Snag a window seat and watch the Blue Ridge Mountains roll by before you hop off the train in downtown Roanoke, relaxed and ready to explore the friendly city of around 97,000. Its approachably artsy sensibility, scenic nature opportunities, and craft beverage scene make it great for a couples’ getaway or friends’ trip, while the variety of child-friendly attractions guarantee you’ll still have fun if the babysitter falls through. This story is part of our July Explore Virginia by Train issue. Check back as we share additional weekend trips in Virginia that are just a train ride away.
What to Do
As the largest city that runs along both the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, outdoor pursuits are plentiful here, even if your idea of a nature escape is simply walking or taking an Uber up to the Roanoke Star for a photo op. The world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, the landmark at the top of Mill Mountain was originally built as a Christmas decoration in 1949. Mill Mountain Park is ideal for low-pressure hikes or picnics. Adventurers may want to venture 7 miles north to Carvins Cove Natural Reserve for its 60 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It has more than 11,000 acres of forests and a 630-acre reservoir that’s popular for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Roanoke’s compact downtown is made for exploring on foot. Just a few blocks from the train station sits Center in the Square, a multilevel cultural hub with a free aquarium; arcade, pinball, and children’s museums; and a rooftop overlook. Within the same square mile, you’ll also stumble upon independent boutiques like Chocolatepaper, where you can grab a witty card and gourmet truffles in one go. Grab a Lyft to Black Dog Salvage, a sprawling architectural salvage warehouse that’s a goldmine for antique doors, iron fixtures, and upcycled home finds. (It’s also TV-famous as the home of Salvage Dawgs.) Even if you’re not redecorating, it’s worth the detour for creative inspiration.
For a cultural fix, the Taubman Museum of Art surprises with bold, contemporary exhibits inside a striking glass-and-steel building designed by Randall Stout, a protégé of Frank Gehry. Families (and train enthusiasts) will love the Virginia Museum of Transportation, home to a collection of historic locomotives, including the sleek Norfolk & Western J Class 611 steam engine.
On Saturdays, stroll the Historic Roanoke City Market, one of the oldest continuously operating open-air markets in the country, to sample local honey, handmade soaps, and produce straight from nearby farms.
Where to Stay
The hotels in Roanoke have character that never feels forced. If you’re into adaptive reuse, check in at Fire Station One, a century-old firehouse-turned-boutique hotel where you can still see the original brass fire poles and vintage tilework. The modern rooms nod to the building’s past with firehouse-red accents and historic photos. Plus, there’s a hip bar and restaurant featuring Nordic and Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, and a showroom where you can browse locally made furniture. Alternatively, stay at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a Tudor Revival landmark that feels like a throwback to classic railroad-era glamour — complete with rocking chairs on the front porch and a grand staircase in the lobby. It’s connected to downtown by a pedestrian bridge, so you’re never far from the action. It truly comes to life over Christmastime, when dozens of decked-out fir trees make their appearance. And don’t leave without tasting peanut soup and spoonbread in the property’s Regency Room restaurant, a Roanoke tradition.
Where to Dine
Start your day with a hearty country ham, egg, and pimiento cheese biscuit at Scratch Biscuit Company in the historic Grandin Village neighborhood. Or get a “Bless Your Heart Biscuit” with fried green tomato, bacon, and chipotle sauce. Many of Roanoke’s breweries, wineries, and distilleries have solid food menus and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to stay for a few hours. Play pinball on the retro machines at colorful Golden Cactus Brewing, which often hosts food trucks, art pop-ups, and live music. Order weekend brunch (don’t skip the kimchi fries) from next-door Asian-fusion café Food Hut RKE to enjoy in the brewery or on the patio. Come evening, reserve a table at The Vault at The Liberty Trust, housed in the former First National Bank. Dining inside the actual vault is as memorable as the menu. Feast on delectable shareable plates with global flair, like khachapuri, pork bao buns, and picanha steak. If panoramic city views are what you’re craving, head to Six and Sky Rooftop Grille, a sleek lounge and restaurant with fresh seafood and seasonal cocktails.
Feature image by Creative Dog Media – Visit VBR
This story originally ran in our July Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
