Location: Roanoke
Top Things to do in Roanoke
Countries
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Roanoke, Virginia (VA)
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. Roanoke Craft Beer Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Weekly public and private tours of craft beer breweries in the Roanoke Valley and Virginia's Blue Ridge region. Discover and unlock the mystery of craft beer. Enjoy tastings, behind the scenes tours, a Beer Brewing 101 lesson, history of beer and the craft beer movement. Plus fun with like minded beer lovers! Great outing for your group and the ideal way to Discover Roanoke like an insider! Private groups tours available for groups of 10-14.
2. Roanoke Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 249 reviews
Why Take The Tour? Roanoke is rich in colorful history, culture, and one-of-a-kind culinary treats. Combine these with a leisurely walk and an opportunity to make new friends – and you have a unique, memorable and fun way to experience our city! Discover off-the-beaten-path areas, fascinating culture, and talented food artisans. Delicious, fun and memorable for Roanoke visitors and locals alike. Join us Friday - Sunday year round. Private group tours available for groups of 8+.
3. Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Roanoke Mountain Adventures is here to support your outdoor adventures in the beautiful Roanoke region! RMA sells new and used outdoor gear of all kinds. Our consignment shop includes an ever-changing selection of high-quality equipment -- bikes, camping, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and more -- at unbeatable value. We also now carry a wide variety of essential outdoor gear, making RMA a one-stop outdoor shop! We also offer a variety of exciting rentals and outings. RMA rents casual bikes for riding the greenway as well as high-quality mountain bikes for tackling the local trails. We offer tubing and kayak outings on the lively and scenic Roanoke River. Other rental options include stand-up paddleboards, bouldering crash pads, and bear canisters!
4. Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By CavaHoo22 - Roanoke, United States
This tasting room is a preview of the brewing facility that Deschutes is going to build in Botetourt County and is an awesome way to develop a following for their beer before they open that facility. Small, but very modern, space with several bar top tables and window seats. There are only a couple regular tables, so you might have to get lucky if you're looking for one of those. There are a couple outdoor bar tops as well. The beer is great and I highly recommend a flight so that you can taste several different ones unless you already have a favorite from this brewery that you like to stick to. Several good I.P.A. options, as well as, some good darker beers also. There is a style to suit every taste though. The staff is friendly and very efficient even when the place is crowded. If you're exploring downtown, I'd definitely suggest stopping in here. No food served here other than meat and cheese plates, but you can bring your own in.
5. Virginia Museum of Transportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
Antique automobiles and trucks, electric and deisel locomotives, and vintage steam, are all part of the nostalgic show at this historic freight station that doubles as a museum .
Reviewed By bmwbillk - Charlotte, United States
Roanoke is known for all the trains... and the museum had plenty as well. very well displayed and such that you could actually get inside some of them. Nice collection of cars including Packards and Studebakers. Worth the time.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. O. Winston Link Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By travel-here-there
Despite some adjustments to flow due to the pandemic, this museum is an excellent presentation of both local and railroad history so it should appeal to a variety of people. In addition, for those interested in photography equipment and techniques, the museum includes excellent exhibits and explanations of the tools and processes used. I also found the Roanoke 1980s flood story an interesting addition for variety. Possibly the best part of the museum though is the amazing historic train station building it is in! You could spend an hour or three in here, but be sure to stay for the worthwhile video in the theatre that plays on the hour!
9. 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.
10. Black Dog Salvage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 584 reviews
We are the home of DIY Network's "Salvage Dawgs" - episodes available on Amazon, Discovery Plus, iTunes, YouTubeTV, and streaming devices. Our inventory changes daily! We now have two warehouses located in Roanoke, Virginia. Discover architectural salvage, old house parts, custom upcycled designs, reproduction garden statuary, furniture paint, salvage inspired furniture, and decor in our main showroom. Curated regional artisans and vendors also add a constantly changing mix of new, vintage, and antique home decor. Shop for unique gifts, souvenirs, apparel, dog gear, and our expanded gourmet Market collection. Visit our nearby salvage warehouse for new arrivals and antique lumber. Explore outside for antique wrought iron, clawfoot tubs, and amazing art inspiration! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Work with our custom design team to create your vision! Staying in Roanoke? Inquire about The Stone House, our 1911 historic vacation rental property located next door.
Reviewed By paradisc - Acushnet, United States
Was back visiting family in the area and this is the second time I have visited this place. If you watch the show it’s a must see place, even if you haven’t I would recommend stopping because there are so many unique items here you’ll be amazed. The people who work here are talented and creative. The items that are saved and resold will bring back memories of the past. If you have a hour or two to kill, check out this place, you won’t be sorry.
