There’s something magical about a Saturday with nothing on the calendar—no sports games, no birthday parties, just time together. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of a slow weekend with your family, here’s a little inspiration from one Winston-Salem crew who turned an ordinary day into one of those core memories.

It started with sunshine peeking through the blinds and the soft rustle of little feet heading toward the kitchen. The kids were already up—because of course!—and bouncing with excitement for a day with no school, no plans, and no rushing. Just time together.

By 9:00 AM, they were all buckled into the car, windows cracked to let in the crisp spring air, headed downtown for breakfast. Mom had one thing on her mind: a hot latte and some avocado toast from Young Cardinal Café. The place was already buzzing when they arrived, but they grabbed a cozy corner booth by the window.

The kids ordered chocolate chip pancakes and bacon - what else do you get on a Saturday morning? Dad went for the sausage biscuit with a side of hashbrowns. Warm plates arrived quickly, and for a few glorious minutes, everyone was too busy enjoying their food to ask for anything else.

Bellies full and coffee in hand, they took a stroll through the nearby streets. The sun was soft and golden, casting a warm glow on the brick buildings and dogwood trees starting to bloom.

Next stop: ARTivity on the Green. They hadn’t planned it, but the bright red beams and colorful murals practically begged for a photo. The kids ran ahead, darting around sculptures and laughing as they posed under the arches. Mom propped her phone up on her water bottle, turned on the timer, and jumped into the frame.

Click. One perfectly imperfect moment. Wiind-swept hair, sun on their faces, and genuine grins all around.

She instantly knew that photo was going to be a favorite.

By now, the sun was high, and they were ready for the next adventure. They made their way to Runnymeade Park, a quiet little gem nestled in Historic Buena Vista. It was the kind of place that felt like it came straight out of a fairytale. A small stream ran gently through the park, its soft trickle giving a sense of peace, while the kids hopped from rock to rock, trying not to get their shoes wet (and mostly succeeding).

All around them, bursts of color from blooming azaleas and white dogwoods filled the landscape. It was the kind of spot that made you slow down without even realizing it.

The light filtered gently through the trees as they walked along, pausing to collect a few acorns and point out squirrels darting up tree trunks. It was peaceful in that ‘we really needed this’ kind of way.

With tired legs and happy hearts, they piled back into the car for one last treat—just a few minutes from the park. Dewey’s Bakery, a local favorite since 1930, was calling their name with the scent of fresh-baked goodness wafting out the door.

Inside, the kids pressed their noses to the glass, deciding between pink lemonade cake squares and sugar cake slices. Mom grabbed a box of Moravian sugar cookies while Dad picked out a refreshing lemon bar.

They sat outside on a little bench, nibbling and people-watching. It was one of those golden moments that felt simple and magical all at once.

Later that evening, with pajamas on and popcorn in bowls, they looked back at the photos from the Art Park. That one shot—everyone smiling, sun-kissed and silly—felt like the perfect ending to a perfect day.

“Let’s print that one,” she said. “We’ll put it right next to the one from last fall.”

Because sometimes, the best photos aren’t from a big fancy shoot—they’re from ordinary Saturdays, with good food, messy moments, and the people you love most.

Ready to plan your own Winston-Salem adventure?
Pick a Saturday, charge your phone, and let the day unfold. You never know which moment will become your new favorite memory.