This month’s hidden gem is all about Winston-Salem. In fact, I share pieces of Winston-Salem culture and history, known as the city’s “landmarks” this month. These sites are as important to our city as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. 

Below are four Winston-Salem landmarks that you need to visit! Each has its own history and significance in our city.

Old Salem Teapot

Old Salem is one of the biggest pieces of Winston-Salem history. After all, it’s part of the “Twin City.” This coffee pot dates back to 1858 when local tinsmiths Julius and Samuel Mickey put it up as a way to advertise their tin shop that was located on South Main Street. It serves as a constant reminder of our city’s history and origins. 

Location: 400 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem

Shell-Shaped Shell Station

This historic landmark was built in 1930 by Quality Oil Company of Winston-Salem. Its creative and distinct shell design was even patented. Seven other shell-shaped stations were built in the area; however, this one on Sprague Street is the only one remaining. Preservation North Carolina restored it in the 1990s. Today, it serves as a great way to see how, even in the past, Winston-Salem was rooted in innovation and creativity. 

Location: 1111 E. Sprague Street, Winston-Salem

Water Tower Otter Mural

As the City of Arts and Innovation, this list isn’t complete without this massive, 15,000-square-foot mural on a Winston-Salem water tank. Completed in April of 2018, the artist, Daas, used it to pay homage to the importance of our water resources and native flora and fauna. Not only is it beautiful to view, but this mural is award-winning. It won the Knope National Championship in a March Madness-style competition against 84 other municipal water facilities. This mural is a great reminder of the artistic side of our city. 

Location: Sides Road, Winston-Salem (Between Clemmonsville Road and Peters Creek Parkway)

Winston Tower Letters

Anyone from Winston, or that lived here prior to summer of 2023, fondly remembers “Winston Tower” across the top of the downtown skyscraper. Until 1971, this was the tallest building downtown and, until two years ago, those letters stood high in Winston-Salem. Last year, two local businesses repurposed the letters. You can find the WS at Camel City BBQ Factory and the ET at Easy Tiger Beer Garden. These letters are a great sign of how our city constantly finds ways to create new ventures alongside the old history. 

Location: ET at Easy Tiger, 2108 S. Broad Street, Winston-Salem and WS at Camel City BBQ Factory, 701 N. Liberty Street, Winston-Salem