For those of us who have ever had an out of town guest, a stop in Old Salem is a must. But like a myopic giant, so many of us locals may have overlooked a real dining gem right under our noses. . Old Salem Tavern manager Scott Hamilton says that they get plenty of foot traffic from tourists, but it is the locals that he would like to see more of. This must see of the local Winston Salem tourist attractions is in a building built in 1816. The latest restoration was completed in 1969 and the current owner Gail Winston purchased the tavern in 1984. Originally operated by the Moravian Church, the Old Salem Tavern was a favorite of travelers along North Carolina’s back country roads.
The tavern features six small dining rooms with wide planked floors and welcoming hearths. Each room also offers the quaint feeling of days gone by with candles on rustic wooden tables. While the tavern keeps to the theme of Old Salem with their costumed servers, their menu offerings are anything but traditional. Their chef John Dreschler takes pride in offering a dinner menu that goes from southern to Asian. When asked about their most well known and well loved meal, the answer was the Moravian Chicken Pie.
If you are looking for something to do locally on a weekend or even during the week, why not visit Old Salem and stop in at the Old Salem tavern for a chicken pie. If the weather is nice, you can sit out on the back patio where in the Spring and Summer, the wisteria arbor offers aromatic smells and beautiful colors.
This is not the only property in owner Gail Winston’s quiver. Gail also runs the River House in Ashe County. This bed and breakfast is on the banks of the New River and was originally owned by a local doctor. All of the property has been converted into rooms, including the chicken coop. All rooms offer whirlpools and outside reservations are accepted for dinner.
So if you are in Old Salem and find your stomach rumbling or you find your self wanting a weekend getaway contact The Old Salem Tavern or the River House (near West Jefferson NC).
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As always thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. Check back frequently as I continue to let you know about great places to eat all across North Carolina.
Gina
Gina's Restaurant Blog 