Tranquil Spa Hotel Close to Universities

Winston-Salem is decidedly a college town. There are six institutions of higher learning nearby, attracting thousands of young people to the area and providing a strong fan base for basketball games involving the rams of Winston-Salem State University or the Screamin’ Demons of Wake Forest University. Located within walking distance of Wake Forest and 5 miles from Winston-Salem State, Sundance Plaza Hotel and Spa provides a tranquil resting spot for visitors, who have access to a full-service, 11,000-square-foot day spa on the premises. A sense of serenity can be felt throughout the hotel, where trickling fountains, local artwork, and mood lighting set the tone for a calming stay.

At the Spa & Wellness Center, you can unwind with a Swedish massage or a signature facial. If you opt for this Groupon’s spa-day package, you can customize your experience by choosing three out of six services from a menu of services including manicures, mask treatments, and salt glow scrubs. Afterward, the onsite Our Bistro serves up dinner entrees such as jumbo-shrimp fettuccine and grilled salmon.

At the end of the evening, you’ll retire to a spacious king suite or standard room, both of which are decorated in soothing earth tones and equipped with microwaves and refrigerator. King suites also have attached sitting rooms and wet bars. In the morning, there’s a complimentary continental breakfast buffet with muffins, yogurt, and cereal.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Historical Moravian Roots and American Art

Located in north-central North Carolina, Winston-Salem and the towns of Greensboro and High Point make up the Piedmont Triad. Originally, Winston and Salem were separate entities. Salem was founded first, in 1766, by Moravians who were escaping religious persecution in the present-day Czech Republic. Winston came along nearly a century later, in 1851, and would eventually become a heavy hitter in tobacco and textile manufacturing. In 1913, the two fused into a single city.

Today, the Moravian influence is still evident in Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where a massive effort led to the restoration of more than 30 historic buildings. Wander around the colorful restaurants and shops with façades decked out in traditional hues of red, yellow, and brown.

Winston-Salem’s colleges help contribute to the city’s long-standing emphasis on education and art. Visit the Reynolda House Museum of American Art to look at paintings and sculptures by American artists including Albert Bierstadt, Mary Cassatt, and Frederic Church.

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