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Carolina Friends has become one of the best-known lifestyle communities in the Carolinas, and its Winston-Salem hotel parties are a big part of that story. What began in 1991 with eight Charlotte-area couples looking for discreet, like-minded fun has grown into a long-running, member-focused club hosting fun, upbeat, no-pressure swinger events across the region, including recurring hotel takeovers in the Triad.

For swinger and open-minded couples in and around Winston-Salem, these events offer a very different vibe from a traditional nightclub. Carolina Friends focuses on full or partial hotel takeovers, live DJs, big dance floors, private couples’ activity areas, pool parties in warmer months, and member-hosted social rooms designed for low-pressure mingling before anyone even thinks about play. Their Winston-Salem parties, such as A Swinging NYE Party at WS Hotel, typically run all afternoon and late into the night, giving guests plenty of time to settle in, socialize, and move at their own pace.

Behind the scenes, the hosts emphasize inclusion, acceptance, and consent above everything else. Carolina Friends is a private club for couples, single women, and carefully limited, pre-screened single men, with strict rules around privacy, “ask before you touch,” and the idea that “no” is a complete sentence. Guests must be 21 or older, create a free profile using their legal names for check-in and hotel booking, and agree to a detailed rules and FAQ section before attending.

This guide focuses specifically on Carolina Friends in Winston-Salem—how the club evolved, who its hotel parties are designed for, what the events actually feel like, and how you and your partner can decide if a Triad-area Carolina Friends takeover is the right next step in your lifestyle journey.

Woman talking to a friend in the event

What Carolina Friends – Winston-Salem Is and Who It’s For

Carolina Friends is a long-running, invite-only lifestyle community that hosts fun, upbeat, no-pressure swinger events across the Carolinas, including highly anticipated hotel parties in the Winston-Salem / Triad area. Founded in 1991 by eight Charlotte-area couples, the group was created as a private way to meet new friends, explore the lifestyle, and keep everyone’s privacy protected. Over the years, it has grown from small monthly hotel gatherings to large-scale events that can draw hundreds of couples, while staying true to its original mission of offering quality parties at a fair price.

Today, Carolina Friends is operated by hosts who took over in 2016 to prevent the club from closing and to preserve its legacy for the lifestyle community. Their focus is on full hotel takeovers and convention-style events in the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and surrounding areas), along with select larger events in Charlotte and beyond. For Winston-Salem in particular, they host recurring hotel parties at WS Hotel, like the “Swinging NYE Party,” where the entire environment is curated for privacy, comfort, and connection between like-minded guests.

Carolina Friends is designed for friendly, open-minded adults rather than the general public. Events are open to couples, single women, and a limited number of carefully screened single men, all of whom must be at least 21 and have a free approved profile on the Carolina Friends site before they can purchase tickets or memberships. The club describes itself as “fun, upbeat, no pressure,” emphasizing that no one is ever required to play, and that socializing, flirting, and simply soaking up the atmosphere are all perfectly valid ways to enjoy the night.

If you and your partner are looking for:

  • A private hotel-party setting instead of a public bar or club
  • A crowd of lifestyle-savvy couples and singles who understand consent and boundaries
  • A long-established host group with deep roots in the Carolinas lifestyle community

“Swingtowns is hands down the best community that I have had the pleasure to be a part of. Would recommend this website to anyone in the lifestyle!” -SlikRik1Ace

then the Winston-Salem parties hosted by Carolina Friends are likely to be a strong fit for your style of exploration.

People happily dancing

Carolina Friends’ History and How Winston-Salem Fits In

Carolina Friends didn’t just appear as a random party brand in the Triad—it’s the result of more than three decades of growth in the Carolinas lifestyle community. The club began in 1991 when eight Charlotte-area couples decided they wanted a private, respectful way to meet other like-minded couples, have fun, and keep their privacy intact. Early events were small, monthly hotel-based parties with around 30 couples, held at properties that offered strong privacy and a ballroom big enough for dancing and socializing. As word spread, those events grew into full hotel takeovers with 150–200 couples and, later, nightclub parties that ran almost every weekend.

As the group expanded, Carolina Friends started taking its hotel events on the road. By the late 1990s, they were regularly hosting parties not only in Charlotte, but also in Columbia, Greenville, Raleigh, Myrtle Beach, Augusta, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. That hotel-based, travel-style DNA is still a huge part of how the group operates today. When suitable hotels became harder to find, Carolina Friends even developed its own “home base” facility in Charlotte, known as The Estate, and launched an online community (which evolved into Club Nexxus) so members could stay connected between parties and across cities.

In 2016, with the club facing the possibility of shutting down, the current hosts stepped in to acquire Carolina Friends and keep the legacy alive. They focused operations on the Triad area and full hotel takeover events, with Greensboro and Winston-Salem playing a key role in that strategy. Today, Carolina Friends continues to host private, on-premise lifestyle parties in the Triad, drawing a diverse mix of couples, single women, and carefully selected single men from across North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond.

“We’ve only been in the LS for about a year but we have found some really great people using SwingTowns. Wish we would have found the website sooner.” -2Adults89

For Winston-Salem specifically, that history explains why the parties feel so polished and “big-event” in energy even though they’re still private and invite-only. You’re stepping into a scene that’s been refined over decades: hotel ballrooms and social spaces set up for mingling and dancing, guest rooms and suites used as private or hosted play spaces, and a membership base that understands the culture of consent, discretion, and no-pressure fun that Carolina Friends was built on from the very beginning.

People dancing in the club

Membership, Profiles, Privacy and How to Join Carolina Friends in Winston-Salem

Carolina Friends operates as a private, members-only lifestyle community rather than a walk-in club, and that structure really shapes how you join their Winston-Salem events and how your privacy is protected.

The very first step for anyone interested in a Triad-area party (including hotel takeovers in Winston-Salem) is to create a free online profile. That profile is where you agree to the club’s rules and waiver, and it must use your legal names. Those names are not visible to other members; they’re used only by Carolina Friends for check-in, hotel booking and security. Without an approved profile, you can’t see full event information, purchase tickets, or buy a paid membership.

Once your profile is approved, you have two layers of access:

  • The free profile, which lets you access basic event information and buy event tickets.
  • Optional paid membership, which unlocks additional perks on the Carolina Friends network.

Paid membership is positioned as “sexy matchmaking and private screened events.” Current membership options include several non-recurring packages (three, six, and twelve months) plus a monthly recurring plan. Pricing is structured so couples and singles can choose the level that suits how often they plan to attend events or use the online community. Membership benefits for upgraded accounts include:

  • Viewing member photos and detailed profiles
  • Exchanging private messages
  • Sending friend requests and “secret likes”
  • Access to “Who’s Online,” “Who’s New,” and “Who’s Hot” pages
  • Joining the Carolina Friends newsfeed
  • Creating and sharing private “Passkey Albums”
  • Chatting online with couples and singles from around the world

Event tickets are always separate; a membership does not include admission to hotel parties or travel events.

Privacy and discretion are baked into every layer of the process. Carolina Friends emphasizes that it’s a private club for couples, single females, and selected single gents, not open to the general public, and all guests must be 21 or older. Check-in procedures (including wristbands and ID checks) are designed to control access and keep the hotel environment secure. Venue addresses for Winston-Salem events are typically provided only after your reservation or ticket purchase is confirmed, and external directories list the location as “address given upon completing reservation,” underscoring how seriously they treat discretion.

On the rules side, safety and consent are clearly prioritized:

  • “No pressure” atmosphere where “no” is a complete sentence and doesn’t require explanation
  • Strict “ask before you touch” expectations
  • Prohibitions on stalking, harassment, or “creepy” behavior
  • No phone photography or video outside designated areas, and anyone in a photo must consent
  • No weapons or drugs, and visibly intoxicated guests may be sent back to their room or asked to leave

“Great site. Met some great people. Feel secure and private and safe with the site. Definitely recommend!” -Anguslove

If conflicts or issues arise, Carolina Friends asks that members let staff handle it; there is always security or staff available at events. Together, those rules create a framework where you can explore, flirt, or play at your own pace knowing that there’s structure behind the scenes to protect you, your relationship, and your privacy.

People standing with lights on

Event Formats, Hotel Takeovers and What Winston-Salem Parties Feel Like

Carolina Friends’ Winston-Salem events follow the same overall format that has made the club popular across the Carolinas: full or partial hotel takeovers, a big social party vibe, and plenty of time and space for couples and select singles to connect at their own pace.

Full Hotel Takeover Style in the Triad

Carolina Friends now focuses its in-person events around the Triad area, with Greensboro and Winston-Salem as key hubs. They specialize in full hotel takeover events, where lifestyle guests occupy the bulk (or all) of a cooperating hotel. These weekends typically include:

  • A main party space or ballroom with a dance floor
  • Live DJs and an “upbeat, fun” music mix
  • Private couples’ activity areas for more intimate play
  • Member-hosted social rooms for smaller meet-and-greet gatherings
  • Late-night breakfast or snack service to keep everyone going into the early hours
  • In warmer months, pool parties that turn the hotel into a mini lifestyle resort

The Winston-Salem hotel parties are run within this same framework, so even if you’re attending a single-night event like a New Year’s Eve blowout, you’re still getting the full takeover energy: a hotel full of lifestyle guests, multiple places to mingle, and the comfort of having your room just an elevator ride away.

A Typical Party Flow in Winston-Salem

While each event has its own schedule and theme, the rhythm of a Carolina Friends hotel party is pretty consistent:

  • Afternoon / Early Evening: Guests check in at the host hotel, get their wristbands, settle into their rooms, and start circulating between hospitality suites or member-hosted social rooms.
  • Evening: The main party space opens, the DJ gets going, and couples drift between the bar, dance floor, and conversation clusters. This is the warm-up phase where you get a feel for the crowd and vibe.
  • Late Evening / Night: As connections build, people start moving between the ballroom, social rooms, and private couples’ areas. For some events, there may be games, contests, or themed activities layered into the schedule.
  • After Midnight: The energy typically becomes more sensual as guests who’ve clicked during the evening transition back to rooms or designated play spaces. Staff and security remain present, and the “no pressure” culture means you can just keep dancing and chatting if that’s all you want to do.

Because these are hotel-based events, many couples treat a Winston-Salem party as a full couples’ getaway: check in, dress up, party, play, and then sleep in the next morning without worrying about driving home.

Who You’ll Meet at a Triad / Winston-Salem Event

Carolina Friends emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. A Winston-Salem party usually brings in:

  • Couples from across the Triad, Charlotte, and other parts of the Carolinas
  • Single women who appreciate a structured, respectful environment
  • Carefully limited, pre-screened single men (only at events where single males are allowed)

The club describes its crowd as a “melting pot” of personalities and experiences, with everyone expected to help maintain a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere where different relationship styles and levels of experience can coexist comfortably.

Travel & Partner Events Connected to the Brand

Although this specific post focuses on Winston-Salem, it helps to understand that Carolina Friends is plugged into the broader lifestyle travel ecosystem. Through their partnership with the Modern Lifestyle platform, they promote and connect members to:

  • Bliss Cruise sailings
  • Desire and Temptation cruises
  • Naughty in N’awlins and Naughty Mexico
  • Splash Takeovers, Week of Kink at Secrets Hideaway, and other large national events

For Winston-Salem guests, that means the people you meet at a local hotel takeover may also be the kind of adventurous travelers who attend national conventions, cruises, and destination events—giving you the chance to build friendships that extend far beyond a single party.

“I’m glad that SwingTowns is growing such an audience of happy, sex-positive people!” -RandySP69

Taken together, the full-hotel format, multi-space layout, DJ-driven energy, and national connections make a Carolina Friends Winston-Salem event feel less like a one-off party and more like a mini lifestyle convention, tailored for couples and open-minded adults who want structure, privacy, and a genuinely social experience.

Performers going live in the club

Carolina Friends treats its rules and consent culture as the backbone of every event, including Winston-Salem hotel parties. The goal is to keep things sexy, safe, and drama-free so couples and singles can relax and focus on connection.

Carolina Friends is a private, adults-only club. Everyone must be at least 21 and have an approved online profile (with legal names) before attending any event. Your legal names are used for check-in and, when needed, for booking hotel rooms—but they are not visible to other members, which helps protect your privacy. At check-in you’ll show a state or federally issued ID and receive a wristband you’re expected to wear for the duration of the event.

The club’s “Safety First” policy makes it clear that enjoyment, privacy, and security are the top priorities. The environment is explicitly described as a 100% no-pressure atmosphere where “NO” is a complete sentence. Guests are repeatedly reminded that you should never feel obligated to play or undress, and that “no,” “we’re not interested,” or a simple refusal must be respected without argument or persistence. Consent is framed as sexy and non-negotiable: you do not touch anyone unless they invite you to, you must ask before touching, and if the answer is no, you don’t ask again. Stalking, hovering, harassment, or “creepy” behavior toward members or staff is grounds for being asked to leave—and possibly being banned.

To protect everyone’s comfort and privacy, Carolina Friends enforces several key house rules at all venues, including Triad hotel events:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect; don’t interrupt people who are already engaged or open closed doors.
  • No cell phone use except in designated areas. Photography and video are tightly controlled, and everyone visible must consent to being in any image.
  • Overly intoxicated guests may be asked to return to their room or leave the event. If someone is asked to leave and attempts to return, they risk being banned indefinitely.
  • No weapons and no drugs of any kind are allowed at events.
  • Smoking and vaping (including e-cigs) are not allowed inside venues; guests must use designated outside areas.
  • Guests are expected to clean up after themselves and respect the hotel or venue property.

If there’s ever an issue, members are asked to let Carolina Friends staff handle it. The club notes that security or staff are always available to step in, but they can only address problems they know about.

Carolina Friends also has a clear stance on who can attend and how they’re classified. Events are for couples, single females, and single gents, but single males are only allowed at most events and are always limited based on venue capacity and overall attendance. Some nights may exclude single men entirely. A “couple” is defined as two people; polyamorous groups bringing more than one partner will pay for the additional person at the single rate, even if they consider themselves one unit.

Dress code is another part of the safety and vibe equation. Carolina Friends considers itself an upscale club, and guests are expected to “dress to impress.” Sexy, scandalous and flirty outfits are welcomed for women—think skirts, club dresses, lingerie, booty shorts, heels and dress boots—as long as everything still looks intentional and stylish. Men are encouraged to wear neat, modern attire such as casual slacks or designer jeans with button-down or collared shirts, designer tees, dress shoes or boots. Flip flops are not allowed unless specifically permitted by that night’s theme. Staff have discretion to decide if clothing is appropriate, and some events or areas may strictly enforce dress requirements, which are usually noted in the itinerary.

“Swingtowns is awesome and we have no complaints. There are tremendous people and wonderful couples on here that we have had the pleasure of meeting” -wearesexy2015

For couples considering a Winston-Salem hotel party, these rules are reassuring rather than restrictive—they are what keep the environment respectful, private, and genuinely no-pressure. You and your partner can explore at whatever pace feels right, knowing there’s a clear code of conduct and a team on-site whose job is to protect the atmosphere you came for.

People on the club

Pricing, Membership Options and Refund Policy for Winston-Salem Events

Carolina Friends structures its costs in two layers: your online membership (optional but recommended) and your event tickets for specific parties like the Winston-Salem hotel takeovers. Membership and event admission are separate, so you can tailor how much you invest based on how often you plan to attend and how much you want to use the CF Network.

On the membership side, Carolina Friends currently offers several paid options for couples, single females and single gents who want full access to the online community and matchmaking features. At the time of writing, the options listed on their official membership page include:

  • Monthly recurring membership, billed each month (cancel anytime)
  • Three-month non-recurring membership
  • Six-month non-recurring membership
  • One-year non-recurring membership, which is positioned as the “best deal”

All of these are purchased through a secure checkout system where charges show as “ML Ticketing,” reflecting their partnership with the Modern Lifestyle platform. Membership gives you access to benefits such as viewing member pictures and full profiles, exchanging messages, sending friend requests and secret likes, seeing “Who’s Online/Who’s New/Who’s Hot,” joining the newsfeed, creating private passkey albums and chatting online with other couples and singles. It does not include event admission; you still need to purchase tickets for Winston-Salem hotel parties separately.

Event pricing for specific parties, including A Swinging NYE Party at WS Hotel in Winston-Salem, is shown on the event listing itself once you are logged in with an approved profile. That listing will outline ticket tiers and what each option includes (for example, party-only tickets, hotel packages, or special add-ons, depending on the event). Because prices can vary by event type, date and package, the club directs guests to check the event page at the time of booking for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Carolina Friends also spells out a clear refund and cancellation policy in its Rules and FAQ section. If you need to cancel, refunds are available only if you request the cancellation at least seven days before the event, and even then the refund is issued minus 50 percent of the total package price. No refunds are issued during the week of the event, regardless of the reason. All cancellation requests must be submitted by email to the club’s official address so they can be processed and documented properly.

Taken together, this structure means you can:

  • Create a free profile to see events and buy tickets
  • Add a paid membership if you want the full Carolina Friends online community and matchmaking perks
  • Book Winston-Salem hotel parties with a clear understanding of how refunds and cancellations work

“Swingtowns has been awesome in this lifestyle ! Finding new couples to play with and of course hang with.” -Skaggszy98

For you and your partner, that setup offers flexibility: you can start with a profile and a single Winston-Salem party, then decide later if an ongoing membership makes sense as you connect with more couples and expand your lifestyle circle.

People gathering in the event

Is a Carolina Friends Winston-Salem Party Right for You?

Carolina Friends’ Winston-Salem hotel events are designed for couples and select singles who want more than just a wild night; they’re built for people who value structure, safety, and community as much as they enjoy sensual energy. Parties in Winston-Salem are described as “fun, upbeat, no pressure” lifestyle events, typically held every four to six weeks, which makes them regular enough to build ongoing friendships but special enough to still feel like an occasion.

These events tend to be a particularly good fit if you and your partner:

  • Prefer a hotel takeover vibe over a fixed brick-and-mortar club
  • Appreciate clear, written rules around consent, touching, phones, dress code and behavior
  • Want a 21+ adult crowd that knows how to behave in a lifestyle setting
  • Like the idea of on-premise play being allowed, but never required
  • Are curious about expanding into bigger lifestyle travel (cruises, conventions, other national events) via a group that’s already networked into that scene

Carolina Friends can also work very well for new or “soft swap” couples who like the security of a no-pressure environment. Because “no” is treated as a complete sentence and “ask before you touch” is enforced, you can spend your first event just dancing, flirting, and people-watching without feeling out of place. The presence of staff and security, along with rules against stalking, harassment, and excessive intoxication, helps keep the energy fun instead of chaotic.

On the other hand, these events may not be ideal if you:

  • Dislike dress codes and prefer very casual or anything-goes attire
  • Want to show up last minute; Carolina Friends requires approved profiles and advance ticketing, not walk-ins
  • Are a single male who expects guaranteed access; single gents are allowed at most events but numbers are limited and sometimes not allowed at all, depending on venue and attendance

“Swingtowns, easy navigating the site, no harassing upgrade ads, easy to find people, premium is not over priced….Just keep swinging, just keeping swinging” -mrgood69

If you’re on the fence, the safest way to test the waters is simple: create the free profile, read the full rules and FAQs together, and pick one Winston-Salem hotel event as a trial run. Talk through boundaries and expectations before you go, treat it as a couples’ getaway first and a swinger event second, and use the night to see whether the Carolina Friends style of structured, hotel-based lifestyle partying matches the way you want to explore.

People dancing in the club

Meet Local Swinger Couples and Explore Events Near You — Join SwingTowns Free Today

Carolina Friends has created one of the most welcoming, structured, and exciting lifestyle communities in the Carolinas—and their Winston-Salem hotel events give couples the perfect blend of privacy, sensual energy, and genuine connection. Whether you’re new to the lifestyle or looking to expand your circle, the right community makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to meet open-minded couples, find local lifestyle events, and build real, meaningful connections beyond a single party night, your next step is simple: join a platform designed specifically for people like you. Sign up for your free account on SwingTowns today and start discovering couples and events in your area.

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