From Old Salem’s centuries-old legends to whispers on the grounds of Reynolda, Winston-Salem does spooky with serious style. Whether you’re in it for ghost lore, candlelit tours, or just the atmospheric history, here are some can’t-miss haunts.
Single Brothers' House & the "Little Red Man"
A famous Winston-Salem ghost story centers on Andreas Kermser, a prank-loving shoemaker who died in 1786 when a cellar excavation collapsed beneath the Single Brothers’ House. For generations since, staff and visitors have reported strange sounds and sightings of a figure in red.
Salem College & May Dell Amphitheater
Founded in 1772, Salem College has accumulated its share of legends, especially around Clewell and Babcock dorms and the wooded May Dell amphitheater. Students and visitors have long traded stories of unusual sights and sounds on quiet nights.
Salem Tavern Museum
Built in 1784 and quickly rebuilt after an earlier tavern burned, this bustling public house hosted travelers, traders, and President George Washington during his 1791 Southern Tour. Today the museum brings the 18th century tavern to life and is even the centerpiece of many ghost tours.
Reynolda House & Gardens
Visitors sometimes mention seeing a “Lady in White” on the estate grounds—often associated with Katharine Smith Reynolds, whose vision shaped Reynolda. The house is also the site of one of Winston-Salem’s most debated tragedies, the death of Zachary Smith Reynolds by gunshot in 1932, an event that has fueled ghostly speculation for decades.
God's Acre
The Salem Moravian Graveyard may not be haunted, but it’s deeply atmospheric. Since 1771, Moravians have buried congregants here with identical flat stones—a powerful symbol of equality in death. If you visit this serene, historic place, please keep in mind that it is an active burial ground.
Want Backup? Go With a Guided or App-Guided Tour
If you’d like to be spooked but feel there is safety in numbers, there are plenty of options for guided or app-guided tours. If you’ve got the nerve, you might consider checking out the Old Salem Night Watchman Tours. These after-dark, lantern-lit walks take you through original 18th century buildings while guides share real history and eerie lore.
Prefer to explore Old Salem’s spookier spots at your own pace? Consider a self-guided app-based tour.
Mind the Rules (so You Don't Get Haunted by Security)
Many of the places mentioned are museums, schools, and sacred spaces. Be sure to observe posted hours, stay on public paths and follow photography rules. Remember that Guided tours and special events often require advance tickets
Ready for a New (Ghost-Free) Home Base?
From pre-approval to closing, the Sharpe Mortgage Team makes the process clear and calm—no jump scares, just straight answers and on-time closings. Reach out at: (336) 575-9448 if you’re exploring a move across town or relocating to the Triad
