Tanglewood Park

Tanglewood Park is the big outdoor playground of the Winston-Salem area. About 15 minutes from downtown in Clemmons, the 1,100-acre park lies along the Yadkin River and offers a surprising range of activities in one place. In spring it is a golf destination, in summer it turns to swimming, in autumn to horseback riding, and in winter it is known for the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, a drive-through display of holiday lights that draws families from across the region. The park has hosted major professional golf, including the 1974 PGA Championship, and golfers can still play its two championship courses, a par-3 course and Softgolf, a full-swing game played with oversized clubs and balls on a shortened course. Away from golf, there is plenty to enjoy. The Arboretum has 26 themed gardens, perfect for a quiet stroll, and trails run along the river for walking and biking. Families can use playgrounds, ride a vintage locomotive display, and rent pedalboats on Mallard Lake in warmer months. The seasonal aquatic center has spray grounds, slides and a lazy river for hot days. Tanglewood Stables offers daily trail and pony rides, with reservations recommended. The park works because of its range. A couple can spend a morning in the gardens and an afternoon at the river, a family can combine a playground with a swim, and a golfer can play a round with a view. The park is owned by the county and run for public use, so access to many areas is easy and entry is relatively inexpensive.

Plan according to the season. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking and golf, with moderate temperatures and good light for the gardens. Summer is for the aquatic center and the lake, though shade and water are important in the heat. Winter brings the Festival of Lights, which is typically a ticketed driving event that runs through the holiday period; check dates and arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues, and consider a weekday for a calmer experience.

Because the park is large, decide your priorities before you go. Pick up a map at the entrance, check which facilities are open on the day you plan to visit, and look at whether any activities need reservations. Stables, golf tee times and aquatic center tickets can all have their own booking arrangements. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and consider a picnic, since the park has plenty of places to stop.

Tanglewood combines well with other parts of a Winston-Salem trip. It is a short drive from Reynolda and Old Salem, so it can fill a free afternoon, and it suits families who need to burn off energy after a day of museums. It is also a base for cyclists and walkers who like riverside paths. For golfers, a round here is a bucket-list item in a region rich in golf.

For gardeners, the Arboretum offers ideas and inspiration across a range of themes. For couples, a sunset walk by the river followed by dinner in nearby Clemmons or downtown is a gentle and rewarding end to the day. The Pilot Mountain State Park trip makes a good companion outing, giving you a ridge-top view to balance the river-level experience at Tanglewood.