Virginia’s Blue Ridge region encompasses five areas including the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the counties of Franklin, Roanoke and Botetourt. Additionally, this is the largest metropolitan area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Due to the variety of areas this region covers, Virginia’s Blue Ridge packs a punch. There are endless things to do in this Metro Mountain destination. This is the type of destination that has something for all types of travelers. Virginia’s Blue Ridge is an ideal Mountain getaway in Virginia. There is everything from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking and biking trails, various museums and plenty of food and drink options.
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Top Things to Do in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
There are an ample amount of things to do in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Depending on the type of travel you prefer, you can customize your experience to have an amazing mountain getaway in Virginia. This list encompasses a variety of things to do in Virginia’s Blue Ridge in order to have a mixed mountain experience.
Explore Downtown Roanoke
Downtown Roanoke is the perfect home base to explore Virginia’s Blue Ridge. There are ample things to do in Roanoke include great local restaurants, shops and a variety of museums. Roanoke has the ideal metro mountain mix of activities. There is even a mountain downtown, Mill Mountain, where you can go hiking or mountain biking. Other downtown/ village areas that are worth exploring are Salem, Grandin Village and Fincastle.
Downtown Roanoke
Fincastle
Bike the Greenway Trail
One of the best ways to explore Roanoke is biking the Greenway Trail. You can rent a bike from Roanoke Mountain Adventures and pedal along the Roanoke River on the Roanoke Valley Greenway Trail. There are plenty of places to stop along the Greenway Trail including Blue Cow Ice Cream and Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Side Stage. Biking allows you to cover a lot of ground and to leisurely enjoy Roanoke.
Photo Credit: Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Check out Black Dog Salvage
Black Dog Salvage is a salvage company based in the Grandin Village neighborhood of Roanoke. It is also home to the television Show “Salvage Dawgs”. This is one of the more unique stops on your Mixed Mountain getaway in Virginia. Black Dog Salvage is great for window shoppers, fans of the show or those looking to find an architectural treasure to bring home.
Photo Credit: Sarah Hauser – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Mountain Biking in the East Coast Mountain Biking Capital
One of the major draws of visiting Virginia’s Blue Ridge is that it is the East Coast Mountain Biking Capital. Virginia’s Blue Ridge has been designated a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. This means there are some incredible mountain biking trails in the region including Carvins Cove, Explore Park and Mill Mountain Park. While there are some incredible trails for experienced riders, there are plenty of trails available for beginners. If you are new to mountain biking, check out this list of easy trails in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Roanoke Mountain Adventures and UnderDog Bikes offer bike rentals in the region.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a scenic drive along The Blue Ridge Parkway, which makes its way through Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This scenic parkway is 469 miles in total and winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered to be “America’s Favorite Drive” and is an absolute must-see when in the region. An entry point to the highway is located only 10 minutes from Downtown Roanoke, making a visit to this scenic highway very accessible. Another great weekend getaway in the South is to take a road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Star City SkyCams – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Explore Park Treetop Quest
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Explore Park, a park located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is hiking, biking and tubing available. Yet, the newest addition to the park, Explore Park’s Treetop Quest is the most unique addition to the park. You will not find anything else like this in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Treetop Quest is an aerial obstacle and zip-line course. There are three aerial obstacle course, a children’s courses, a zip-line course, a mesh trampoline and even a vertical monkey tree climb. This is a great activity for any adrenaline seekers and an activity that is fun whether you are visiting with friends or family.
Spend a Day on Smith Mountain Lake
There are plenty of activities and events at Smith Mountain Lake that can be enjoyed year round. Yet, Smith Mountain Lake is an especially great place to visit during the Summer months. There are ample water activities available such as boat rentals, kayaking, paddle boarding and so much more. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region with a boat ride through Smith Mountain Lake. Bridge Water Marina has everything you need for boat rentals at Smith Mountain Lake.
Hike Incredible Trails
There are ample hiking trails available in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Whether you are looking for an easy trail or looking to tackle a part of the Appalachian Trail, there are hiking options for everyone. Easy trails to include on this mountain getaway in Virginia include the Mill Mountain Star Trail and Roaring Run. Those looking for a more challenging hike should consider tackling Virginia’s Triple Crown including McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs; all located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Roaring Run 
Mill Mountain Star Trail
Photo Credit: Star City SkyCams – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
McAfee Knob
Photo Credit: Brent McGuirt Photography – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Craft Beer on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail
If you are a craft beer fan, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the place for you! There are various places to try craft beverages throughout the region. Virginia’s Blue Ridge celebrates these craft breweries with the Cheers Trail Passport. The Cheers Trail Passport is a fun way to experience these craft breweries, allowing you to check in to each brewery you visit and score discounts. There are plenty of breweries in Roanoke that are walkable or a quick Uber ride away from your hotel include Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room, Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Big Lick Brewing Company. A brewery that is worth a drive is Ballast Point Brewing Company. This San Diego brewery made its way to Virginia’s Blue Ridge and is worth a visit if you are a craft beer connoisseur. Additionally, there are wineries and distilleries on the Cheers Trail for those who are not craft beer fans.
Taste Moonshine in the Moonshine Capital of the World
Franklin County in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the “Moonshine Capital of the World.” Moonshine production and bootlegging drove the economy at one point in Franklin County. Today, you can head to Franklin County Distilling to learn more about the history of Moonshine and to enjoy a tasting. There are various types of moonshine to try as well as delicious craft cocktails.
Eat Your Way through Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Virginia’s Blue Ridge does food well. From trendy restaurants in downtown Roanoke and Salem to cute cafes and impressive brewery menus; there are food options for every type of food lover. Some restaurants that are a must-visit include West Salem Barbecue and Fortunato. There is even a Downtown Roanoke Food and Cultural Tour available if you want to sample some of the best places in the city.
How to Get to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
This mountain getaway in Virginia may seem like it is in a remote area. However Virginia’s Blue Ridge is easily accessible by road, rail and air.
Drive:
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is easily accessible by several major highways including Interstate 81, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway. This makes Virginia’s Blue Ridge an easy place to travel to and a great stopover on an Eastern United States cross country road trip.
Fly:
If you are flying into the region, you will want to fly into Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA). This airport is serviced by American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines. This regional airport has nonstop flights to various cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago/O’Hare, NYC/LaGuardia, Orlando/Sanford, Philadelphia, St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Washington/Dulles. However, you can easily find connecting flights from wherever you are located in the United States.
Amtrak:
This is not the quickest way, yet taking an Amtrak train is a scenic way to reach Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional Route (RNK) services the city of Roanoke.
Tips for Visiting Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Do you need a car?
In order to experience what Virginia’s Blue Ridge has to offer, a car is a must. If you are flying or taking the Amtrak, consider rental a car upon arrival.
How long should you stay?
Give yourself at least 3 full days to explore Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This will give you enough time to get an overview of the region. However, there are so many things to see in this region, that you could easily spend a full week here. There were a few parks and hiking trails that I was not able to do during my 3 day (4 night) trip to Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Do you need to be an avid adventurer?
When I first learned about Virginia’s Blue Ridge, I was a little apprehensive about the difficulty of the trails. The fact that Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the East Coast Mountain Biking Capital and encompasses a stretch of the Appalachian Trail might seem a little daunting. Yet, there are trails and activities available for everyone! There are easy to difficult hiking and biking trails as well as activities for all levels of adventurers. Additionally, there are plenty of non-adventure activities if you prefer a relaxing mountain getaway in Virginia.
Where to Stay in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
In order to make the most of your Metro Mountain getaway in Virginia, stay in Roanoke. The city of Roanoke is the perfect place to position yourself in the region. Anywhere you want to go in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is easily accessible from Roanoke. Additionally, Roanoke has a great downtown are with shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventures.
Hampton by Hilton Downtown Roanoke
Hampton by Hilton Downtown Roanoke is a great place to base yourself in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Located just steps away from the Historic Roanoke City Market and Market Square, this hotel has everything you need for your comfort and convenience including complementary breakfast. Book now!
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Roanoke is a historic downtown hotel in Roanoke VA in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This hotel is located within downtown Roanoke and is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a luxurious atmosphere at a reasonable price. Book now!
Come Join My Journey was hosted by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, however, my opinions are as always my own.