Location: Roanoke
Top Things to do in Roanoke
Countries
10 Sights & Landmarks in Roanoke That You Shouldn't Miss
A 100-foot high star atop a mountain and visible from miles around welcomes you to the "Star City of the South," a great beginning for your weekend getaway to this city rich in culture, history, fun and entertainment. Close to the star is the Mill Mountain Zoological Park, where you'll see the endangered Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger and Red Wolf, along with 40-plus other animal species. The Center in the Square is the city's cultural hub, where you can catch a Broadway-quality show at the Mill Mountain Theatre or hear the celebrated Roanoke Symphony. Museums are everywhere, and whether your interest lies in art, history, science or transportation, you'll find a museum to match it. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture honors achievements of African Americans and includes an impressive African exhibit. For underground delights, head over to the Dixie Caverns for a 45-minute tour of breathtaking cave formations, after which you can browse through pottery, rock and mineral and other shops. There's something to keep you occupied and entertained every minute in this environmentally-conscious, friendly and very welcoming Virginia city.
Restaurants in Roanoke
1. Mill Mountain Star & Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,263 reviews
A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo.
Reviewed By schultzrebecca - New Bern, United States
This is such a beautiful place -- has been in existence since I was a little girl, The star is a Roanoke landmark and the overlook gives a breathtaking view of the beautiful Roanoke Valley. I strongly recommend the visit -- free and you can take as little or as long as you'd like!
2. Center in the Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Adjacent to Market Square and the City Market, Center in the Square provides a home to four cultural arts and science non-profit organizations in our signature building in downtown Roanoke: Roanoke Pinball Museum, Harrison Museum of African American Culture, History Museum of Western Virginia, Science Museum of Western Virginia, and Mill Mountain Theatre. Visit our website or call for individual museum admission pricing. Mill Mountain Theatre and Children's Theatre of Roanoke tickets are available through our full-service box office. Come inside to enjoy our aquariums in the atrium and green rooftop without charge. Building Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 1 - 5 pm. [Note: Roanoke Pinball Museum is closed Mondays. History Museum is closed on Mondays October through April.]
Reviewed By tdjohnso11 - Fairfax, United States
Fun place to visit. Downtown Roanoke. Heart of the city. So many restaurants, breweries and shops. Interactive museums and hone of the pinball museum. Had to be dragged out of that one. In the morning during farming season there is a outdoor market with vendors selling fresh produce. Great place to walk around a bight too. Shop owners were friendly with great advice on where to eat.
3. Jeter Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Jeter Farm is a 5th generation family farm right outside of Roanoke, VA in Botetourt County raising vegetables, beef cattle, custom hay, small grains, and offer a fall harvest festival with a corn maze, pumpkin patch and much more. For details about the Fall Festival visit our website and like us on Facebook. We're also available to host special events by reservation only.
4. St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By pjj305 - Spotsylvania, United States
Go to the churches website to read all the amazing history and information about the church and stain glass windows. A must see. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful!!
5. St. John's Episcopal Church
6. Elmwood Park
7. Blue Ridge Parkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By MikeO655 - Roanoke, United States
I live in Roanoke. My daily walking loop takes me from my house up to the Mill Mountain Star and along the spur that connects with the main north-south stretch of the Parkway. It is a 10 mile loop that takes me a couple of hours to complete. I enjoy this route because of the scenery and solitude. While walking on the road shoulder, I rarely encounter more than a few cars. I always encounter nice views. A bonus, which I also enjoy, is the ability to connect with so many trails along this stretch of road.
8. Roanoke Railwalk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By sunnyography - Roanoke, United States
The railwalk (walking tour suitable for most ages/abilities) that runs along Norfolk Ave from Near the Transportation museum to the backside of the Taubman Museum is a nice free feature of downtown Roanoke Virginia. ***IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 2019-2020*** >>>It has been partially moved and replaced and is still being replaced - first when the Amtrak station went in and now with walkway construction around Norfolk Ave in various places. But the last I've seen (early 2020) most of the exhibits have been repositioned or put back in place. If you are at either museum, or are staying at the Hotel Roanoke (it's accessible from the downtown walkway that goes over the tracks) it's a nice place to take a stroll (not great for runners/cyclers) and stop at each station for some rail history. One thing I liked was seeing the names of foundries, cities, and other places on the train parts that are along the walk. It would be a good scavenger hunt for kids to see how many cities or states they can find in the info in each station. It lines up exactly with the tracks so there will be trains going by about 20 feet from the walkway, FYI.
9. Berglund Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 111 reviews
Western Virginia's premier full-service convention, exhibition and cultural complex, the center plays host to popular Broadway shows as well as big name music concerts.
Reviewed By Mobile62032403916
Easy parking; nice friendly staff. Adequate seating with good view of performance; no bad seats for all attendees. Event was well attended and fun. Top line performance of Ringo and the All Star band.
