Surrounded by natural beauty, Roanoke has everything you’d expect from a Blue Ridge Mountain getaway—but there’s so much more to this charming Shenandoah town than scenic views. Take a break from the everyday by booking a hotel in Roanoke and experiencing its wealth of ways to treat yourself.
Indulge in Local Treats
Grab your morning cup of joe and a tasty treat at Sweet Donkey Coffee House.
Start your trip with a little local flavor, culture and caffeine courtesy of the historic Sweet Donkey Coffee House. This groovy little nook in the Crystal Springs area offers tasty brews, an exceptional selection of teas and a wide variety of decadent, freshly-made pastries and light fare.
Need a quick bite before a big day touring the town? Head to Wildflour Restaurant & Bakery. A local fixture of Roanoke’s historic Old Southwest neighborhood since 1996, it serves up wholesome food made from local, seasonal ingredients. Taaza Indian Cuisine offers traditional Indian fare with flair in an intimate, comfortable setting. Try the restaurant’s lunch buffet to sample a variety of dishes. Or, grab a vegetarian-friendly bite at Garden Song Cafe—their organic, locally-sourced and nutrient-dense foods are like medicine for the body and soul.
When you’re craving beer and burgers, pull up a stool at the bar at Beamer’s 25. Located near downtown, just across the street from the Virginia Museum of Transportation, this smart bistro pub takes its name from college football coaching legend Frank Beamer. So, if you’re looking for a spot to cheer along with the locals during football season, this is it.
Find Festive Fun
Roanoke is famous for its outdoor fun and festivals. Sunny July welcomes FloydFest, a multi-day art and music extravaganza in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Join thousands for a four-day offering of live beats from some of the biggest names in the business. In October, get a taste of folklife history and heritage during the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum. Here, you’ll discover the culture of local moonshiners, blacksmiths, horse pullers and fiddlers. And if tasting local brews is your thing, visit in August for downtown Roanoke’s Microfestivus Craft Beer Festival. You’ll have the opportunity to taste over 200 varieties of beer from over 50 breweries across the country.
Take in the Great Outdoors
Whether by bike or on foot, treat yourself to a trip to the Star—an iconic Roanoke landmark for over 80 years.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a hub for outdoor adventure—and the Roanoke Valley is no exception. The city is considered one of the most bike-friendly places in the country, so you’ll be able to take advantage of challenging mountain trails with Roanoke Mountain Adventures or take it slow along the greenways with Underdog Bikes.
Looking to get outside with a group? Enjoy a game of frisbee-golf about 20 minutes north of town at Roanoke Disc Golf. Or take a picnic to Mill Mountain Park, where there’s also a zoo, a discovery center, lots of room to spread out along the Roanoke River, and the second largest illuminated star in the world atop the mountain. Or, if the weather requires you to head inside for adventure, stop by River Rock Climbing for some indoor bouldering.
Wind Down at a Winery
Toast to a day of adventure with a wine tasting at Valhalla Vineyards, a 21-acre hillside property overlooking the city. This incredible vineyard grows chardonnay, cabernet franc, merlot and other grapes, and has won over 100 national and international awards. And for a truly unique experience, book a weekday wine tasting and tour of the winery’s barrel storage cave 60 feet underground.