Winston-Salem to Sarasota train

Ranked as one of the top places to live in the United States, Winston-Salem resulted from the merging of two separate towns in 1913.

The city's oldest and most visually arresting areas are found in what was once simply Salem, a town with a history going back to 1753. You can admire many of the original Moravian-style buildings at Old Salem Museums & Gardens and in the historic districts of West End and Ardmore.

Downtown also has some notable structures, including 100 North Main Street – the tallest office building in the region.

Meanwhile, the main strip when it comes to nightlife is Fourth Street, where bars and restaurants see a steady stream of patrons until long after dark. The presence of no less than six higher education institutions in the city ensures the scene remains fresh and vibrant.

Winston-Salem can be reached from over 175 other U.S. cities. Daily buses depart and arrive from the city's three bus terminals throughout the day, with destinations that include Raleigh, Richmond, and New York City. In addition, Amtrak operates passenger train services via the station at High Point. Its three lines span the region from New York to New Orleans.

A culturally-rich alternative to the nearby theme parks of Orlando, Sarasota's Gulf Coast location is hard to resist. It became the winter base for many well-to-do families in the early twentieth century, during which time much of the town developed a subtle Italian feel.

Not only is the climate similar to what you might experience in southern Italy, but many of Sarasota's buildings were constructed to resemble the country's renaissance masterworks too. A good example is the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan Venetian-style mansion.

The Ringlings made their money from circuses before giving their name to the much-celebrated John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It contains 21 galleries of European paintings, archaeological artifacts, and American art totaling 10,000 objects.

With weather so fine, you'll probably be looking with more than half an eye at Sarasota's numerous excellent resorts and beaches, many of which lie on a group of keys within the city limits. Bonus: our research ranked Sarasota as the #3 cheapest Spring Break destination, so you can soak up the sun on the cheap.

Arriving in Sarasota is equally easy thanks to its Cattleman Transfer Centre and Fruitville Road bus stations. Between them, travelers can connect by bus everywhere from Tampa to Tucson. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service from the defunct Sarasota rail station to Tampa for onward connections by train on the Silver Service. This service runs between Miami and New York City via Washington, D.C.