The 14 Best Things To Do In Roanoke, Virginia

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke beckons with an alluring mix of natural beauty, vibrant urban culture, and historic charm. Outdoor lovers will find paradise here with world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Indulge in Roanoke’s craft beverage scene and comfort-driven cuisine, which contribute to the city’s irresistible charm. Easily accessible via Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, Roanoke may be the perfect destination for a car-free weekend escape to the mountains. Here’s what to do when you’re ready to explore Roanoke.

Get to Know Roanoke’s History

Uncover a Rich Railroad Heritage 

The Virginia Museum of Transportation offers an exciting glimpse into the rich history of transportation in Virginia. Explore an impressive collection of locomotives, including the iconic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 steam engine, alongside classic cars, maritime exhibits, and aviation displays. For more railroad heritage, visit the O. Winston Link Museum, where you can marvel at the captivating black-and-white photographs of O. Winston Link that capture the final days of steam trains in the 1950s. 

vmt.org, 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

ronaokehistory.org, 101 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016

Celebrate Local African-American Contributions 

Roanoke’s Harrison Museum of African American Culture is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant history and significant contributions of African Americans in the Roanoke Valley. A vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and historic exhibits honor African American heritage and culture, including an inspiring exhibit on the life of Fredrick Douglass. Each September, the museum’s Henry Street Heritage Festival honors African American heritage with crafts, performances, and kids’ activities. 

harrisonmusuem.com, 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

Get to Know the Mill Mountain Star

Perched high atop Roanoke’s Mill Mountain, a 100-foot-tall man-made star overlooks downtown Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley. Originally constructed as a holiday shopping promotion, the Mill Mountain Star was first lit up in all-white by the town mayor on November 23, 1949. The star’s immense popularity kept it in place, and it now shines red, white, and blue on patriotic holidays, like Independence Day and Memorial Day. A scenic 1.7-mile hike (one-way) on the Star Trail leads to a stunning viewing platform, or you can drive and park at the top for the vistas.

Get Inspired By a New Statue

In October, a life-sized bronze statue of Henrietta Lacks was unveiled, celebrating her immense contribution to life-saving medicine. Lacks’ HeLa cells, which were discovered though her cervical cancer diagnosis, revolutionized virology, cancer research, and the quest for a polio vaccine. The inspiring statue is part of the “Hidden in Plain Site” project, which highlights overlooked sites that tell the rich story of Black heritage and experiences in Roanoke. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Say Cheers 

The toast-worthy Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail showcases the region’s thriving craft beverage scene across more than a dozen breweries and wineries in the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Golden Cactus Brewing and Stoney Brook Vineyards. With a free mobile passport, enjoy discounts, half-price appetizers, even a free glass of wine with an entrée at Well Hung Vineyard. Relax on an outdoor patio with a glass or pint and soak in stunning mountain views. Stop by Big Lick Brewing Co. for a convenient sip and hang in the beer garden before dinner.

Wander an Open-Air Market 

Established in 1882, the Historic Roanoke City Market is the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia. Open seven days a week, the lively market invites you to explore stalls brimming with fresh produce, organic meats, fresh flowers, and unique artisan wares, like jewelry, pottery, and birdhouses. Situated in downtown Roanoke, the market is just steps from fantastic restaurants, hotels, bustling breweries, and local museums. 

Nosh on Comfort Cuisine 

The South is known for comfort-driven cuisine, and Roanoke delivers buttery, flavorful goodness. Start your day at Scratch Biscuit Company, where you’ll find super-sized, from-scratch biscuits and a bevy of breakfast sandwiches like the fried Cajun catfish biscuit and hot honey chicken biscuit. Don’t miss the cash-only Texas Tavern, a family-owned 10-stool diner serving up legendary chili and burgers since 1930. In Salem, Gina’s “Food with Flavor” wows with mouthwatering fried chicken and savory Salisbury steak. 

Settle in on a Rooftop Bar

In March, Roanoke welcomed its first rooftop bar, Six and Sky Rooftop Grille. Set atop seven-story City in the Square, which is home to museums and arts organizations, Six and Sky boasts hand-crafted cocktails and breathtaking panoramic views across the Roanoke Valley. The elevated menu features a sophisticated mix of land and sea dishes, as well as a curated wine selection. 

sixandsky.com, 1 Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011

Outdoor Activities

Hike the Appalachian Trail 

Virginia has more than 550 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail, which is easily accessible just north of downtown Roanoke. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a beloved outdoor pastime thanks to a number of notable hikes with spectacular views. Three standout hikes on this famed hiking trail are Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs, known collectively as the Virginia Triple Crown, a must-do for hiking enthusiasts. For a more relaxed hike, lace up your hiking boots and take in the natural beauty and tranquility of the trail at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. 

Get Out on a Mountain Bike

Roanoke is proudly known as America’s East Cost Mountain Biking Capital, making it a must-visit for two-wheeled adventurers. A sprawling network of well-maintained mountain biking trails cater to all skill levels, from serene wooded paths to exhilarating single tracks. Explore top-rated trail systems, like Carvins Cove and Explore Park, which features more than 14 miles of trails, bike repair stations, and a local craft brewery. 

Motor Along the Ridge Parkway

Embark on a lively driving adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway which is renowned for its picturesque vistas and tranquil landscapes. Pause at milepost 114.9 for scenic panoramas at the Roanoke River Overlook, then stop at milepost 120.4 for the Mill Mountain Discovery Center, which features hands-on activities, nature programs, a wildflower garden, and a small pond. At Mill Mountain Park, stop for an animal park, short hiking trails, and the viewing platform for the Mill Mountain Star.

Arts, Culture, and Shopping 

Celebrate Salvaged Goods

Since opening in 1999, Black Dog Salvage has been a local treasure. It was also the star of a hit HGTV show called “Salvage Dawgs.” Today, this eclectic store is a veritable treasure trove of reclaimed building materials, vintage home and garden décor items, and upcycled furniture. Every visit promises a unique adventure with surprises around every corner. Black Dog Salvage is also home to an outdoor music venue called the Dog Bowl, which hosts monthly open-air markets and live music, adding to the spirit of downtown Roanoke.

 blackdogsalvage.com, 902 13th Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Explore the Center of Town 

Center in the Square is a vibrant cultural hub in Roanoke, featuring science and history museums, including the Roanoke Pinball Museum, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Harrison Museum of African American Culture. It’s also home to the 60-year-old Mill Mountain Theatre, which presents musicals and theatrical productions at the 345-seat Trinkle Main Stage, including Annie and To Kill a Mockingbird. A rooftop terrace boasts a koi pond, stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the newest hotspot in town, Six and Sky Rooftop Grille. 

centerinthesquare.org, 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

Get Immersed in Works of Art

The Taubman Museum of Art dazzles with an expansive collection of American art, contemporary works, and regional treasures. In Fall 2024, the museum welcomes an immersive exhibition that honors Alphonse Mucha, a renowned figure in Europe’s Art Nouveau movement. Known for iconic posters featuring ornamental designs, flowing lines, and natural motifs, the Mucha exhibition makes its U.S. debut in Roanoke following its premiere at the Grand Palais in Paris.

taubmanmuseum.org, 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011