A Weekend Trip to Roanoke: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do
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“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
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
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
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
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
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 & 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Where to Eat
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
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
Fortunato
Need to know: Modern Italian fare; menu here
Location: 104 Kirk Ave SW
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5 - 9 pm; Closed Sundays & Mondays
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
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
FarmBurguesa
Need to know: Farm-to-table burger restaurant; menu here
Location: 1908 Memorial Ave SW
Hours: Daily, 7 am - 9 pm
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
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
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
Where to Drink
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
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
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
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
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
Looking for more travel inspo?
Thank you to Virginia’s Blue Ridge for powering our trip and this City Guide!