It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Roanoke for its hiking, romance, museums and attractions, and nightlife.
Roanoke is a city flourishing with culture, dotted with history, and surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains just outside. Beginning in the Downtown district, some of the more historic sights one might come across include the Boxley Building, Campbell Avenue Complex, Colonial National Bank, First National Bank, Patrick Henry Hotel, and Fire Station No. 1 which was in operation from 1907 to 2007. There are also a handful of historic sub-districts in the downtown, plus museums dedicated to local and surrounding history. Center in the Square is one such museum and cultural center located on the City Market. Then there is the O. Winston Link Museum located in a former passenger rail station downtown, Taubman Museum of Art, as well as the Virginia Museum of Transportation which houses many Norfolk and Western Locomotives that used to run through Roanoke, and also features some aviation and automobiles.
As far as entertainment goes, some of the more notable venues include the Roanoke Civic Center, Jefferson Center, Grandin Theatre, and Mill Mountain Theatre. These centers host a variety of live performances, films, and shows throughout the year. You might also catch a movie at a local theatre, or enjoy the nightlife scene with live music in a handful of the downtown restaurants.
Taking a step back, Roanoke has some unique quirks on the grander scale. You might catch sight of a restored neon sign, Dr. Pepper H & C Coffee gleaming from the rooftops against the night sky. Or you might see the famed Mill Mountain Star, placed on a mountain overlooking the city in 1949. There is an accessible overlook nearby that offers beautiful views of the city, especially at night.
Roanoke offers opportunities for sight-seeing, shopping, dining, and entertainment to compete with any city. The culture is alive with museums, galleries, and performing arts, the streets are always bustling with visitors and locals enjoying the market scene and activities out on the town, and throughout the year, Roanoke hosts parades, festivals, and concerts for all to enjoy.
Just outside city limits, there are also opportunities to get closer to nature. The Appalachian Trail is just minutes away, along which you can find opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, and hiking. Mill Mountain overlooking the city is surrounded by a regional park for outdoor recreation activities. There is also the Mill Mountain Zoo atop the mountain which is home to about 160 animals, and hosts programs and events regularly.
Hiking:
The hiking around Roanoke offers breathtaking views. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.
A nice way to explore destinations in Roanoke is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Downtown Roanoke Food, History & Cultural Tour for $78 details
- 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke for $109 details
- Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star for $139 details