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Greenwich Letterpress; dining at Cowgirl NYC; Holly Coulis’s paintings in the Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery

Author and G&G contributing editor Helen Ellis says her favorite New York City experiences are rich with the quirky charm and hospitality of the South—if you know where to look. “Mama taught me to participate, to appreciate what’s around me, but more so to celebrate people who create, curate, and welcome me in,” writes the Alabama native, who’s resided in Manhattan for more than three decades. Below, Ellis takes readers on a tour of Southern-accented spots she’s discovered over the years, including galleries, restaurants, and delightful, creative shops.

ELIZABETH FLORIO

Winston-Salem, North Carolina. One of my best friends lives in Winston, and as best friends do, she and I share similar views on what constitutes a nice little Saturday. Here’s how we spent a recent one:

A walk in the woods: Thanks to its proximity to Wake Forest University, Reynolda Village and Gardens has the unique vibe of a botanical garden meets bustling college strip. The greenhouse is currently under renovation, and the village shops can get crowded on weekends—but don’t let a little line keep you from Dough-Joe’s fresh-fried doughnuts, especially after you’ve worked up an appetite on the serene woodland trails.
A stop at the bookshop: If you enjoy browsing aisles of books bearing helpfully placed staff notes, you’ll want to drop in Bookmarks, a literary nonprofit housed in a sunny, tucked-away brick building downtown. (I picked up Ali Slagle’s I Dream of Dinner at the recommendation of both the store and my friend.)
A spot of tea: The brick-and-mortar outgrowth of a beloved farmers’ market enterprise, Chad’s Chai combines serious tea (you’ll get a timer with your pot) with a pleasant, airy space for lingering. It’s nestled in the Arts District, so before or after your cuppa, you can stroll through the Art Park or stop in galleries like Visual Index, which features eclectic treasures from all fifty states.