Picture a vibrant valley steeped in history, packed with local eats, cozy stays, boutique shopping, and breweries, with easy access to over one thousand miles of waterfall hikes, mountain biking, and paddling — welcome to Roanoke, Virginia.
Nestled within the larger Appalachian Mountain range, minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway — “America’s Favorite Drive,” Roanoke is the largest city in southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
Often referred to as “Star City,” Roanoke sits beneath the largest illuminated man-made star in the world. The 88-foot star, which can be found at the top of nearby Mill Mountain, shines brightly over the city, and has every evening since 1949.
Last year, CNN ranked Roanoke the #2 top hiking city in the country for its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and Virginia’s Triple Crown hikes, as well as for the Roanoke Valley Greenway, which is a network of more than 400 miles of paved and nature trails.
The city was also ranked #3 in USA Today’s 10 best destinations for urban kayaking for its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains and its 45-mile Roanoke River Blueway, which can be paddled most of its length.
Roanoke was even featured on the TODAY show as a “fun fall weekend getaway” for its beautiful autumn foliage and Anthem GO Outside Festival. In the clip, host Hoda Kotb, a Virginia Tech alumni, fondly recalls visiting Roanoke during her college years.
Downtown Roanoke: The Heart of Your Metro Mountain Vacation
Star City is not just epic outdoor adventures but a hub of cultural attractions, family-friendly activities, unique shopping opportunities, historic boutique hotels, local breweries, and Southern, chef-inspired culinary delights.
Historic Boutique Accommodations
Roanoke’s real experiences lie within its historic boutiques, like the reborn landmark The Liberty Trust.
Completed in 1910 as First National Bank, the building and its original Greek revival and French Ecole de Beaux-Arts-influenced architecture is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The lobby serves as a tasting room and is home to The Vault, a small-plate restaurant with a menu that takes guests to unique corners of the world. Visitors can even dine privately in the bank vault.
This elegantly restored, luxurious stay is the perfect home base for a Roanoke adventure. Many restaurants, museums, and shops are within walking distance.
Breweries, Southern Plates, and Chef-Inspired Dining
Locally owned establishments offer unique experiences not found elsewhere.
For a morning pick-me-up, head to the cute coffee shop Little Green Hive, which serves locally roasted and fair-trade organic coffee.
After-hike sippers can check out Golden Cactus Brewing, which offers pinball machines and retro video games.
Head to Scrambled for a delicious pre-adventure breakfast, Scratch Biscuit Company for homemade biscuits and gravy, or to Historic Grandin Village for a farm-to-table brunch at Local Roots, a spot serving modern American fare and seasonal favorites.
Lunch favorites include burger-serving bistro Beamer’s 25, named in honor of former Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer. Local favorite VietSub serves mouthwatering Bahn Mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese delicacies.
For a date night, book bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar’s “Trip for the Table” experience for travel-inspired small plates, or head to Six and Sky Rooftop Grille for seafood, steaks, and spirits while taking in gorgeous city and mountain views.
Cultural Attractions in Downtown Roanoke
Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Taubman Museum of Art. The building is an architectural masterpiece, housing Contemporary and American Art by regional and world-class artists.
Admission is free, but guided tours give insight into artists’ lives, creative processes, subjects, and inspiration.
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture showcases and honors the history and art of the African-American experience in Roanoke Valley. Explore a collection of memorabilia, photos, and other items significant to the local black community.
The family-friendly Roanoke Pinball Museum houses 70 pinball machines from 1932 to today. Guest admission permits guests to enjoy unlimited pinball machine access.
Unique Shopping Opportunities
Downtown Roanoke and nearby Grandin Village offer special shopping opportunities for vacationers seeking retail therapy, including sustainable spot Black Dog Salvage, seen on HGTV, DIY Network, and Travel Channel’s Salvage Dawgs. Shop owners Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside “reclaim, reuse, and repurpose architectural salvage for a sustainable future,” offering upcycled designs and regional vendors that keep shoppers sifting for hours.
She’s International Boutique, owned by former flight attendant Diane Speaks, offers apparel and jewelry from all over the world. Independent bookstore Book No Further’s selection of new and used reads includes a banned book section.
Crafteria, an LGBTQ-owned maker’s market housed in a mid-century cafeteria building, offers small-batch food, handmade goods, records, beer, and wine. While Chocolatepaper is a must-visit for a sweet treat, the perfect greeting card, or a local souvenir.
Even More Outdoor Adventures
Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, known as “America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital,” provides cyclists with hundreds of miles of trails. The International Mountain Bicycling Association designated this spot a Silver-Level Ride Center.
Roanoke Mountain Adventures, located in the middle of the Roanoke River Greenway, offers e-bike and mountain bike rentals, as well as guided tours up and down the 14-mile greenway. The area is working to expand to nearby cities and towns, along with the Blue Ridge Parkway and Explore Park.
Hikers will be inundated with great trail options when visiting the region. Head to Roaring Run Falls in Eagle Rock, Virginia, for an easy day trip. The 1.5-mile loop inside the National Jefferson Forest along the Roaring Run Creek leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Your Metro Mountain Adventure Awaits
Roanoke, Virginia, offers the perfect mix of urban charm and outdoor adventure. As you walk the streets of this historic metropolitan nestled within the iconic Appalachian Mountains, every corner shares a story, a taste, or a view that invites exploration and appreciation. Roanoke is not just a destination; it’s the start of your next great adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
