A Weekend Trip to Roanoke: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do

 
 
 

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

 

The quote here comes from author and mountaineer John Muir — and it also happens to be totally applicable to how we felt prior to our weekend trip to Virginia’s Blue Ridge just a few weeks back.

I decided it was time to be a #Trailsetter, so we packed our hiking boots (and our beer-drinking pants) and hit the road toward Roanoke, Virginia for a weekend of foodie fun, outdoor adventures, and so much more.

— by Alicia Valenski


 
IMG_6951.jpg
 

Basic Info

Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, about a three-hour drive from Richmond, Roanoke was actually originally established under the name "Big Lick" in 1852, so named due to the salt that drew animals to the Roanoke River. You’ll see several references to this previous name, such as Big Lick Brewing Co. and Big Lick Comics.

In 1882, the city was renamed "Roanoke," a name with roots in native Algonquian culture in reference to the Roanoke River. For a long time, Roanoke was a crucial hub on the East Coast in terms of transportation, starting with the Great Wagon Road (an 18th-century road that traveled to Roanoke all the way from Philadelphia), on to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad (which connected Lynchburg to Bristol), and much more. You can learn about it all at the Virginia Museum of Transporation while you’re in town!

We’ve outlined some more of our favorite experiences from our time in Roanoke below, but if you are looking for more resources, be sure to check out Virginia's Blue Ridge for sample itineraries, VBR savings passes, and more.


Where to Stay

 
Image: The Hotel Roanoke (Facebook)

Image: The Hotel Roanoke (Facebook)

 

Hotel Roanoke

Luxurious? Check. On the National Register of Historic Places? Check. Conveniently located near all of downtown Roanoke’s top attractions? Check.

Not only is Hotel Roanoke bursting with historic charm (from its original Czech chandeliers to the lobby's carefully curated collection of antiques), but it’s also got all of the tech-forward amenities you might need while you’re in the area (like free WiFi and a state-of-the-art Conference Center and business center). Plus, the majority of the activities we’re about to recommend are within walking distance of this very spot! Talk about a win-win-win.

The food and beverage options here also happen to be truly next-level (including The Regency Room, 1882 Lobby Bar, The Pine Room, and of course, in-room dining).

And did I mention that the on-site Spa & Adventure Center is also home to the Salt Foot Sanctuary, where guests can enjoy mineral soaks, massages, and more? Because yep, that’s a thing, and you should absolutely add it to your weekend plans.

Location: 110 Shenandoah Ave NW

Booking: You can check out the hotel’s current packages and offers here, or make your reservations here.


What to Do

 
IMG_6885.jpg
 

Get Outside

McAfee Knob Hike

Need to know: One of the area's most popular hikes, this is a 7.8-mile out-and-back trail with gorgeous views and wildflowers along the way. Dogs are welcome if kept on leash.

Location: Catawba Valley Dr

Learn more >>

Mill Mountain Star Trail

Need to know: This a moderate 3.5 mile out-and-back trail, and dogs are welcome so long as they are kept on a leash. At the top, you’ll see an iconic Roanoke landmark, the Mill Mountain Star!

Location: 1230 Riverland Road SE

Learn more >>

Kayak at Carvin’s Cove

Need to know: Cash or check only! Vehicle entrance fee is $7. A single kayak for one hour is $10, for two hours is $15, or for four hours is $25. A double kayak for one hour is $15, for two hours is $20, or for four hours is $30.

Location: 9644 Reservoir Rd

Learn More >>

Learn & Explore

Center in the Square

Need to know: This one (massive) location is home to Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Kids Square Children's Museum, O. Winston Link Museum/History Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke Pinball Museum, Roanoke STARCADE, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Living Coral Reef Aquarium!

Location: 1 Market Square SE

Hours: Both hours and rates vary by attraction; learn more here

Learn more >>

Taubman Museum of Art

Need to know: This is an awesome free activity to add a little bit of culture to your list. Bonus: They have locally roasted coffee, pastries, and more available on-site at the Morning Brew Coffee Company.

Location: 110 Salem Ave SE

Hours: Friday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 12 - 5 pm; Closed Monday - Thursday

Learn more >>

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Historic Roanoke City Market

Need to know: This market has operated out of Downtown Roanoke since 1882! Vendors here offer everything from fresh, locally grown produce and flowers to meats and cheeses and beyond.

Location: Market Square SE

Hours: Daily, 8 am - 5 pm

Learn more >>

chocolatepaper

Need to know: A sister shop to Mongrel in Carytown, this is the perfect place to browse for gifts and goodies of all kinds.

Location: 308 Market St SE

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday, 12 - 5 pm

Learn more >>

Book No Further

Need to know: This independently-owned bookstore sells new releases as well as like-new and gently-used books.

Location: 112 Market St SE

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5:30 pm; Sunday, 12 - 5 pm

Learn more >>

Black Dog Salvage

Need to know: 40,000 square feet of architectural salvage, home and garden decor, and more, with inventory that rotates daily — as seen on popular TV show “Salvage Dawgs” on HGTV!

Location: 902 13th St SW

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm

Learn more >>

Mast General Store

Need to know: You’ve probably seen Mast General Stores in a few other cities throughout the Carolinas and Virginia, but you can learn more about the history of the Roanoke location in particular here.

Location: 401 S Jefferson St

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 6 pm; Friday - Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm; Sunday, 12 - 6 pm

Learn more >>

Crafteria

Need to know: A midcentury cafeteria building boasting small batch food and handmade goods from 60+ makers, along with a record shop, coffee shop, food windows, and a community hub.

Location: 16 W Church Ave SW

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 3 pm; Monday, 11 am - 4 pm; Closed Tuesdays

Learn more >>

See The Sights

The Roanoke Star / Mill Mountain Star

Need to know: An icon of Virginia's Blue Ridge, The Roanoke Star (located atop Mill Mountain) is the largest freestanding man-made illuminated star in the world — it's even considered the Hollywood Sign of the East Coast!

Location: 2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy

Hours: Daily, 7 am - 11 pm

Learn more >>

Blue Ridge Parkway

Need to know: You can drive, hike, bike, or camp along this scenic drive that winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers some of the most stunning mountain views in the country, if not the world.

Location: The parkway winds 469 miles in total, but this interactive map indicates the most convenient access points in the Roanoke Valley in particular

Hours: 24/7/365

Learn more >>


Where to Eat

 
IMG_6870.jpg
 

Tuco's Taqueria Garaje

Need to know: Tacos, tequila, and mezcal; menu here

Location: 416 Salem Ave SW

Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm

Learn more >>

Scrambled

Need to know: Breakfast inside the historic City Market building; menu here

Location: 32 Market Square SE

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 7 am - 2 pm; Sunday, 8 am - 2 pm; Closed Mondays

Learn more >>

Fortunato

Need to know: Modern Italian fare; menu here

Location: 104 Kirk Ave SW

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 9 pm; Closed Sundays & Mondays

Learn more >>

bloom restaurant & wine bar

Need to know: Farm-to-table fare with cocktails, wine, and craft beer; menu here

Location: 1109 Main St SW

Hours: Wednesday - Thursday, 4 - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 4 - 10 pm; Closed Sundays & Mondays

Learn more >>

Bread Craft

Need to know: Artisanal bakery serving bread, pastries, and sandwiches; menu here

Location: 24 Church Ave SW

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 8 am - 2 pm; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

Learn more >>

FarmBurguesa

Need to know: Farm-to-table burger restaurant; menu here

Location: 1908 Memorial Ave SW

Hours: Daily, 7 am - 9 pm

Learn more >>

Scratch Biscuit

Need to know: Down-home, Southern, made-from-scratch biscuits and sides; menu here

Location: 1820 Memorial Ave SW

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7 am - 2 pm; Sunday, 8 am - 2 pm

Learn more >>

Sweet Donkey Coffee House

Need to know: Gourmet coffee, pastries, and light bites; menu here

Location: 2108 Broadway Ave SW

Hours: Daily, 7 am - 6 pm

Learn more >>

Lucky

Need to know: Southern fare, oysters, and more along with craft cocktails; menu here

Location: 18 Kirk Ave SW

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 5 - 9 pm; Closed Sunday - Tuesday

Learn more >>


Where to Drink

 
IMG_6865_jpg.jpg
 

Golden Cactus Brewing

Need to know: Bright, open brewery with a wide variety of craft beers; tap list here

Location: 214 5th St SW

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 3 - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 12 - 10 pm; Sunday, 12 - 8 pm

Learn more >>

Big Lick Brewing Company

Need to know: Brewing classic beer styles in a huge, kid-friendly space; tap list here

Location: 409 Salem Ave SW

Hours: Wednesday - Thursday, 4 - 9 pm; Friday, 2 - 10 pm; Saturday, 1 - 10 pm; Sunday, 12 - 6 pm; Monday, 4 - 9 pm; Closed Tuesdays

Learn more >>

Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery

Need to know: Brewpub serving locally sourced, beer-infused dishes; menu & tap list here

Location: 24 Campbell Ave SE

Hours: Monday - Wednesday, 11 am - 8 pm; Thursday - Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 6 pm

Learn more >>

Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room

Need to know: One of five locations for this world-renowned brewery; tap list here

Location: 315 Market St SE

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 2 - 9 pm; Friday, 2 - 10 pm; Saturday, 12 - 10 pm; Sunday, 4 - 8 pm; Closed Mondays

Learn more >>

Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage

Need to know: Showcasing new beers and new music; tap list here

Location: 6 Old Whitmore Ave

Hours: Tuesday - Wednesday, 3 - 9 pm; Thursday, 3 - 10 pm; Friday, 12 - 10 pm; Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm; Sunday - Monday, 12 - 9 pm

Learn more >>


Looking for more travel inspo?


 
 
 

Thank you to Virginia’s Blue Ridge for powering our trip and this City Guide!