The city of Roanoke, Virginia, is known as the “Star City of the South,” and after our recent visit, Jenn and I can honestly say it’s a destination full of surprises. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke blends outdoor adventure, history, arts, and small-city charm in a way that makes it easy to fill a weekend or longer. On our weekend trip, we set out to experience as much as we could, and we’re excited to share all of our favorite things to do.
Our adventures took us kayaking down the James River, riding e-bikes up Mill Mountain, exploring the shops and antiques, and stepping back into the city’s railroading past. We visited the iconic Roanoke Star, wandered the historic streets of Grandin Village, and enjoyed plenty of food and drink along the way.
This guide highlights the things we did during our visit to Roanoke. Our goal is to share actual experiences and practical tips to help you plan your own trip and discover why Roanoke, Virginia, is such a fun and memorable place to visit.
Explore Historic Grandin Village
Just a few minutes outside of downtown Roanoke, Grandin Village feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying a lively, modern neighborhood. This charming historic district is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and art, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and spend a few hours exploring.
Jenn and I loved simply walking the streets here, browsing storefronts, and soaking in the atmosphere. The centerpiece of Grandin Village is the Grandin Theatre, a beautifully restored historic movie house that has been entertaining Roanoke residents since 1932. Even if you don’t catch a film, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the vintage details and old-school charm.
As we wandered, we came across the Grandin Village Art Walk, where local artists have transformed the sidewalks and walls into a colorful open-air gallery. This creative energy is a big part of what makes Grandin feel so alive and welcoming.
We also ducked into Little Green Hive, a cozy local coffee shop right in the heart of Grandin Village. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, and the coffee is wonderful. Their menu goes far beyond the basics — in addition to drip coffee and espresso, they feature a wide variety of specialty drinks, smoothies, and teas, many of them made with locally sourced ingredients.
We enjoyed sitting for a few minutes, sipping our drinks, and just soaking in the neighborhood’s energy before continuing our walk through Grandin Village.
Throughout Grandin Village, you’ll also spot a number of lifelike bronze statues. One of the most moving is the “Angel of Grandin” by local sculptor Betty Branch. Located outside the Roanoke Co-Op grocery store, this sculpture depicts James Tarpley, a beloved community figure, sitting peacefully on a bench. The statue is so real-looking that Jenn and I both thought he was a real person until we got closer.
Grandin Village is more than just shops and restaurants — it’s a neighborhood with heart, history, and a creative spirit that makes it one of the most unique spots in Roanoke.
Explore Black Dog Salvage
Just a short drive from Grandin Village sits a well-known Roanoke destination — Black Dog Salvage. If you’ve ever seen the show Salvage Dawgs this is the home base. But even if you haven’t (like us), this massive warehouse filled with antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind treasures is an absolute must-visit.
Walking through the doors, Jenn and I were immediately struck by just how huge the place is. Room after room, corner after corner, is packed with fascinating finds: architectural pieces, reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, quirky art, and furniture you won’t see anywhere else. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
The building itself is just as interesting as the items inside. Once a 1914 produce warehouse, it has been lovingly restored and still retains its character and charm. The stained glass windows scattered throughout are especially beautiful, casting colorful light into the space and reminding you of the history preserved here.
For anyone who loves antiques, architecture, or simply the thrill of discovering something unique, Black Dog Salvage is a place you won't soon forget. It’s more than shopping — it’s a full experience.
Visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation
Roanoke has always been a railroad town, and there’s no better place to experience that history than the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Located right in downtown Roanoke, this museum celebrates not only the city’s railroading heritage but also aviation, automobiles, and even boats.
Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits covering everything from vintage cars to model airplanes, but the real highlight — especially for me (Larry) — is the Railyard. Out back, the museum maintains an impressive collection of locomotives and rail cars, and you can walk right up to them, touch them, and even step inside some of them. It’s the kind of hands-on experience that makes you feel like a kid again.
I could have spent all day out there exploring. From massive diesel and electric engines to passenger and freight cars, the collection is incredible. The stars of the show are two legendary Norfolk & Western locomotives: the Class A 1218 steam engine and the J-Class 611 engine. Both are absolutely enormous, and standing next to them really gives you perspective on just how powerful these machines were.
Beyond the trains, the museum also showcases classic cars, including some rare Virginia-made vehicles, as well as aviation exhibits that highlight the region’s role in flight. There’s even a section on boats, proving this museum truly covers all modes of transportation.
For anyone with even a passing interest in history, engineering, or travel, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is a must-see in Roanoke. But if you’re a train lover like me, set aside plenty of time — you’ll need it!
Roanoke Mountain Adventures Views and Brews E-Bike Tour
One highlight of our visit to Roanoke was joining the Views and Brews E-Bike Tour with Roanoke Mountain Adventures. If you’re looking for something fun, active, and unique during your time in the city, this is it.
We started off at the Roanoke Mountain Adventures building, where our local guide got us set up on e-bikes. These bikes are super easy to use — even if you’ve never ridden one before, you’ll feel comfortable in just a few minutes. Safety was a top priority, and our guide did a fantastic job making sure everyone felt confident before we headed out.
The ride begins along a flat and easy greenway that winds through the city. From there, we gradually climbed Mill Mountain. Thanks to the e-bikes, the climb was fun and surprisingly easy. We followed a trail that loops just below the famous Roanoke Star, where we were rewarded with sweeping, long-distance views over the city and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It was the perfect spot to pause and take it all in.
After making our way back down the mountain, the adventure shifted gears (pun intended) as we pedaled through downtown Roanoke. Along the way, we stopped at two local favorites: Starr Hill Brewery and Golden Cactus Brewing. Both were lively, welcoming, and the perfect way to toast the ride and take a break.
The full tour lasts about three hours, and thanks to the pedal-assist bikes, it’s very doable for most fitness levels. Between the scenery, the great company, and the refreshing local brews, this experience was easily one of the most memorable parts of our Roanoke trip.
It’s also worth noting that Roanoke Mountain Adventures is much more than just guided bike tours. They sell and service bikes, and they also offer outdoor rentals and adventures on the Roanoke River, including kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. Whether you’re looking to ride, paddle, or just relax outside, they’re a fantastic local outfitter.
See the Roanoke Star
No trip to Roanoke is complete without a visit to Mill Mountain and the city’s most iconic landmark — the Roanoke Star. Perched high above downtown, this giant neon star has been shining since 1949 and is the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star in the world. It’s not just a symbol of Roanoke, it’s also one of the best spots in the region for sweeping views of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We made our way up Mill Mountain in the late afternoon and were treated to an incredible sunset over Roanoke. The overlook near the Star is the perfect vantage point, with long-distance views that stretch out over the valley and mountains beyond. As the sky darkened, we ventured back into town to watch the Star light up, casting its glow across the night sky. Of course, we had to grab a few photos before heading down the mountain.
Mill Mountain offers much more than just the Star. The mountaintop is also home to Mill Mountain Zoo, a family-friendly spot with animals from around the world, as well as a nature center and a fun playground for kids.
There are also several hiking and biking trails that wind through the wooded slopes of the mountain, connecting to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Popular hikes include the Star Trail, which climbs from the base of the mountain up to the overlook, and the Mill Mountain Loop Trail, which circles through the forest for a quieter experience. We didn’t have time to hike them on this trip, but they’re definitely on our list for next time.
A quick tip: The Roanoke Star is a very popular spot, especially around sunset. Parking is limited and fills up fast, so plan to get there early if you want to secure a good spot without the hassle.
Indulge at Blue Cow Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a sweet treat in Roanoke, do yourself a favor and stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream. Located right at the base of Mill Mountain, it’s the perfect spot to visit before or after a trip to the Roanoke Star.
When we arrived, the place was bustling — and for good reason. The ice cream here is absolutely delicious, with both classic favorites and creative seasonal flavors that make it hard to choose just one. Jenn tried the Honey Lavender, which was creamy, floral, and refreshing, while I couldn’t get enough of the Sea Salt Brickle with Caramel Swirl.
Other popular flavors include Chocolate Brownie, Blue Cow Patty (cookies & cream), Lemon Poppyseed, and Coconut Almond Chip, along with rotating seasonal specialties. The variety makes it tempting to come back more than once just to try something new.
We grabbed our cups (they have waffle cones too) and headed out to the outdoor patio, which offers a nice view of Mill Mountain.
Whether you’re an ice cream lover or just want something cool and refreshing after exploring Roanoke, Blue Cow is a can’t-miss stop.
Kayaking on the James River
Of all the adventures we had during our time in Roanoke, our favorite outdoor experience was kayaking down the James River. Just 30 minutes north of the city, the drive to Buchanan, Virginia, is well worth it for the chance to paddle this scenic and peaceful stretch of river.
Our trip was with Twin River Outfitters, a fantastic local outfitter that makes the whole experience easy and stress-free. After checking in at their shop, we changed into our river gear and attended a short but thorough safety briefing. The staff did a great job explaining what to expect, pointing out landmarks along the way, and emphasizing safety. They even provided maps, so we always knew where we were.
Once we were ready, we loaded onto a bus that shuttled us upriver to our launch point. From there, we hopped into our kayaks and began a leisurely paddle back down to Buchanan, a trip that took about three hours. Along the way, we soaked in gorgeous mountain views, enjoyed the calm stretches of the river, and even had some fun with a few light rapids that added a splash of excitement without being intimidating.
One of the best parts was that we never felt rushed. We took our time drifting downstream, stopping for photos, pulling off to the bank to grab a snack, and just enjoying the quiet beauty of the river. It was relaxing, fun, and the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors.
Twin River Outfitters provides everything you need for a comfortable and safe trip, including lockers, key storage, life preservers, and optional dry bags. We came prepared with our own dry bag for snacks, wallets, and gear, and wore bathing suits, water shirts, and water shoes, which worked out perfectly.
This trip was so much fun and is absolutely one we would do again. If you’re visiting Roanoke and want an easy, beginner-friendly outdoor adventure with stunning scenery, kayaking the James River with Twin River Outfitters should be at the very top of your list.
What to Bring on Your Kayak Trip
- Bathing suit or quick-dry clothes
- Water shoes or sandals with straps (not flip-flops)
- Water shirt for sun protection
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A small dry bag for snacks, water, wallet, and phone
- Towel and change of clothes for after your trip
Explore Downtown Roanoke
After our kayaking adventure on the James River, we returned to our hotel, cleaned up, and set out to spend the evening exploring downtown Roanoke. The city has a wonderful energy, especially in the late afternoon and evening, and it’s the kind of place where you can easily stroll, shop, and discover new favorites.
Our first stop was Market Street, where we popped into several local shops. One of our favorites was chocolatepaper, a delightful little store that blends fine stationery and gifts with a decadent selection of chocolates. We picked up a few truffles to snack on, and some extras to bring home for our daughter — including chocolates imported from Dubai.
Most of the shops downtown close around 5 p.m., so we made our way over to 202 Social House. With a couple of glasses of wine in hand, we sat outside and enjoyed the evening sights and sounds. Downtown was buzzing, especially along Campbell Avenue, with people out dining, walking, and enjoying the city’s lively vibe.
We also recommend visiting The Crafteria, a market showcasing Appalachian-made goods and crafts — a perfect stop if you want to take a piece of the mountains home with you.
For those who enjoy local beer, downtown Roanoke has a thriving craft brewery scene. Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery is known for pairing its beers with delicious food, while Twisted Track Brewpub and Big Lick Brewing Company each have their own unique vibe and rotating selections. We also heard great things about Olde Salem Brewing Co., which blends historic atmosphere with creative brews.
If nightlife is more your style, head to Six and Sky, a rooftop bar with sweeping city views, stylish cocktails, and a lively evening atmosphere. It’s a great way to cap off a night downtown while soaking in the Roanoke skyline.
During our visit, we really only touched the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to see, taste, and experience downtown, and we’re already looking forward to returning to explore more of what Roanoke has to offer.
Insider Tip: If you plan on exploring downtown, start your visit earlier in the day to enjoy the shops before they close, then transition into the evening with dinner, breweries, and nightlife. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Take a Hike!
Photo courtesy of Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Roanoke sits in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and the area is packed with incredible hiking opportunities. Some of the most famous trails in the state are just a short drive from downtown Roanoke
On our trip, we unfortunately didn’t have the time (or the right weather) to hike, but we made a list of trails that came highly recommended by the local outdoor enthusiasts we met. These will definitely be at the top of our list for our next visit:
- McAfee Knob - Perhaps the most iconic hike in Virginia, McAfee Knob is known for its dramatic rocky ledge that juts out over the Catawba Valley, offering sweeping 270-degree views. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail and a bucket-list hike for many.
- Dragon’s Tooth - Another legendary trail, Dragon’s Tooth is a challenging hike that rewards you with a jagged rock formation at the summit, resembling a giant set of stone fangs. The views from the top are just as impressive as the unique geology.
- Read Mountain Trail - A quieter option, this preserve is just outside of Roanoke and offers a moderate climb to Buzzards Rock, where hikers are rewarded with beautiful views over the Roanoke Valley.
- Roaring Run Falls - Perfect for a shorter, family-friendly outing, this trail leads to a series of cascading waterfalls and natural slides along Roaring Run Creek. It’s a scenic and refreshing option, especially on a warm day.
Even though we didn’t get to hike these trails this time, they’re all firmly on our short list for our next trip to Roanoke. If you love the outdoors, you’ll want to carve out time to experience at least one of these unforgettable hikes.
Visit nearby Rocky Mount, Virginia
If you have a little extra time during your trip to Roanoke, consider making the short drive south to Rocky Mount, Virginia. This small town may not be big, but it has plenty of character and makes for a fun side trip.
Rocky Mount is best known for its thriving music and arts scene. The Harvester Performance Center, located right in the heart of downtown, has become one of the premier music venues in the region, drawing in nationally known artists along with local talent. If you enjoy live music, it’s well worth checking their schedule before your visit.
The town also has a growing food and drink scene, with local breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants that make it easy to spend an afternoon exploring. The historic downtown is full of charm, with unique shops and architecture that give you a glimpse into the area’s history.
Watch for our full-guide on Rocky Mount, coming soon!
