Plentiful, delicious dining, a vibrant cultural scene and outdoor fun are set against the backdrop of beautiful, mountainous landscapes in Winston-Salem.

In the foothills of the North Carolina mountains, just before you hit wine country and a mere four hours from the beach, is Winston-Salem, a city of art and food and easy access to the natural wonders of the region’s terrain.

The ingenuity of the city’s Moravian founders has translated into a community of young entrepreneurs and creators who spurred a live-work-play revolution. That spirit is most apparent at Innovation Quarter, a downtown-based research park that encompasses 90 companies, over 1,000 residences, 5 academic institutions, and 20 miles of connected greenways and parks—plus restaurants, coffee shops, and watering holes.

Excerpt: “After you touch down in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), you’ll begin your journey in Winston-Salem, a city full of “firsts” that is a 75-minute drive from the airport. Winston-Salem may also be referred to as “City of the Arts and Innovation”, “Camel City” for its involvement in the tobacco industry (R.J. Reynold’s Tobacco Company’s Camel cigarettes are based in this area), or where the first Krispy Kreme doughnut shop opened!”

New Jersey luxury lifestyle magazine featured Winston-Salem’s local hotels and attractions a print article detailing how to enjoy an autumn visit to North Carolina. “The Perfect Fall North Carolina Road Trip” features Winston-Salem’s historic Graylyn Estate, the downtown Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, and Village Inn Restaurant in historic Reynolda Village.

“There is nothing like Southern hospitality, and you will definitely find that in the heart of Winston-Salem. The walkable downtown continues to grow, with more than $1.5 billion invested into downtown revitalization over the last decade. Visitors can enjoy a taste of Winston-Salem, thanks to seven craft breweries in a one-mile radius, more than 80 locally-owned restaurants and cafes (many of which are women-run) and an array of live music venues, eclectic art galleries and innovative cocktail lounges.”

According to U.S. News, “the rankings offer a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s 125 largest metropolitan areas – up from 100 last year – based on how well they meet Americans’ expectations for retirement, with measures including housing affordability, desirability, health care and overall happiness.”