Roanoke, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you looking for the ultimate adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Roanoke, Virginia is the place! It's a lively city full of diverse attractions, outdoor fun, history, and great food. You can't miss the Mill Mountain Star or the unique items at Black Dog Salvage. Roanoke gives visitors a rich experience. But, what surprises and local loves are waiting in this Virginia gem? Let us show you the top picks for a memorable trip.

Key Takeaways

• Roanoke, Virginia is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains
• The city offers a diverse array of attractions, outdoor adventures, historic sites, and culinary delights
• Iconic landmarks like the Mill Mountain Star and Black Dog Salvage are must-visit destinations
• Explore the bustling Roanoke City Market and the Taubman Museum of Art for cultural experiences
• Discover hidden gems and local favorites that will make your Roanoke getaway truly memorable

Iconic Attractions and Landmarks

Roanoke, Virginia has several famous sites that attract visitors from all over. One of the best known is the Mill Mountain Star. It stands high on Mill Mountain and is a sight to see.

Mill Mountain Star

The Mill Mountain Star is a standout feature, towering at 88.5 feet. As the world's biggest freestanding, glowing star, it dazzles at night. You can drive or hike up to it for breathtaking views of the Roanoke Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.

On clear days, the view stretches for miles, showing off nature's beauty.

Black Dog Salvage

Black Dog Salvage is another must-see in Roanoke, with its own unique charm. This 44,000-square-foot place has appeared on the popular show, Salvage Dawgs. It's run by Mike and Robert, known for salvaging and renewing old items from the area.

If you love DIY or browsing through one-of-a-kind pieces, you'll love it here. This spot is full of history and rare treasures, making it a top spot in Roanoke to explore.

Historic and Cultural Experiences

Roanoke's rich past and lively culture shine at two key spots - the Roanoke City Market and the Taubman Museum of Art.

Roanoke City Market

The Roanoke City Market is Virginia's oldest running farmers market, since the 1880s. It buzzes on Saturdays with fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. Walking around this spot is like diving into Roanoke's rich history and vibrant local culture.

Taubman Museum of Art

The Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke stands out with its design and ten galleries. Free to enter, it's filled with contemporary works and historical pieces. There's also Art Venture, a fun spot for kids to get creative with art.

Outdoor Adventures and Recreation

Roanoke is perfect for those who love the outdoors. It's in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering amazing paths and top-notch biking spots.

Sharp Top Mountain Trail at Peaks of Otter

The Sharp Top Mountain Trail at Peaks of Otter is a must-do hike near Roanoke. It takes you to a 3,875-foot peak with awesome views. This challenging hike is short but steep, taking about an hour. Luckily, there's a shuttle that gets you close to the top.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is a top place for mountain biking Roanoke. It has more than 60 miles of trails and roads across 12,500 acres. This site is known as a great biking area. Besides biking, you can also hike, fish, and do many other outdoor activities here.

Roanoke, Virginia: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Roanoke, Virginia has a lot to offer everyone. It's full of exciting things to see and do. You can visit famous sights, take part in outdoor fun, and enjoy the culture. Places like the Mill Mountain Star and Black Dog Salvage are great to visit. If you like biking, Carvins Cove is perfect for you too. Roanoke is a lively city waiting for you to explore and make memories on your Virginia trip.

Roanoke is known for its beautiful nature, history, and culture. If you love the outdoors, adventures are waiting for you here. There are also many things for families to enjoy. Plus, you can check out the local food and art scene. This guide will show you the best places to visit and hidden spots in this lovely city in Virginia.

Culinary Delights

Roanoke, Virginia is a spot for food lovers. It has many different restaurants to try. Mama Jean's BBQ and bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar are top choices. They offer tasty and memorable meals.

Mama Jean's BBQ

Mama Jean's BBQ is perfect for those who love Texas-style barbecue in Roanoke. It started in 1956 with a small trailer. Now, it's a popular place serving top-notch Roanoke barbecue. Their menu includes delicious brisket and juicy pulled pork. They also serve classic sides like potato salad and collard greens. Don't miss out on their birria tacos and special vinegar pie.

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar is perfect for a special night out in Roanoke. It has different types of areas to sit in. You can choose from a lively dining room, a cozy patio, or a private lounge. Their menu changes often and highlights local, seasonal food. Everyone raves about their tuna and melon dish, swordfish with corn, and aioli potatoes.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Roanoke has many family-friendly things to do. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Roanoke Pinball Museum and the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Roanoke Pinball Museum

The Roanoke Pinball Museum lets you enjoy over 3,000 vintage arcade games with just one ticket. The museum is on the second floor of the Center in the Square. Here, you can find historical pinball machines and other fun exhibits.

It's a great place for families, especially on bad weather days. Whether you love pinball or just want to have some fun, this museum is an exciting place to visit.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

At the Virginia Museum of Transportation, you can learn all about transportation history. It has exhibits on planes, trains, and cars, featuring steam locomotives and old cars.

Everyone will have fun exploring the indoors and outdoors. You can get on historic trains and see cool old cars up close. It's an awesome place to learn and have an interesting time.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Beyond the well-known attractions, Roanoke holds many hidden gems and local favorites. These spots give you a true taste of the city. Two must-visit places are the Scratch Biscuit Company and the Grandin Village Farmers Market.

Scratch Biscuit Company

Known for its tasty, made-from-scratch biscuits, the Scratch Biscuit Company has won over Roanoke. Coming from the South, I have high standards for biscuits. I can say, this place is top-notch. You'll find everything from classic chicken biscuits to more creative ones like the Jezebel biscuit on their menu.

Grandin Village Farmers Market

The Grandin Village Farmers Market, though smaller, is full of charm. It's not as big as the Roanoke City Market but is great for finding fresh produce and prepared foods. Visitors enjoy live music and Blacksburg Bagels, which is quite a find around here. It's a spot that truly shows Roanoke's local spirit.

Conclusion

Roanoke, Virginia is vibrant and scenic, drawing in visitors with its variety of activities. The city is home to Mill Mountain Star and Black Dog Salvage. It also boasts sites like the Roanoke City Market and Taubman Museum of Art. These places in the Blue Ridge Mountains welcome all kinds of adventurers.

If you love the outdoors, Roanoke has much to offer. There's hiking, mountain biking, and more. Foodies can enjoy treats at Mama Jean's BBQ and bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar. This guide helps you find everything from family fun to local secrets in Roanoke.

There's a lot to see in Roanoke, from the Mill Mountain Star to Carvins Cove. By choosing the city's highlights, you'll get the most out of your Virginia visit. Explore and make your Virginia journey unforgettable.