The Complete Guide to Visiting Roanoke, Virginia

Known as the “Star City of the South” because of the large illuminated star overlooking the city, Roanoke, Virginia is a mountain town offering abundant outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking trails to paddling waterways and scenic drives. 

As the largest city along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, Roanoke has become a haven for outdoor lovers looking for a place to rest, recharge, and continue on to new adventures. But this mountain metro is far from just a place to rest a weary head—Roanoke is filled with museums, restaurants, and other unique attractions that will keep you busy for a week or more. Plan your next outing to the “Star City” to find all that you love in the mountains of Virginia. 

THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT ROANOKE

While you’ll find plenty to do year-round in Roanoke, the fall is a truly magical time to see the city. Meander along the Blue Ridge Parkway to catch fiery autumn colors, stopping along the way to take in the beauty from scenic overlooks and visit popular attractions like the much-photographed Mabry Mill. Foliage in the area tends to reach its peak in mid- to late-October, so this is a prime time to visit Roanoke. 

Virginia tends to get very warm in the summer months, but the mountains are often about ten degrees cooler than the rest of the state, making destinations like Roanoke a welcome respite during the dog days of summer. Plan a Roanoke getaway in July to hit the hiking and biking trails and enjoy the beauty of summer in the Virginia mountains. 

WHERE TO STAY

Explore Park: An Overnight Outdoor Experience $

Located right outside downtown Roanoke along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Explore Park has yurts, cabins, and campsites. The cabins start at around $75 per night and the yurts run about $100 per night, while the primitive campsites start at $50 per night and the RV sites are $35 per night with a two-night minimum.

Hotel Roanoke: Historic Charm & Upscale Amenities $$ 

Since it first opened in 1882, the Hotel Roanoke has been known as one of the most luxurious in the region. The hotel’s newly renovated rooms reflect timeless elegance and provide contemporary comforts, including plush beds, high-tech features, and wellness-focused accommodations. Guests who are deaf or hard of hearing can book the hearing accessible rooms, which have visual alarms and notification devices.

Liberty Trust Hotel: Centrally Located & Right on the Money $$$

In the heart of downtown Roanoke, the Liberty Trust Hotel occupies the beautifully restored former First National Bank building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests enjoy elegant rooms with high-end finishes and modern amenities, and the hotel’s central location is near plenty of dining, shopping, and local attractions.

Fire Station One Boutique Hotel: A Hot Boutique Hotel $$ 

Fire Station One Boutique Hotel sits atop Txtur, a modern shop that showcases locally-made furniture and home accents and is housed in a historic former fire station. The hotel offers a distinctive atmosphere, with well-preserved architectural features and modern design elements. Book one of the seven custom-designed rooms, such as the “Parisian Studio” or the “Bright & Boho” and don’t miss dining at the on-site Stock Bistro, which serves Nordic and Scandinavian-inspired cuisine. 

Shirley’s Bed & Breakfast: Quiet Comfort in Nature $$ 

If charming B&Bs are up your alley, travel about ten minutes out of Roanoke and stay at Shirley’s Bed & Breakfast for a private and secluded retreat. A private pool abuts the rear of the home, and guests can choose from five unique room options for their stay. The expansive log home is also only about 20 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake, providing a perfect location to explore both mountain and lake living all in one trip. 

WHERE TO EAT

Show Pony

A new “fine diving” bar in Grandin Village serving slightly upscale comfort food at an accessible price point. Vegan options available. 

Lucky

A farm-to-table eatery in downtown Roanoke with Southern & global influences, plus a creative menu of craft cocktails.

Six & Sky Rooftop

A rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Center in the Square building offers stunning views of the surrounding Roanoke Valley. The menu features a selection of steak and seafood options.

Fortunato

The Roanoke region's only traditional Italian kitchen & Neapolitan style pizzeria. Grab a craft cocktail at Stellina after your meal, a speakeasy bar connected to Fortunato. 

Bloom

A modern American restaurant and wine bar utilizing locally sourced ingredients to craft seasonally curated menus.

Texas Tavern

An iconic family-owned diner and burger bar that has been operating since 1930. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The River & Rail Restaurant

This celebrated Southern bistro has set the standard for fine dining in the region for over a decade, winning multiple awards. The restaurant uses ingredients from nearby farms and suppliers to create dishes that highlight the area's natural flavors. 

Stock

A modern restaurant located below Fire Station One Boutique Hotel and beside Txtur furniture shop serving Nordic and Scandinavian-inspired cuisine with a full cocktail bar and an eclectic local wine selection.

For more restaurants, bars, breweries, and more, check out the full Guide to Dining in Roanoke. 

TOP ATTRACTIONS & LANDMARKS

Mill Mountain Star

Perched on Mill Mountain, the Mill Mountain Star is one of the largest illuminated stars in the world, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike or drive up to the Star via the Mill Mountain Greenway or the scenic road to the top, where there's a viewing platform—a great spot for photos! The landmark is especially striking when illuminated at night. Additionally, the area offers trails and picnic areas for outdoor activities.

Taubman Museum of Art

This museum holds a diverse collection of more than 2,000 works, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, with rotating exhibits that explore various artistic styles and periods. Admission is free and the museum offers guided tours, educational activities, and other special events for visitors of all ages.

Center in the Square

You could spend an entire day within Center in the Square and still not see everything! This downtown warehouse hosts the Roanoke Pinball Museum, the Kids Square Children’s Museum, the Roanoke Starcade Arcade Museum, the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the History Museum of Western Virginia, and free world-class aquariums open to all visitors. Don’t worry—ticket bundles are available to make the most of your visit. 

Explore Park

This 1,200-acre park is right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and only about 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke. Climb through the treetop ropes course, play a round of disc golf, hike and bike along the 14+ miles of trails, paddle the gorgeous Roanoke River Gorge, cast a line for fish in the river, and pitch your tent for an overnight adventure while at this adventure-packed park. 

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Located just seven miles north of Roanoke, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve contains more than 12,000 acres of forests, a 630-acre reservoir, and 60 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Miles of Additional Mountain Biking

As the Mountain Biking Capital of the East Coast, Roanoke has more than 400 miles of mountain biking trails worth exploring. The area is designated a Silver-Level Ride Center™ by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the only silver-level mountain biking area on the East Coast. Plus, visitors can ride the same trails as the national mountain biking champions, putting their skills to the test—the region is hosting the 2025 and 2026 USA Cycling Endurance and Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships. 

SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

Grandin Village

This vibrant, walkable urban district blends historical charm with contemporary shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The historic 1932 Grandin Theatre serves as the cultural anchor of the area, showing a variety of cult classics and indie films. The community also enjoys live music, food trucks, and outdoor events like the Grandin Chillage. 

Downtown Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke’s dynamic shopping scene is known for its variety of independent retailers, offering everything from fashion and accessories to books, home decor, and vintage finds. The local community thrives here, making it a great destination to support small businesses and discover one-of-a-kind items.

Downtown Farmer’s Market

A Roanoke staple since 1882, the farmer’s market offers a diverse selection of locally grown produce, fresh meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handcrafted artisan items. Connect directly with local farmers for a personal and sustainable shopping experience, open seven days a week year-round. 

Black Dog Salvage

This 40,000-square-foot warehouse specializes in architectural salvage, home decor, and vintage treasures. The local favorite is known for its creative approach to sustainability, reimagining old materials into new, functional art.

Mast General Store

This iconic family-owned general store is known for its extensive selection of outdoor gear, footwear, clothing, and home goods. You’ll find unique, nostalgic items alongside top brands and practical gear for outdoor adventures. 

Crafteria

This vibrant, community-oriented marketplace offers handmade goods and small-batch foods from nearly 200 local craftspeople. Housed in a mid-century cafeteria building, the shop features an eclectic mix of offerings, including a record shop, to-go beer and wine, coffee, and food windows. 

TXTUR

This custom-made furniture store specializes in high-quality, handcrafted pieces and offers a wide range of contemporary furniture, including sofas, sectionals, lounge chairs, and dining sets. TXTUR emphasizes a personalized shopping experience, allowing you to customize furniture with different fabrics, finishes, and sizes. 

For more cool things to do around Roanoke, check out our trendy neighborhood guide.

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Concerts at Martin’s

Enjoy an intimate small live music performance paired with cocktails at this neighborhood staple. 

Live Music at The Spot on Kirk

Catch local live music performances at this downtown music venue.

Shows at Five Points Music Sanctuary

Experience all types of music genres at this venue focused on accessibility. SUBPAC tactile vests allow people with hearing impairments to feel the music. In addition, the venue offers free music therapy classes to students with an array of special needs.

Roanoke’s Craft Breweries

With eight breweries in Downtown Roanoke and a handful more a short drive away, even the most dedicated beer lover has their work cut out for them when it comes to discovering the Star City’s brew scene. Make a checklist and plan a follow-up trip if you can’t conquer them all in a weekend. 

Berglund Center Hockey Games

From October to April, head to Roanoke’s Berglund Center and get tickets to a local hockey game.

The Amphitheater at Elmwood Park

Take in live music outdoors when you attend a concert at the Amphitheater at Elmwood Park.

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

The Local Colors Festival

When: May 17, 2025

Where: Elmwood Park

If you’re searching for a diverse and memorable experience, plan your visit to Downtown Roanoke during the Local Colors Festival, a celebration of international cultures with artisan crafts, cuisines from all over the world, arts and music performances that showcase unique cultures, and other displays that work towards the ultimate goal of fostering an environment of inclusion and community. 

Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival 

When: Mid-September 2025 (Exact Date TBA)

Where: Beaver Dam Farm

As the largest sunflower festival on the East Coast, Beaver Dam Farm’s Sunflower Festival each September is not to be missed. After walking through the photo-worthy fields of sunflowers, hop up on the hay wagon for a ride through the grounds, enjoy live music performances from local bands, get hands-on at the farm animal petting area, and peruse goods from more than 115 artisan craft and food vendors. 

Anthem's Go Outside Festival

When: October 17-19, 2025

Where: Elmwood Park and Explore Park

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a newcomer to outdoor sports and activities, GO Fest is all about the Great Outdoors, featuring demos for all types of gear such as kayaks, fly fishing rods, camping equipment, and mountain bikes. This festival is all about bringing people together to share their knowledge and love of the region’s outdoor gems.

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival

When: Fourth Saturday of October every year

Where: The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum of Ferrum College

For more than 50 years, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has paid tribute to the rich heritage and history of the region, sharing folk traditions that were once in danger of being lost to history. This family-friendly event shares everything from old-timey games and crafts to Appalachian music and moonshine tastings. 

Illuminights at Explore Park 

When: Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve Annually

Where: Explore Park 

Celebrate the holiday season at Explore Park with Illuminights, a half-mile trail through the forests featuring more than 600,000+ twinkling lights. The trail is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.

JUST DOWN THE ROAD…

…More Outdoor Fun

The Triple Crown Hikes | Avid hikers staying in Roanoke should make the journey to the Triple Crown hikes in the surrounding mountains–McAfee Knob (4-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail that ends in a 270-degree view of the mountains), Dragon’s Tooth (2.3-mile that ends with a challenging .8-mile bouldering climb), and Tinker Cliffs (7.7-mile out-and-back hike with more than 2,000 feet in elevation gain). Note: As there is very limited parking for McAfee Knob which fills up quickly on the weekends, a shuttle is available Friday through Sunday each week, as well as on holiday Mondays.  

Peaks of Otter | A trio of summits comprise the Peaks of Otter: Sharp Top Mountain (a 1.5-mile steep hike that ends in 360-degree views), Harkening Hill (3.3-mile loop known for its interesting rock formations), and Flat Top (a strenuous 4.4-mile trek that ends in a 4,000-foot peak). Additionally, there is a wheelchair-accessible trail winding around Abbot Lake off the Blue Ridge Parkway, allowing travelers of all abilities to enjoy the Great Outdoors.  After conquering these trails, consider staying at the nearby Peaks of Otter Lodge, a mountain retreat located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Roaring Run Hiking Trail | There are several waterfall hikes in the area, but Roaring Run Falls is the easiest and most accessible. A two-mile round-trip trek takes you past a historic furnace, over scenic bridges, and past shaded spots perfect for picnicking. The fee-free Roaring Run Day Use Area sits within the Jefferson National Forest and is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Note: The rocks can be slippery and dangerous; please follow the posted rules and refrain from climbing on the rocks at the waterfall. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway | One of the most iconic roadways in the world, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs directly to the east of downtown Roanoke, curving around the city and following its journey through the rural mountains south. Stop at a few of the scenic overlooks for awe-inspiring views, stretch your legs along a challenging hiking trail, or simply marvel at the local flora and fauna found throughout the famed parkway. 

Smith Mountain Lake | About an hour from Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake is a waterfront haven for wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, and all those travelers looking to enjoy Virginia’s lake life.

…Towns to Explore

Franklin County, the Moonshine Capital of the World | Want to learn about the era of Prohibition and the production of moonshine? There is no better place than Franklin County, dubbed the “Moonshine Capital of the World”, and neighboring Patrick and Floyd Counties, who have partnered to create the Mountain Spirit Trail. For a taste of today’s spirits, visit a local moonshine distillery such as Twin Creeks Distillery and purchase a few Mason jars of moonshine as a souvenir from your Appalachian adventures. 

Floyd | Floyd is one of the most unique small towns in the Commonwealth. Originally known for the Floyd Country Store, a historic Appalachian music venue, the town has also begun to draw modern music lovers with Floydfest, an annual five-day festival in the mountains that showcases both internationally renowned headliners and local musicians and bands. 

Lynchburg | For urban explorers searching to discover another city in the area, don’t miss a trip to Lynchburg, about an hour and fifteen minutes from Roanoke. 

…Noteworthy Attractions

Mountain Lake Lodge | Made famous by the hit movie Dirty Dancing, Mountain Lake Lodge is a 2,600-acre retreat surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Idyllic trails wind through the property, allowing guests to enjoy the serene landscapes and quiet mountain charm of the lodge. 

Dixie Caverns | Learn about the natural geographic formations of the Virginia Mountains at Dixie Caverns, a tourist attraction that also includes a campground, a large rock and mineral shop, and a sprawling antiques mall.

The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford | In the top 10% of things to do in the world by TripAdvisor, the National D-Day Memorial is a significant monument for the Virginia Mountains, paying tribute to the many American lives lost on June 6, 1944 on the beaches of France. In comparison with its wartime population, Bedford suffered the Nation’s highest known per capita D-Day loss, a somber distinction for this rural Virginia community.

Natural Bridge State Park  | A 200-foot tall arch carved from limestone by Cedar Creek, Natural Bridge State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. The formation was considered sacred by the indigenous Monocan tribes who settled in the area prior to European settlers, and the property was also notable to America’s founding fathers, having been surveyed by George Washington and owned by Thomas Jefferson. Ten miles of walking trails meander through the state park, allowing visitors a chance to step back in time and experience Virginia’s landscapes the way they were hundreds of years ago. 

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, a Virginia vacation’s got all that you love, all in one place—and this guide to Roanoke will help you start planning your VA vacation today!