Road Trip Ready: The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Roanoke, Virginia

Thanks to this summer’s sky-high airfares, Michael and I quickly closed our flight search tabs and decided to consult a good old-fashioned map to choose a destination for our anniversary getaway. Since it falls in August, that usually leaves us beating the heat somewhere; rather than following the crowds to the beach this year, we searched for mountain destinations within a four-hour radius in an attempt to cool our heels a bit.

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(Here's a special update to this guide: Michael and I got engaged on this trip!)

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There are a range of mountain towns throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina that fit the bill, but sometimes having too many choices can be a bad thing, so we chose to focus on Virginia. Despite living in Charlotte for almost three years, we have only ever driven through our neighbor to the north.

Pearls of towns dot I-81, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and frankly, I imagine any one of them would be a worthy celebration destination for that fact alone. But in the end, we were drawn to Roanoke for its big-city amenities and mountain views (quick fact: Roanoke, Virginia is not the location of the lost colony of Roanoke—that’s here in NC).

After finding only a limited number of current, independent travel guides to the area, naturally, I had to create my own. Headed to Roanoke? Here’s what should be on your list:

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ROANOKE SIGHTS + ATTRACTIONS

Mill Mountain Star

Mill Mountain Star | 2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24014

If you arrive in Roanoke at night, you just might see this attraction before you see the city lights. The Mill Mountain Star is the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star in the world, and each evening it serves as a beacon for the community below. It has been a Roanoke landmark since 1949, and visitors can drive or hike to see it up close. On clear days, you can see well across the valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Roanoke City Market

Roanoke City Market | Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

The Roanoke City Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in Virginia. The market is technically open year-round from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but the majority of vendors tend to only set up their stalls in the days leading up to the weekend, with Saturday being the largest market day (you can see that our Sunday morning visit left us empty-handed!).

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Black Dog Salvage

Black Dog Salvage | 902 13th St SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

If Black Dog Salvage rings a bell, then you’ve probably seen the long-running television series Salvage Dawgs, chronicling the business owners’ attempts to salvage and repurpose unwanted items from old buildings across the region. The 44,000-square-foot showroom is a remodeler’s dream, but even if you’re not searching for the perfect rustic door or the most unusual fountain for your home, it’s still a fun place to explore. Before you visit, be sure to check their website to see if any events are scheduled at the Dog Bowl out back!

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Roanoke STARCADE

Roanoke STARCADE | 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

Admission to the Roanoke STARCADE is $12, but that’s all you’ll need to pay to play over 3,000 arcade games. It’s the perfect place to escape the elements on a hot, snowy, or rainy day and to show off your skills (since everything is set to free-play you can always insist on a rematch if you don’t do so well).

The only thing missing in my personal opinion is beer, but I think that’s because I’ve been spoiled by a few great arcade bars (beverages are a no-go here because the STARCADE is technically an interactive museum, not an arcade).

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Virginia Museum of Transportation

Virginia Museum of Transportation | 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

You can’t say you’ve visited Roanoke without visiting one of the museums dedicated to the city’s history. The Virginia Museum of Transportation covers planes, trains, and automobiles in detail, particularly as they relate to the region. There’s a little something for everyone here, and it was wonderful to see the wide age range of museum patrons.

I recommend wearing comfortable shoes (it’s quite large!) and dressing in layers, as the museum’s exhibits are both indoor and outdoor. Parking in downtown Roanoke isn’t always easy, but there are several free parking spots out front for museumgoers.

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Sharp Top Mountain Trail at Peaks of Otter

Sharp Top Mountain Trail at Peaks of Otter | Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford, VA 24523

There are several hiking trails within an hour’s drive of downtown Roanoke, but there’s a reason why Sharp Top is the most popular. Though it’s a somewhat steep and strenuous hike, it’s relatively short (around an hour or so to the top if you’re moving at a fast clip, compared with the 4-6 hours you might spend hiking McAfee Knob). And once you’ve made it to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below.

Hit the bathroom at the trailhead, wear sturdy boots and sunscreen, and make sure you pack plenty of water. Unable to make the full trek? A shuttle service is available and gets you within 1,500 feet of the peak.

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Grandin Village Farmers Market

Grandin Village Farmers Market | 2080 Westover Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

Though it’s not very large, Grandin Village Farmers Market has a little bit of everything—prepared foods, fresh produce, live music, and more. It’s also a pickup spot for Blacksburg Bagels, out of nearby Blacksburg, VA. Good bagels seem to be few and far between in this corner of the U.S., so I always pick up a dozen to bring home and freeze whenever I find a great bagel bakery. If you decide to do the same, I highly recommend placing an order online in advance for the best selection.

On the day of our visit, the Grandin Village Farmers Market was also a spot for purchasing juices from local Field Day Juice Club (great timing, too—it was our last stop before hiking Sharp Top!).

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ROANOKE FOOD + DRINK

Mama Jean’s BBQ

Mama Jean's BBQ | now at 3404 Brandon Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24018

Even though we live in North Carolina, you know we love some good Texas-style barbecue. Mama Jean’s BBQ started as a 1956 Airstream trailer parked right off the highway and now houses a kitchen sending out some pretty incredible smoked meats and sides.

We arrived hungry after the drive from Charlotte and probably ordered too much food, although our future selves were happy to have leftovers. We managed to snag some of the day’s last brisket (which was served chopped to provide a happy mix of fatty and lean meat), potato salad, greens, three birria tacos, and a slice of vinegar pie (the very essence of making something out of nothing—look it up!).

The brisket certainly didn’t need any of the many sauce styles available; it was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a beautiful smoky flavor. Personally, I would have loved the birria tacos a little more if they were griddled—the soft tortillas, meat, and gooey cheese made them impossible to pick up without collapsing.

Using a fork and knife was the only way to enjoy them without making a (delicious) mess. I highly recommend finding time to visit Mama Jean’s during your Roanoke trip; be sure to check their Facebook page for the day’s current specials.

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bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar | 1109 Main St SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar is Roanoke’s sweetest date night spot thanks to its assortment of seating options, from a lively dining room to a darling patio to a cozy and intimate lounge. And with a carefully edited menu of shareable small plates (which changes frequently—head here to see current offerings), the food matches the atmosphere impeccably.

Our peak summer visit brought a tuna and local melon crudo, swordfish with corn and nectarines, a perfect elevated take on a BLT, and the restaurant’s most popular dish, the potatoes aioli (the one evergreen menu item). Lingering over a meal is an absolute luxury these days, and we were surprised to emerge from the lounge to find we’d stayed past closing time.

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Scratch Biscuit Company

Scratch Biscuit Company | 1820 Memorial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

Every Roanoke guide mentions Scratch Biscuit Company, which sometimes sends alarm bells ringing for me, but there’s a reason you’re seeing it included in this guide too: it’s delicious. As someone who has exclusively lived in the South her whole life, I have very high biscuit standards.

Scratch Biscuit Company meets those standards and then kicks things up a notch with their very large selection. Whether you prefer sweet or savory (or both!) biscuits, it’s a hearty and inexpensive way to kick off your day in Roanoke.

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FarmBurguesa

FarmBurguesa | now in Vinton at 303 S Pollard St, Vinton, VA 24179

Located in Roanoke’s Grandin Village (edit: now located in nearby Vinton), FarmBurguesa serves up farm-to-table hamburgers—with a twist. From a Colombian-inspired burger (the Colombiana, with mozzarella cheese, bacon, lettuce, green tomatoes, grilled onions, crumbled potato chips garlic sauce, pineapple sauce, and their special sauce) to a burger made only for the brave (the Inferno, with pepper-jack cheese, house-made diablo sauce, lettuce, onion rings, and a fresh chile mix toreado), there’s bound to be something for all burger-lovers.

Although it might be a bit pricier than your favorite local burger joint back home, FarmBurguesa’s portions are extremely generous—Michael and I agreed to share a burger, and I struggled to finish my half!—and some of the proceeds go to a good cause.

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Fortunato

Fortunato | 104 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

We found yet another great date-night spot in Fortunato. This hip spot in the heart of downtown Roanoke has a few traditional Italian favorites on the menu, but just about everything else is a unique take on various styles of pizza and pasta.

Do as we did, and order one of each (unless you’re very hungry—then there are a few larger secondi dishes, as well as sharable sides and appetizers on the menu). The Duck Ragu pasta and Lamb Meatball pizza were phenomenal, but this is one of those places you’ll want to work your way through the menu during subsequent visits.

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RND Coffee Lounge

RND Coffee Lounge | 1114 Main St SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

RND Coffee Lounge (that’s Roasters Next Door, by the way) is located in Roanoke’s Wasena Neighborhood, right across the street from bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar. This community-focused independent coffee shop roasts its own beans for a menu full of coffee shop classics. Since I was in a hurry, I just went for a good old drip coffee, but with more time I’d linger over the daily newspaper like the locals.

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Little Green Hive

Little Green Hive | 16 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

I didn’t know what to expect when entering Little Green Hive, but it certainly wasn’t what greeted me upon entering. The downtown location is a part of 16 West Marketplace, which combines local restaurants, shops, boutiques, and makers under one roof. This made an already excellent cup of coffee even better, with its quirky and unique ambiance. Budget a little extra time if you visit this location!

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Stellina

Stellina | 104 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

Stellina is Fortunato’s not-so-secret speakeasy. But even though the secret’s out, the cocktails are still top-notch. Pop over for their ultra-curated menu, which has just one cocktail per type of liquor (my pick? The Gin, which was paired with dolin blanc, saffron, rose water, lemon, and cardamom bitters—at least on the night of my visit). But I bet if you ask nicely, they’ll make you something else.

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Blue Cow Ice Cream Co.

Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. | 1115 Piedmont St SE, Roanoke, VA 24014

Holy (blue) cow—the ice cream at Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. is absolute heaven. Each flavor is an elevated take on a classic or a fun twist on the traditional. Normally Michael and I opt to share an ice cream, but after our hike at Sharp Top, we figured we each deserved our own. But once we had our cones of Sea Salt Brickle with Caramel Swirl and Brown Butter Pecan, neither of us could decide which we liked better. The solution? A series of trades back and forth—ice cream perfection.

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Bread Craft

Bread Craft | 24 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

Even though we already had a car full of bagels, I’m always happy to add a bread loaf to my assortment of souvenirs. We were just about the only people grabbing bread and pastries to go—it seemed like half of Roanoke was clamoring to have brunch at one of Bread Craft’s cafe tables (and I can’t blame them because the menu looks absolutely worth leaving a cozy bed for). Michael’s ham-and-cheese pastry was a smidge under-baked, but my rhubarb Danish was buttery-flaky decadence.

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Rookie’s

Rookie's | 611 S Jefferson St Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24011

Rookie’s provided a sweet ending to our time in Roanoke, with their handmade ice cream sandwiches. The best part? They’re made to order, which means you can combine your favorite cookie with your favorite scoop. As to be expected, after fourteen years our tastes have somewhat merged so we were able to order a sandwich to share. But if you’re not so hungry or in a sharing mood, they’ll make you a half-sandwich (which is just the right amount, promise!).

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Olde Salem Brewing Company

Olde Salem Brewing Company | 315 Market St SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

Roanoke has no shortage of breweries, but we only managed to make it to two. Olde Salem Brewing Company (based out of, you guessed it, nearby Salem) has a great selection of beer with the added benefit of being part of Roanoke’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) program. This limited-time program allows patrons to consume alcoholic beverages within a certain area of downtown during the weekend (with stipulations).

With great weather, we admittedly didn’t hang out inside of Olde Salem very long and enjoyed wandering the block and people-watching outside. But if DORA isn’t enacted during your visit, the brewery has plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy your beer.

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Twin Creeks Brewpub at Brugh Tavern

Twin Creeks Brewpub at Brugh Tavern | 1 Old Salem Tpke Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014

Visiting Twin Creeks Brewpub at Brugh Tavern feels a little bit like you’re being let in on a secret—it’s tucked away in Roanoke’s massive Explore Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway in a pre-1800 private residence. We were the first to arrive on Friday evening and eventually made our way to one of the lawn chairs outside to enjoy a pint.

Deep in conversation, we must have missed the crowds making their way in; by the time we returned our glasses, the brewpub was packed and the kitchen was slammed slinging out delicious-smelling burgers. With a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite place to hang out.

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WHERE TO STAY IN ROANOKE

The Liberty Trust

The Liberty Trust | 101 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24011

Although The Liberty Trust is Roanoke’s newest boutique hotel, the building certainly has a lot of history. This century-old former bank (check out the vault in the lobby!) has been lovingly renovated into a 54-room design hotel. Though it retains its charm and character, it has all the modern amenities you’ve come to expect in this day and age and is situated in a prime location in the heart of downtown. Learn more about The Liberty Trust and read my full review of our stay here.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

Roanoke is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia and is the largest city in the region. Its regional airport is served by four airlines, primarily from East Coast departure points (including Charlotte!). But if you’re arriving from anywhere remotely nearby, I highly recommend making the drive in. Sure, partly because a car is an essential thing to have in Roanoke, but also because the views on the way into the city are spectacular. A long weekend was just enough time to get to see the items at the very top of our list, but not enough to make it to everything.

If you have the wiggle room, I would consider a four-day/three-night visit to allow ample time for relaxing in the city and getting out to take on some of the area’s longer hikes. But if you’re just trekking in for the day, it’s probably best to stick to the downtown core. It’s lively and walkable, with plenty of opportunities for enjoying art, cuisine, and more. Head here to find some of the city’s garages that offer free parking on the weekends.

As for when to visit, fall and spring bring comfortable temperatures to the region, along with the opportunity to see colorful leaves or bright blossoms. Miraculously, our August visit brought fall-like weather, although the temperatures were in the 90s just days before. Of course, you may be in town for one of the region’s many annual events, like the Blue Ridge Marathon, Festival in the Park, or GO Fest, in which case you won’t get to choose the dates of your visit.

But don’t fret—while the area has four distinct seasons, the weather stays generally mild. Curious about what to wear? My packing list for this trip is right here!

Shall we chat about money? (If you’re new around here, I love talking about this taboo subject!). I found prices for attractions and food to be on par with other similarly-sized cities in the region. It’s possible to enjoy all the city has to offer on a shoestring budget (like taking in all of nature’s beauty for free, finding cheap eats at legacy spots such as Texas Tavern and Roanoke Weiner Stand, and scoping out both public art all around the city and fine art at the Taubman Museum of Art), or live large and splurge on everything (indulging in spa treatments, bringing home one of every bottle from a local winery, and dining at some of the city’s favorite fine dining establishments like Alexander’s and The River and Rail).

Like always, the places I select for my city guides fall somewhere between the two—places that I feel offer travelers a great experience without overspending.

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WITH MORE TIME IN ROANOKE

With more time in Roanoke comes more opportunities to explore! A few attractions that were on our list for this trip but had to be cut due to time include the Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke Pinball Museum, O. Winston Link & History Museum of Western Virginia, hiking McAfee Knob, and Natural Bridge State Park. And naturally, my list included way more meals than two people could possibly eat. On the menu for next time are Texas Tavern, Sidecar, Alexander’s, The River and Rail Restaurant, Clutch Smoked Meats (now closed), and Cellō coffee house & cafe.

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If you had to choose, would you rather visit a city or a mountain destination?

(Luckily, Roanoke is 100% both!)