Roanoke is a city in Blue Ridge Mountains known as the “The Star City of the South”. This is the best place to base yourself to explore Virginia’s Blue Ridge as there are various things to do in Roanoke VA. Roanoke is a great place to delve into the culture and scenic beauty of this region. If you’re looking for what to do in Roanoke VA, this list has you covered!
Table of Contents
Things to do in Roanoke VA
Explore Downtown Roanoke
Spend some time roaming around Downtown Roanoke, checking out the various boutique shops, restaurants and museums.
Boutique Shops
There are various boutique shops in Downtown Roanoke. Spend some time stopping into some of the cute shops on Market Square including Chocolatepaper, as its name suggests is a chocolate and paper goods shop. Additionally there are a handful of trendy boutique clothing stores including Bittersweet Clothing & Accessories and La De Da. There is no shortage of great shopping opportunities in Downtown Roanoke.
Roanoke Food and Cultural Tour
One of the best ways to enjoy Downtown Roanoke is with a Food and Cultural Tour. The Roanoke Food and Cultural Tour allows you to explore the history and cuisine of Downtown Roanoke with a walking tour. This tour allows you to get a taste of what Roanoke has to offer. Check available dates!
Star City Pass
If you a planning on checking of Roanoke various museums, the best way is with the Star City Pass. The Star City Pass includes admission to some of the best things to do in Roanoke VA including the Roanoke Pinball Museum, Science Museum of Western Virginia, Taubman Museum of Art, Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Mill Mountain Zoo. If you are planning on visiting various Roanoke VA attractions, the Star City Pass is the most budget friendly option. However, if you only have time for a couple museums, you are better off buying each ticket individually.
Historic Roanoke City Market
The Historic Roanoke City Market district takes up a large portion of Downtown Roanoke and is one of the top things to do in Roanoke VA. This market is open year-round, Monday through Saturday. Here you will find everything from produce and fresh cut flowers to regional crafts. Additionally, the Historic Market building offers a food court and additional shopping opportunities. While there are vendors at the Historic Roanoke City Market daily, the best day to visit is Saturday. Saturday is when the market comes alive; there will be more crowds of people and vendors on Saturdays.
Roanoke Museums
Taubman Museum of Art
This modern art museum is an absolute must-visit when exploring Roanoke. Taubman Museum of Art has various rotating exhibits showcasing modern art, so there is always something new to see. General Admission to Taubman Museum of Art is free everyday, making this museum an easy addition to your Roanoke itinerary.
Virginia’s Official Museum of Transportation
One of the most defining part of Roanoke’s history is transportation and trains. Check out Virginia’s Official Museum of Transportation to learn all about defining moments for the transportation industry and even have a chance to climb aboard a steam locomotive.
Center in the Square
Center in the Square is a non-profit cultural center in Downtown Roanoke’s Market Sqaure, housing several arts and cultural organizations. Here you will find various Roanoke museums including Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Roanoke Pinball Museum, Kids Square, Mill Mountain Theatre, and Science Museum of Western Virginia. Center in the square has some of the most fun things to do in Roanoke.
Roanoke Valley Greenway
Spend some time biking along the Roanoke Valley Greenway. You can rent a bike from Roanoke Mountain Adventures and pedal along the Roanoke River on the Roanoke Valley Greenway Trail. This is one of the best activities in Roanoke VA and a great way to leisurely enjoy the city. There are plenty of places to stop along the Greenway Trail including Blue Cow Ice Cream and Starr Hill Pilot Brewery.
Photo Credit: Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Black Dog Salvage
One of the more unique Roanoke Virginia points of interest is visiting 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”.
Photo Credit: Sarah Hauser – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Roanoke Star
It is not a proper trip to Roanoke without visiting the Mill Mountain Star. The Roanoke Star is an iconic symbol of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. While the Roanoke Star can be see throughout Roanoke, it is best to get an up close look at the this symbol of the city.
Roanoke Star and Overlook
The Roanoke Star and Overlook offers an close up view of the Roanoke Star and a birds eye view of the city. On a clear day you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains spanning in the distance. You can drive up to the overlook, hike or mountain bike to the top. This is one of the top Roanoke VA things to do.
Photo Credit: Star City SkyCams – Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Mill Mountain Star Trail
One of the best part about Mill Mountain is that there are 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Take the 1.3 mile hike up to the iconic Roanoke Star, in order to make the most out of your experience.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail is a craft beverage trail in the region. Many of the craft breweries on the trail can be found in Downtown Roanoke. Breweries that can be found in downtown Roanoke include Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room, Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Big Lick Brewing Company.
Downtown Roanoke Hotels
Hampton by Hilton Downtown Roanoke
Hampton by Hilton Downtown Roanoke is a great place to stay. 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!
Roanoke Restaurants
Fortunato
Fortunato is the region’s only traditional Italian kitchen and Neapolitan style pizzeria. This Roanoke restaurant has a wonderful ambiance and delicious food. This is a great place to eat if you are looking for are looking for a nice sit down meal in Roanoke. Do not cut your experience short and be sure to order a glass of wine from Fortunato’s extensive list and order a traditional Italian desert.
Billy’s
Billy’s is a “this is the place to see and be seen” type of restaurant. Here you will find American cuisine in a comfortable yet refined atmosphere. There is something on the menu for everyone; from the lunch menu serving various burgers and sandwiches to the exquisite dinner menu with pastas, seafood and various steak options.
The Roanoker Restaurant
The Roanoker Restaurant has been named one of Virginia’s 5 best breakfast spots and is the place to go for a Southern style home cooked meal in Roanoke. Don’t forget to order the homemade biscuits with your breakfast.
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea
Mill Mountain Coffee is a staple in Roanoke. Ideally located near the Historic Roanoke City Market, this is the perfect place to get your caffeine fix while exploring Roanoke. This cafe has a range of specialty coffees and teas as well as the tried and true staples.
Come Join My Journey was hosted by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, however, my opinions are as always my own.