Location: Roanoke
Top Things to do in Roanoke
Countries
Top 10 Free 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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Roanoke Valley Greenways
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By jbrown14t
Beautiful circle of paved bike and walking paths circle the entire city. The city was extremely kind to build this safe, easy, and beautiful multi-mile circle around the entire city. While the majority of bicyclists prefer to still clog traffic in spite of a paved multi lane without automobiles the city invested millions into, rest assured for a family outing, walk, ride or date this is the place to do it. Beautiful scenery through every part of Roanoke.
6. The Little Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Open seven days a week, The Little Gallery is a fine art gallery and consultancy that provides art sourcing and art advisory services for residential, hospitality and corporate spaces. We feature a wide ranging collection of landscape, still life, and abstract paintings, as well as select photography and sculpture and specialty gifts. We believe there’s no substitution for the physical experience of art. As such, we host events and curate exhibitions. Visitors who attend our events or exhibitions can discover the art they love and learn about the talent behind the art.
7. Big Lick Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Downtown Roanoke's premier craft brewery, taproom and beer garden specializing in craft beer with an emphasis on quality and variety.
Reviewed By vivamifiesta
Adequate amount of outdoor seating and plenty of free parking next door or close by. The brewery are using safe protocols during COVID-19. We enjoyed their selection of hard seltzer’s on tap and ordered take out food from Tuco’s Tacos, which is just across the road. Good times!
8. Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Get the inside scoop on what to see and do from the experts at the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center. Located in Downtown Roanoke, the Visitor Information Center is centrally located and easy to get to. Dogs welcome inside, water bowls available! Our trained travel counselors will provide maps/brochures, information on lodging, restaurants, area attractions, as well as things to do and local events during your visit. We are conveniently located inside a historic passenger rail station and offer accessible parking and restrooms. The building is also home to the Loewy Gallery, a free exhibit that focuses on the life and work of Raymond Loewy, the architect who designed the building. Motorcoach buses welcome, please call to arrange a step-on tour!
Reviewed By JohnDoe22222 - Young Harris, United States
Jane was super friendly and gave us great ideas on how to spend our long weekend. We really appreciated the information and her personal touches on the history of the area.
9. Barrel Chest Wine and Beer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By SteveL595
The Barrel Chest is indeed a bottle shop, but it's so much more. First off, they have the best beer selection in Roanoke. They carry a generous supply of domestic, imported and local craft beer as well as being a great wine store. They are also great at changing up the breweries and selections that they offer. As if it couldn't get any better, there is a bar at which you can have a glass of wine or a pint of beer. There are typically several wines available to try and 15+ beers on tap, including 3 or 4 beers that are brewed in-house. The house brewed beers are fantastic and they also offer a small menu of food items that are well done. The decor is rustic, urban and there is plenty of seating including several comfortable couches. All in all, it's a great place to have a glass of wine or beer while shopping for more wine and beer. Definitely worth a visit,
10. 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!!
