When you plan a vacation to Roanoke in Virginia, one thing that surely comes to mind is its famous ‘Star’ that sits atop Mill Mountain. But Roanoke isn’t just about the star. The city that sits on a river of the same name, Roanoke Valley is situated close to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western Virginia. Don’t let the city’s population of just about 100,000 fool you. Although it offers all the cosmopolitan features such as museums, a performing arts center, and casual bars and restaurants, you can still escape to to the rural parts to connect with surrounding mountains and rivers. And once you research on the city regarding what places to explore, you will realise the city has got a worthy potential for a stopover to amp up your travel itinerary and plans. If you are planning to head to Savannah from Pittsburgh or any other place that goes though Virginia, you must spend a day or two here and explore all the Roanoke attractions. The city would capture your heart so much that you will come back to this city for a proper vacation. Now, lets take a look at this guide on some of the cool things to do in Roanoke, VA.
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1. Explore the Virginia Museum of Transportation
Can’t wait for the fun things to see in Roanoke, VA? Learn the history and significance of how the transportation technology developed through the years at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Explore the permanent galleries situated in the museum where you get to learn through interpretive and interactive ways. As you walk around, you will notice a dirt-painted floor so you immerse yourself completely in the experience. You can also explore the aviation gallery section where you will find historical and modern artifacts, including an authentic, historical hot air balloon, a gyrocopter, a hang glider, and two airplanes.
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Address: 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
Website: Virginia Museum of Transportation
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: 13 USD
2. Catch a live performance at Center in the Square
A community-based regional arts and cultural organisation nestled in the city’s heart, Center in the Square is an expansive campus of various attractions including an aquarium, five museums, and a live performance theatre company - the Mill Mountain theatre, which features acting, dance, and opera performances all year. The Center in the Square also offers a variety of historical and museum-based attractions such as the African American culture museum, West Virginia history museum, Pinball Museum, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia.
Center in the Square
Address: 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA
Website: Center in the Square
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
Price: 12.50 USD
3. Hike through Read Mountain Preserve
Nestled just outside of Downtown Roanoke, Read Mountain Reserve is a notable spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting a 4-mile (6.5 km) hiking trial, this 250-acre (263 hectares) natural park and reserve has a trail that leads through lush, dense forest, lending a vast view of the valley surrounding the countryside and the city of Roanoke. Alongside this, there are two small trails that meander through the park and give exclusive access to other trekking options.
Read Mountain Preserve
Address: 6101 Crumpacker Dr, Roanoke, VA 24012, USA
Website: Read Mountain Preserve
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
4. Visit the gardens at Mill Mountain Star and Park
![Roanoke Star in early evening [01]](http://static.trip101.com/paragraph_media/pictures/002/645/487/large/roanoke-star-in-early-evening-_01_-1619753824.jpg?1661484386)
Home to two scenic parks that overlook gorgeous views of the landscapes that surround the Mill Mountain Park, this 600-acre (242 hectare) park is also home to other spaces, including Discovery Center, Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, and a playground. The park also features the Mill Mountain Zoo, 10 miles (25 km) of trails, picnic areas, and general usable green space. The star attraction of this park is the Roanoke Star, which stands at 90 feet (8 m) tall and lights up the mountainside overlooking the city. This star was built mainly for the Christmas decoration during the 1950s but now it is a permanent fixture with red, white, and blue lighting. It is now lit up during significant holidays or commemorations.
Mill Mountain Star and Park
Address: 2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Website: Mill Mountain Star and Park](https://www.playroanoke.com/parks-facilities/mill-mountain-park/)
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
5. Indulge in a wood-fired pizza at Beamers 25
A peek at your Valentine's plans. ?? We can't wait to see you TOMORROW at 5 pm for our Valentine's Date Night! ?
Posted by Beamer's 25 on Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Stop by for lunch, dinner, or just to grab a pizza at Beamers 25. This casual bistro features an American menu with its specialty dishes including wood-fired pizza, burgers, American wings, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant boasts a casual yet snappy decor and the architecture all around lends a modern vibe to this space.
Beamers 25
Address: 357 Salem Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
Website: Beamers 25
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
6. Check out Science Museum of Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium
Posted by Science Museum of Western Virginia on Wednesday, 15 May 2019
This museum is open throughout the year mainly for education and local attractions, and offers science lovers and visitors a chance to learn and engage with science through fun and interactive activities. The museum features a variety of exhibits that focus on topics such as earth, the human body, the development and utilization of steel, science labs, and more. Other than this, the site also hosts a planetarium that designs programs mainly on space, stars, and space travel. There’s also a center for kids under five and a butterfly garden where you can engage with the species living here on annual events.
Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium
Address: 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA
Website: Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Price: 15 USD
7. Admire the local art at Taubman Museum of Art
Built in the year 2005, Taubman Museum of Art is an attraction in itself. The architecture of the museum building is so unique that it falls under the significant part of the city skyline and is considered one of the best things to see in downtown Roanoke. The goal of this museum is to provide the art community around the world a chance to discover local artists, learn about their methods or stories behind the art, and visually enjoying the creativity. Featuring mostly American artists such as Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, and Winslow Homer, the museum also includes a wide collection of local pieces catering to West Virginia and the Appalachian region. The museum also hosts a lot of events and workshops throughout the year. And if you aren’t all about the art, just visit this museum for its architecture–it will be worth it.
Taubman Museum of Art
Address: 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA
Website: Taubman Museum of Art
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 5 USD
8. Drink and dine at River and Rail
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Your mom gang deserves a night out! The kiddos are FINALLY headed back to school, which means you've earned a...
Posted by The River And Rail on Tuesday, August 16, 2022
If you are looking for a place to wine and dine in a charming bistro environment, head to River and Rail restaurant on your visit to Roanoke. The chef at this restaurant, Aaron Deal, specializes in serving Southern cuisine made local to West Virginia by adding Cajun flavors with French touches and inventing new spins on classic dishes. Enjoy gulping down different styles and kinds of brews and cocktails that will go perfectly with any dish you devour. Located in a historic building, this bistro has a casual yet upscale ambiance and features unique architectural touches with beautiful wood features and nail head upholstery trim to influence modern yet warm surroundings.
River and Rail
Address: 2201 Crystal Spring Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Website: River and Rail
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 2pm
9. Wander around City Market
Nestled in the heart of the city, City Market is home to all the local retail shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. This small buzzing attraction is renowned as the historic landmark of the city and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main point of this Roanoke attraction is City Market Building which is located over the center of Market Square. Every year, there are a variety of events that are held including an Art Market, sidewalk shopping festivities, and live music events.
City Market
Address: 213 Market St SE, Roanoke, Virginia
Website: City Market
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
10. Go on an adventure at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
If you are looking for a place to connect with nature and unique things to do in Roanoke, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the place to be! Being the second-largest Municipal park in Virginia, the land covers approximately 12,700 acres (5,139 hectares) and is filled with fun, recreational, and adventurous opportunities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. There’s nothing better than sweating out and breathing fresh air in the nature’s lap.
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Address: 9644 Reservoir Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019, USA
Website: Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
11. Head to the remarkable O. Winston Link Museum
Showcasing the work and story of 20th-century American photographer, O. Winston Link, this museum highlights his main niche, which is railroad photography. This museum is restored from the Norfolk & Western railway station, and is located in downtown Roanoke. Featuring alongside all his collections of photographs, mainly printed in large-scale and black-and-white formatting, you will also witness the illustrations of the stories of the subjects which range from rural families to famous train rides and also the artist’s background and history, including his early life, career, and success.
O. Winston Link Museum
Address: 101 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
Website: O. Winston Link Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 13 USD
12. Explore the trails of Roanoke Valley Greenways
Posted by Roanoke Valley Greenways on Monday, 22 April 2019
Located throughout the city, these green spaces are over 26 miles (41 km) of various trails perfectly suited for walking, biking, and cycling. If you follow the trails, it will lead you through important landmarks in the city, including Mill Mountain, Carvins Cove, and Read Mountain, giving an opportunity to all the visitors and even the locals to spend as much time in the outdoors and getting involved in robust activities. If you are wondering what to do with your kids while you are in Roanoke, exploring the city through these trails will be your best bet.
Roanoke Valley Greenways
Address: 1206 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA 24153, USA
Website: Roanoke Valley Greenways
Price: 2 USD
13. Visit Mill Mountain Zoo
As you are exploring the Mill Mountain, head to the Mill Mountain Zoo and explore the animal sanctuary and educational center that has opened its gates to the world since 1980s. Housing some fascinating species such as snow leopards, cougars, red wolves, red pandas, tufted deer, black hornbills, Indian crested porcupines, and many others, get a chance to watch and learn about these animals and their behaviors in a natural environment.
Mill Mountain Zoo
Address: Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Website: Mill Mountain Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
14. Drink up and play games at Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Love games? Love beer? Make your way to Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers right away! A popular local spot where visitors enjoy their locally crafted beers and also take a tour of the brewing facility. After which, you can indulge in some games, special events, and live music that are hosted by the brewery.
Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers
Address: 523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
Website: Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 2pm - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
15. Explore the outdoors with Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Roanoke Mountain Adventures on Sunday, August 13, 2017
Want to explore the outdoors and witness the city’s beautiful landscape and other recreational activities? Roanoke Mountain Adventures has got your back! One of the few full service outdoor sports outfitters available throughout the city, Roanoke Mountain Adventures is renowned for their activities including kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, cycling, paddle boarding, and more. They also offer tour guides, transportation, both group and custom trip varieties, and other outdoor pursuits.
Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Address: 806 Wasena Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015, USA
Website: Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm; Sun: 10am - 5:30pm
16. Take a tour at Jeter Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Experience the farm life and take part in seasonal events in this fifth-generation farm at Roanoke, Virginia. Popular during the season of fall, jump in on a chance to pick pumpkins and apples, try apple cider, go on a hayride, and indulge in fall seasoned treats. This annual festival at the farm runs through several weeks giving visitors a chance to tour the entire farm, and go picking and even purchasing their favorite treats.
Jeter Farm
Address: 181 Blue Ridge Blvd, Roanoke, VA 24012, USA
Website: Jeter Farm
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
17. Catch a show at Mill Mountain Theatre
How about watching an entertaining show at Mill Mountain Theatre on your travels to Virginia? This 50-year-old company hosts a number of performances throughout the year on two local stages - the larger, ornate Trinkle Main Stage, and the more intimate Waldron Stage. This company also organizes and provides classes, summer camps, and private lessons to both children and adults.
Mill Mountain Theatre
Address: 1 Market St SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA
Website: Mill Mountain Theatre
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:45am - 4:45pm; Sun: 1pm - 4:45pm (closed on Mon)
18. Go fishing at Smith Mountain Lake
Covering nearly 500 miles (804 km) of shoreline, Virginia’s popular lake - Smith Mountain Lake is a haven for all fishing activities. If you like to go fishing, you can arrange for a half- or full-day charter with some of the charter fishing services as they can offer and provide licensed guided services, gear, and all the necessary equipment to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience fishing on the lake.
Smith Mountain Lake
Address: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, USA
Website: Smith Mountain Lake
19. Play pinball at Roanoke Pinball Museum
Located in Center of the Square, Roanoke Pinball Museum is one among the many attractions in the area. Since its inception in 2015, over 50 pinball machines have claimed their spot in this museum, dating back from 1948 to the late 1990s. Every pinball machine placed in this museum is also playable, making this museum a literal ‘hands-on’ experience for all visitors. While playing and doing a bit of exploring, make sure to check out the oldest pinball machine in the collection - Screwball from 1948, with flippers in the machine pointed outwards.
Roanoke Pinball Museum
Address: 1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, USA
Website: Roanoke Pinball Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12.50 USD
20. Explore the exhibits at Eleanor D. Wilson Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled at Hollins University, on the first floor of the Richard Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Eleanor D. Wilson Museum is renowned to feature the works of famous and emerging artists, regionally. Featuring exhibits catering to a wide variety of media and genres, visitors can explore art through viewing and visualising, dialogue, and understanding the creative process. Suited for art lovers and non-art lovers alike, this museum has a state-of-the-art climate controlled facility with three galleries interconnected, encompassing in approximately 4,000 square feet (371 square metres) of exhibition space.
Eleanor D Wilson Museum
Address: 8009 Fishburn Dr, Roanoke, VA 24020, USA
Website: Eleanor D Wilson Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 12pm - 5pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
21. Enjoy the water slides at Splash Valley
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Beat the heat and splash into the weekend at Splash Valley Water Park! The park is open Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day from 11 AM to 7 PM. #splashvalleywaterpark #splashintothefun
Posted by Splash Valley Water Park on Saturday, August 14, 2021
If you want a beach day to cool off while vacationing with your family, but lazy to drive there, Splash Valley has got you covered! This water park includes two 34-foot-high (10 metres) water slides, a current river, and a children’s play area with spray features. And when you and the kids get hungry, head to the concessions area on-site featuring a variety of meal options. Let your kids make the most out of their vacation at Splash Valley.
Splash Valley
Address: 7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019, USA
Website: Splash Valley
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: 11 USD
22. Explore Bottom Creek Gorge
A location most loved by birders, nature lovers, and outdoor photography enthusiasts for its scenic views, and also Virginia’s second highest waterfall, Bottom Creek Gorge is one of the important headwaters feeding the Roanoke River. Located less than 20 miles (32 km) south of Roanoke, it offers visitors multiple trails that are well-marked in the hardwood forest and natural landscape. You will also spot wild turkeys, owls, and numerous bird species on this land.
Bottom Creek Gorge
Address: 10th Ave S, Shawsville, VA 24162, United States
Website: Bottom Creek Gorge
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD
23. Drink fine wines at Valhalla Vineyards
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Valhalla Vineyards on Saturday, December 12, 2020
Take a romantic route to Valhalla Vineyards to witness the most scenic Roanoke winery in Virgina. Situated on a 2,000-foot (606 metres) vineyard, taste the fine wine in the tasting room that overlooks Roanoke Valley and explore the barrel storage cave that is located underground at 60 feet (18 metres). And if you like to organise a picnic with your beloved, there are picnic areas available for you to enjoy the company and the views.
Valhalla Vineyards
Address: 6500 Mt Chestnut Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018, USA
Website: Valhalla Vineyards
Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Thu)
24. Wander the paths of Chestnut Ridge Trail
If you love the outdoors and want to explore every bit of the unspoiled nature, make your journey towards the Chestnut Ridge Trail. On this guide, you will find more than one way to be one with nature. However, Chestnut Ridge Trail is known as one of the Roanoke Valley’s most popular trails. Located on the Blue Ridge parkway, just minutes from downtown Roanoke, this 5.4-mile (8.6 km), figure-eight loop trail provides an incredible hiking experience exploring through the lush greenery and dense forests. If you are an amateur hiker or are new to hiking, you can shorten the trails by 2.2 or 3.5 miles (4 or 5.6 km). You will find the paths to be well-maintained and wide, making it an easy choice for inexperienced hikers.
Chestnut Ridge Trail
Address: Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Website: Chestnut Ridge Trail
25. Let your kids play at Preston Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Need a place where you can relax and let the kids run around freely? It is most certainly a visual treat when you let your kids have all the fun in the world and to see them truly joyous. Preston Park in Roanoke is used mostly for its after-school programs and occasional recreation programs. You will find a multi-purpose room, drinking fountains, a lounge, a volleyball net, a playground, baseball diamonds, and more surrounding the recreation center of the park. This center is also available if you want to rent for private social gatherings.
Preston Park
Address: 3137 Preston Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, USA
Website: Preston Park
26. Admire the beauty of Roanoke Star
![Roanoke Star in late afternoon [06]](http://static.trip101.com/paragraph_media/pictures/002/645/496/large/roanoke-star-in-late-afternoon-_06_-1661483793.jpg?1661484395)
The star attraction of the Mill Mountain park is the Roanoke Star, which stands at 90 feet (8 metres) tall and lights up the mountainside overlooking the city. This star was built mainly as Christmas decoration during the 1950s, but now it is a permanent fixture with red, white, and blue lighting. It is now lit up during significant holidays or commemorations.
Mill Mountain Star and Park
Address: 2000 J B Fishburn Pkwy, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Website: Mill Mountain Star and Park
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
27. Take a tour of the iconic Miniature Graceland
Ever loved Elvis Presley so much that you made a mini Elvis world on your own land or property? Meet Don and Kim Epperly. They love The King so much they made a tribute by building a miniature form of Graceland on their property. In the year 1980, they started out with just a doll-proportioned Elvis memorial and as the years passed, they kept adding the Elvis landmarks. And today, the Epperly property is home to models of Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo, famous concert halls he once performed, and a mini Elvis Presley Car Museum. You will also see the Elvis doll in different outfits every day, thanks to Kim Epperly.
Miniature Graceland
Address: 605 Riverland Rd SE, Roanoke, VA 24014, USA
Website: Miniature Graceland
Price: Free
28. Marvel at the architecture of St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church
Built between the years of 1900 to 1902, this historic Roman Catholic Church in Roanoke, Virginia is a buff brick church based on a stone foundation in the High Victorian, Gothic architecture style. The church also features two tall Gothic towers which are on each side from the main entrance. You will also see two small lancet windows, two large pointed-arch, stained-glass tracery windows, and sets of double pointed-arch openings at the belfry on each tower. This location is perfect to seek solace while also marveling at the classic architecture of the church.
St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church
Address: 631 N Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
Website: St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church
29. Get an Instagram-worthy shot at McAfee Knob
Need an Instagram-worthy shot of yourself? Head to make a McAfee Knob and have a fun-filled day hiking to the top of the rock. This is one of the most photographed locations in all of Virginia and the entire Appalachian trail. Most of the boulders you will find here are about 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) high and have plenty of verticals, crimps, jugs, pockets, and edges. As this location is most often isolated or deserted, it is never a good idea to handle these rocks while you are alone. Make sure you are going along with your buddy.
McAfee Knob
Address: Catawba Valley Drive, Catawba, VA 24070
Website: McAfee Knob
Have fun exploring the town of Roanoke, Virginia
Whether you are traveling by yourself, with friends, or your entire family, there are so many unique attractions to choose from that will cater to all your needs and your family or friends’ needs. And through this guide, we hope you take the advantage of some of the best things you could do on your next visit to Roanoke, Virginia.
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