Request a deck table at Christopher’s New Global Cuisine.	The formal garden at Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University stretches over 4 acres and includes rows of roses, trees, and vegetables.

Leaves shake their greens for vibrant hues. Restaurants unveil fall menus. Just west of town, Yadkin Valley wineries busy themselves with harvest season. Book a weekend in Winston-Salem this month, when the cool mornings and evenings refresh this historic city.

To the Gardens
Take Reynolda Road out of downtown to the former estate of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds. A significant piece of this city’s rich history, it’s now divided into three separate destinations.

Explore Reynolda House Museum of American Art to learn not only the Reynolds family story but also how they transformed this home into a space holding one of the best small American art collections in the South. Editor’s tip: Docents lead special tours at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Stroll down a short walking trail to Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University, and rest among the rows. Originally part of the estate, all 129 acres are now owned and managed by the college, including the 4-acre formal garden of beautiful roses and fresh vegetables.

Reynolda Village, one of Winston-Salem’s best concentrations of shops, sits next door. Village Antiques carries a good assortment of English and French pieces, as well as a nice collection of new and antique silver. We also found Doss Custom Fishing to be an excellent source for fly-fishing tackle and customized fly rods. Owner Herb Doss can even set you up with guided trips from the state’s New River all the way to the Bahamas or Mexico.