About
Ask any Virginian what Roanoke is known for, and they’ll tell you about the colony that disappeared in the late 1500s. Rest assured, nothing mystical occurred. It has since been theorized that the colonists were forced to move to Hatteras Island due to hardship. Today, a day trip to Roanoke is considered to be one of the top travel destinations in that part of the country.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors to Roanoke are treated to breathtaking views and fresh mountain air. The first time I visited this city of just over 100,000, I was struck by the genuine demeanor of the residents. I kind of felt like I had gone back to a simpler time, when neighbors knew neighbors and people looked out for one another. I quickly realized that one day wasn’t going to be long enough to spend in Roanoke, so I vowed to return again in the future. In the meantime, I asked several locals what sights and activities I shouldn’t miss. The Appalachian Trail runs through the northern part of Roanoke County, and tempted though I was to be able to say I hiked the Appalachian, I decided to focus on other activities, like seeing the Roanoke River and checking out the winemaking area.
Roanoke has four seasons, so make sure you dress accordingly. If you do decide to do some mountain trekking, bring a jacket, because it gets chilly at the higher elevations.
Downtown Roanoke is fairly lively, with lots of areas blocked off to traffic so it’s pedestrians only. I liked that there were plenty of people milling around, stopping in at craft breweries, restaurants, bars and even a few art galleries. The place felt alive—vibrant, even—and it just felt like a safe, cultured small town.
Day Trip to Roanoke: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the first things to greet you will be the Mill Mountain Star atop Mill Mountain. This is a great first stop after your hour-long journey from Smith Mountain Lake. You can stretch your legs on one of the many trails covering the 568-acre park.
Next, stop at the City Market Building. It’s a large, historic building with a multi-vendor market inside. You’ll find wine tastings, unique souvenirs, ice cream, and a variety of different cuisines to try.
History buffs will find plenty to explore in Roanoke. Stop by the Museum of Transportation or the Pinball Museum for a trip down memory lane.
If you love antiquing, you won’t want to miss the vast number of antique shops. Since it was founded in 1585, the area is teeming with antique furniture and doo dads.
Be sure to explore Black Dog Salvage. This 40,000 square foot “museum of history” even has its own TV show (Salvage Dawgs), which airs on Netflix and the DIY Network. They also have a second location less than a mile away with 20,000 more square feet!
If I piqued your interest in wine earlier, consider visiting Valhalla Vineyards. The wine tasting room overlooks the Roanoke Valley and stores its barrels in a cave that’s 60 feet underground.
Now that you’ve built up a good appetite, it’s time to dig in to the best places to eat in town.
For farm-to-table, try Local Roots, a fine dining eatery featuring locally sourced ingredients. An old-fashioned diner experience awaits atTexas Tavern. This diner-style eatery features classic American cuisine.
Save room for dessert at Pop’s Ice Cream & Soda Bar, which is in a quaint red brick building.