Although my first taste of Winston-Salem was somewhat of a walk on the wild side, my second take was all apple pie.

Leaving the Hells Angels back at the hotel to do what they do, I stumbled upon Trade Street in the downtown area of the twin cities. Very cool. There are several art galleries, bars, an Irish pub … and fortunately for me, one night there was also a street festival.

Chelsee's

For those of you who are wondering, Winston and Salem officially merged in 1913 …

On my first tour of Trade Street I popped into Chelsee’s for a frozen drink and some wireless Internet. I got more than I bargained for, because the graduate student behind the bar was a virtual tour guide for the area. She told me about Old Salem’s Moravian’s heritage and the trademark pastries of that cultural facet. And she mixed a nice frozen drink, while I sampled some wireless Internet.

That what I do.

Chelsee’s — great source of info. , caffeine and connectivity … with a very cool soul food restaurant next door — 6 pings.

More on the Moravian flava at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Salem

On my second trek down Trade, I hit Chelsee’s again, but this time I spent less time on wireless and more time behind the camera … shooting photos of a downtown street party with a local rhythm & blues singer, hula hoops, a marching-type band, complete with a large rhythm section and three xylophones and down-home people watching.

Very cool … these Winston-Salemites aren’t bashful about getting up and dancing in the middle of the street.

Enjoy!

Local Fave

Tunin

Gold Leaf

Sit In

R.J. Reynolds

Alex Prada, Caffe Prada

Hula Sepia

Xylophonists

Hula Hoopster

Smokin, Chillin