Groups meeting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are destined for an unconventional meetings experience.
Attendees become “Lords and Ladies of the Manor” upon arrival at the Graylyn Estate, a ‘20s-era executive conference center set on 55 acres just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem. The charms of yesteryear and the tech of today characterize this property, which exudes old world charm across 85 rooms and 15 meeting rooms, each with their own ambiance. Charming bungalows; the stunning, butler-ready Manor House; the Mews, resembling a Normandy quadrangle; the quaint and secluded Bernard Cottage for retreats; and the private Gardner’s Cottage are all available as accommodations and event spaces.
Graylyn is keen on sustainable meetings as evident in an on-site chef’s garden, green building retrofitting and collaboration with the Adopt a Park organization and Wake Forest University for environmental stewardship programs, speakers and events. More than 25 team building options are available across the property—scavenger hunts and geocaching to sangria-making competitions, and the estate’s F&B offerings entice groups to “choose their own experience,” whether an elegant four-course dinner, sharing platters or a formal reception.
For an authentic brush with Winston-Salem, head to the Old Salem Museums & Gardens historic area for brews and bites in its tea room, coffee house and bakery, before exploring outdoor gardens with a horticulturist, old museum buildings, workshops with authentic craftsmen, and rare antiques and shopping. Wine-themed meetings are a thing here in Winston-Salem, and whether tastings and events in local wineries or a brush with the NC Wine Festival, the largest wine festival in North Carolina, groups will be spoiled for choice.
