Our Roanoke Travel Guides

Where is Roanoke?

Roanoke sits in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, right along the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 110 and 121. It’s the largest city directly on the Parkway, making it a natural base for exploring this iconic scenic road.

Getting here is easy. Roanoke is about 4 hours from Washington, D.C., 3.5 hours from Charlotte, NC; and just over 2.5 hours from Richmond, VA. If you don’t want to drive, the city is also served by Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.

During our visit, we found Roanoke to be easy to navigate, with a walkable downtown and quick access to outdoor adventure just minutes away.

Why Visit?

Roanoke is a mountain city with something for just about everyone. For us, the highlight was the variety of things to do all within a short drive or walk. One morning we were sipping lattes at a local coffee shop, and later that same day we were standing on a mountain overlook with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge.

Here are a few reasons to put Roanoke on your travel list:

• Hiking and scenery – Iconic trails like McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth are right outside the city.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway – Roanoke is perfectly positioned to explore one of America’s most scenic drives.
• Food and drink – From biscuits and brunch to craft beer and fine dining, Roanoke’s food scene really stood out on our visit.
• History and culture – The Taubman Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, and the historic Hotel Roanoke all bring the city’s story to life.
• The Roanoke Star – Overlooking the city, this iconic landmark offers one of the best night views in the Blue Ridge.

Things to Do

We only had a long weekend to explore, but we packed in a lot and still left wishing we had more time. Roanoke is one of those places where you can fill your days with outdoor adventure and still enjoy evenings downtown.

Some highlights from our visit include:

• Hiking
• Exploring Downtown Roanoke
• Seeing the Roanoke Star & Mill Mountain Park
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway 
• Visit museums, including the popular Roanoke Museum of Transportation

Learn more about all the exciting and fun things we did during our visit:

Restaurants

One of the highlights of our long weekend in Roanoke was the food. The city has a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene for its size, and we only had time to sample a few. Every meal we had was excellent, and we left with a long list of places we want to try on our next visit.

In Roanoke, you’ll find everything from cozy breakfast spots and creative coffee shops to farm-to-table restaurants, authentic Italian dining, and lively breweries. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch, an elegant dinner, or just a sweet treat with your coffee, Roanoke delivers.

We share more details on the restaurants we visited and the many others in our restaurant guide:

Where to stay

When we visited Roanoke for our long weekend, we stayed at The Historic Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, and it was the perfect choice. The hotel is stunning, full of character and history, and located right in the center of everything. From the moment we checked in, we felt like we were stepping back in time, but with all the modern comforts you’d expect.

What we loved most was the convenience — we could walk across the pedestrian bridge straight into downtown Roanoke for dinner, coffee, and exploring. Yet the hotel itself felt like a retreat, with beautiful architecture, comfortable rooms, and plenty of charm. If you’re planning a trip to Roanoke, this is where we’d recommend staying.

Here are some photos we captured during our visit to this historic and beautiful hotel:

Other lodging options in Roanoke that we have personally stayed at include:

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown – Comfortable, modern, and just steps from the action.
• Courtyard Marriot – Great for longer stays or if you prefer a more home-like experience.

Planning Your Visit

Having spent a long weekend in Roanoke, Jenn and I picked up a few tips that will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

• Best time to visit – Fall is hard to beat. The mountains around the city light up with color, and the view from the Roanoke Star in October is unforgettable. We visited in late summer, and it was hot during the day, but mornings and evenings were perfect for walking downtown and enjoying outdoor dining. Spring brings wildflowers and festivals, while winter offers a quieter vibe and holiday lights.

• How long to stay – We had three nights, which was just enough to experience downtown, enjoy some restaurants, and explore a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We could have easily stayed a few more days to hike more of the bucket-list trails and check out more of the food scene. If you love hiking, plan on at least 3–4 full days.

• Where to stay – We stayed at the Historic Hotel Roanoke, and one of the best features is the pedestrian bridge that connects directly into downtown. It made exploring so much easier — instead of having to walk a much longer way around, we could just cross the bridge and be right in the heart of the restaurants and shops. That convenience, combined with the hotel’s history and comfort, made it the perfect home base for our trip.

• Getting around – Downtown Roanoke is very walkable, and we never had trouble finding parking when we did need to drive. You can also rent scooters and ebikes to get around as well.  If you’re planning to hike McAfee Knob or Dragon’s Tooth, start early — the trailheads get busy. The Blue Ridge Parkway is just minutes from downtown, so it’s easy to squeeze in a scenic drive even if you don’t have a full day.

• Pace yourself – Roanoke has more to do than you think. We tried to pack a lot in and still only scratched the surface. Plan a mix of activities — a hike in the morning, some downtime at a coffee shop, dinner downtown, then maybe a drive to the Roanoke Star at night. That balance worked really well for us.

Scrambled in Downtown Roanoke

Scrambled in downtown Roanoke turned out to be the perfect way to start our day. I ordered scrambled eggs with bacon and a hearty plate of biscuits and gravy, while Jenn went with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. Both of us enjoyed its rich, smooth coffee, which paired perfectly with breakfast on a rainy morning.

We sat outside on their covered patio, and even with the light rain, it was a cozy and relaxing spot to enjoy our meal. The service really stood out — friendly, attentive, and quick to make sure we had everything we needed. The food itself was excellent, especially the gravy on the biscuits. Their unique blend of black pepper and sage gave it a flavor that set it apart from other versions we’ve tried. Jenn’s fruit was also impressively fresh.

Scrambled is right in the heart of downtown Roanoke, and it’s exactly the kind of place we love to find when traveling — casual, welcoming, and serving up delicious comfort food with a local touch.

Food Hut RKE

Food Hut RKE is one of those hidden local gems that you almost stumble upon — and we discovered it during our Brews and Views e-bike tour.

While Jenn and I didn’t have time to order food ourselves, the couple riding with us did, and we quickly realized why this spot has such a strong reputation. He ordered their popular chicken sandwich, which is made with locally sourced chicken that’s brined in sweet tea. It smelled incredible, looked even better, and he said without hesitation it was one of the best chicken sandwiches he’s ever had.

We did get to sample their Zing Fries, and wow — these crispy fries are topped with house-made garlic butter, a zingy aioli, fresh parsley, and chives. They were hot, fresh, and packed with flavor, easily some of the best loaded fries we’ve tried anywhere.

Food Hut RKE is located inside Golden Cactus Brewing, which makes the experience even better. You can grab a craft beer, settle in at one of the big tables, and enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere surrounded by western-themed décor, pinball machines, and video games.

We ran out of time to come back and try more of their food during this trip, but it’s firmly at the top of our list for our next Roanoke visit.

Taaza Indian Cuisine

Taaza Indian Cuisine in Grandin Village had been recommended to us by our Brews and Views guide, and as big fans of Indian food, we couldn’t wait to try it. 

The restaurant was busy when we arrived, but we were seated right away at a high-top table in the back corner — our preferred spot. We started the evening with a glass of wine and an appetizer of roasted pappad served with mint and tamarind chutney. The pappad was crisp and flavorful, and both chutneys were excellent — fresh, tangy, and the perfect way to kick off the meal.

For our entrées, I ordered Saag Paneer with rice, and Jenn went with the classic Chicken Tikka Masala. Both dishes were served in very generous portions — so much that we couldn’t even finish them. The flavors were bold and delicious. We had asked for no spice, but the dishes still carried a bit of heat, just enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the meal. Everything tasted fresh and carefully prepared, and it was some of the best Indian food we’ve enjoyed anywhere in the Blue Ridge.

Taaza has a casual yet refined atmosphere with darker décor and lighting that gives it a cozy feel. Most guests were dressed casually, though some had dressed up a bit for dinner.

Parking in Grandin Village can be a little tricky — free spaces were all taken, but we easily found a spot in the pay lot right behind the restaurant. It only cost a couple of dollars for two hours, which was no issue at all.

Between the attentive service, the fantastic flavors, and the portion sizes, Taaza definitely ranks high on our list of Indian restaurants and is a must-visit when in Roanoke.

Breakfast buffet at the Hotel Roanoke

One of the unexpected highlights of our stay at The Hotel Roanoke was their incredible breakfast buffet. This spread is huge and covers just about every breakfast favorite you could imagine — scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, hashbrowns, grits, sticky buns, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, and cereals. On top of that, they offer made-to-order omelets, along with fresh juices, hot coffee, and tea.

Jenn and I both went for omelets, paired with a mix of sides including bacon, fresh fruit, and crispy hashbrowns. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the whole experience felt relaxed and enjoyable.

The dining room itself has a more formal look and feel, with classic décor that matches the historic charm of the hotel, but casual dress is perfectly acceptable. If you’re staying at The Hotel Roanoke, the breakfast buffet is not only convenient but absolutely worth taking advantage of. It’s a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring Roanoke.

Note: the breakfast buffet is not complimentary and open to the public.

Mrs B's in Buchannon Virginia

After our kayaking trip in Buchanan with Twin River Outfitters, we worked up quite an appetite. Locals — and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge — both pointed us toward Mrs. B’s Restaurant, conveniently located right across the street. We grabbed a table out on the deck and settled in for a relaxing lunch.

To start, we ordered a couple of their seasonal strawberry drinks: a strawberry mojito and a strawberry margarita. Both were refreshing and the perfect way to cool off after being out on the river. For an appetizer, we tried the house-made pork rinds with pimento cheese. The rinds were made to order, arriving at the table hot and still crackling, and the pimento cheese was outstanding — creamy, with just the right amount of spice.

For lunch, I chose the strawberry and candied nut salad with honey bacon dressing, while Jenn went with the Italian sandwich. Both dishes were fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly elevated for such a small-town spot.

The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and the number of locals dining there made it feel like a true community hub. Mrs. B’s impressed us as one of the better small-town restaurants we’ve come across in our travels — a place we’d happily return to.

The Pine Room Bar at the Hotel Roanoke

The Pine Room restaurant in the Hotel Roanoke itself was closed for a private event the evening we planned to dine there, so we headed to the hotel’s bar instead. The food still came straight from The Pine Room kitchen, and it turned out to be a great choice.

We started with the Hearth Fired Bread, served with garlic oil, parsley, and marinara. It was essentially pizza dough, but light, airy, and absolutely delicious.

For dinner, Jenn ordered the Summer Berry Salad, while I went with a Caesar Salad topped with shrimp. We decided to keep things on the lighter side that night, but the menu offered plenty of tempting options — from flatbread pizzas and jerk chicken to a bone-in ribeye and their Smokehouse and smash burgers.

The bar itself is gorgeous, tucked just off the main entry and lobby. It was lively and busy each night of our stay, in part due to wedding events happening at the hotel. The bartenders were fantastic — friendly, attentive, and clearly skilled. The mixologist in particular was impressive, crafting unique cocktails that kept guests coming back for more.

Sweet Donkey Coffee

Sweet Donkey Coffee is a beautiful old home that’s been transformed into one of Roanoke’s most popular coffee shops, and it didn’t take us long to see why. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a casual, friendly vibe that makes it just as comfortable for hanging out as it is for grabbing a quick to-go order.

When we stopped by on a Sunday morning, the place was bustling with customers, both inside and out, but the service was still quick and cheerful.

The coffee here is excellent, with lots of unique house-made flavors. Jenn and I tried a lavender latte and a maple latte, and both were smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. To go with our drinks, we enjoyed one of their in-house yogurt parfaits — yes, they even make their own yogurt — and a chocolate croissant. Both were fresh, delicious, and a perfect pairing with our lattes.

Sweet Donkey Coffee is one of those spots that feels like a true local hangout, and we loved our time there. It’s definitely a coffee shop we’ll return to on future visits, and one we’d recommend to anyone looking for a great cup of coffee in Roanoke.

Scratch Biscuit Company

Scratch Biscuit Company was high on our list for breakfast in Roanoke, and when we arrived, it was clear we weren’t the only ones with that idea. The line stretched out the door, and unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to wait it out. Still, after talking with locals and hearing from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, we quickly learned why this little spot has such a big reputation.

Known for their fresh, made-from-scratch biscuits, the menu features a variety of hearty breakfast sandwiches and Southern favorites. Popular picks include the fried chicken biscuit, sausage and egg biscuit, and their country ham biscuit. They also offer rotating specials, along with sides like cheesy grits and crispy hashbrowns, making it a true comfort food stop for breakfast lovers.

The restaurant itself is small with limited seating, which adds to its cozy charm but also means it can fill up fast. On busy mornings, a to-go order might be the best way to enjoy their biscuits without the wait.

Scratch Biscuit Company is absolutely staying on our shortlist for a future visit, and next time we’ll be sure to carve out enough time to get in line and finally taste those famous biscuits for ourselves.

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!

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!