walk from the new visitor’s center, opened in 2003, takes visitors to Old Salem’s main street. Cobble-stoned sidewalks meander past original and restored structures, many reflecting the artisans and merchants that made Old Salem an important colonial trade town. Several of the houses are privately owned residences but many structures such as the shoemaker’s shop, Winkler Bakery, Brewery, and Tannery are open to the public. Both the Toy Museum and the Children’s Museum should be included in any Old Salem visit.
George Washington spent two nights at the Salem Tavern which today offers lunch and dinner and is regarded as one of Winston Salem’s finest restaurants. Moravian chicken pie tops the list of entrees and desserts include Tavern-made lemon ice cream and Moravian gingerbread. The Tavern also functions as a museum.
The Old Salem Bakery and Gift Shops
T. Bagge Merchant was built in 1775 and today serves as the village shop, selling crafts and memorabilia of the eighteenth century. The shop also offers educational toys for children, Moravian and period music, Christmas novelties, and books about the Moravian faith. Several other stores sell home decorations, candles, and hand-made colonial hats.
Established in 1799, the Winkler Bakery still bakes breads and Moravian sugar cake in the wood-burning ovens. Visitors can purchase Moravian Love Feast buns as well as a variety of Moravian sugar cookies. Specialty breads like the basil-garlic bread are offered on different days of the week, usually selling out within hours.
Home Moravian Church in Old Salem, North Carolina
A functioning church, Home Moravian is the primary church for the denomination’s district. It is open to the public. Visitors are welcome to participate in the Christmas Love Feast every December 24th as well as the New Year’s Eve “Watch Night” service. Every Easter morning, thousands of visitors gather at the church for the Sunrise Service, an unparalleled experience. Brass bands from many local Moravian churches are positioned throughout Old Salem and rotate playing Moravian hymns, many of which are familiar Protestant tunes. At sunrise, throngs of visitors walk to God’s Acre, the old Moravian cemetery, to hear an Easter sermon.
If attending the Sunrise Service, visitors should plan on arriving early, between two and three o’clock in the morning, and dress warmly. Be prepared to park in areas that entail a lengthy walk to Home Moravian Church as Old Salem lots fill very quickly.
Special Events and Educational Experiences at Old Salem, North Carolina
Throughout the year, Old Salem offers many opportunities to better understand colonial life and the Moravian tradition. Special events include:
- Historical Cooking
- Music Programs and Concerts
- The Candle Tea
On Halloween, an organ concert treats the visitor to spooky tunes while a special evening tour, “Legends and Lanterns,” a type of ghost tour, focuses on mysterious events that occurred in some of the buildings.
Old Salem is one of the best preserved Early American villages with a particular focus on the Moravians and Southern tradition. A visit to Old Salem rewards the visitor with a restful stroll through a peaceful village nestled in the busy city of Winston Salem. Old Salem tours provide a superior educational experience. Tours are guided as well as self guided. Entrance fees provide access to all buildings although many structures, including the Winkler Bakery, Tavern, and shops, are free.
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